It’s important to get compensation after an injury-causing accident that wasn’t your fault to pay for your medical bills and replace your lost wages. And when it comes to getting full compensation, there’s no better option than hiring an experienced Oklahoma personal injury attorney.
If you’ve already hired a lawyer to build your claim, you may be wondering what happens next. While it’s true that your lawyer will handle virtually all of the paperwork, evidence gathering, and legal processes involved in your claim, there are still a few things you can do to assist them while you wait for your claim to finalize or go to trial.
Attend all of your doctor’s appointments.
Your health should always be your top priority. Seek immediate medical attention and follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and rehabilitation all the way from initial treatment until you are given a clean bill of health. Keep a detailed record of all medical expenses, prescriptions, and doctor’s appointments, as this documentation will play a crucial role in proving the extent of your injuries and the associated costs. Do not skip appointments or decide not to pick up prescribed medications, as this can used as evidence against you in your claim regarding the seriousness of your injuries.
Communicate with your lawyer regularly.
Open and regular communication with your personal injury lawyer is essential. Keep them informed about any new developments in your case, including changes in your medical condition, financial losses, or any contact with the other party’s insurance company. Your lawyer will guide you on what information to share and what not to disclose.
Provide detailed information and facts when requested.
Be thorough when discussing the accident and your injury with your lawyer. Provide a detailed account of what happened, any witnesses present, and any relevant conversations or statements made by the at-fault party. Most importantly, always be honest and factual, and never exaggerate, downplay, or lie about what happened. Being open and truthful with your lawyer is crucial for building your case.
Preserve evidence of your injury and its effect on you.
Your lawyer will know how and where to collect many important pieces of evidence related to your injury, but some of it may be in your possession. If you have any evidence related to your case, such as photographs or videos taken at the scene, or any accident-related documents, such as hospital bills, provide them to your lawyer. These pieces of evidence can significantly bolster your case and help establish liability.
Document your recovery.
Keep a personal journal or diary to record your pain levels, emotional struggles, and any limitations you experience due to your injuries. Cite specific examples of the challenges your recovery poses, including setbacks and enjoyable activities that have become off-limits to you. This can provide valuable insight to jurors into the impact of your injuries on your daily life.
Avoid social media until your case finalizes.
Avoid discussing your case or your injuries on social media platforms. Ideally, you should set your social media accounts to private and only allow trusted friends or family members to view them. For even better security, consider deactivating them temporarily while you wait for your claim to finalize. Insurance companies and opposing parties often monitor social media profiles for information they can use against you.
Stay organized.
Keep all your legal documents, medical records, bills, and correspondence related to your case well-organized. Store them in a secure and easily remembered location, such as a safe or filing cabinet. Being able to quickly and easily retrieve important documents makes it easier for your lawyer to access and reference important information.
Discuss settlement and/or trial options.
If the opportunity for a settlement arises, discuss your preferences and priorities with your lawyer. They can help you determine an amount of money that’s both realistic for your injury and sufficient to cover your current and future accident-related expenses. If you and your lawyer can’t get the at-fault party or their insurer to agree to pay a fair settlement, you may need to discuss the possibility of escalating your case to trial.
Focus on your recovery.
Above all else, your priority should be recovering physically and emotionally as much as possible from your injury. In addition to attending all your doctor’s appointments, recovery also requires plenty of rest and trying to keep your stress levels as low as possible. Having a lawyer on your side can make recovery easier, as it can give you peace of mind knowing that your claim is in experienced and dedicated hands.
Contact Our Oklahoma Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Case Review
If you haven’t contacted a lawyer yet—or you’re considering switching attorneys—after a serious injury, we want you to know that our legal team is here for you during this difficult time of your life. When you contact our Oklahoma personal injury attorneys, we’ll review the facts of what happened and let you know your best options for getting compensation and moving forward with your life.
At Parrish DeVaughn, there’s nothing more important to us than our clients’ physical, financial, and emotional recoveries. Contact us anytime for a free consultation, and remember—our No Fee Guarantee® means you’ll never see a bill from us unless we get money for you.
