Why Panahi Law Group?

• You don’t pay us attorney fees unless we win
• 24/7 injury help hotline
• You will talk to an actual attorney not a paralegal or legal secretary
• We provide clients with our cell phone numbers (most lawyers don’t)
• We have a great reputation and awesome resources at our disposal
• We maintain a lighter caseload so that we can provide customer service to our clients
• We advance costs and typically hire private investigators (when necessary) to dig out information that may difficult to find on a particular witness or defendant
• Home and hospital visits available by request
• Going at it alone and having to deal with insurance adjusters can be intimidating, and sometimes can be fatal to your case if mistakes are made

Here are some tips to think about in the meantime

1.) Seek Treatment Immediately:

Once you are injured in an accident you must immediately seek professional medical care from a reputable doctor or hospital. Too often victims will simply sit back and avoid doctors entirely either because they are anxious or because they are busy and cannot handle a long wait at the hospital. Injuries simply don’t “go away,” they often compound without proper care. Insurance adjusters will often attempt to use your failure to get treatment as a defense, or otherwise claim that there were intervening circumstances i.e. that another accident unrelated to their insured caused your injuries.

2.) Do Not Talk about the Accident with Others:

A common human characteristic is that we love to talk about traumatic events with friends and family members as a way to cope. Do not talk about the accident with anyone other than your attorney (if you have hired one). Never brag that you are expecting a large sum of money as compensation for your injuries. Don’t talk about how the accident happened, etc. Why? Simple, the Defendant or the insurance company will attempt to interview or “depose” other individuals you may have talked about your injuries/the accident with in an attempt to obtain inconsistent statements. Those inconsistent statements or admissions will then be used by the defense attorney at trial in an attempt to impeach your credibility, or convince the jury that your injuries simply are being exaggerated. If you are contacted by the insurance adjuster or attorney of the Defendant, do not talk to them! Get their name, telephone number, and company they work for, as well as the party they represent. Advise the person that your attorney will contact them, or that you are in the process of retaining one. Refrain from giving any statement, recorded or otherwise. Insurance adjusters and lawyers will twist your words, and obtain damning admissions from you. Be street smart about these calls.

3.) Write Down the Chronology of Events:

You will probably forget most of the specific facts of how the accident came about. Memorialize the “who, who, where, and why” of the accident. What statements did you make to others? What statements did they make to you? Where were you going? Be specific in describing the facts and events leading up to the accident. Preserve any evidence you may such as pictures. Document all your injuries with pictures and video.

4.) If You Can’t Work Then Don’t:

If you are injured and legitimately can’t fulfill your duties at work then don’t force yourself. Instead, try to take sick leave, or FMLA/CFRA leave (assuming you are qualified). Get a doctor’s note and provide it to your employer so that you are provided some form of protected leave instead. If you force yourself to work when you can’t the insurance company/defense attorney on the other side will use it against you to undermine your injuries.

5.) Be Honest with Your Doctor:

One of the biggest issues that can impair an individual’s claim is downplaying an injury to a healthcare provider. Victims often have the tendency to mask their injuries to their employees either because they feel embarrassed or they are concerned about the length of treatment, and whether it will interfere with their busy schedules. If a body part hurts, tell your doctor! Don’t simply say “everything is okay,” “I’m alright,” etc. Remember that anything you tell your physician will be recorded in his or her notes, and you can expect that the opposing side will get their hands on it and use it against you. Never fake injuries you do not have.

Before you consider other attorneys, talk to insurance adjusters, or make any substantial decisions about your case give us a call to hear what we have to say.