You’ve no doubt heard the old adage, “Honesty is the best policy”, however, there is nowhere that this is more true than in matters of the law. Whether you are a claimant, a plaintiff or defendant in a tort suit, or a witness, your credibility can make or break an injury claim.
Your Credibility Has a Bearing on How You Will Be Treated
Your trustworthiness or credibility as a claimant will often have bearing on how you are viewed and treated by your insurance adjuster. Those who make an effort to be honest about injuries and are willing to follow their medical course of treatment are ones who put themselves in the best position for a fair settlement. This includes both accuracy and honesty in reporting injuries without exaggeration or hyperbole. The more you follow your doctor’s advice and be cooperative with doctors and specialists, the more willing your adjuster will be to work with you.
Injuries Are Subjective So Your Credibility Is Important
Credibility comes under scrutiny quite frequently when it comes to injury claims because so often injuries are subjective. Frequently, there is no way to be certain of the injury’s severity. Unless there is evidence to support it, the insurance company may think that the claimant is exaggerating and try to prove the claimant dishonest. Edmonton injury lawyers know that claimants who exaggerate their injuries in order to manipulate the claim process will often be seen adversely and can even be offered a lower award because of it.
Dishonesty Puts You on Unsure Footing
Insurance companies have to deal with credibility defenses quite frequently. If the insurance company finds evidence of dishonesty, they will look for ways to deny the claim or at least downplay the injuries. They will look for inconsistencies in the medical records and will even go so far as interview friends and coworkers, watch your social media posts, and conduct background checks and video surveillance. Your lack of credibility puts you on unsure footing from the very beginning.
Report Your Injuries in a Factual Way
In order to be a credible and trustworthy claimant, it is important for you to not only be honest but to not try to convince your medical team and doctors that your injury is more severe than it is. State your symptoms clearly and concisely without exaggeration. Although you don’t want to minimize your injuries, conversely, you don’t want to exaggerate them.
Get Legal Assistance
If you have been injured in an accident, your best recourse is to seek the advice of an Edmonton personal injury lawyer. At BPCAB Personal Injury Lawyer, one of the ways we counsel our clients is how to deal with the insurance company in order to get the best possible compensation. With a legal professional on your side, you can have peace of mind that you are getting the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call us today for a no-cost consultation.