Seven Habits Of Highly Effective Personal Injury Plaintiffs

If you are pursuing a personal injury case due to a vehicle accident, there are seven things that attorneys would like you to know, and to do, to help your case.

1.  Take Pictures and Collect Evidence

After an accident, you will want to be aware of opportunities to collect evidence. You can keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment in case of an accident like many wise car owners do, or plan to use your cellphone to take pictures of the scene and the vehicles if there is ever an accident. You should also take pictures of your injuries right after the accident. You may be unable to do these things by yourself because of your condition, so don't be shy about asking one of your friends to help you.

You should also collect names and addresses of any witnesses, get a copy of the police report, and write down what happened soon after the accident, before you forget any details.

2.  Get Prompt and Ongoing Medical Attention

Be sure to get prompt medical attention, and go to a specialist if necessary. Tell your doctor about all your symptoms and injuries, so that the doctor will include the information in the report and you will get proper treatment. You do have a legal obligation to "mitigate" your damages, which means you would do whatever is in your power to get better and not do anything that would impede your progress.

3.  Be Careful on Social Media

It is a bad idea to write about your case on social media or to send emails about the accident or your problems to friends and family. Sometimes in order to appear cheerful and be positive, you might be tempted to minimize the extent of your injuries. This can be used against you by the defendant's lawyer in order to get you to settle for less.

4.  Be Patient and Don't Settle Too Quickly

If you settle too quickly, you may need money for continuing medical care and expenses, and lose out. So it may be wise to delay settlement when you have made a full recovery or you have reached a stable point, if your injuries are permanent. You will need plenty of patience because personal injury cases can be complex and adequate settlements may take some time. Your lawyer will know the true worth of your case, so have faith that he/she has your best interests at heart.

5.  Keep Good Records

Keep good records of your expenses, and repairs. Even little expenses like hospital parking fees can become part of your claim, so save all your receipts.

6.  Tell Your Lawyer Everything and Ask Questions

It may be hard, but you need to be upfront with your attorney about any psychological problems you are having. It is not uncommon to have a form of PTSD (post-traumatic disorder disorder) or develop phobias following an accident, so you may also need to seek counseling to treat these conditions. Don't be afraid to ask questions about things you are concerned about and how your case is going.

7.  Get Good Legal Representation

Finally, don't be afraid to look for a lawyer who is experienced in similar cases to yours. You will want an attorney who will fight to help you get the best settlement possible. By doing these seven things, you will greatly be increasing the chances of getting a good settlement so you can move on. For more information on finding a reputable personal injury attorney, visit http://asmlegal.net/.


Share