How to Avoid Possible Landmines in Law Suits
No Surprises! – Trust in your Noblesville Indiana auto accident lawyer
In the initial client/attorney conference relating to your accident and the resulting injuries, a Noblesville auto accident lawyer will ask you for a factual description of the collision. Your attorney may also question if you had a prior accident and if there were previous medical issues.
Although you may think the collision you were involved in as a passenger at six years of age, or the muscle spasm you were treated for 8 years ago may seem insignificant to the present claim, it is critical to enlighten your attorney on any and all matters which may be investigated by the defense and presented into evidence at a later date. Any surprises may put your credibility into question and your attorney at a disadvantage.
A complete accounting of the facts and relevant personal history will empower your attorney to get ahead of, and mitigate potential threats to your claim— real or imaginary. The following is an inventory of information that may assist your personal injury lawyer in their representation:
- A complete description of accident-related injuries and a realistic personal assessment of physician-ordered treatments and results
- History of injuries, illnesses, and treatments before the accident
- Job history
- Annual wages that can be verified with tax returns
- Wage payment method: payroll, cash, or barter
- Prescription drugs, past and present
- History of illegal drug use
- History of arrests and convictions
- Family histories, dynamics, and fallings out in a wrongful death case
Timely Medical Treatment and Missed Appointments
Your claim for injuries, wages, and pain and suffering may be in jeopardy if you don’t seek immediate medical treatment and faithfully follow-through on your treating physician’s orders. Tort claims for injuries are governed by the principle of mitigation of damages, i.e. every attempt must be medically made to improve one’s health status. The appearance of too many missed appointments or an attempt to heal yourself without medical intervention will hurt your claim.
Social Media Sharing
Charlie Ward, a Noblesville accident lawyer, cautions every client about posting photos or mentioning the accident online. Although you may think your posts are private—between you and your ‘friends’—the courts have ruled that there can be no assumption of privacy as posts may be shared by others. Once posted, you have given up the right of privacy and during the discovery phase of your claim, you may expect defense attorneys to look into your social media profile. Discussion of your accident claim should only be between you and your attorney who will release information at the appropriate time.
Private Investigators Hired by Defense Attorneys
Defense investigators are notorious for digging up damaging evidence and taking photos out of context to shed a bad light on the plaintiff’s claim. For example, if your treating physician orders you not to drive while under the influence of medications, or to lift no more than 5 pounds, going against your medical provider’s orders may put your claim at risk! Especially when an ambitious investigator captures it via smartphone.
Hire An Experienced Noblesville Auto Accident Lawyer To Represent And Guide You In Your Claim
Injuries caused by a negligent driver should compel you to speak with a qualified Noblesville Indiana auto accident lawyer. Especially, someone who limits his or her practice to personal injury law. The attorneys at Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers want to help you navigate your claim. Call the experienced Noblesville Indiana auto accident lawyer, Charlie Ward, to guide you through any potential landmines in your claim for negligence. Call (317) 639-9501 today!
