Key Ways to Help Your Lawyer With Your Accident Lawsuit

If you were injured in an accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit to be fully compensated for your losses. Such litigation is complex and requires retaining an experienced attorney. However, your involvement in the case doesn’t end there. There are things you should do and not do that can help your lawsuit along.

Your work begins even before hiring an attorney. A successful personal injury case depends on assembling solid evidence. If you are able, take pictures at the scene of the accident, including the vehicles involved, debris on the roadway, tire marks on the pavement and any bodily injury and property damage. You should also take down the contact information of the other driver and any witnesses at the scene. Collecting this information can help your attorney proceed more quickly with obtaining needed testimony and pursuing other leads.

Here are some other tips for assisting your lawyer’s efforts:

1. Seek medical attention and follow all advice — Your health is the number one priority. After an accident, get medical attention right away. Even seemingly minor injuries can be a sign of something more serious that could reveal itself later. Also, make sure to follow your doctor’s orders, keeping all appointments and taking medications as directed. Otherwise, the defendant could argue that you may not be injured as badly as you claim or that you worsened your injuries through your own inaction.
2. Don’t post anything on social media — It is common to put major events in your life on social media. However, the defendant’s insurance company or their lawyer may use anything you post to disprove the seriousness of your injuries in your personal injury case. This could include photographs and accounts of life activities as well as comments made by you or friends about your injuries or the accident. The best course of action is to stay silent.
3. Don’t accept an offer from an insurance company — Though you will need to contact your own insurance carrier about your accident, you should not discuss the details of the accident or of your injuries with your insurer or that of the defendant. Nor should you accept an offer of settlement from an insurance company without consulting with your lawyer. Insurance adjusters sometimes try to pressure accident victims into accepting lowball offers by convincing them it will cost more to go to court. Refer all such negotiations to your lawyer immediately.

Your patience can also be of help to your personal injury attorney. Cases often take significant time due to the need to assemble evidence, complete discovery and engage in negotiations. Defensive tactics may further delay the litigation. A good attorney will keep you informed of the progress and explain any setbacks.

The Law Offices of Maurice Verrillo, P.C. represents clients in personal injury cases in Rochester and upstate New York. Contact us online or call us at 585-563-1134 for a free consultation of your case.

By Maurice J. Verrillo | Published December 15, 2022 | Posted in Personal Injury | Tagged auto accident, insurance | Comments Off on Key Ways to Help Your Lawyer With Your Accident Lawsuit