"How to Protect Your Legal Rights Until You
Retain a Personal Injury Attorney"

Many personal injury claims are lost or prejudiced because the victims or their families did not know what "traps" to avoid before they acquire advice from an experienced personal injury attorney.  The information below will assist you in avoiding the "major traps" that the insurance companies may initially set for you... or it may help you to avoid inadvertent errors in the first few days after a serious injury or loss of a loved one.  It is designed to be a partial list and is not intended to replace the legal advice that you need "promptly" after the personal injury occurs.

• Call your own insurance company and report the accident and injury as soon as you are able to do so.  Your insurance policy requires you to "promptly" report any incidents or claims.  Obtain a claim number and the name of the person with whom you spoke.

• Do not give insurance companies a recorded statement or discuss the "specifics" of the accident or injuries until you discuss the case with your lawyer.  Legally you do not have to give a recorded statement within any certain time frame.  You may be asked trick questions, or not be aware of the impact of what you report.  SIMPLY REPORT THE INCIDENT.

• Take photographs of all vehicles involved and of the scene of the collision, if you are able to do so, or ask your personal injury attorney to do so.

• If you are enrolled in a PPO or HMO health plan, notify your health insurance company of any medical treatment given to you that is "out of network" within 24 hours of receiving that treatment.

• Begin keeping a written record of your claim, the names of witnesses, police officers and the insurance company claim numbers.

• If the case involves a wrongful death, you must determine if an autopsy is necessary especially if medical negligence is suspected.

• Do not allow anyone (except police officers) to remove or take evidence from you, such as tainted food or defective equipment.  Preserve all evidence carefully.

• Do not sign any documents, accept cash or insurance checks, and do not accept any settlement offers from anyone until you confer with your attorney.

• Schedule a Free Consultation with Charles B. Roberts & Associates, P.C., or call us 24 hours a day at 703-798-3039, to discuss the case as soon as possible after it occurs.

Failure to follow some of these steps may lead to the total loss of your claim.  Do not delay in seeking legal advice as there are a number of legal deadlines that must be met or your claim may be permanently lost.