Personal Injury Lawyer in Boise, Idaho Discusses How Words Can Impact Your Case
When it comes to your personal injury case, words matter. Whether you’re on social media, considering sending a demand letter, or discussing your accident in public, the words you say and write can have an immense impact in the outcome of your case. The Law Office of Johnson & Lundgreen are personal injury lawyers in Boise and Nampa, Idaho who work closely with clients to understand their experience and help them build the strongest possible case under the law.
Language matters so much when discussing the causes of personal injury and car crashes, that safety advocates, federal officials, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, are fighting to change the way people think and speak about car crashes. According to the New York Times, the ways that people talk about car accidents and personal injury can “trivialize” the role that human error plays in many of these crashes. In fact, many experts and officials claim that using the word “accident” to describe personal injury crashes, downplays the real role of human error.
Car crashes can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from drinking and driving, texting and driving, cell phone use, speeding, and other dangerous activity behind the wheel. The reality is that most accidents are preventable. According to the New York Times, only 6 percent of all accidents occur because of weather, vehicle failure, and other not-preventable factors.
Many experts claim that using the word “accident” creates a culture of complacently that lets people forget the impact their actions behind the wheel can have. States have moved away from referring to crashes as accidents. This change in culture also impacts the way negligence cases are considered by the media. Reporters, in some news outlets, have been asked to use caution when referring to crashes as accidents, especially when negligence has either been claimed or proven by a personal injury lawyer.
The etymology, or origins of the word “accident” are quite fascinating. The word attained higher usage among manufacturers in the early 1900s. These companies began to use the word more frequently to help reduce their perceived responsibility when workers were injured. Auto makers, likewise used the word, when they wanted to draw attention away from dangerous flaws in vehicles.
The words victims use can also impact their personal injury claim. For instance, according to the Huffington Post, anything individuals post to social media can be used against a victim in court. Sometimes lawyers will use photos or posts to try to downplay claims of injury.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash, an accident attorney may be able to assist you as you navigate the sometimes complex legal questions that can arise. You may want to know whether you are entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Law Office of Johnson & Lundgreen offer qualified personal injury counsel to victims and their families in Boise and Nampa, Idaho. You may only have a limited amount of time to seek a recovery under the law. Contact our firm today to learn more during a free, no obligation consultation.
