Before your First Coast tractor trailer injury attorney can thoroughly prepare your claim, you will first need to provide him with all the pertinent information. Below is a helpful list of what you should compile for him. By no means is it all-inclusive, but it is a good place to start:
- A “Medical Trips” list. Make sure to list the date and place of each trip to a doctor, therapy session, pharmacy, or other medical care facility. Your lawyer will be able to use this as a part of settlement negotiations, or, even if your case proceeds to trial, to show the jury your injuries.
- A “Medical Expense” list. Every day, write down your medical expenses (such as doctors’ bills), as well as your out-of-pocket expenses (such as bandages or heating rubs). A meticulous, day-by-day record is more impressive to the other side that just a “lump sum” that’s written down at the end of each month.
- A list of how your life is affected because of the tractor trailer accident. Write down: (i) things you cannot do because of the accident; (ii) things you can do but cause you pain; and (iii) your accounts of any daily events or embarrassing instances that stem from your injuries.
- An inventory of all medical appliances and items that your doctor prescribed or had you use. Make sure to keep these medical appliances (such as braces, crutches, or prostheses) in your possession, as they may be needed for exhibits. Even save all of your empty pill bottles.
- Any photographs of your injuries.
- A report of any suspicious activities. You have to be careful about your actions, because investigators for the other side may have you under surveillance. This means that, unbeknownst to you, there may be movies, videotapes, and still photographs that are being made of you.
- Your health insurance policies that may pay out your medical bills. Your First Coast tractor trailer injury attorney will just take a look at these documents and give them back to you. The purpose of reading through your insurance policy is to check to see if the policy has a clause that says the insurance company gets paid back from your settlement or reward any amount that it pays towards your medical expenses.
- A copy of last year’s tax return.
- Things that show how much you earned before and after the accident. Examples include payroll check stubs or wage statements.
If you’ve been hurt in a tractor trailer accident and are contemplating a lawsuit, First Coast tractor trailer injury attorney John Fagan may be able to help. Call the number on this page to schedule a free initial consultation.
