When a car accident happens, it can be overwhelming and an entirely new experience that you’re likely not prepared for. While you certainly can, and often should, consult with a personal injury attorney, it’s important that you educate yourself for what’s to come.
In some ways, you are a crucial part of your legal team. Your attorney will be able to help you to understand your case and the steps ahead. It’s important to know the simple Do’s and Don’ts to be as prepared as possible as you work towards compensation.
1. Do seek medical treatment for your injuries.
For both your own health as well as for your case, it’s important that you do seek necessary medical treatment for any injuries caused in the accident. It’s very common for injuries to worsen as the initial days after the accident go by, so don’t push off getting checked out by a doctor.
After an accident, there can be a lot of appointments and it may feel overwhelming. It’s important to continue with follow-up appointments and treatment plans as recommended by your doctor. Not only is this for your benefit, but it also tells the insurance companies that you are genuine about the injuries and serious about healing. Be sure that you maintain records of these doctor visits with details regarding costs, missed work, and other important information. Your attorney should be sent this information by your doctors, but it is always a good idea to keep track of it yourself.
2. Do provide your attorney with as many details and as much documentation as you can.
Along the same lines as we just mentioned, providing as much information as you can is always beneficial to the success of your case. Images, eyewitness accounts, as well as medical records will all provide the necessary evidence to not only prove your injuries but will also provide a better understanding of the overall financial burden.
3. Do keep a personal account of accident and case details.
While your attorney will gather and help with keeping track of deadlines and such, it can be helpful to have a personal log of your injuries, treatment, and improvement along the way. A lot happens during the duration of a personal injury case and these minor details can be helpful at the end of the day.
4. Don’t stretch the truth regarding your injuries.
It might seem like a good idea to play up or play down your injuries after an accident in order to try to gain more compensation or manipulate the case in some way. However, the truth is always the best route to take. If you avoid telling the truth, you could risk ruining your case altogether.
5. Don’t discuss the details of your case with anyone outside of your legal team.
Your case details are important and we don’t want any information to be misunderstood. Careful communication is important with your insurance company as well as family, friends, and even on social media. We don’t want anything you say online to be used against your case.
6. Don’t withhold information about the accident from your attorney.
You should be completely honest with your attorney from the start. Being dishonest in a personal injury case can create a lot of confusion and misaligned information. Holding back details from your case only prevents your attorney from doing their job as best they can.
All in all, the do’s and don’ts of any legal matter are fairly simple.
If you’re interested in working with an attorney on your personal injury case, give us a call today!
