Phases of an Auto Accident Lawsuit

Property damage, medical bills and lost wages can be significant following an auto accident. A knowledgeable attorney can help you get the compensation you require.

The procedure varies depending on the case, however, generally it starts with filing an action. The discovery phase, trial, and any appeals follow.

Medical Records

Medical records are an important element of any auto accident law firm accident lawsuit. They can help the judge or jury to know how the injury affected your life, as well as the emotional, physical and financial costs of your injuries. Insurance companies will find it difficult to dispute the story told by medical records.

You may only have a certain period of time, based on the laws of your state and the policies of your doctor to obtain medical records. You should speak with your lawyer as soon after an accident as it is possible. Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) HIPAA, protects your right to access these medical records. However, this doesn't mean that you or your lawyer are the only ones able to view your medical records. Insurance companies are usually keen to uncover anything that could suggest your injuries were pre-existing or not as severe as you claim.

Your lawyer will use your medical records in order to prepare a demand letters, that will include evidence to support the damages you're seeking. It is important to ensure that your lawyer provides relevant medical documents to the insurance company as they may request you to sign a medical authorization that allows them to access all of your medical records. This is not in your best interests as it could reveal past injuries that aren't directly related to the present claim.

Reports of Police

Every time a police officer responds to a request for assistance, or an accident, he or she creates a police report. While they're not admissible in court (they are deemed to be hearsay) They can provide important information to attorneys when investigating an incident and preparing an argument.

A police report is an objective assessment of what happened during the crash, based upon witness testimonies and the officer's observations about the vehicles' damage as well as weather conditions, drivers and more. It is a crucial piece of evidence that could aid in winning an auto accident lawsuit.

You can usually request a copy from the precinct who handled the investigation. Contact their non-emergency number and provide the receipt or incident number as identification. You can also request copies of records on the police department's website.

You'll have to file a lawsuit against the person who caused the accident once your medical bills as well as lost wages and property damage exceed an amount. The police report can be an effective tool for settlement negotiations, particularly when you can establish the other driver's guilt from the evidence provided by the officer. Many cases end up reaching settlements without ever going to trial. The pre-trial process can be long and your case might not be resolved until one year after you file it.

Insurance Company Negotiations

Once an adjuster has all the details they require from you and the investigation into the accident and investigation, they will make an offer for settlement. To generate their first offer, they will enter all the information and details into an online program. Most likely, they'll come up with a much lower number than you calculated from your research. It's important to keep in mind that insurance companies have their own financial interests in mind when deciding on settlement offers.

They'll want to limit how much they have to pay in medical bills and other damages. You can fight back when you highlight the negative effects your injuries could have on you and affect your life in future. You could, for instance, point out your mounting medical bills and lost earning potential, as being aware of the physical and mental pain you're experiencing.

Your lawyer or attorney will then draft a demand letter and submit it to the insurer. It will contain all the evidence you have gathered including witness statements, photographs of your injuries and any documentation supporting your losses. Additionally, you should create a list of non-negotiables to stop the insurance company from undervaluing your claim. Once an agreement is reached the settlement agreement written will reflect it. It's not uncommon for back-and-forth to occur during these negotiations, but being patient will help you achieve a fair settlement.

Legal Advice

Discovery is the next stage of the lawsuit, in which both parties exchange information and evidence. Parties may require medical records or police reports as well as witness statements. They may also send each other interrogatories (written questions that must be answered under oath by end of the specified time). Your attorney will also record the extent of the physical, emotional, Auto accident lawsuit and psychological traumas you've suffered and any other damages that may be sought, including current and projected medical expenses along with property damage, lost wages.

Your lawyer will also consult with experts like medical specialists mechanics, engineers and mechanics. These experts can assist the jury to get an accurate picture of the injuries and accidents you sustained.

Finally, your attorney will begin discussions with insurance companies to attempt to settle your claim without a trial. However, if the insurance company is willing to offer you an unsatisfactory settlement or does not take your injuries and other damages into consideration, your case will likely progress to trial.

Although few cases actually make it to trial, it is crucial for victims to file a lawsuit as soon as possible. Over time, memories fade, witnesses die, and evidence disappears, making it more difficult to establish a solid claim for the most compensation. You must also adhere to your state's statute of limitations which can range between 1 and 6 years.