How To Make Your Case Successful
10 Tips for a Successful Car, Truck, Motorcycle, or Premises Liability Case
Hi, I’m Marc Shuman from Shuman Legal. If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be wondering what steps to take to ensure your case is successful. Here are 10 essential tips to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your car, truck, motorcycle, or premises liability case.
Tip #1: Get Medical Attention and Stick to Your Appointments
If you’re hurt, don’t delay seeking medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor at first. Many injuries, like whiplash or internal damage, may not show symptoms immediately but can worsen over time. Consistently attending all follow-up appointments is critical not only for your recovery but also for your case. From the insurance company’s perspective, if you’re genuinely injured, you’ll follow through with treatment. Missing appointments can create gaps in your medical record, which could cause the insurance company to undervalue or deny your claim. Prioritize your health and stick to your treatment plan.
Tip #2: Be Honest About Your Pain
You might feel the urge to downplay your injuries, but this can work against you. Always communicate openly with your doctors about your symptoms, no matter how small they may seem. Mention all your pain, limitations, and discomfort, as this helps ensure you receive the proper treatment and that your injuries are documented. Remember, the medical record created by your doctor is one of the strongest pieces of evidence in your case. If your pain or limitations aren’t documented, it’s like they don’t exist. Being truthful about your condition will help protect your health and your case.
Tip #3: Never Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Adjuster
Insurance adjusters may seem sympathetic or friendly, but their primary goal is to save money for their company. They often try to get you to say something that could be taken out of context and used to minimize or deny your claim. Never give a recorded statement or discuss details of the accident with an adjuster without first consulting your attorney. Even casual comments like, “I feel fine today,” can be misinterpreted as proof that your injuries aren’t serious. Let your attorney handle these communications to protect your interests.
Tip #4: Take Pictures of Everything
Visual evidence is one of the most powerful tools in a personal injury case. After the accident, take photos of everything you can—damage to vehicles, the accident scene, road conditions, weather, and any visible injuries. If you’re unable to do this yourself, ask someone else to help. Over time, things like bruises fade, and accident scenes change. By capturing these details immediately, you create a snapshot of what happened and how it impacted you. These photos can make a significant difference when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.
Tip #5: Keep Track of Your Expenses
Accidents come with more costs than just medical bills. In addition to doctor visits and prescriptions, you may face expenses for transportation, childcare, or even replacing personal items damaged in the accident. Keep track of everything, including lost wages from missed work. Maintaining a detailed record of these costs not only helps you stay organized but also ensures that every expense is accounted for when negotiating your settlement. Without documentation, it’s challenging to recover these costs later.
Tip #6: Avoid Posting on Social Media
In today’s world, sharing life updates on social media feels natural, but during a personal injury case, it’s best to keep things private. Insurance companies often monitor claimants’ social media accounts for evidence that contradicts their claims. Even an innocent photo of you smiling at a family gathering could be misinterpreted as proof that you’re not in pain. To avoid any misunderstandings, refrain from posting about your accident, injuries, or daily activities until your case is resolved. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Tip #7: Keep a Pain Diary
A pain diary is a simple yet effective way to document how your injuries affect your daily life. Take a few minutes each day to write down your pain levels, any challenges you face, and activities you can’t do anymore. For example, if you struggle to lift heavy items, sleep comfortably, or enjoy hobbies like running or gardening, include those details. These personal accounts help illustrate the impact of your injuries beyond what medical records show. The more specific you are, the stronger your case will be.
Tip #8: Be Transparent with Your Attorney
Your attorney is your advocate, and the success of your case depends on open and honest communication. Share all relevant details about your accident, injuries, and even pre-existing conditions. If you leave something out or misrepresent the facts, it could damage your credibility and hurt your case. Your lawyer’s job is to work with the truth to build the strongest case possible. Trust them to handle the information appropriately and guide you through the process.
Tip #9: Trust the Process
Personal injury cases take time, and it’s important to be patient. At Shuman Legal, we have decades of experience and know how to navigate the system efficiently. Most of our cases settle without going to trial because we prepare thoroughly from the start. However, if going to court is necessary, we are more than ready to fight for you. Trust that we are working diligently behind the scenes to secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Tip #10: Be Patient
Every personal injury case is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring you’ve completed your medical treatment all take time. While it may feel frustrating to wait, rushing the process could result in a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your needs. Focus on your recovery, trust your legal team, and know that we’re working to secure the compensation you deserve.
By following these tips, you can help maximize the value of your case and achieve the best possible outcome. If you have questions or need assistance, give us a call at Shuman Legal. We offer free consultations and are here to help you every step of the way.
