Checklist of Information You will Need to Help Your El Paso Personal Injury Lawyer Start Your Accident Claim.
When you are injured, you may file a personal injury claim to receive compensation for your injuries and damages. You may need to hire a personal injury lawyer to obtain the best possible outcome for the case. However, you may wonder what information the lawyer will need from you. The information the lawyer will ask from you will depend on your specific injury, the accident’s nature, and the damages or injuries you suffered due to the accident.
If you are confused about what information you should have before meeting up with your personal injury lawyer, read on to find out more. You can use the points illustrated in this article as a checklist of information you will need to help your El Paso personal injury lawyer start your accident claim.
Pre-Existing Injuries or Medical Conditions
Your personal injury lawyer may need to know if you have any pre-existing injuries on the same body part that you recently got injured on and are seeking compensation for. Insurance companies always do background checks on accident victims to try to reduce or deny compensation. They may argue that what you claim for the case results from a previous unrelated injury or pre-existing medical condition.
You need to inform your attorney about any previous injuries or medical conditions so that they determine how to develop a robust strategy to support your case. You can still receive compensation if the accident you are seeing compensation for aggravated a prior injury you had not recovered from.
Additional Injuries
Your attorney will also need to know if you have suffered any additional injuries since your accident. This is because the defense attorney may claim you seek compensation for damages not sustained in the accident. When your attorney is aware of your recent injuries, they can dispute the defense lawyer and demonstrate that you are only pursuing a claim for damages sustained in the accident.
Details About the Accident
The accident is why you are seeking compensation after all, right? Your personal injury lawyer will need as many details about the accident as possible. This may include:
- What you were doing before the accident
- What happened
- The accident date
- If you were in any way responsible for the accident
- Any witness information
- Details of others involved in the accident
It is essential to be truthful with your lawyer. Remember that all consultations with them are confidential. The more honest you are, the better for your lawyer, as this helps them develop a strategy that can achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
If You Sought Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention is crucial following an accident. Medical records are a gem for linking your injuries to the accident, and a report for the doctor can be substantial case evidence. Your lawyer will need to know if you did see a doctor, as this can help them obtain your medical records to support your case.
Any Missed Wages
Another crucial piece of information that your lawyer will require from you is the dates that you missed work due to the accident, if any, and the income you earn. This will help them to calculate wages missed when seeking compensation for lost income.
If You Have or Planning to File for Bankruptcy
Filing for bankruptcy is deemed embarrassing, and many people shy away from sharing such information. However, you must inform your lawyer if you have filed for bankruptcy or plan to do so. This is because your creditors may take the settlement amount you receive to pay off your debts. By disclosing your bankruptcy status, your lawyer can work with the bankruptcy attorney to secure a portion of the settlement to cover your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages from the accident.
People You Have Talked to About Your Accident
Your personal injury lawyer will also need to know if you have talked to other people about your injuries and the accident. This includes any contact with the insurance company’s insurance adjuster. If you have spoken with an insurance adjuster after the accident, you need to inform your lawyer what you told them and what the adjuster said. Reviewing this information while making notes about everything is best to ensure you remember all details when speaking with your lawyer. This will avoid guesswork and help your lawyer build a strong case for a favorable outcome.
Our El Paso, Texas Personal Injury Can Help You
If you have been involved in an accident, hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is wise. They can guide you throughout the entire process and negotiate on your behalf. Our qualified El Paso, Texas, personal injury lawyers at the Ruhmann Law Firm can represent you and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us at 915-910-5600 or online to schedule a free consultation today.