Law Firm
If you were hurt in an accident caused by someone else, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. One of your next steps should be to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer about your case. A lawyer can thoroughly investigate your claim and give you sound legal advice. In order for your lawyer to do his or her best, you must provide him or her with the right information. Here are a few important things to discuss with your lawyer.
You Have a Pre-Existing Injury
If you were previously injured in the same area where you were recently injured, your personal injury lawyer needs to know about it. Just because you have a pre-existing injury, does not mean that you are not eligible for compensation. However, the defendant’s insurance company may attempt to devalue your claim if they find this information out. If you tell your lawyer about your pre-existing injury from the very beginning, he or she will have plenty of time to obtain old medical records and point out differences between your old and new injuries.
You Have Filed for Bankruptcy
While it might not seem important at first to tell your personal injury lawyer about your bankruptcy, it definitely is. If you file for bankruptcy in the middle of your personal injury case, your settlement may become part of your estate and your creditors could take it to pay your debts. Your personal injury lawyer can work alongside your bankruptcy lawyer to help you keep at least a portion of your settlement.
You Have a Criminal Record
If you have any misdemeanors or felonies on your record, inform your personal injury lawyer right away. Having a criminal record likely will not prevent you from achieving a successful outcome in your injury case, but you must be honest about it. Your lawyer will then be able to prepare you for questions the other side may ask you.
You Have Sustained Another Injury
If you have unfortunately suffered an additional injury since your accident, tell your personal injury lawyer immediately. The defendant’s insurance company may try to argue that you are seeking compensation for damages not sustained during your accident.
If you want to file a personal injury claim, contact a reputable law firm, like Brown Kiely, LLP, to discuss your case.