Car accidents can be traumatic and may have lasting consequences both physically and emotionally. When injuries occur due to another driver’s negligence, pursuing a car accident lawsuit may be necessary to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key aspects of the car accident settlement process, and what to expect step-by-step.
The moments following a car accident are crucial. Seek medical treatment promptly, even if your injuries seem minor. Many common injuries, such as concussions, typically don’t flare up until days after!
File a police report, gather information from the scene, and collect witness statements. These steps can be vital when building a case later.
Once you address immediate concerns, it’s essential to consult with a personal injury attorney; especially one that specializes in car accidents.
Car accident attorneys can provide valuable insights into your case, guide you through the legal process, and help determine the best course of action.
It’s even better to have an entire team behind you; from the attorney to the paralegal, and even the legal assistants. This helps ensure that nothing gets overlooked or forgotten about, versus a lawyer who says they can “handle it all.”
More often than not, insurance claims don’t work out in favor of the injured. If negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company doesn’t reap the results you need, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit.
This involves drafting and submitting a demand letter to the appropriate court, outlining the details of the accident, the injuries sustained, and the damages caused.
The discovery phase is where both parties exchange information relevant to the case. This includes requests for documents such as medical records, interrogatories, and depositions.
Your attorney will work to gather evidence supporting your claim and may depose witnesses and experts to strengthen your case, including reviewing car accident statistics to provide further context and support for your argument.
Many personal injury cases are resolved through settlement offer negotiations before reaching trial.
Your attorney will negotiate with the opposing party to secure a fair settlement amount. Settlements can expedite the process and offer a more predictable outcome.
If a settlement is not reached, the case proceeds to trial. Your lawyer will prepare for trial by refining legal arguments, organizing evidence, and strategizing on how to present your case most effectively.
This step involves close collaboration between you and your legal team.
During the trial, both parties present their cases, and a judge or jury determines the verdict.
Your attorney will advocate on your behalf, presenting evidence and witnesses to establish the other party’s liability and the extent of your damages.
In some cases, either party may choose to appeal the verdict if they believe legal errors occurred during the trial.
The appeals process involves presenting arguments to a higher court, seeking a review and potential adjustment of the initial decision.
If you’re successful in your lawsuit, the next step involves enforcing the judgment to collect the awarded compensation.
This may involve working with the court to secure payment or pursuing other avenues to ensure you receive the compensation owed.
Navigating the car accident settlement process can be stressful, but understanding the process and having an experienced attorney by your side can make a significant difference.
From initial consultations to potential appeals, each step is essential to securing the compensation you deserve for the physical, emotional, and financial impact of a car accident injury.
Wigod & Falzon’s car accident team is ready to fight for you after an accident. Our attorneys are knowledgeable, and experienced, and will serve as your guide throughout the process until justice is served.
We know that no two cases are the same, so we’ll work to understand your unique circumstances and craft a customized legal strategy to help get you the results you need to move forward with your life.
At Wigod & Falzon, we take pride in our track record of wins and commit to fight tirelessly for our clients.
Additionally, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the costs and fees of an attorney handling the case are paid with a percentage of the settlement or judgment you receive from your case.
Simply put, no recovery = NO FEE.
If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of someone else, get us on your side now! Contact an experienced car accident lawyer today to set up your free, no-commitment consultation.