If you were involved in an accident and are now dealing with a personal injury case, your attorney will likely become one of the most important people in your life until the case is resolved. Depending on the details of your situation, you may feel inclined to withhold certain information, and you may be wondering how honest you should really be with your injury lawyer. The answer is you should be totally and completely honest with your attorney. To learn more, continue reading and secure legal representation from an experienced New Jersey injury lawyer at Laddey Clark & Ryan, LLP.
How Honest Should I Be With My Personal Injury Lawyer?
Starting from your initial consultation, you should be nothing but 100% honest with your lawyer. It may feel unnatural or uncomfortable to bare your soul to a person who is likely little more than a stranger. However, the attorney-client relationship must be built on trust and total transparency.
From the breakfast you ate the morning of the accident to the intimate ways that your injuries have impacted your life, it is crucial that you spare no detail. It is also important to remember that you are protected by attorney-client privilege.
Attorney-client privilege is a legal doctrine that means that anything you tell your lawyer in private cannot be disclosed to others without your express permission. Anything you share with your attorney can only be discussed between the two of you unless you tell other people or allow your attorney to.
Why is Total Honesty Essential in Personal Injury Law?
Being honest with your lawyer is crucial for a number of reasons. Remember that attorney-client privilege exists, and just because you share something with your lawyer does not mean that it will be used in your case or shared with others.
Surprises are never welcome when it comes to the law. If you hide key information like a pre-existing injury or the fact that you may have contributed to the accident, your lawyer will be wholly unprepared if the information comes out during the investigation or trial. The opposing party will conduct a thorough investigation, and if they uncover information you withheld from your legal team, it can throw them for a loop, leaving your credibility tarnished and possibly weakening your case.
Your lawyer will build your case based on the information and facts they have access to. If you do not give them the full picture, it can be seriously detrimental to your case. They could be unprepared to counter an argument that the defense presents, or build the case based on inaccurate information, which leaves it vulnerable and weak.
Inaccurate information can also impact your compensation, and if you are caught lying, possibly lead to legal consequences. Honesty is the best policy when it comes to personal injury law. Reach out to a skilled attorney for more information and representation today.
