Phases of an auto accident attorney accident law firm (click this link now) Accident Lawsuit

Medical bills, property damage, and lost wages can be substantial following an auto accident lawsuits accident. A knowledgeable attorney can assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.

The procedure varies from case-to-case, but generally, it begins with filing an action. This is followed by the discovery phase trial, and any appeals.

Medical Records

Medical records are an essential element in any auto accident lawsuit. They will help the judge or jury to comprehend how the accident impacted your life, including the physical, emotional and financial cost of your injuries. Insurance companies will be unable to argue with the information provided by medical records.

Depending on your state's laws and your doctor's guidelines depending on your state's laws and your doctor's policy, you could have the time to request medical records from your healthcare provider. It is recommended to consult with your lawyer as soon after an accident as possible. Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) HIPAA, protects your right to access these records. However, this does not mean that only you or your lawyer can examine your medical records. Insurance companies are often keen to uncover anything that could indicate that your injuries were not pre-existing or not as severe as you claim.

Your lawyer will utilize your medical records to draft a demand letter, which will include evidence to support the damages you seek. It is essential that your lawyer only send relevant medical records to the insurance company, as they may request you to sign an authorization that allows them to access all of your medical records. This is not in your best interests because it could reveal prior injuries that are not related to the current claim.

Police Reports

Police reports are created every time a law enforcement officer responds to an emergency or accident, such as car accidents. While they cannot be used in a court of law (they are considered to be hearsay) they can provide valuable information for attorneys when investigating and preparing cases.

A police report provides an independent account of the crash which is based on the witnesses' testimony as well as the officer's observations regarding the weather conditions, drivers, and other elements. It is an important piece of evidence that could assist you in winning a lawsuit for car accidents.

Usually you can request a copy of your police report from the precinct that handled the investigation by calling their non-emergency line and providing a receipt or incident number to identify it. You can request copies of the report through the police department's website.

You'll need to file a suit against the driver who was at fault after your medical expenses as well as lost wages and damages to property reach a certain value. The police report can be an essential tool in settlement negotiations, especially if you can prove the other driver's guilt from the evidence provided by the officer. Many cases are settled without going to trial. The pre-trial process can be long and your case may not be resolved until a year after you file it.

Insurance Company Negotiations

When the adjuster has all the information he needs from you and your vehicle accident investigation, he will make an offer for settlement. To create their initial offer, they'll input all the details and facts into the computer program. They'll most likely arrive at a figure that's much lower than what you calculated from your research. It's important to remember that insurance companies have their own financial interests in mind when making settlement offers.

They will be looking to reduce the amount they will have to pay for medical bills and other damages. You can fight back when you point out how your injuries will impact your life in the coming years. For instance, you could refer to your rising medical bills, your decreased earning potential, and the emotional and physical suffering you're going through.

Your lawyer or you then prepare a demand letter and submit it to the insurer. This letter should include all of the evidence that you have gathered including witnesses' statements and photographs of your injuries. You should also make a list of non-negotiables to keep the insurance company from undervaluing your claim. After an agreement has been reached the written settlement agreement will reflect it. Negotiations are usually back and forth affair, but staying patient will help you achieve a fair settlement.

Legal Advice

The next stage of the car accident lawsuit is discovery, in which both parties exchange information and evidence. The parties may request medical records, police reports, and witness statements. The parties will also exchange interrogatories, which are written questions that must be answered on an oath within certain times. In addition, your attorney will document the extent of your physical, emotional and psychological injuries as well as the other damages you could seek to compensate for, including existing and projected future medical expenses, property damage and lost wages.

Your lawyer will consult with other experts, including mechanics, medical professionals, and engineers. These experts will help paint the vivid image of your crash and the extent of your injuries to the jury.

Then, your lawyer will begin negotiations with insurance companies to attempt to settle your claim with out a trial. If the insurance company is unable to offer an equitable settlement or does not take into account your injuries or other damages, your case is likely to go to trial.

Although few cases actually go to trial it is crucial for victims to make a claim as soon as they can. Memories fade, witnesses pass away, and evidence can be lost as time passes and it becomes difficult to build a strong case for the maximum amount of compensation. You must also comply with your state's statute of limitations which can vary from 1 to 6 years.