CLIENT INSTRUCTIONS
Thank you for choosing The Law Offices of Alexander B. Ramey, P.A., to represent your interests in your claim for damages resulting from this unfortunate incident. Our attorneys have put together following outline to help you familliarize yourself with what you can expect as we process your personal injury claim. We understand that this may be your first experience with a legal proceeding and we feel that it will be helpful if you know in advance what to expect.
1. DO NOT SPEAK TO ANYBODY THAT IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS LAW OFFICE: Do not give statements, or answer any questions to anybody that has not stated that they work for The Law Offices of Alexander B. Ramey, P.A. If you are unsure, please do not hesitate to ask them for identification, or better yet, please call the office and verify with a secretary.
2. MEDICAL EXPENSES: Please retain ALL bills which are relative to your accident. This includes; hospital bills, doctor’s bills, prescriptions, therapy, and anything used to assist in your rehabilitation, i.e. wheelchair, canes, crutches, slings, etc...
a) Please keep records of any other expenses you may have had in connection with your accident, such as hiring extra help, rental vehicles, or any expenses directly related to this accident.
3. PROPERTY DAMAGE: After pictures have been taken, get a written estimate of repair, and send these items to our office along with a photocopy of the draft from your insurance carrier for the repairs.
4. MEDICAL TREATMENT: The outcome of your case can depend on the medical treatment that you receive. You should always return to each of your doctors as often as necessary. You do not want to minimize your ailments, since this is the only way a doctor can help you. If you see any additional doctors, please advise us of names and addresses so we can obtain bills and records.
5. WITNESSES: Notify us immediately with the correct names, addresses and telephone numbers of any and all witnesses.
6. LOST WAGES: Please keep an organized and complete record of all lost wages. Even if you are paid, this time has probably been deducted from your sick leave and you are entitled to claim this as lost wags. Also, it is important to obtain a letter or statement from your company relative to the time lost, your rate of pay, the hours you work, your average weekly salary, as well as any losses suffered as a result of this accident.
7. PHOTOGRAPHS OF INJURIES AND PROPERTY DAMAGE: Send us any photographs which may pertain to your case. Do not have your vehicle fixed or junked until you have taken proper pictures of the damages and call us to ask if it is necessary to keep the car to preserve evidence. If you have bruises or have suffered an injury which required stitches or may result in a scar, get pictures taken immediately. We will refer you to a plastic surgeon for evaluation if necessary.
8. KEEP ORGANIZED AND UP-TO-DATE NOTES: Please keep a running diary of all important matters concerning your accident. This should include appointments, treatment, hospitalizations, surgeries, lost work, extra expenses, any pain and suffering/discomfort, trouble sleeping, or any other issue of how these injuries are affecting your normal life.
9. KEEP US INFORMED: Please keep this office informed at all times with respect to changes in address, medical treatment, termination of treatment, termination of employment, resumption of employment, or any other chances.
a) Any phone conversations with insurance adjusters, any offers for settlement for either injuries or property damage, should also be noted and forwarded to us immediately.