Did you know that on average, 95% of lawsuits are settled before they go to trial? With that statistic in mind, hiring a personal injury lawyer to handle your claim can ensure that you’re getting the amount you deserve from your claim, regardless of the stage at which you’re awarded.
Here’s what you need to know about the process of a personal injury claim and how you can best be prepared beforehand.
Have a Personal Injury Lawyer Evaluate Your Claim
The first step you’ll want to take when wanting to see if you have a potential personal injury claim is to talk to a personal injury lawyer so they can evaluate your claim.
At this stage, the lawyer will ask you questions about the accident and your injuries to get a better understanding of what happened. Once they have all the information they need, the attorney will be able to give you an idea as to whether or not you have a case.
You should always consult with a personal injury attorney before taking any legal action as they’ll be able to tell you what the best course of action is for your case.
Gather Documentation and Evidence
Once you’ve decided to move forward with your personal injury claim, you’ll need to start gathering evidence to support your case. This may include medical records, police reports, photos or videos of the accident, and eyewitness statements.
The more documentation and evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. Your attorney will be able to help you gather this evidence if you’re having trouble doing so on your own.
Review the Documentation and Evidence
After you’ve gathered all the evidence you need, your lawyer will have the opportunity to review and analyze the records to begin preparing the claim. This is an important step as it allows your lawyer to get a better understanding of what happened, how severe your injuries are, and what damages you’re entitled to. It also allows them to start building a strong case on your behalf.
The evidence will be used to prove that the other party was at fault for the accident and that your injuries were a result of the accident. This is essential as it allows you to recover compensation for your damages.
Negotiations With the Insurance Company
Once your lawyer has reviewed the evidence and has a strong understanding of your case, they’ll reach out to the other party’s insurance company to start negotiations.
The insurance company may create a low initial offer in hopes that you’ll take it and move on. However, you should always consult with your lawyer before accepting any offer as they will be able to tell you if the offer is fair or not.
Most personal injury cases are settled during this negotiation process without having to go to trial. However, if the insurance company isn’t willing to make a fair offer, your personal injury lawyer may recommend taking the case to trial.
Taking the Case to Trial
A trial can be a lengthy and expensive process, so be sure to consider all your options with the attorney before moving forward. If you do decide to take the case to trial, your lawyer will present the evidence and argue the case in front of a judge and jury.
Having a strong legal team on your side is vital when going to trial, as they’ll be able to build a strong case and present it in a convincing manner. If you win the case, you’ll be awarded the compensation you’re owed.
If You’ve Been Injured, Mellor Law Firm Can Help
If you have any questions about the personal injury claims process, consult with a qualified personal injury lawyer at Mellor Law Firm. We’ll be able to guide you through the process and ensure that you’re getting the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to get started!