Car “accidents” are called “accidents” for a reason – no one plans to get in a wreck.
However, when the unexpected happens, and tragedy strikes, you and your family deserve justice for your injuries. If you already experienced a bad car accident, the last thing you need is to struggle with insurance companies’ bullying and games.
The key to your justice is a full and accurate injury report. All reports you give to your doctor can and will be used in court or in settlements, so the complete truth is crucial to recovering damages and justice. From our team of car accident attorneys at Pierce & Shows, here’s why a full injury report is so important after your Baton Rouge, Louisiana accident.
What is an accurate injury report in Louisiana?
When insurance companies evaluate your claims, medical reports will be the first place they look. Utmost accuracy and honesty is crucial when you speak with your doctor.
When speaking with your doctor, be sure to include:
- Injuries you had before the accident
- Health history before the accident
- Details of all injuries related to the accident
Exaggerating and Downplaying Injuries After a Car Accident
Some might find themselves exaggerating their accident-related injuries in order to secure a larger settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, this risky tactic is ill-advised and can actually lead to smaller payouts.
If insurance companies review your entire medical history and find you exaggerated your injuries, or blamed pre-existing injuries on the accident, you could face harsh consequences.
However, on the other hand, some might feel inclined to downplay their injuries. If a doctor asks, “How are you?” when they start the appointment, it might be your reflex to answer, “I’m fine.”
The answer might seem small, but the doctor could include that positive report in your official medical record.
Downplaying your injuries could also lead to consequences like reduced payout. Be sure to exercise 100% honesty with your doctor. Accurately explain the pain you feel, and tell them everywhere that you feel pain. Include every part of your body that hurts, even if you don’t feel as much pain in one place as in another.
What could happen if my report isn’t accurate?
When people don’t tell their doctor everything about their pain, or when they exaggerate their injuries, they often don’t consider the consequences of inaccurate reports.
If you exaggerate your injuries, an insurance company could deny your claim, or even accuse you of insurance fraud. The consequences for insurance fraud could be much graver than the payout you would receive for exaggerating your pain or injuries.
Moreover, if you are discovered exaggerating your claims, it could damage your credibility with a judge or jury. When you present other facts about your case, they could mistrust you and your judgment. The judge or jury could even respond by inaccurately valuing your claims.
Likewise, if you downplay your injuries to your doctor, you may reduce your settlement and payout below your deserved amount. Insurance companies can say you were “fine” per your medical record, and that you don’t deserve as high of a payout as you truly deserve.
The same could happen with a judge or jury. If your report doesn’t accurately reflect your pain and suffering, then a judge or jury might not know how to value your damages.
Contact Louisiana Attorneys Pierce and Shows Today
Navigating the many moving pieces after a car accident can be complicated and confusing. Pierce & Shows is an experienced, reliable team in Baton Rouge, LA, and we’re prepared to guide you down the path to justice. We understand you and your family are hurting, and you can trust us in the fight against insurance companies.
Contact us today for a free consultation about your rights after getting injured in a car accident.
