When an event occurs in your life causing damage to your property and your health, you may need to file a lawsuit. The bills can pile up, and if you aren’t in a financial position to pay for medical care, replace what was damaged or stay out of work while you recover, you may need help, and fast. A personal injury attorney can help you file a lawsuit against the person or organization responsible for the incident that caused the damage. However, during a trial, there are certain things you need to understand about insurance companies. Take these steps to give yourself the shot at the best possible outcome for your case.
Stay Away From Social Media
After you file a lawsuit, the defendant will start gathering information on you in an attempt to discredit your claim or downplay the seriousness of it. One of the ways they will do this is by trolling through social media sites until they find you. While some elements of your accounts may be private, others, like profile pictures, are available for public viewing. Thus, make sure you have locked down your account in advance and sanitize photos to the best of your ability. Since they will be actively looking to dig up dirt, stay away from any new posts during the length of the litigation. You may want to deactivate your accounts. Evidence of your movements can be used against you. Therefore, avoid sharing your life online for a while.
Know You May Be Followed
Surveillance is another way insurance companies and defendants attempt to discredit your case. Investigators spend large amounts of time outside your residence, hoping to catch a glimpse of you doing physical activities you swear you cannot do. They will follow you to the store, doctors appointments and to pick up your kids from school. They may mill about the neighborhood on foot, talking to neighbors about your activities and patterns. They take pictures and video – all of which are admissible. Sometimes they turn this evidence over to the doctors examining you for the case. All of this is entirely legal and while you may believe you shook a tail once or twice, know that they rarely stop after just one attempt to catch you. It is best to stay alert and not engage in any activities that may raise the eyebrows of a judge and jury.
Being aware of the type of investigation you may be subjected after your lawsuit is filed can help you know what kind of activities you should refrain from doing. Take care to avoid social media posts during the length of your suit. Engaging a personal injury attorney can help you get the financial award you deserve.