We all try to avoid injuries as much as possible, but there are times when situations are not in our control and can end with us paying a physical or emotional price. It’s important to be legally prepared for suffering a personal injury, which can occur in a car accident because of a reckless driver, a medical professional operating on you without being prepared, or a person intentionally trying to cause you physical and/or emotional harm.
However, there are several precautions that you need to take before filing a personal injury lawsuit. Knowing everything that happened, explaining the situation to your lawyer, and being honest about the incident will help you get everything that you are owed in a case. Here are three things to know in order to get through a personal injury case as smoothly as possible.
Be Honest About the Situation
Being honest goes a long way, especially when it comes to a court case. If you’ve suffered a personal injury, it is important to tell your attorney, and the court, the truth about your situation so that you receive the settlement that you are owed. If it is discovered later that you were exaggerating the extent of your injuries or faking injuries, you will not only be denied the money that you were hoping to receive, but you will also be liable to payments and even jail time, depending on the level of dishonestly.
It’s also important to be honest to your insurance company, as it is easier now more than ever for them to find out what really happened. This is thanks to today’s technology, as these organizations can use interviews, video surveillance, and posts you make on Facebook, Twitter, or other social media websites to ensure that your statements are factual. For example, if you claimed to have suffered a broken arm from a car accident and the insurance company finds a photo on Instagram of you working out a week later, they can use the post to deny your claim and your chance for a settlement.
Keep a Record of Everything Relating to the Situation
Some people who suffer a personal injury aren’t provided what they are owed in a case because of the lack of evidence of what they suffered. With today’s technology, keeping a record of everything that happened in an accident or situation involving misconduct is a piece of cake. It is important that you take photos and record video of the situation so that the jury can see what you suffered and to what extent. This can include photos of any injuries, as well as those suffered by a friend or anyone else involved in the situation. If you were in a car accident caused by a drunk or careless driver, you should use your phone to take photos of any damage to your vehicle as well as the Lexus dealership or auto shops you visited to get the car fixed.
It’s also important to explain how your injuries affect your ability to go about your day, such as if you can’t do your job or perform the simplest of tasks. Having photo and video evidence of the injuries relating to these activities will help provide proof, as well as show the court that you’re being honest. Emails and phone calls between parties involved are also helpful forms of evidence. Having evidence of any injuries that other people suffered, whether it’s bystanders, loved ones, or the person who caused the accident will also help your case. It will show if the person at fault is being honest, as well as determine what compensation is owed.
Disclose Everything with Your Lawyer and Insurance Company
Some injuries that you suffer in an accident or assault can heal in a short time, but others may have long-lasting consequences. You may be lucky enough to escape with a few cuts and bruises, but concussions and other internal injuries can affect your physical, mental, and emotional health down the road. That’s why it is important to tell your attorney and insurance company everything that you suffered and everything you felt after the situation. Medical professionals may be able to determine the extent of your injuries from the symptoms you felt at the time of the situation, as well as how you felt in the following days, weeks, or months.
The extent of your injury(s) can also determine what kind of claim you can file and what you may be owed. Law firms such as Avrek can look at the evidence you have from the incident and the symptoms you say you feel to determine what you should be compensated. It’s important to provide photos, videos, emails, phone calls, and any other forms of evidence, as well as update your lawyer on any developments in the case. Your chances of winning the case can be affected if your insurance company and attorney don’t have the same information. Be sure to keep both parties informed of the everything that happens during the case.
Keep these tips in mind so that you see justice if you are ever involved in a personal injury case.