When you’re hurt in an accident and it’s not your fault, hiring a personal injury attorney is the most important thing you need to do to have the best chance at earning a settlement for the damages you’ve suffered. However, to ensure that your attorney delivers their best work, you have some responsibilities as well.
Communication is essential to the relationship between an attorney and their client. It’s vitally important never to hold anything back. Otherwise, surprises could come up during the negotiation process that could skew your chances. Discover what important things you need to make sure you share with your San Francisco personal injury attorney, so you can get the maximum settlement possible.
1. A Criminal Record
If you have any criminal record or charges in your background, let your attorney know right away. These things are going to come out in a background check anyway. Telling your attorney can help them establish a strategy for dealing with them if it comes up during the claim.
2. Any Prior Illness or Injuries
If the defendant can argue that you’re suing for aggravation of an existing illness or injury, it can skew your case. That’s why it’s vital to inform your attorney if you have any prior illnesses or injuries that could be used in this way.
3. Divorce Proceedings
If you’re in the middle of a divorce, you need to let your San Francisco personal injury attorney know. Particularly, if your divorce is contested, the defendant can use your spouse’s negative feelings against you. This can damage your claim by making you seem less sympathetic.
4. Bankruptcy Filings
If you’ve filed bankruptcy, this can also put a serious damper on your case. The defense can use this to undermine your claim, claiming it’s frivolous. Alternatively, if you do get the settlement, it could be added to your bankruptcy estate, meaning you won’t see the money. As such, it’s important for your attorney to develop the right strategy when it comes to cases involving a bankruptcy claim.
5. Tax Problems
If you’ve got tax problems, this could affect your settlement in major ways. It may not actually skew the case to get your settlement, but the government can immediately attach some or all of it to cover what you owe. If you’re seeking to recover lost wages, it’s almost impossible if you’re facing a tax problem.
6. Medicare and Medicaid Coverage
If your insurance has already covered your medical bills (or are currently covering them), this will change the whole tenor of the case. Be sure to provide any and all documents to your attorney so that they know where you stand, and can modify their approach accordingly.
Work with Your San Francisco Personal Injury Attorney
Your San Francisco personal injury attorney can help you get compensation for your injury, including pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages and future compensation, emotional damages, damage to your quality of life and more. However, open communication is essential. Keep them informed of everything they need to know up front, and you’ll have the best chance possible.
For help about your injury case, contact the Gruber Law Group for a free consultation today.
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