Why You Need to Be Honest with Your Attorney
Honesty is a crucial element in building a strong personal injury case. Your attorney’s ability to secure the full and fair compensation you deserve depends on having all the facts, even those you might feel hesitant to share.
Optimally, you will connect with a reputable Nashville personal injury lawyer early in the recovery process. Be as honest as possible as soon as possible, because while it’s natural to worry that certain details, like a decision to delay seeing a doctor, may weaken your claim, keeping this information from your lawyer could do far more harm than good.
What You Should Share with Your Attorney
To ensure your attorney can fully advocate for you, be open about:
- Preexisting conditions. If you had any prior injuries or medical conditions, disclose them. This doesn’t mean you won’t be compensated for new injuries, but your attorney needs to know so they can distinguish between old and new harm.
- Delays in treatment. It’s important to let your lawyer know if you waited days or weeks before seeing a doctor. They can address this proactively and explain any valid reasons for the delay, such as symptoms appearing later or financial constraints.
- Accident details. Be truthful about how the accident happened, even if you think you might share some responsibility. In Tennessee, the modified comparative fault rule allows you to recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault.
- Prior legal actions. If you’ve been involved in other injury claims or lawsuits, disclose this to your attorney so they aren’t caught off guard during negotiations or in court.
- Post-accident communications. Share if you’ve spoken to the other party, posted on social media about the incident, or given a statement to an insurance adjuster.
It’s tempting to omit information you think could hurt your claim, but honesty allows your attorney to prepare for pushback. After all, insurance companies and opposing attorneys are skilled at uncovering details you’d rather keep hidden. When you’re upfront, your lawyer can anticipate their arguments and craft a strategy to counteract them.
With a full picture of the claim, your attorney can clarify misunderstandings. With the right explanation, potential areas of weakness don’t have to derail your case. Your lawyer can provide context that helps an adjuster understand your situation.
The Attorney-Client Privilege
Remember, anything you share with your attorney is protected by attorney-client privilege. This means they cannot disclose your information without your permission, giving you a safe space to be completely transparent.
Partnering with a Nashville personal injury lawyer means you have a professional guiding you toward an optimal outcome, but in order for them to do their job they need to know all the facts. By being honest, you’re empowering your lawyer to address potential challenges head-on and build a stronger case.
What information are you withholding? If you’ve been injured in Nashville and need legal representation, have a conversation with the trustworthy attorneys at Calhoun Law, PLC. After an honest discussion, your lawyer can walk you through the next steps. Schedule your confidential consultation today.
