How Can I Help My Lawyer Build a Successful Injury Claim for Me?

Contacting a personal injury law firm after being hurt in an accident is a powerful first step toward achieving a full financial recovery.

However, it’s essential to know that while your lawyer will fight hard to get you compensation, you still play an important role throughout the legal process. Whether you were hurt in a car crash, motorcycle accident, or slip and fall in Iowa, what you do—and don’t do—can make or break your case.

Knowing the right steps to take and mistakes to avoid can help your Des Moines personal injury lawyer build a stronger claim and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

Strong Communication Helps Your Lawyer Protect Your Case

Your personal injury lawyer is your trusted advocate. They represent your interests, protect your rights, and build the case and legal arguments to hold the at-fault parties accountable.

An attorney-client relationship is built on trust and confidentiality; they need to know the truth to protect and represent you. If you want to receive maximum compensation, here’s what you should do:

• Don’t Omit Details: Be upfront and honest about everything, no matter how messy it sounds. Your lawyer needs the full story to protect you, not just the parts that make you look good.
• Answer Your Lawyer Promptly: Don’t leave your lawyer waiting. When they ask for information or documents, respond quickly. Missing a deadline can delay your case or hurt your chances of a successful outcome.
• Keep Your Lawyer in the Loop: Tell them immediately if anything changes, like a new medical update or a call from the other party’s insurance. Even minor updates can impact your case, and your lawyer needs to know to protect your best interests.

Collect Evidence Early to Strengthen Your Claim

The sooner you gather proof, the stronger your case will be. If you’re safe and able, take time to document the scene right away.

Hold onto everything, and make copies, especially items like:

• Photos and videos of the accident scene
• Damaged clothes and broken belongings
• Evidence of your injuries
• Diaries and notes supporting your account of the events
• Witness statements

The more you collect early on, the more your Des Moines personal injury lawyer can focus on building a legal strategy. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of losing evidence or memories fading, weakening your chances of success.

Stick to Treatment Plans and Track Costs to Maximize Compensation

Delays in treatment can hurt your case. Insurance companies look for gaps in care or missed appointments to argue your injuries aren’t serious. Getting medical attention immediately and following your doctor’s orders shows you’re taking your recovery seriously.

• Don’t Delay or Refuse Treatment: Call 911 right away and let paramedics check you out. Don’t turn down their help; follow their advice. If they recommend seeing a doctor, go. Make your appointments, show up, and follow the treatment plan.
• Keep Track of Every Expense: Save hospital bills, prescriptions, medication receipts, gas for appointments, everything. If you need medical equipment, home care, or therapy, log those costs, too. Every detail helps establish your claim.
• Track Your Treatments: Document your recovery in a daily journal. Track your pain levels, mobility issues, and any other ways the injury disrupts your routine. These personal notes can be powerful evidence in your case.

Stay Silent Online to Avoid Hurting Your Case

The insurance company and lawyers representing the parties responsible for your injuries will look for anything they can to twist or downplay your claims.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Avoid Social Media While the Case is in Progress: Stay off social media until your case is closed. Avoid posting anything about the accident, your injuries, or your recovery. Even a casual photo or location tag can be misinterpreted to downplay your claim. When in doubt, don’t post.
• Keep Case Details Between You and Your Lawyer: Don’t share specifics with friends, family, or coworkers; anything you say could be taken out of context and passed along to the other side.
• Let Your Lawyer Handle Communications: If the other party, their insurance, or their lawyers contact you, don’t engage. Let your attorney handle it. Never sign anything or give a statement without your lawyer’s guidance. What you say can be used against you.

Get Trusted Legal Help From Experienced Des Moines Injury Lawyers

The personal injury attorneys at Mueller, Schmidt, Mulholland & Cooling have decades of experience representing Iowa residents in personal injury cases. Our firm has a proven track record, including a $10 million settlement for a semi-truck accident and a $1.6 million settlement for a collision with an SUV.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We’re ready to review your case, answer your questions, and offer the legal guidance you need to make the best decision for your situation.