When it comes to getting compensation for your injury, it may be tempting to omit certain details or exaggerate when recounting the accident. You may be worried that your case won’t sound valid enough if you don’t do these things, but the exact opposite is true. “Being dishonest will always come back to haunt you. You will lose all credibility, and that can crater your case,” Brad says.
This includes being totally honest with any medical professionals treating you and following their recommendations exactly. If you don’t, you might hinder the compensation that you could receive for your medical expenses. Remember to disclose any current injuries and pre-existing conditions that might have affected them.
Brad says, “Because many injuries are the type you can’t see, like back problems or numbness, credibility is paramount. If you have a history of not telling the truth, there is no reason for the jury to believe you about your symptoms. It is better to say nothing at all than something that is not true.”
You don’t want your attorney to be blindsided, so lay everything out on the table. Even if you have a previous DWI or DUI on your record, let your attorney know. “We can keep that out of evidence as we go to trial. Unless you were drunk during the time of the wreck, it shouldn’t affect your case. Now in more severe cases, insurance adjusters may try to assign importance to a previous DWI. But what matters is the state of your mind and physical condition at the time of the accident,” Brad says.
Here are five things you should absolutely tell your attorney
These could affect a lawyer’s strategy during the personal injury claims process, and therefore should be discussed as quickly as possible.
1) Disclose any previous injuries you’ve suffered from past accidents.
Insurance adjusters attempting to deny the claim might try to say that your current injuries are related to a past accident. This is something that your lawyer needs to be able to dispute.
2) Tell your attorney about your criminal history
Unless they are related to driving, misdemeanors or felonies usually will not affect your case. In the event that it comes up at trial, you need your lawyer to have all the information that opposing counsel has.
3) Communicate your current financial situation
If you file for bankruptcy during your personal injury case, your settlement could become part of the estate. This means you won’t get the money, your creditors will. Your attorney can work with bankruptcy lawyers to get you the compensation you deserve.
4) Let your attorney know if you have filed or are filing for divorce
If a spouse was supporting you after your injury, they might go after part of the damages you receive.
5) Reveal any injuries you may have experienced since the day of your accident
The other side may attempt to claim that you are trying to get compensation for injuries unrelated to your accident.
Have You Been Injured In A Texas Accident?
If you’ve been injured you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Bedford, Texas office directly at 817.440.3888 to schedule your free, no obligation consultation. We help personal injury clients throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington as well as all areas of Texas.
