The Advice Personal Injury Lawyers Most Frequently Give Their Clients

If you’re thinking about suing someone, then you need to carefully weigh the cons and pros. However, if you think that a person or company harmed you, and you feel that you should get some compensation for that, then you may feel that you have no choice but to move forward with a lawsuit. You can explain to your family that you feel that way, and hopefully, they will support you.

You will need to locate a personal injury attorney who knows about the particular kind of lawsuit that you want to undertake. You can meet with them at their convenience to talk about the case. 

You will probably find that they have some advice for you. We will talk about some of the most common advice that personal injury attorneys often give their clients right now.

Try to Collect as Much Documentation as You Can

If you talk to a personal injury lawyer when you are thinking about suing someone, they will need to get some information from you to determine whether they want to represent you. If they don’t feel that you have a strong case, then they may decide they don’t want you as a client.

If they feel that you might have a case, and they decide they can take you on as a client, then they will probably tell you to collect as much documentation as you can. You will need to share this with your lawyer. Once they file the paperwork to get the lawsuit going, they will have to share this documentation with the defense team during the discovery phase.

This paperwork might include a report from your doctor about your injuries. It may include a police accident report if you’re suing another driver after a car crash.

The more documentation you can provide, the more likely you will win you case, so it makes sense that you will want to locate it and turn it over to your lawyer. 

Tell the Truth About What Happened

They will also probably advise you to tell the truth about what happened. They will want you to tell them the truth about the accident or incident that hurt you or made you ill, because if you don’t, that will more than likely come back to bite you later.

If the case ever goes to trial, they will also probably advise you to tell the truth if you take the stand. If you don’t tell the truth in front of a judge and jury, then that’s perjury. If the judge finds out that you lied, that will almost always sink your case.

Clear Your Calendar

They will probably tell you that if you’re going to move forward with the lawsuit, then you will need to clear your calendar. If you’re working right now, then you may need to take some time off. You can tell your boss that you’re taking a leave of absence because you’re pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.

Some people don’t necessarily understand how much time and effort has to go into one of these lawsuits. You may need to meet with your lawyer many times. The hours that you put in may vex you, but it’s all a part of the process. 

Make Sure Your Family Understands What’s Coming

The lawyer will also probably tell you that you should talk to your family as you get ready to file your lawsuit. You need to call them all in, sit down, and discuss what this action means.

You can explain to them why you are doing this. If you have younger children, then they may not necessarily understand everything you’re saying. You will need to try to convey that you’re going to do something that will disrupt the normal routine, even if they don’t comprehend all of the finer points or details.

If you have older kids, then they can probably understand what you’re telling them more. You may have to ask them to take on some more responsibilities than normal while you are pursuing this lawsuit. You may need them to help more with the housework while you’re in court or meeting with your lawyer. 

Perhaps they will need to cook for themselves after school. You may tell them that you’ll need them to cut the grass, keep the house clean, or anything else that’s within their power that will make your life easier. You can try to stress the importance of what you’re doing and ask that they support you during this difficult time.

Don’t Talk to Anyone from the Defense Without Your Lawyer Present

Your lawyer will also probably tell you not to talk to anyone from the defense if they are not present at the time. That means both talking to someone from the defense on the phone and also meeting with them in person.

If you have your lawyer present, then they can pull you aside and advise you before you say anything. That’s part of why you’re paying them. They have expertise, and they can speak for you if you like. You don’t usually have to say a word in meetings with the defendant and their legal team if you don’t want to do so.

Consider Settlement Offers Carefully

Your attorney may give you one additional piece of advice. They might tell you that if the defendant gives you a settlement offer, that you should take a little time to think it over.

Sometimes, a defendant will give you a lowball settlement offer on their lawyer’s advice. You may want to take that first offer just so this whole process can conclude. 

However, before you do so, you will probably want to take some time to consult with your lawyer, and likely your family as well. You will certainly want to talk about it with your spouse or partner, if you have one. 

Only after giving the matter the proper thought should you respond to any settlement offer.