7 Useful Steps to Take During Your Personal Injury Case

When you’re navigating a personal injury claim, the process can feel overwhelming. Knowing what steps to take during your case can make a significant difference in the outcome. 

At Morgan & Morgan, we’re committed to helping our clients through every stage of their legal journey. Below are seven useful steps to take to ensure the best possible result for your case.

One: Go to the Doctor and Stick to Your Treatments

If your case involves an injury or illness, your health should be your top priority. For this reason, make sure you attend all of your medical appointments. 

There’s another strategic reason to follow through on your medical treatment. Medical documentation can serve as evidence to demonstrate the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life. 

Plus, failing to show up to an appointment can signal to the insurance company and the opposing legal team that you’re not taking your recovery seriously. They may conclude that your injury is not as severe as you claim it to be. Ignoring professional medical advice relative to your recovery can send the same message.

It’s also important to tell your doctor about all of your symptoms. The doctor might not always ask the right questions, so don’t hesitate to ask questions of your own and share any information that might be pertinent.

Two: Have a Lawyer and Follow Their Advice

Here’s a statistic you might not know: people who hire an attorney to handle their car accident case generally recover up to three times as much compensation as people who go it alone. 

The concept holds true across practice areas—hiring an attorney offers you your best chance to recover full and fair compensation. If you believe you may have a case, you owe it to yourself to contact a lawyer right away. At Morgan & Morgan, we’ll fight diligently to secure compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. There are no upfront costs to get started, and we get paid only if you win. 

Working with an experienced attorney is a no-brainer, but following their legal advice is just as important. At Morgan & Morgan, our attorneys provide expert guidance tailored to each client’s specific situation.

• Be honest and open with your attorney about all details of your case. Ask lots of questions and give thorough answers to theirs.
• Avoid discussing your case with others, including on social media, without your lawyer’s approval.
• Respond promptly to your attorney’s requests for documents, information, or updates.

By trusting your attorney’s expertise, you can avoid common legal pitfalls and improve your chances of a successful case resolution.

Three: Watch Out for Insurance Companies and Opposing Parties

Insurance companies and opposing parties may try to minimize your claim or use statements against you. Be careful when dealing with them and avoid making statements that could be misinterpreted.

• Do Not Accept Early Settlement Offers: Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements to close cases quickly. Consult with your attorney before accepting any offers.
• Limit Communication: Let your attorney handle most communication with the opposing side.
• Do Not Provide Recorded Statements Without Legal Advice: Insurers may ask for a recorded statement that could be used to reduce your compensation.
• Rely on Your Attorney: A Morgan & Morgan lawyer can handle all negotiations to prevent any missteps.

By proceeding cautiously, you protect your rights and prevent potential setbacks in your case.

Four: Share Everything With Your Lawyer and Very Little With Anyone Else (No Social Media)

Your lawyer is your legal advocate, and the more they know, the more they can help you. When it comes to everyone else, however, the more they know, the more they can hurt your case and your chances at the full and fair compensation you deserve.

This includes the insurance companies mentioned before, but it also means staying off social media regarding details of your case.

Defense lawyers and claims adjusters will look for posts and images that depict your case as less serious than it really is. It’s important to know that anything you post to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other platforms can be used out of context, even if your profile is set to private.

Five: Keep Your Receipts

Legal cases often involve financial losses, whether from medical bills, lost wages, or other related costs. Keeping detailed records of your expenses can help ensure you receive fair compensation.

• Medical Costs: Include hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, and therapy expenses.
• Lost Wages: Document any time missed from work and how it has impacted your earnings.
• Property Damage: If your case involves vehicle damage or other property loss, keep repair estimates and receipts.
• Other Expenses: This could include transportation costs to medical appointments, assistive devices, or home modifications due to injury.

Your attorney can use this documentation to calculate a fair settlement amount or present a compelling argument in court.

Six: Stay Patient and Persistent

Legal cases take time, and it’s important to remain patient throughout the process. Whether negotiating a settlement or going to trial, the legal system moves at its own pace.

• Avoid Rushing to Settle: Quick settlements may not fully compensate you for your damages.
• Understand That Delays Happen: Court schedules, negotiations, and legal procedures can take longer than expected.
• Continue to Document Your Case: Keep records of ongoing medical treatments, additional expenses, and any developments in your situation.

Remaining patient and committed to the process increases the likelihood of securing the best possible outcome.

Seven: Prepare for Trial, Even If a Settlement Is Likely

Most cases settle out of court, but preparing for trial strengthens your position and ensures you are ready if negotiations fail.

• Review Your Case with Your Attorney: Go over evidence, witness testimonies, and possible legal arguments.
• Practice for Testimony: If you need to testify, practice answering potential questions clearly and confidently.
• Understand the Court Process: Familiarizing yourself with what to expect can reduce anxiety and help you stay focused.

Even if your case settles, being prepared for trial can lead to better settlement terms and a more favorable resolution.

Morgan & Morgan Can Help You With These Steps

Navigating a legal case can be challenging, but by following these seven steps, you can strengthen your position and maximize your chances of success. At Morgan & Morgan, we are dedicated to fighting for the rights of our clients and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one need legal assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help guide you through the legal process every step of the way. Hiring one of our lawyers is easy, and you can get started in minutes with a free case evaluation.