There are two common and critical mistakes you need to avoid if you are ever in an accident in Wichita Falls and suffer
injuries. These mistakes, however innocent they may be, occur when you are discussing your injuries with your medical provider and/or with your lawyer, including any past or ongoing medical issues you may have.
These mistakes can be avoided if you simply follow the tips we have listed below. But if these tips are overlooked and you end up making these mistakes, you risk ruining your personal injury case and your right to receive compensation for your injuries.
Do Not Hide Prior Injuries and Do Not Exaggerate
The biggest rule is simple – be honest. Tell the truth about your injurie, both past and present. Do not hide past injuries and do not exaggerate your current ones. Some people think they can increase their settlement amount if they hide prior injuries or if they exaggerate their current ones, and that is simply not the case. In fact, it could have the opposite effect. Whenever you make a claim with an insurance company, you may have to provide them medical records to prove your injuries. And when you bring a lawsuit, your medical history becomes an open book and the insurance company and their lawyers will be able to access and review your medical records that are associated with the accident. They conduct thorough investigations into your life.
If there are medical records or any other evidence that conflicts with your testimony regarding your injuries or your past medical history, the insurance company will use that to destroy your case and your credibility. And when it comes to your lawyer, they can’t help you to their full extent if they don’t have all the necessary information, so it is important to be completely up front and honest early on. They need this information from the start so they can honestly evaluate your case and create a plan for how to best move forward.
Minimizing Your Injuries or Failing to Report Pain or Symptoms
On the flip side of not exaggerating or hiding past injuries is not downplaying them. Some people are tough, have a higher pain tolerance, and can deal with injuries better than others. But a common mistake people make is failing to report to their doctor anytime they have any pain or symptoms no matter how small.
Doctors’ visits usually go the same way starting with a series of questions about your issues. While it may feel routine and unimportant, it may be one of the most important parts of your visit. You should be sure to give these answers serious thought and answer in a way that is accurate.
When the doctor finally gets into the room and asks how you are doing, be honest. While saying, “I’m doing fine. How are you?” seem innocent, this simple statement may be documented in your medical records as you being okay. Be aware of this and be very cautious about any information you provide to the doctor.
Additionally, be careful when describing your injuries and your pain. Be sure to describe them completely and with detail. Do not leave out anything. Tell your doctor every area of pain that you have from the accident. If one area hurts way more than the others, you may be inclined to just focus on that, but you should be sure to cover all areas and not leave any out.
So, in conclusion, don’t exaggerate your current injuries, but don’t downplay them either. Be open and honest and use detail when talking with your doctor about the injuries you sustained in your accident.
Our Wichita Falls Accident Lawyer Can Help
The tips listed above and just a few of many steps you need to take in order to protect your legal rights to recover after a car accident, or any other type of accident in Wichita Falls. Check out are article on the 10 ways to maximize your car accident claim in Wichita Falls.
For more information, download our free book, The Traveler’s Guide to the Universe of Personal Injury. If you or anyone you know has been injured in an accident in Wichita Falls, you can schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation with us by contact us at 940-569-4000 or filling out the contact form on our website. We would be happy to hear about your situation, give you a free evaluation of your case, and offer you some helpful advice going forward.