No one anticipates getting involved in an accident or becoming a victim of personal injury. However, accidents happen, and you can never be so sure of your safety, especially when you’re out and about. In cases where you’ve suffered a personal injury, it’s essential to know that you have certain legal rights that protect you. You may be entitled to some benefits or compensation; to help you get that, you’ll need to file a personal injury claim. Here are the steps that you need to know.
1. Receive Medical Attention
The first thing to do after an accident that’s resulted in an injury is to seek medical attention. Even if your injuries don’t seem severe or life-threatening, it’s still necessary to get medical help to rule out any underlying medical conditions or injuries. Also, medical reports may become evidence if you eventually decide to file a personal injury claim. A doctor’s report often provides an accurate documentation of the specifics of your injuries and the treatment administered.
2. Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
After getting medical attention, your next step should be to hire a personal injury lawyer. In most cases, people who’ve been injured often have the option of filing a claim to get compensation. A personal injury lawyer will help you understand the lawsuit process, the paperwork involved, and the necessary documentation required to maximize your chances of success.
3. Settle or Litigate
After building a case with your lawyer, you’ll be given a choice between settling or litigating your case. If you decide to settle the claim, the next step would be for your attorney to negotiate with the insurance company’s lawyer assigned to your case. This may involve negotiating the amount of money you would receive in compensation. On the other hand, if you decide to litigate, this could include going to court, presenting your evidence, and having a judge or jury determine the outcome of your case.
4. Discovery
This is a stage in a personal injury claim where both parties gather evidence from each other through document requests, interrogatories (questions), and depositions. At this time, your personal injury lawyer will obtain medical records, police reports, accident reports, witness statements, and all the other necessary details that will be presented as evidence during the trial.
5. Resolution
During a personal injury claim trial, a resolution is reached when either a settlement agreement is reached, or a judgment is rendered. If the parties settle, they’ll agree on compensation, and it will be presented to a judge to be approved. If the judge approves the settlement, the case will be dismissed. If no agreement is reached, the case will proceed to trial, and the judge or jury will make a final decision.
If you’ve been involved in an accident and you were injured, it’s essential to understand that you have legal rights that protect you. Knowing what those rights are and the steps that you need to take to receive compensation is crucial. By following the steps outlined above, you can increase your chances of a favorable outcome in your personal injury lawsuit. Remember to involve your personal injury lawyer from the beginning of the process, as their expertise can only assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
Not sure about your legal options? Our team can listen to your story and let you know what your options may be. There’s no cost to speak with us, and we’re available 24/7.
