5 Proactive Moves to Help Your Own Personal Injury Case

Have you been injured by the actions or negligence of someone else? If so, you may need to pursue a personal injury case to receive needed compensation. The legal process of getting the damages you deserve is often alien and intimidating for many people who aren't familiar with it.

But you can take more control over your case by doing a few proactive things to help it be successful. Here are some of these steps that anyone can take. 

1. Document as Much as Possible

Be your own advocate by documenting as much as you can starting with the incident itself. Take many photos from multiple angles. Collect contact information from anyone who might be a witness. Write down your recollections, perhaps even keeping a journal. You might even ask to record conversations to help you and your eventual attorney determine how to move forward with the case later. 

After the accident, document all conversations or appointments regarding your injuries. Keep copies of any expenses in an organized location. And keep a calendar detailing travel connected to the incident. 

2. Hire a Qualified Attorney

To see success in either a personal injury claim or a case, you will need to face up against vast insurance companies and their lawyers. Help yourself by hiring an experienced injury attorney as your ally.

Personal injury specialists know how to build a solid case that's compelling either in negotiations or in front of a judge. They can also help assess the value of your claim and identify factors — like addressing mental health concerns — that may affect the case. 

3. Seek Medical Care and Follow Up

Seeking the right medical care after an accident protects your health and wellbeing. But it's also important for your case. Get immediate treatment even if you aren't sure you are injured. Some injuries may not show up right away. But if you delay the identification of injuries, it will damage your ability to make a compelling case. 

Once you do seek treatment, follow up with all recommendations by medical providers. This includes making and keeping appointments, filling prescriptions, scheduling follow-ups and tests, and doing at-home exercises or activities as prescribed.

4. Avoid Making Statements

Anything you say or do can be used against you in an injury case. So protect yourself by avoiding anything that could be misconstrued or used by the opposing attorneys. Don't admit fault for the accident before consulting with your attorney. Stay off social media and ask your friends not to make references to you. And never sign documents from the insurance carrier or their representatives without legal advice. 

5. Be Honest About Injuries

Practice honesty about your injuries and any other consequences of your accident. First and foremost, this means you shouldn't downplay your injuries or fail to get the medical treatment needed — even if you don't like doctors or are nervous about going to the hospital. You should also be honest with your attorney and follow their recommendations. 

In addition to not downplaying what happened, you should also avoid exaggerating any injury. Remember that attorneys can access records, interview witnesses, and assess almost as much evidence as you can relating to your case. If anything deviates from how you present your injuries, your case may suffer. 

As you put into practice these proactive steps following an accident, you will strengthen your case and protect yourself. Want to know more things you can do to help yourself during this difficult time? Make an appointment with the legal team at Walsh & Associates, PC, today. Together, we can build a strong case and get you the compensation you need to fully recover.