Now That You've Purchased Auto Accident Law ... Now What?

Phases of an auto accident law firm Accident Lawsuit

Car crash injuries can lead to significant medical bills, property damage, and even lost wages. An experienced lawyer can help you in receiving the justice you deserve.

The process is different depending on the case, but generally, it begins with filing a complaint. The discovery phase, trial and appeals are the next step.

Medical Records

Medical records are an important part of any auto accident lawyer accident lawsuit. They will help a jury or judge determine how the accident has had an impact on your life, including the emotional, physical and financial cost of your injuries. Insurance companies will be unable to refute the story portrayed by medical records.

You may only have a certain amount of time, contingent on the laws in your state and the policies of your doctor to obtain medical records. It is recommended to consult with your lawyer as soon following an accident as possible. The law protects your access to these records by implementing the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). However, this does not mean that only you or your lawyer can view your medical records. Insurance companies are always looking for anything that could suggest your injuries might not be as serious as you claim or if you have pre-existing injuries.

Your lawyer will use your medical records in order to prepare a demand letters, which will include evidence to justify the damages you seek. Your lawyer should only give the relevant medical records to your insurance company. They might ask you to grant them permission to access your entire medical record. This is not the best option for your claim since it could reveal past injuries not related to the claim.

Police Reports

Police reports are created each time a law enforcement officer responds to an emergency call and also car accidents. Although they aren't admissible in the courts of law (they are deemed to be hearsay) they can provide valuable information to attorneys when they are investigating and preparing their cases.

A police report offers an objective account of the incident that is based on the witness' testimony and the officer's observations of the weather conditions, drivers, and other factors. It is a crucial evidence that can assist you in winning an auto accident lawsuit.

Typically you can request a copy of your police report from the precinct which handled the investigation by calling their non-emergency number and providing a receipt or incident number to identify it. The police department may have a website where you can request copies of the records online.

You will need to file a suit against the person who caused the accident when your medical bills as well as lost wages and property damage have reached the amount of. The police report can be a valuable tool in settlement negotiations, especially when you can prove that the other driver was largely at fault based on the officer's observations. In many cases, however, the parties reach an agreement without ever going to trial. Pre-trial proceedings can be lengthy and your case may not be resolved until a year after you file it.

Insurance Company Negotiations

After the adjuster has all of the information they need from you and your vehicle accident investigation, he'll make an offer for settlement. They will put all the information and facts into a software program to make their initial offer. They will most likely produce a number which is significantly lower than the number you calculated from your research. It's important to remember that insurance companies have their own financial interests in mind when deciding on settlement offers.

They'll be looking to reduce the amount they pay in medical bills and other damages. You can fight back if you mention how your injuries will negatively impact your life in the coming years. For instance, you could mention your increasing medical bills and your lost earning potential, as being aware of the physical and mental suffering you are experiencing.

Your attorney or you will then prepare an official demand letter and present it to an insurance company. This letter will include all of the evidence that you've gathered, including witness statements and photos of your injuries. You will also create an inventory of non-negotiables in order to keep the insurance company from undervaluing your claim. When an agreement has been reached the written settlement agreement will reflect it. It's normal for a back and forth to occur during these negotiations, but remaining patient will help you reach a fair settlement.

Legal Advice

Discovery is the next phase of the lawsuit, during which both parties exchange information and evidence. Parties may seek medical records, police reports, and witness statements. They will also provide each other interrogatories (written questions to be completed under oath at the expiration of a specific time). Additionally your lawyer will record the extent of your physical emotional and psychological injuries and the additional damages you might seek compensation for in the future, including current and future medical expenses, property damage and lost wages.

Your lawyer will confer with other experts like mechanics, medical professionals, and engineers. These experts will help paint a vivid image of your crash and the injuries you sustained for the jury.

Your lawyer will then start discussions with the insurance companies in order to settle your case without trial. If the insurance company fails to offer an equitable settlement or doesn't take into consideration your injuries and other damages, your case is likely to be heard in court.

It is essential that victims file a lawsuit as soon as possible, even though only a few cases get to the courtroom. With time memories fade, witnesses pass away and evidence is lost which makes it more difficult to file a convincing claim for maximum compensation. It is also important to adhere to the statute of limitations for your state which can range from 1 to 6 years.