Your Personal Injury Case: What Not To Do

Hiring a personal injury lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve is a smart move. But if you've been injured in an accident that was not your fault, you can increase your chances of success substantially by working in tandem with your attorney to produce the best results. Failing to provide your attorney with all the ammunition needed to fight your case could be a bad move, so read on for what not to do when working with your attorney on your personal injury case.

1. Assuming that your attorney is a mind reader.

Attorneys are usually smarter than the average person, but only you can convey the full impact that the accident has had on your life in a manner that compels the creation of a strong case. Make sure that your attorney get's the full picture by keeping a written record of events, beginning with your accident. Include everything you can remember about the event itself as well as all medical treatments. Be sure to include your thoughts on how the accident has affected you and your family's lives and the resulting emotional impact and fallout, such a depression and anxiety. This journal will also come in handy when it comes time to create a demand letter and for settlement negotiations.

2. Neglecting to provide your attorney with vital documents such as:

  • Police and/or accidents reports.
  • Vehicle insurance policy information.
  • Contact and insurance information of the other party.
  • Contact information of any witnesses.
  • Medical records, so far.
  • Pay stubs and income tax returns (to help compute lost wage demands).

3. Giving a recorded statement to the insurance company.

Your attorney should be the contact point for any communications between you and any insurance company, including your own. Your case could be severely compromised by giving a statement without the advice and consent of your attorney.

4. Procrastinating on filing your case.

All states have a statute of limitations law that covers personal injury cases and if you exceed that time limit you will have lost your ability to get compensation. Give your attorney ample time to prepare your case by contacting and contracting with professional legal advice as soon as possible.

5. Not being honest about past legal or financial issues.

Your attorney needs to know everything about your past legal and financial issues so that he or she can be prepared to counter any allegations from the other party and you can be assured that the other party's legal team will investigate your background.

These five missteps can be easily avoided so that you can allow your personal injury attorney, such as Story Law Office, to do the best job possible and secure you the compensation you need and deserve.

 

 

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