When you hire a personal injury lawyer, it’s because you’re looking for help. You’ve been through an accident, you’re in pain, maybe out of work, and you need someone in your corner to fight for you.
Attorneys experienced in personal injury cases have one primary job, and that is to make sure that they build a case strong enough to get you maximum compensation for your damages. But what if, without even realizing it, you’re making their job harder?
A lot of people don’t know this, but some of the things you might do (or not do) can throw up roadblocks for your lawyer. That’s right, there are ways you can accidentally hinder your lawyer from doing their best work.
Here are some of the things you could be doing wrong:
Not Being Honest with Your Lawyer
First off, honesty is everything here. You might think you’re being upfront, but holding back details can really mess things up. Maybe you’re embarrassed about something, or you don’t think it’s relevant. Here’s the truth: it is relevant.
Your lawyer needs to know everything, both the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. Did you have a previous injury? Did you post something on social media that makes you look bad? If you don’t share this stuff, your lawyer might be blindsided later, and that’s not good for your case.
If you don’t mention things like this and the other side finds out, they could claim your current pain is from that old injury. Your lawyer can only build a solid case if they have all the facts, so don’t hold back. They won’t judge you; they just want to help you.
Ignoring Medical Advice or Skipping Appointments
Let’s say your doctor tells you to go to physical therapy twice a week for a couple of months, but you decide to stop after just a few sessions because you’re feeling a little better. What happens? The insurance company could argue that you’re not really that injured or that you’re not serious about getting better.
When you skip appointments or ignore medical advice, you’re not just risking your health, you know. You’re also giving the other side ammunition to shoot down your claims.
Posting on Social Media About Your Case
You might love sharing your life online, but when you’re in the middle of a personal injury case, you need to be super careful about what you post.
Insurance companies and defense lawyers are always watching. They’ll dig through your social media to find anything they can use against you. So, the best move is to lay low on social media while your case is ongoing.
If you really feel like posting, check with your lawyer first. They’ll know what’s safe and what could cause problems.
Accepting the First Offer Without Consulting Your Lawyer
Many people make the mistake of accepting the first settlement offer they get. When you’re dealing with bills and stress from an accident, it’s tempting to grab the first amount that comes your way.
But hold on just yet. You should know that insurance companies often start with lowball offers, hoping you’ll accept them quickly. They want to save money, and if they think you’re desperate, they’ll take advantage. If you jump at that first offer, you might be leaving a lot of money on the table.
Before you sign anything, always talk to your lawyer. They know what your case is worth and can help you figure out if the offer is fair. Sometimes it’s hard to see the bigger picture when you’re stressed, but your lawyer, who is level-headed, can help guide you through it.
Being Unresponsive or Hard to Reach
Communication is key in any relationship, especially with your lawyer. If you’re slow to respond to emails or calls, it can really hold up your case. Your lawyer needs your input to move things forward.
Sometimes life gets busy, and you might think, “I’ll get back to them later.” But later might turn into days or even weeks, and that can set back your case. When your lawyer is trying to gather evidence or negotiate with the insurance company, they need your cooperation.
If you know you’re going to be hard to reach for a bit, let your lawyer know in advance. They can work around your schedule. Just remember, the more you communicate, the smoother everything will go.
