When someone else's actions lead to your injuries, that person is considered to be negligent. If those injuries led to costs such as medical bills and lost wages, then you might want to consider filing a personal injury case. After all, most personal injury cases hinge on proving negligence. Your first step will be to contact a personal injury attorney, but before you do that, you might want to browse this website and learn a little more about personal injury law and personal injury attorneys, in general. We've provided plenty of helpful articles to ensure you are well-informed, so start reading.
Take These Steps And Get Personal Injury Compensation
After a car accident, it's tempting for accident victims to want it all over with as soon as possible. The personal injury process may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months – it all depends on the unique characteristics of your case. Read on for a better idea of the process.
See a Lawyer
Once you are recovered enough from your injuries, speak to a personal injury lawyer about your case. They can help you understand the value of your case and your options. Discuss fees with your lawyer, though most personal injury lawyers get paid only if the case is won.
Begin the Negotiating
The demand letter is sent to the insurer for the at-fault driver and lets them know that you will take them to court if they don't pay you what you and your lawyer feel is fair. Your lawyer will be working with the other side's lawyer to work out an out-of-court solution to the situation. Offers will be made and counteroffers may be made between the parties. Not all cases can be settled.
File the Suit
The petition served on the other side, the defendants, details why you should be paid, how much you should be paid, and the evidence that must back everything up. The other side has a certain amount of time to respond to the petition with an answer.
Discovery Begins
Discovery is all about exchanging information back and forth between the plaintiffs and the defendants. Most discovery practices take place out of your sight except for the deposition. This meeting involves being questioned under oath about the accident and more. Your lawyer will be present and will also assist you in getting ready for the deposition.
Jury Selection and Hearings
Before the trial can begin, voir dire must take place. In most cases, jury selection takes a few hours to a few days. At any time, particularly after the trial has begun, things can come to a temporary halt while the judge hears motions from the parties.
The Trial Begins
Opening statements by each side begins things and the plaintiffs will go first. Witnesses are put on the stand, evidence is introduced into the record, and each side has a chance to put on a case. After the closing statements, the jury retires to make a decision, and then the verdict is read. You may be awarded what you asked, or you might also lose the case. If mistakes were made during the trial, you might have a case for an appeal.
To find out more, speak to your personal injury lawyer.