Even the most skilled lawyer can’t work miracles alone. Just like Batman needs Robin, your lawyer needs you, the informed and engaged client, on their side. By working together as a team, you can maximize your chances of getting the best possible outcome.
Lawyers are always searching for ideal clients, people who are organized, communicative, and trust their expertise. We’ll show you exactly what you can do to make your lawyer’s job easier and put yourselves in the best position to win.
But before we get started, if you haven’t already found a legal representative, find a personal injury lawyer in your area who can fight for you.
Attend all Your Doctor’s Appointments
This might seem obvious, but showing up to all your doctor’s appointments is super important. These visits create a record of your injuries, treatment, and how you’re healing.
Your lawyer can use the reports from all these appointments as evidence during the case. With these files, they can show the judge, jury, and even the insurance company how hurt you are and the extent of damage the accident has caused to other aspects of your health.
Skipping appointments leaves holes in this record, which could hurt your case.
Also, going to all your appointments shows the insurance company and your lawyer that you’re serious about getting better.
Keep No Secrets
During a personal injury case, your lawyer becomes your biggest ally. But just like any strong defense relies on a solid foundation, your lawyer can only build the best case possible if they have the whole story.
Don’t hold back any details about the accident, no matter how minor they may seem. This includes everything you can remember, from the moments leading up to the incident to the immediate aftermath.
Be specific about what happened, how you were injured, and the actions of anyone involved. Even seemingly trivial information can be important to building a stronger argument.
If you’ve suffered any prior injuries, even if they seem unrelated, tell your lawyer. This helps them understand the extent of your current pain and limitations. It also prevents any surprises from the other side that could weaken your case.
Also, your old legal history, whether it’s lawsuits or settlements, should not be relegated to the background. Be upfront about it. While it might not seem relevant, it could come up later and damage your credibility if you don’t disclose it now.
Provide all Necessary and Required Documents
Your lawyer will need some documents to help your case. This could be stuff like police reports, witness statements, medical bills, prescriptions, x-rays, basically, anything related to your injuries.
By being proactive and collecting these things yourself, you save your lawyer’s time and keep the whole process moving forward smoothly.
Trust the Process and Be Patient
Personal injury cases don’t happen overnight. There will be times of waiting, paperwork flying around, and negotiating settlements with the insurance company.
This is why it is important that you hire a lawyer who you can trust. This way, you have a full guarantee that they are following due process and not sleeping on your case.
Do not bug them for a super-fast resolution, especially when it’s obvious they are following due process and doing all that they can. Investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurance companies can take time. Your lawyer will keep you updated on important matters, but remember, your priority right now is getting better.
Don’t Play Blame Games
Clients who are upset about their injury case typically blame their lawyer, but that’s not always fair. There are times when the lawyer messes up, times when it’s the client’s fault, and times when it’s just a bad case. Don’t shoot the messenger if your lawyer gives you bad news, it won’t help.
Some lawyers might wish for a client who never asks questions, but that’s not good for you. It’s okay to ask questions, especially if you think something’s wrong. This is your case, after all. You deserve to know what’s going on. While it is your right to exercise, do your best to not become overbearing.
