One of the final components that a lawyer looks at when negotiating a settlement is how the accident affected your quality of life. In order to do that, the attorney has to get to know you as you were before the accident, and that can lead to some surprising questions. Lawyers will want to know about your everyday activities, your exercise regimen, and your hobbies so those activities can be factored in when creating a number for financial compensation.
Did you play tennis? How often? Did you go to the gym? Hike? Swim? Play catch with your kids? What could you do before the accident that you weren’t able to do as a result of your injuries – for any period of time? That is the real question.
However, your lawyer will often ask these questions months after the fact, and it can be difficult to remember exactly what you did, or wanted to do, but couldn’t. Don’t forget, hobbies also include picking up your grandkids, your monthly golf game, as well as vacation and travel plans. If your injuries prevented you from enjoying your daily life, you might be able to get some financial compensation.
Speaking of hobbies, here’s a very important tip: Take down your Facebook, Twitter, and personal websites immediately after your accident, because insurance adjusters can use your words and photos against you.
