Understanding Personal Injury Law

Three Examples Of The Consequences Of Lying To Your Injury Lawyer

28 July 2015

Kristina Walker

If you have engaged the services of a personal injury lawyer, then you should never lie to him or her on matters concerning your case. Apart from answering his or her questions honestly, you should even go the extra mile and volunteer anything you might think is relevant. Lying or omitting crucial information can be damaging to your case, as can be shown by these three examples:

Lying About Prior or Past Injuries

Suppose you slip and fall in your driveway and sustain a few injuries. Three days later, your car is hit from behind and you sustain further injuries. Although it may look like a perfect opportunity to get compensation for all your injuries, you should not succumb to the temptation.

Tell your attorney about the proviso fall so that he or she can prepare for it when the issue comes up for discussion with the opposing counsel. Don't forget that the other lawyers may try to reduce your claim by attributing most or all of your injuries to the previous fall.

If your defense team doesn't have the information, then it cannot prepare for it. This may derail your case if the insurance company learns of it in another way, and they usually carry out thorough background searches on accident victims. This advice also applies if you sustain further injuries after your accident.

You Have Filed For Bankruptcy

There is a link between your bankruptcy and your personal injury case that you cannot escape. Depending on how much money you receive is your injury award, it may be considered part of your estate. If that happens, then part or all of the money may be paid to your creditors to settle your debts.

However, if you inform your attorney about your bankruptcy, then he or she may know what to do to save you at least part of the money. For example, he or she may claim itemize your damages and have them treated differently. This is significant because some injury reparations may be taken to settle debts while others, such as those for pain and suffering, may be exempt.

You Have a Criminal History

Your criminal history may have a direct or indirect impact on your case. Consider an example where you have been convicted of crimes of dishonesty such as identity theft. The defendant may use this to argue that you are generally a dishonest person and may be lying about your current injuries. Even other crimes may have an indirect impact, for example, by reducing your "likability." Informing your attorney about your criminal past, therefore, helps him or her to prepare the necessary countermeasures.

These are just three examples of why it's important to be candid with your lawyer. Don't forget that the attorney is there to help you win your case, but not to condemn or judge you. Therefore, lying to him or her just hurts you for nothing. For more information, contact a professional like Welsh & Welsh PC LLO.

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