IF YOU’VE BEEN involved in an accident you should absolutely consider hiring a personal injury attorney; naturally, many victims can feel intimidated or nervous about visiting a lawyer’s office for the first time.

However, there is no need to worry. Your attorney is your strongest advocate and best chance at recovering compensation due to your injuries.

Expect the Meeting to be Fairly Short

Your case is important and it’s important to your lawyer, too. Most initial consultations last about one hour. While that may not seem like enough time, an experienced lawyer knows what questions to ask to make that hour efficient and productive.

Expect Questions – Lots of Questions

In your consultation meeting, your attorney will ask you a number of questions; basic “who-, what-, when-type” questions. Specifically, in a personal injury case, a lawyer will also want to know the details of the accident. Other pertinent information needed includes some specifics about your insurance policy, injuries, and financial losses. Not to be forgotten is one of the biggest impacts of an accident: how the injury affected you emotionally. Takeaway: expect questions about your physical, mental, and financial health.

While it may seem unsettling giving personal information to a person you’ve just met, set aside any worry. First, Michigan ethic rules require all attorneys – even those you may not ultimately engage — to maintain the “attorney-client” privilege. The attorney-client privilege, with very specific exceptions, prevents members of the Michigan State Bar from discussing your case or its details with anybody. Takeaway: don’t hold back because the specifics matter; a licensed attorney will keep everything confidential.

Most importantly, your potential attorney will be unable to properly evaluate your case unless you provide a true and complete story. Holding back information, or changing a fact that seems minor, might cause your attorney to provide bad information. A good attorney will give you an honest evaluation, but no attorney can do this without all the facts.

Expect to Be Asked for Documents and Other Proof

Not only will you be asked many questions, but your attorney will likely request any proof you have or can get access to (see list of examples below). Before calling for an attorney consultation, or visiting the office, make sure you have these items at the ready.

Examples Some things that lawyers often ask for include:

• Communications from insurance companies
• A list of witnesses
• Messages from witnesses
• Pictures of the accident scene
• Pictures showing injuries to you or others
• Pictures showing property damage
• Medical records
• Medical bills
• Police reports
• Records of missed work
• Records of lost wages
• Records of normal wages (e.g. paystubs, W2, receipts)

While not a complete list, it gives you a rough idea of items you’ll need to gather in order to support your claim.

“Loose Lips Sink Ships” (Expect to Be Asked Who You’ve Spoken To)

While the statements you make to your attorney are confidential, things you may have said to others are not. You might have said something about the accident that might hurt your recovery without even knowing it. Your attorney may or may not be able to undo potential damage, but your attorney needs to know what was said and to whom in order to evaluate whether comments made could adversely affect your claim.

Expect an Evaluation and Explanation

Toward the end of your first meeting with a personal injury attorney, the lawyer should be able to tell you the pros and cons of your case. (Note: lawyers cannot, nor should, promise certain outcomes; they can only tell you what they expect, based on past experiences.) The lawyer may offer to take your case on the spot. However, you are under no obligation to agree; you have the right to both visit other attorneys. Takeaway: take time to evaluate the consultation before making a final decision.

Similarly, while some attorneys agree to take cases during a consultation, others may want to take a little time to decide. Note: If the lawyer chooses not to take your case, it is not your fault; there might be many reasons such as conflicts of interest or an inability to devote the time necessary to be the best advocate you deserve. Takeaway: Feel free to visit another office and get another opinion.

Expect to Talk About Money

You can expect the attorney to talk about money, including fees. The attorney should explain – in clear language – how the billing process works. The attorney should explain their hourly rate, charges for items such as investigations, ordering records, or even making copies. Note: Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingent fee basis, which means they receive a portion of any amount you recover after the lawsuit. (However, even in this arrangement, some attorneys still charge clients for certain costs.) Be prepared to ask the attorney specific questions about billing practices.

Be Prepared to Sign Documents

If you decide to engage your attorney after consultation, be prepared to sign documents. Signing a retainer or representation agreement will make the attorney your “official” legal representative in your case. Your lawyer may also ask you to sign releases allowing them to access insurance information, medical records, and other items.

Hopefully, this article has given you some insight answered about what to expect at your consultation visit to a personal injury attorney.

If you have more questions or need to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney, contact the Law Offices of Turner & Turner. Founding member Buzz Turner has more than 30 years of experience as an advocate for clients injured in vehicle-associated accidents, medical malpractice, and other personal injury claims.

Call Turner Law today for your free consultation at (248) 248-355-1727, email Turner Law or visit the Firm’s website.

Make a resolution to get through the holidays drinking LESS.  (Obviously, if you are problem drinker, you need to get through the holidays completely alcohol-free.)

Easier said than done?  Not true!  Consider these suggestions.  

1. Sit next to the sober people!  Just as you can lose weight if you eat what the skinny people do, you will drink less if you are hanging out with the non-drinking party-goers.  This does not limit you to pregnant women and the kids; plenty of people don’t drink or are even the designated driver for the evening.  And they are looking for you, the person who isn’t drinking!
2. Volunteer to be the designated driver.  When you are the designated driver (and you announce it loudly at the beginning of the party), there is no social pressure to drink and you have the responsibility to be completely sober.  When you know you are driving family and friends home and their safety depends on your behavior, that tempting drink seems pretty unimportant.
3.  Limit your alcohol to just the mealtime.  Enjoy your glass or wine, beer or cocktail, but limit it to while you are sitting at the table.
4. Host the party so that you can control the amount and what type of alcohol is served.  If scotch is your weakness, you, the host, can decide not to buy the scotch!
5. Visualize the behavior you desire.  John McGrail, Ph.D., author of The Synthesis Effect, says, “Imagine yourself not going beyond your appropriate limit and walking out of the event feeling great, with a big smile on your face.  Having pictured the desired behavior, your inner computer will choose that reality, making it much easier to drink less or not at all.”
6. Involve your partner in your decision to cut back drinking.
7. If you are attending a traditionally drinking-heavy event, limit your time there or limit how much you will drink before you leave.  Then, immediately leave when you have hit either your time limit or your drink limit.
8. Be aware of mood fluctuation.  Avoid being tempted by drink when facing depression or anxiety.
9. Keep water or a non-alcoholic drink with you all night.  Sip this drink regularly, slowing down your intake of alcohol.

And, of course, if despite all precaustions, you are in an accident caused by weather, another driver or yourself, feel free to give us a call.  Advice is free and we’d love to help.

Costume Safety

• Attach reflective tape or stickers to your child’s costume and treat bucket or bag.  In the dark, the little ones in dark costumes can be difficult for drivers to see, and the reflective tape will help with visibility.
• Avoid masks as they can limit visibility for the little ones, causing them to trip.  Consider face make-up instead.  Ditto for long, dragging costumes or dresses.  Walking up and down the front steps of people’s homes, sometimes with lit candles inside pumpkins, can make these costumes hazardous.
• Look for labels on costumes, wigs and other accessories that indicate that they are flame resistant.
• If a sword, cane or stick is part of your trick-or-treater’s costume, make sure it is not too long or sharp.    A child may be hurt by these items if s/he stumbles or trips.
• Do not use decorative contact lenses without an examination and prescription from an eye care professional.

While Walking…

• Children 12 years old and under who are trick-or-treating should always be accompanied by an adult.
• Older children and teens who are trick-or-treating without adult supervision should walk in groups, stay in familiar, well-lit areas, carry cell phones for communication with parents and agree on a time to return home by.
• Both children and adults should carry flashlights to help light the way in the dark.
• Only go to homes with porch lights that are on and never go into a home to get a treat.
• Stay on sidewalks, avoid roadways.  Only cross the street in groups, at approved crosswalks.  And remember to look both ways as you cross the street.
• Carry a cell phone for easy communication and in case of emergencies.
• Contact law enforcement (kids should also know how to dial 9-1-1) if any suspicious or unlawful activity occurs.

How to Keep Your Home Safe for Trick-or-Treaters

• Remove any hazards from your front yard that someone might trip over, including garden hoses, rakes, lawn ornaments and the like.
• Wet leaves or snow should be removed from walkways.
• Keep your front yard well-lit by replacing burned-out bulbs.
• Light your jack-o-lantern with a flashlight instead of a candle.

Enjoying the Goodies!

• Eat a healthy dinner before going out trick-or-treating.  A full tummy will make it less tempting to sample the goodies along the way!
• Have your children wait until they get home to sample their treats.  An adult should check through all of the treats and discard anything that is unwrapped, spoiled or otherwise suspicious.
• Try to ration goodies for the days and weeks following Halloween to avoid upset stomachs.

Sources inclue:  The American Academy of Pediatrics, Michigan State University Extension

Being prepared falls into four main categories, the first of which is:

Get an Emergency Kit

If disaster strikes your community, you might not have access to food, water, or electricity for some time.  By taking time now to prepare emergency water supplies, food supplies and a disaster supplies kit, you can provide for your entire family.

FEMA has recommended the following supplies be a part of your family’s emergency kit:

Emergency Supplies:

Water, food, and clean air are important things to have if an emergency happens. Each family or individual’s kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infant formula. It should also be customized to include important family documents.

Recommended Supplies to Include in a Basic Kit:

– Water, one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation – Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
– Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert, and extra batteries for both
– Flashlight and extra batteries
– First Aid kit
– Whistle to signal for help
– Infant formula and diapers, if you have an infant
– Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
– Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air
– Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
– Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
– Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)

Clothing and Bedding:

If you live in a cold weather climate, you must think about warmth. It is possible that the power will be out and you will not have heat. Rethink your clothing and bedding supplies to account for growing children and other family changes. One complete change of warm clothing and shoes per person, including:
– A jacket or coat
– Long pants
– A long sleeve shirt
– Sturdy shoes
– A hat and gloves
– A sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

 Family Supply List (continued):

Below are some other items for your family to consider adding to its supply kit. Some of these items, especially those marked with a * can be dangerous, so please have an adult collect these supplies.
– Emergency reference materials such as a first aid book or a print out of the information on www.ready.gov
– Rain gear
– Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils
– Cash or traveler’s checks, change
– Paper towels
– Fire Extinguisher
– Tent
– Compass
– Matches in a waterproof container*
– Signal flare*
– Paper, pencil
– Personal hygiene items including feminine supplies
– Disinfectant*
– Household chlorine bleach* – You can use bleach as a disinfectant (diluted nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to treat water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
– Medicine dropper
– Important Family Documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container

* These materials could be dangerous and should be gathered by an adult.

Next week’s blog will focus on the next step of Emergency Preparedness Planning:

Make an Emergency Plan

Transportation Safety

Whether children walk, ride their bicycle or take the bus to school, it is extremely important that they take proper safety precautions. Here are some tips to make sure your child safely travels to school.

Walking to school

Review your family’s walking safety rules.

•  Walk on the sidewalk, if one is available. When on a street with no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic.
•  Before you cross the street, stop and look all ways to see if cars are coming.
•  Never dart out in front of a parked car.

Practice walking to school with your child.

Riding a bicycle to school

Make sure your child always wears his helmet when leaving the house.

Teach your children the rules of the road they need to know to ride their bicycles.

• Ride on the right side of the road and in a single file.  
• Come to a complete stop before crossing the street.

Riding the bus to school

Go to the bus stop with your child to teach them the proper way to get on and off the bus.

Make sure your children stand six feet away from the curb.

If your child and you need to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the side of the road until you are at least 12 feet ahead of the bus. You always should be able to see the bus driver, and the bus driver always should be able to see you.

School Safety

Many school-related injuries are completely preventable. Follow these steps to ensure your child’s safety at school.

Preventing backpack-related injuries

Chose a backpack for your child carefully. It should have ergonomically designed features to enhance safety and comfort.

Don’t overstuff a backpack; it should weigh no more than 10 to 20 percent of your child’s body weight.

• For example, a child that weighs 60 pounds should carry a backpack no heavier than 12 pounds.

Ask your children to use both straps when wearing their backpack to evenly distribute the weight.

Preventing playground-related injuries

Encourage your child only to use playgrounds with a soft surface. Avoid playgrounds with concrete, grass and dirt surfaces, as they are too hard.

Children under the age of four should not use climbing equipment and watch older children when they’re climbing.

Do not let your children use monkey bars. They are unsafe and should not be used by children of any age.