Is It Harder to Give Good Advice or Take It?

Deep down, whether we like to admit it or not, we all want to be told what we want to hear:  

 Yes, we can get you a million dollars for your injuries.  Don’t worry, the litigation process is quick and easy.  No, the other side will never try to blame you.  Of course, those pants make you look skinny.

And believe me, when I tell you, we would love to dispense such easy, breezy news to every one of our clients. But, we can’t.  Sometimes, there is not enough insurance to fully compensate our clients for their losses.  Sometimes, the other side wants to make life difficult, drag things out and blame the victim.  Other times, the venue for the case is not ideal or is in a court that is not particularly efficient.

So, our job as your lawyer is to shoot it to you straight.  We will tell you what you need to hear not just want you want to hear.  We will give you advice that is practical, informed and not based on fear, unbridled Pollyannaism or our own self-interest.  We want to give you advice that will make your life better in the long run not just make you feel better in the moment.  While much of our advice is tailored to your specific case, some general advice that applies to all cases includes:

• Be completely honest. With everybody. This includes your medical providers, your lawyers, and the lawyers representing the other side. Many people are tempted to bend the truth a little especially if they think the chances of getting caught are remote. Don’t do it. The value of your case will quickly be destroyed if you are caught in a lie or misrepresentation.
• Follow your medical providers’ advice. If they tell you to go to physical therapy three times a week. Go three times a week – not twice a week. If they tell you to use a boot or walker, use it.
• Do not discuss your accident with anyone other than law enforcement, medical providers or your lawyers. Do not post anything about the accident to Facebook, Twitter, etc.
• If you have a skeleton in your closet, tell us immediately so we can help you deal with it and minimize the impact it may have on your case. This includes criminal convictions, failure to pay taxes, etc.
• Keep your emotions in check. Accidents can ignite a whole range of emotions from despair to rage. But, angry outbursts in court, at depositions, online etc. will not help your case. Let us do our job and get justice for you.
• Make your best effort to recover from the accident.

Giving good, sound legal advice can often be a difficult task, but it is one we are committed to doing.  After that, it is up to our clients to take that advice.  Which brings us back to:  is it harder to give good advice or take it?