Q. Will my insurance company pay my claim quickly without investigating the accident?
A. Insurance companies do not pay money willingly. The insurance company can be expected to thoroughly investigate the facts of the accident, the claim for medical treatment, and any past injuries or claims. The insurance company may obtain copies of all past medical records.

Q. What other ways might my insurance company investigate my injury?
A. The insurance company might hire a private investigator to take movies of any physical activity that you may engage in. The insurance company may even lay a trap for you, such as attempting to hire you to do physical activity, etc.

Q. Who should I discuss my case with?
A. The insurance company might hire a private investigator who may carry a concealed tape recorder in talking to you or your friends. You should not discuss your case with anyone, including friends.

Q. Should I inform my attorney of a prior injury or of prior pain that I have experienced?
A. It will help your case to tell us about any prior injury or prior pain to any parts of your body. Many good cases are lost by their injured person's concealing or forgetting a previous injury.

Q. What information regarding my medical treatment will I need to provide to my attorney?
A. You should be sure to furnish our office with the names and addresses of all doctors and medical facilities that have treated you. Keep track of all medical expenses and bills. Please provide us with copies of all medical expenses and bills. Keep track of all Explanation of Benefits (EOB’s) you may receive from your health insurance carrier. Please provide us with copies of all EOB’s.

Q. Should I inform my attorney of any previous claims I have made?
A. Insurance companies keep a record of any and all claims against any insured person. The insurance company is sure to find out if you have ever made a previous claim.

Q. What should I share with my doctor regarding my accident?
A. Tell your local doctor all of your complaints. The doctor's records can only be as complete as what you have told him. You may even want to keep a diary of your complaints to help you remember.

Q. What about my prescription and medications? Will my attorney need to know about them?
A. Keep track of all prescriptions and medicines taken, preferably saving all bottles or containers of medicine. Please provide us with copies of all prescription expenses and bills.

Q. Will I need witnesses to testify about my medical condition?
A. It may be necessary some day to have friends, neighbors, or co-workers testify regarding your disability and pain and suffering; therefore, start thinking about the witnesses you may need in the future.

Q. What other information will my attorney need to be made aware of?
A. Keep us informed of anything that in any way might affect your case. Keep our office advised of any vacation times when you may not be available. An emergency telephone number and an alternate way of reaching you must be in our file at all times.

Q. What expenses will be incurred to pursue my claim?
A. Some of the necessary costs of your injury claim include expenses of obtaining the police report, copy fees, filing fees, obtaining medical records and medical reports from treating physicians or medical facilities, depositions, transcripts, and witness/expert fees.

Q. How long will my claim take to complete?
A. It takes months or years to conclude a claim. In fact, it is dangerous to settle certain types of claims too soon, because it often takes a long time for serious injuries to become evident. The amount asked for in a demand letter or Complaint is, of course, merely a figure and will be adjusted up or down (usually down), depending upon the future development of your case.