Should You Provide a Personal Statement with a Personal Injury Claim?
When filing a personal injury claim, you may be asked to provide a personal statement detailing your incident and how it has affected your life. While this may seem like a straightforward task, there are pros and cons to consider before submitting such a statement. Let’s take a closer look.
What Is a Personal Statement in a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal statement is a written account from an injury victim that describes the person’s accident, injuries sustained, medical treatment received, and the impact of these injuries on daily life.
This document can help insurance adjusters, attorneys, and courts understand the full extent of your damages.
Pros of Providing a Personal Statement
The following are the advantages of a victim giving a statement:
- Clarity and documentation – A well-written statement can provide a clear, detailed account of your accident while memories are fresh.
- Supporting evidence – Your statement can complement medical records, police reports, and witness testimonies to strengthen your case.
- Demonstrating impact – Explaining how your injuries have affected your work, relationships, and daily activities can help establish non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
- Settlement negotiations – A compelling statement may encourage the insurance company to offer a fair settlement early in the process.
Cons of Providing a Personal Statement
The following are the main disadvantages of a victim providing a statement:
- Potential for contradictions – If your statement contains inconsistencies compared to medical records or witness accounts, it could be used against you.
- Admission of fault – You may unintentionally phrase something that could be interpreted as an admission of fault, weakening your claim.
- Insurance company tactics – Insurers may use your words to downplay the severity of your injuries or suggest that they were pre-existing.
- Legal complications – If your case goes to trial, any discrepancies in your statement could be used to challenge your credibility.
When Should You Provide a Personal Statement?
If an insurance company requests a written statement, it is generally best to consult with a personal injury attorney before providing one.
An attorney can help you draft a statement that accurately conveys the facts without inadvertently harming your claim.
In some cases, it may be better to provide information through your attorney rather than submitting a statement directly.
Contact Justice Through Compensation for Help
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, please know that the law firm of Justice Through Compensation is here to help. Our legal team is skilled, experienced, and passionate in their representation. Let us shoulder the burden of an injury claim or lawsuit while you focus on healing from your injuries. Contact us today for the quality legal help you deserve.
* Main image at top by drobotdean on Freepik