Gregg A. Stone Personal Injury Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Obtaining the best possible compensation for your accident injury case is clearly in your interest and in the interest of the accident law firm representing you. However, at times people make mistakes that jeopardize their court case. It is essential to avoid common injury lawsuit mistakes.

Avoid the following mistakes that can jeopardize your court case, or work significantly against your best interests:

Waiting too long to engage a personal injury lawyer – Quickly getting the services of an accident lawyer in Newark is quite important toward the outcome of your case. They can guide you in the correct actions to take, and the actions not to take. They can help you gather the evidence you need, and begin the necessary investigative/fact gathering work right away. Delaying can only hurt your chances.

Not seeking medical attention promptly – when you have been injured in a personal injury lawsuit, make sure to seek and receive the medical attention you need as promptly as possible. You will be convincing the court of the need for compensation for your injuries. If you do not show that you are actively and speedily pursuing treatment, you are indicating that you really do not need that attention and compensation as urgently as you present.

Not following medical recommendations – When you don’t follow the recommendations you received from medical personnel, the insurance companies or lawyers for the negligent party can claim that you are at fault for failing to mitigate your damages and can lessen the compensation offer.

Giving statements to insurance companies without legal assistance – Insurance companies work to protect their clients. You are not in their first interest. They will try their best to limit or lessen the compensation in your personal injury lawsuit. Admitting guilt to an insurance company, or telling them you were not seriously injured, or presenting other details that may not be beneficial to you will ultimately not be helpful to you. Dealing with an insurance company through your lawyer is the recommended methodology.

Hiding information from your lawyer – In order for your personal injury lawyer to best represent you in your case, he or she must be fully informed of the situation of your case. Information that comes out during the lawsuit that he or she is unaware of can certainly be harmful to your case. Similarly, the lawyer will want to be as prepared as possible to respond to any issues that arise. Do tell your lawyer in advance regarding past accidents, past injuries, or other relevant issues.

Misrepresenting your physical issues – when you are in a personal injury lawsuit, one of the major “lawsuit dos and don’ts” involves misrepresenting the extent of your injuries. Do not claim that you are no longer able to work if indeed you are able to work. Do not claim you are more seriously injured than you really are. Misrepresentations of this kind will most certainly be found out and will jeopardize your court case.

Courtroom behavior – When you are in court for a personal injury lawsuit, you will want to make an appropriate impression. Do not give cause to have anything considered negatively; present yourself well. Be on time. Make sure your appearance in court is respectful, be dressed conservatively, appropriately, like for a job interview or religious service. Do not chew gum or candy. Be respectful of the judge and of the process. Impressions and proper courtroom behavior count in enabling success.

Brought to you by the Newark injury law firm of Kirsch, Gelband & Stone, P.A., 17 Academy Street, Suite 707 Newark, NJ 07102.