keys to proving your personal injury
case:
As a service to you, this newsletter
contains vital information regarding the proving of your
personal injury case. The emphasis of my law practice is on
personal injury, such as bike, auto, and cycle cases. I have
competed in Triathlons for years, including two Ironman
races. Hence, I understand how an injury affects
you the athlete.
 Since sponsoring the Attorney for Athletes Triathlon
Team, I've handled many auto/bicycle injury cases. If you are
injured in an accident, please do the following:
 REQUEST A POLICE
REPORT: Don't settle for "we don't take reports".
DOCUMENT ALL
WITNESSES: Get the names, addresses and telephone
numbers of all witnesses. This includes preserving all evidence,
damaged car and cycle parts.
SEEK IMMEDIATE
MEDICAL ATTENTION: This helps prove you were hit and
what your damages are. Be very careful as to what you tell medical
staff.
TAKE
PHOTOGRAPHS: ...of your bruises, cuts, property damage
(car, bike, clothes), the scene/signs, markings, and skid marks.
City Streets Change!
AUTO INSURANCE
COVERAGE: A special note for bicyclists: if you are hit
while cycling, you may be able to recover personal injury damages
from your own auto insurance policy under the motorist provision.
Remember Proposition 213 limits your rights to collect uninsured
only economic damages (lost wages, medical bills, car repair) if
you are an uninsured or an excluded driver. So to maximize your
recovery, maintain insurance coverage.
INSURANCE ADJUSTERS: When an insurance adjuster calls
you, tell him or her to contact your lawyer. Do Not Let Them Tape
Record You!
PROPERTY
DAMAGE: Photographs and written estimates of your
damages from a reputable auto repair company helps.
MEDICAL BILLS AND
RECORDS: The thing to remember here is to explain to the
doctor your complaints, starting from head to toe, including past
injuries to the same body parts that are presently injured.
LOST
WAGES: These may be dependent on your injury - medical
documentation. In other words, the insurance adjuster may ask; "If
you are not injured, why are you unable to work?" Have your doctor
verify your non-ability to work in the form of temporary disability
slip which will be your proof.
LIFESTYLE
CHANGE: Here, I learn how the injury has affected my
client's life, family, job, and recreation and how it will do so in
the future. Photographs of trophies or medal, if your are an
athlete, or the family, people in off road vehicles, all help to
prove general damages. Keep a diary of your athletic training and
mileage before and after injury. this comparison makes a dramatic
presentation.
HIRE A TRIAL
LAWYER:
See my Trial Training
See what my former Clients
have to say
See my Results for Injury Cases
Insurance Company Claim Procedures
This web site is designed for general information only. The
information presented at this site should not be construed to be
formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client
relationship. Persons accessing this site are encouraged to seek
independent counsel for advice regarding their individual legal
issues.
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