5 Things YOU Can Do to Help Win Your Personal Injury Case (Part 2)

In this week’s blog, we would like to continue with part two on how to help with your personal injury case at Lake of the Ozarks. There may be a lot of things that feel beyond your control when you are dealing with a personal injury caused by someone else’s negligence. But, there are several things that you can do to help your situation and achieve the best possible outcome. In part one we talked about how to handle your medical care, seeking legal advice as quickly as possible, and documenting absolutely everything. This week we’re going to give you two more tips to help you with your case. Just keep reading to see tip #4 and #5!

4) Representation

There will be many discussions about your medical condition and care, but ultimately the personal injury case is about legalities. That is why it is so important to have legal representation for every conversation with involved parties such as insurance companies and attorneys. When you don’t understand the legal nuances of a personal injury case it can be easy to allow the opposing attorney to lead you into saying things that can be construed as fault or responsibility. When you have an attorney like Roger Gibbons by your side with legal expertise in personal injury cases, you can rely on him to guide you and help protect you from being misled.

5) Communication

When you do give statements about your injury or the accident itself, is best to be direct, honest, and without exaggeration or embellishment. At the same time, usually the less said the better. This is true even when you are not officially giving statements. In conversations with friends and family, and comments or posts on social media, it is best to stay away from the topic of your injury, recovery, the accident, or anything related to it. Even celebrating a milestone like finally being able to drive or walk far enough to get into a movie theater can be used to imply that your life is not limited at all by the opposing attorney. 

Your Future is Worth a Free Consultation!

With all you have to take care of regarding your injury and recovery and all the ways your life and your family are being impacted, let Gibbons Law Firm take a load off by handling your personal injury case. Our personal injury attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks are capable and confident when it comes to fighting your case and are not afraid of litigation if that is what is in the best interest of their clients. We know that the outcome of the case will directly impact your future and we are ready to apply all our skills and resources to achieve the best possible outcome for you. 

Take advantage of the opportunity to speak with us for a free consultation to see if you have a personal injury case and learn more about how the process works. Keep in mind, we normally handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t have to have money in order to pursue your case. We would love to meet you and see how we can help. It is as easy as calling to schedule your appointment. If you’d like to stay in touch and hear more legal tips and helpful information from our attorneys in mid-Missouri, we invite you to focus on social media using the links below.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

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Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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5 Things YOU Can Do to Help Win Your Personal Injury Case (Part One of Two)

At Gibbons Law Firm we see the hardships that people with serious injuries go through, and we know how life shattering it can be for them. There are a lot of unknowns and a lot of things to adapt to and try to figure out and overcome. The injured person usually has to face medical bills, surgeries, rehab, loss of work and then try to balance the emotional toll all that takes, as well. It’s something that affects the entire family over a long period of time if not for life. At times it may begin to feel like everything is beyond your control. As personal injury attorneys, we think it is empowering for people to know what they can do to help their own case, so they don’t feel even more helpless during this time. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a serious injury at Lake of the Ozarks due to someone else’s negligence and would like to know what you can do to benefit your own case, we have five things for you to consider in this two-part blog.

1) Medical Care

It can be very important to seek (and not refuse) medical care at the time of the accident. A person can actually be seriously injured – even have broken bones - and not realize it because they are in shock or just think they are sore or rattled. It’s better to have your medical condition assessed and documented by a medical professional to be certain, and so that you’re not just relying on your word if you end up filing a personal injury case. You will want to follow the advice of the medical professionals at the time and throughout your care. Unfortunately, insurance attorneys can try to shift the blame to the victim and look for ways to make it seem like they are creating their own limitations. Following and documenting medical advice helps show the Court you’re doing everything you can to recover. 

Legal Advice

It is best to seek legal advice as early in the process as possible. An experienced personal injury attorney will know how to guide you and can begin investigating on your behalf while the evidence is fresh. At our law office in Lake Ozark we serve our personal injury clients on a contingency fee basis which means we get paid out of the settlement from their case. So, they don’t have to have money in order for us to fight their case for them. There is no cost for an initial consultation to come in and see where you stand, what your rights are, and if you have a potential case.

Documentation

We recommend starting a journal as soon as possible to document the accident that caused your injury, the day-to-day limitations and life changes you are experiencing, your doctor visits and updates, any conversations about your injury or your case, etc. Writing down any details you can remember immediately after the accident is important because those details may become less sharp over time. On the other hand, you may remember other details later as you recover more. Keeping all of that in one place allows you to provide a more complete picture to share with your attorney to use for your benefit in your personal injury case at Lake of the Ozarks.

More to Come from Gibbons Law Firm Next Week in Part 2!

We have 2 additional ways you can potentially help your personal injury case to share with you next week in part 2. But you don’t have to wait until then to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks. Just call to schedule your appointment - the number is below. Be sure to use the links there as well to follow us on social media for more tips and helpful legal information from Gibbons Law Firm!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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What YOU can do to Fight a Personal Injury Case Successfully!

Dealing with a personal injury as a result of someone else’s actions or inactions can be a very overwhelming situation. You have to deal with your physical injury and everything it takes for you to recover. You also have to deal with the financial burden of not being able to work. On top of that, you have the stress of the unknown regarding your personal injury case. As personal injury attorneys in mid-Missouri, we are advocates for those who have been injured, and we understand how important it is that you have a successful outcome to your case. We know victims can feel very helpless during a time like this, but there are things that you can empower yourself to do that will help your case and your future. So, we wanted to share five things in today’s blog that you can do to help your personal injury case at Lake of the Ozarks.

1) Seek Medical Care Immediately

Many people will self-assess and think they are just fine after an accident. They just think they may be sore or shook up, but not actually injured. But it is actually possible to have broken bones and not know it for days. So, it is essential that you do seek professional medical care to make sure you don’t have injuries that you are not aware of. Another important reason to seek professional medical care is so that your injuries can be documented officially. That may become very important to your personal injury case later. In addition, you want to be sure that you follow the advice of your medical professionals. You don’t want an insurance attorney trying to make you look as though you were causing your own limitations or not helping your own situation. By following medical advice, you will show that you’re doing everything you can to improve your situation, and you will effectively highlight the genuine limitations that have been created by your injury.

2) Know Your Rights

The earlier you can seek legal advice the better. Your personal injury attorney at Lake of the Ozarks will want to start investigating as soon as possible to find out exactly what happened so they can start building your case. Memories fade with time, so it’s best to interview and gather information as early as possible. You also want to stay in touch with your attorney throughout the case and keep them informed of any changes when it comes to your medical conditions or your abilities to work. Your attorney should be considered a partner with you throughout the whole process during your personal injury case. They are there to look out for your best interest, so you want to work with them and cooperate with them as a team.

3) Journal and Document Your Journey

You’re going to go through a lot during this time. There will be a lot of discussions related to your health and the accident that caused your injury. First of all, you want to remember everything you can at the time of the injury. What happened, what conditions may have contributed to it, who did what, etc. It will be hard to remember those things later, so you want to write it down as soon as possible. Then your recovery process will have a story of its own. When you get news from the doctor or you get results from a test, you want to document that and journal it so none of it is forgotten. You want every detail possible available for your attorney to use, so put it on paper and take notes after every doctor visit, every meeting related to your injury, and every conversation with your insurance company.

4) Have Your Attorney Present When Giving Statements

You want to be very careful about what you say to anyone and everyone during your personal injury case. Gibbons Law Firm knows exactly what kind of things can be used against a claimant in a personal injury case. We also know the techniques that are used to try to get people to say things that can be construed as guilt or responsibility. That is why you should always have your attorney with you when giving statements so they can help you avoid being drawn in to saying something that could be a detriment to your own case.

5) Be Honest, But Don't Volunteer Information

It’s a good rule of thumb not to volunteer any information regarding your case, especially before it is settled. Talking about any details regarding how the accident happened, your pain, your injuries, or even an inspirational quote on social media saying how you are persevering and rising above the challenge, can be misconstrued as though the injury is really not affecting you as much as it is. It really is best just to not talk about your case, even with friends and extended family. Don’t volunteer information. On the flipside, when you do need to share the facts on your injuries, your limitations, your pain, and the cause of the accident, you want to be very clear and forthcoming and honest. Don’t exaggerate, don’t underestimate, just be factual.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation with Gibbons Law Firm!

Our attorneys in Lake Ozark have a special heart for people who are suffering with injuries as a result of someone else’s negligence. We know how important it is for you to have a successful settlement in order for you to move forward with your life and reclaim some of what was lost. We know how critical it is for personal injury victims to be informed of their rights and to have guidance through the process. So, we want you to remember we offer free initial consultations. Just give us a call and set up an appointment to learn more about what your rights are and what your course of action should be. We look forward to meeting with you and helping you through this difficult time. We also want you to know that you do not have to have money for us to represent you. We do most of our personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means we will be paid when you win your case. Don’t go this alone, and don’t just suffer with your injuries. Talk to Gibbons Law Firm, and let us help make a game plan for you. If you found this blog helpful and would like to hear more legal tips and information from our law firm in Lake Ozark, we have links below for you to follow us on your favorite social media platform.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Do’s and Don’ts to Know When Fighting a Personal Injury Case

Gibbons Law Firm knows that being involved in a personal injury case can be stressful. You are already dealing with your injuries and recovery as well as lost wages, then you have to deal with the logistics of the court case as well. But when you have suffered a serious injury due to someone else’s negligence, you should know your rights. Having a personal injury attorney in mid-Missouri to help you is key to the outcome of your case. To help make things a little less stressful and keep you informed, we wanted to talk to you about the dos and don’ts during a personal injury case. There are different things that can help or hurt your case, and knowing those ahead of time can improve your chances of success. If you’d like to know some tips for navigating through your personal injury case at Lake of the Ozarks, we have 5 to share with you in this blog.

Don’t Refuse Medical Care

It is not enough to self-assess after a serious accident. It’s important to seek professional medical care to make sure you don’t have injuries that you’re not aware of. You may be in shock, and there are things that you may not feel immediately that the doctor may know to look for. You may even have broken bones and not know it. Seeking medical care right after a serious accident also helps you document your injuries which may be essential to your personal injury case. You also want to be sure to follow medical advice as that will help show that you’re doing everything you can to recover and that you are not creating your own limitations.

Don’t Wait to Seek Legal Advice

The sooner you seek legal advice, the sooner you can be doing all the things you need to help your case. In addition, it allows your attorney to start investigating to determine what happened and start building your case. That evidence is going to be better early when memories are still fresh. Throughout your entire case, stay in touch and keep your attorney informed regarding your medical condition or any changes. Consider your personal injury attorney at Lake of the Ozarks your partner in the process you work with him/her the better they can look out for your best interest.

Document Everything

You do want to document as much as possible throughout your personal injury case. From the accident all the way through including every doctor's visit and every medical change that you experience during that time. It will be hard to remember all the details without putting them on paper. It’s a great idea just to have a notebook specifically for your personal injury case and to write notes after every doctor visit, conversation with the insurance company, or any meeting related to your injury.

Don’t Give Statements Without an Attorney

Unfortunately, if you say the wrong thing to the wrong person, it could be very detrimental to your case. That is why it is very important that you always have your attorney with you when giving any statements or dealing with the other parties involved or their attorneys. Gibbons Law Firm has represented countless personal injury victims and knows the kind of things that can be used against them. Roger Gibbons is very dedicated to communicating with his clients and can help you through these types of conversations and help you from being drawn in to damage your own case.

Be Honest and Don't Volunteer

You do want people to understand the seriousness of your injury, but you do not want to exaggerate or make any false statements because it can be very damaging to your credibility. Details about how the accident happened, the level of pain you’re dealing with, and the exact limitations in your ability to work, are all things that you want to be clear and honest about. At the same time, you do not want to volunteer information. It’s best not to talk about your case even with friends and extended family. It is especially important to stay off social media. Even an inspiring quote about how you are hopeful about your recovery could be misinterpreted to mean that everything is fine. Overall, the rule is the less said the better.

Schedule YOUR Free Consultation, Today!

At Gibbons Law Firm, we want you to be informed, and we don’t want you to be overwhelmed. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by someone else’s negligence, we want you to know your rights. We offer a free initial consultation and would be happy to sit down with you and talk to you about your case. We are very dedicated to our personal injury clients because we understand how important it is for them to receive the compensation they are due when they are depending on it to pay their medical bills and deal with lost wages and potentially life-changing injuries. We never want a victim to feel like they have to do it alone. We handle most of our personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not have to have money for us to represent you. We will receive our pay when you win your case. So give us a call and schedule that free consultation! It may be one of the best decisions you ever make. If you are interested in hearing more legal tips and information from our law firm in Lake Ozark, please use the link below to follow us on social media.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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7 Easy Tips to Avoid Getting Distracted Behind the Wheel

We all know that distracted driving can be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. The difference is, a lot more people justify driving while distracted and do it even though they know it’s dangerous. At Gibbons Law Firm we know that it only takes a fraction of a second to cause a devastating accident. Being injured in a serious car accident at Lake of the Ozarks can be life-changing, so if there’s anything we can do to avoid it, it is well worth the effort. Our personal injury attorneys in mid-Missouri are fully aware of this, so we wanted to take some time today to talk to you about distractions to avoid while driving. Keep reading to learn how to keep yourself and others on the road safe and focused with these common-sense tips.

1) Get Set BEFORE You Go

Even if you’re in a hurry, it really doesn’t save any time to try to do things while you’re driving. Get your GPS set, adjust things like your mirrors or heater/AC and radio, put on your seatbelt, and have everything in place and ready for your drive before you start the car.

2) Secure Items

Make sure that the items you are carrying in the passenger area of your car are secure and won’t roll around as you turn curves or if you have to stop suddenly. Reaching for an item that is falling while you’re driving can be extremely dangerous. But it is almost instinctive. It is best to make sure things are secure before you get on the road.

3) Eat In

Trying to eat, especially messy foods, while driving can become a huge distraction. For example, spilling food or a drink in your lap or floorboard may cause you to serve as you react. You may feel you track just fine driving with your knee, but if you had to make an evasive maneuver you will be at an obvious and dangerous disadvantage. For these reasons and more, if you are hungry, skip the drive-through and eat in. 

4) Technology

Technology can be great and actually make life safer, but it can also be a distraction. Avoid using your cell phone, even hands-free, while driving down the road. Now is definitely not the time to check your messages, check in on social media, or watch a video, etc.

5) Keep Your Eyes On the Road

That includes watching the sides of the roads, all traffic in intersections, and basically being aware of all your surroundings and potential dangers. You have heard of active listening, think active looking! The more you pay attention the earlier you are likely to see a hazard and the more time you will have to react and avoid it.

6) Avoid Multitasking

If you find yourself saying “I’ll do that on the way there”, you are probably setting yourself up for distraction. Taking notes, making phone calls, doing personal hygiene, are all in competition with your driving. Your mind and your motor skills should be dedicated to operating your vehicle, and nothing else.

7) Don’t Drive While Drowsy

Falling asleep at the wheel can be deadly, for you and others. It is so easy to underestimate, but by the time you notice you are nodding while driving down the road, you’ve probably been doing it much more than you realize. That means you’re extremely close to falling asleep while driving and need to rest and refresh before driving further.

Safety First!

We know this is common knowledge and common sense, but so many people forget or ignore the dangers. If anything is so important that you have to take care of it while you’re driving, just pull over. Give your full attention to that task, and then get back to driving. It is not worth causing an accident. As personal injury attorneys in central Missouri, we see how devastating serious injuries can be for our clients. If we could go back and keep them from being injured in the first place, we sure would. 

We hope you appreciate these tips and that they help keep these things top of mind as you make your daily drives. If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, we don’t want you to feel alone. It is so important that you know your rights, and that is why we offer free initial consultations. If you have questions, reach out to us. We are here for you. If you would like to stay informed with all the latest news and tips from Gibbons Law Firm, be sure to follow us on social media using the links below.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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7 Ways to Help Your Personal Injury Case

When someone suffers a serious injury caused by someone else’s negligence, they may have a right to compensation for their injury and the expenses that come with it. As a personal injury lawyer at Lake at the Ozarks, Roger Gibbons has successfully represented countless clients in personal injury cases, and he very much believes in keeping his clients informed and educated about the process. He also knows there’s a lot a client can do to help or hurt their personal injury case in mid-Missouri. So, today’s blog is dedicated to seven ways you can help your personal injury case in central Missouri. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence and could use some helpful information as you navigate through your personal injury case, we invite you to read on!

Medical Treatment.

It is to your benefit and very important that you do seek medical treatment, and that you do not refuse medical treatment. It is amazing how many people will tell the ambulance they’re fine and not allow paramedics to check them out. Seeking medical treatment allows you to document your injuries and following the advice from medical professionals shows that you are doing everything you can to recover from your injuries and that you are not contributing to your own limitations.

Don’t Wait to Seek Advice.

Knowing what your rights are when you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence is key to your case. The sooner you contact an attorney the sooner they can start investigating what happened and gathering evidence on your behalf. It is best that you know exactly what to do and where you stand from the beginning, so you set yourself up in the best possible position for your personal injury case.

Don’t Give Statements Without an Attorney.

It is extremely important that you do not give statements to the insurance company, the other parties involved, or really anyone, without having spoken to your attorney first. Ideally, your attorney should be present during any exchange like that. 

Document.

There are a lot of details that will come into play in your personal injury case. It is hard to remember everything, so the more you document the more details you will have to provide. You will want to write down what happened at the time of your injury, as well as details about your medical recovery process. Keeping track of doctor visits reports from the doctor, things that the insurance company may say or ask is also important. It is a great idea to keep a journal through the whole process so you have a place to keep those details and refer to when needed.

Don’t Volunteer Information.

You know the saying … “loose lips sink ships”. There are so many ways that talking about your injuries or the accident or the details of your case can come back to bite you. It is best to avoid conversations about your case or anything related to it. Even something like an inspiring quote on a Facebook post that talks about how you’re getting better or rising above your circumstances can be construed as you not being impacted by your injuries. The less said the better – with friends, coworkers, online, etc.

Be Honest.

Although some people may be tempted to exaggerate or make false statements regarding the extent of their injuries, it is detrimental to their credibility and their case. So, be honest about your pain, your limitations, your ability to work, how the accident happened, etc. 

Keep your Attorney Informed.

Good communication with your attorney is critical to the success of your case. Don’t keep secrets from your attorney, keep them in the loop regarding doctors’ reports or medical conditions or any changes. If you move or change jobs, don’t forget to let your attorney know. They are your partner in this process, so the more you work with your attorney, the more effective your attorney can be in looking out for your best interests.

Call Gibbons Law Firm today!

No one deserves to be injured because of someone else’s carelessness. When it happens, Gibbons Law Firm is here to help you receive the compensation you deserve. If you need a personal injury attorney in mid-Missouri, you want one that is thorough, and who believes in communication and working hand in hand with their client to achieve the best outcome possible. Roger Gibbons generally represents clients in personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis and receives compensation only when the case is resolved. To learn more about this process, please give us a call for your free consultation today. We can be reached at the phone number listed below. You can also stay up to date on our latest legal tips by following us on our social media channels listed below, as well.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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Safe Driving Tips for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2020 is this week. Who is excited? This is a very special holiday where families come together and celebrate what we are thankful for. That being said, as you drive to see your families this year, our personal injury attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks wish you a safe journey. Keep reading this week's blog for a few safe driving tips for Thanksgiving 2020. If you or someone you care about has been involved in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, please call our Missouri personal injury attorneys today. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at (573) 348-2211. Your first consultation is free.

Safe Driving Tips for Thanksgiving

Pay attention to speed limit signs.

The speed limits are there for good reason. Don't ignore them just because you are in a holiday rush. Be mindful of how fast or slow the other cars around you are going, as well. It only takes SECONDS for an accident to occur and speeding will likely only increase your chances of getting into a car accident.

Be mindful of the weather conditions and drive accordingly.

This is Missouri and the weather can be very unpredictable. No matter what the weather is doing the day you drive to see your family for Thanksgiving, be sure to be mindful of it and drive accordingly. For example, if it decides to rain heavily the day you are driving, slow down and drive cautiously.

Fill your vehicle up with gas before making a long road trip.

There's nothing worse than running out of gas when you really need to be somewhere. You never know when you may be stopped in traffic, so it's a good idea to get into the habit of filling up your vehicle with gas before making any long road trips.

Never drive while intoxicated.

Even if you are consuming alcohol at a festive Thanksgiving party, you should never drive home intoxicated. Call a Taxi or a friend to come to pick you up or ask if you can stay the night and drive sober tomorrow. The consequences of driving while intoxicated are too great to risk it.

Avoid all driving distractions.

Pay attention at all times while driving. Do not eat, text, groom yourself, email, smoke, or look down to adjust the radio while driving your vehicle.

Have a Happy, But Safe Thanksgiving From Gibbons Law Firm!

All of us here at Gibbons Law Firm would like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. Please be safe out on the roads. If you do find yourself in an accident caused by a negligent driver, get the compensation for your injuries that you deserve. We can help. Contact our personal injury attorneys in Lake Ozark. We can be reached at the phone number listed below. You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.

Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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