Remain Silent—DO NOT TALK TO ANYONE ABOUT YOUR CASE. Discussing your case with anyone but your attorney can only hurt your case. Whether your case is civil or criminal, your ability to remain silent is critical to your success. In criminal cases, the police try through decoys and tricks to obtain information—most of the time legally. The police may "plant" a decoy in your cell at the county jail, which will then befriend you and try to obtain information. Additionally, a cellmate may wish to trade information with the police in exchange for a lesser sentence—even if the information is taken out of context or made up. Remain silent about your case. In civil cases, innocent statements may prove fault on your part. Even innocent words like "I am sorry", may be enough to prove the accident was your fault, at least in your opinion. Additionally, insurance companies employ skillful people whose job it is to try and twist your words. Don't fall prey, remain silent until you can consult attorney Peter LaSorsa.

Do Not Sign Anything—Do not sign any papers, forms, statements, or acknowledgments. There is no reason to sign documents before you've had a chance to review the documents with your attorney. The exception is if the police insist you sign a document, make sure you note that by your signature and only sign the document if the police instruct you to (traffic type document only).

Keep A Diary—No one has a perfect memory. The help you remember important dates and information keep a diary. A case may not come to trial for years and dates and other important information will become fuzzy. If you keep a daily diary of events, this can be powerful evidence at trial. Make sure you list the time and date of the entry, if anyone is with you or were with you when the event occurred and try and provide as much detail as possible in your entry. Additionally, if you miss work or spend time on a matter, detail the amount of time, as it may aid in an amount you may recover at a future date.

Photographs—You know the saying "A picture is worth a thousand words", well it is. In fact, a picture may be worth thousands of extra dollars. Nothing says the other person was driving real fast when he hit my car like a picture of the mangled car. Keep a disposable camera in your car or purse. Take pictures of any damage, the position of the vehicles or any injury you may have sustained.

Get Names and Addresses--If you are involved in an accident or are otherwise injured try and get the names, phone numbers and addresses of any witnesses.  I understand it may be difficult to think of this at the time of the injury but sometimes winning your case may depend on the eyewitness accounts of others.

Get Immediate Medical Treatment--If you have been injured I can refer you to the best doctors for treatment even if you do not have medical insurance.  Obtaining immediate medical treatment for your injuries is often the difference between unnecessary suffering and the proper recovery of the injury.  I am here for you NOW.  pmllaw@yahoo.com

Five Big Mistakes Clients Make:

• Not seeing the doctor if you are in pain.
• Not doing what your doctor tells you.
• Not keeping your doctor appointments.
• Discussing your case with anyone other than your attorney or your doctor.
• Failing to tell your doctor about medical problems due to the accident

You May Be Watched and Photographed

When a claim is filed by an injured person, insurance companies routinely conduct a detailed investigation of the injured person's background. It is not uncommon for an insurance company investigator to park his surveillance van near your house and videotape your activities. These investigators work very hard to obtain videotapes of people lifting heavy groceries or engaging in strenuous physical activity. However, these same surveillance tapes have been useful to corroborate our client's limitations, including the use of canes, crutches, etc.

If you believe you are being watched, please call at once 309-712-1145 and try to avoid the camera. Do not exaggerate your limitations or pose for the camera.

• Address and Phone: Inform me immediately of any change of address and/or telephone number or employment.
•     Car Repair: If your vehicle was damaged, try to obtain pictures before you get it repaired. Use color film and take a whole roll of pictures. Bring the film to me and I will have it developed. If you do not have a camera, please call and I will make arrangements to take the pictures.
•     Medical Items: Save all pill bottles, casts, braces, and any other items from your doctors.
•     Photographs: Give us any pictures and videos of the accident or accident scene that you or anyone else has taken for you.
•     Your job: Tell me of any changes in your job, job duties, salary or anything.
•     Receipts: Be sure to obtain and save all receipts itemizing any and all expenses you incurred as a result of your accident. Receipts must be dated and contain legible and complete vendor identification.
•     New information: Inform me of anything you think has a bearing on the case, including extensive medical treatment or hospitalization.