You’ve been in a car accident and suffered an injury. Once you find an attorney to represent you, you may be wondering what happens next.
There may be some immediate actions to take, like finding a doctor, but how quickly the case moves depends on various factors, most often, how your treatment progresses.
Your attorney’s office should be there to guide you every step of the way. The attorney will set up claims with the insurance company and keep in touch with the appraiser but nothing can be resolved until you either terminate treatment or have some kind of resolution to treatment.
If you or a family member has been injured in a car accident, contact Aversa & Linn for help in evaluating your claim.
In this blog post, we will explain the process of filing a lawsuit after a car accident in Pennsylvania.
1. Investigation: Help your attorney help you.
Even before you have hired an attorney, you will want to start gathering relevant evidence. It is crucial to collect evidence at the scene and as close to the time of the accident as possible. Situations can change, crucial video evidence can be erased.
You should also take photos of the other driver’s information, including driver’s license, insurance information, contact information. The more information you have, the faster your claim can get started.
Once you hire an attorney to represent you in a car accident case, they will need to review all medical records and any other evidence related to your injury or claim. Be sure to bring any relevant documents, such as medical records, police reports, as well as any photos or video to your initial consultation.
2. Medical treatment
After being injured in a car accident, the most important thing is to make sure you are getting appropriate medical care. You need to be consistent in your treatment, following the provider’s instructions, and monitoring your symptoms. You also should be communicating with your lawyer during this time so they can guide you about next steps.
3. Demand letter
At the conclusion of your treatment, you will communicate with your lawyer to see what next steps are required. At this point, the lawyer will usually send a demand letter to the insurance company of the other person involved in the accident. This letter will state your claim and ask for compensation.
4. Negotiations
Your attorney will conduct all negotiations with the other side. Negotiations can be conducted in writing, over the phone, and in person. The goal is to reach a settlement that fairly compensates you for all of your injuries, including pain and suffering. If the other side does not offer a fair settlement, your attorney may advise you to continue and file a lawsuit.
It’s important to remember that this is your case, and no decision will be made for you, it will be made by you, with your attorney’s advice.
5. Lawsuit
If the case does not settle, the next step is for your lawyer to write a formal complaint and file it with the court. The complaint includes the facts of the case, identifies the responsible party, and indicates the amount you are seeking in compensation.
The other party may respond to the complaint. They might admit fault, deny responsibility, or submit a counteroffer. During this phase, your attorney may conduct discovery, which can include depositions and document requests.
6. Trial
If the case does not settle during the pre-trial phase, it will proceed to trial. During a trial, your attorney presents evidence including medical records, police reports, photos and video. You, the defendant, and other witnesses may be called to testify. After all the evidence has been presented, the jury or judge will decide if the defendant should be held liable for your losses and the amount of damages that you should receive.
7. Damages award
After the case is settled, or the verdict is issued, your attorney will ensure that all documents are properly executed and any payments are made in a timely manner. They should also answer any questions you may have about the outcome of your case.
8. Appeal
If you are unhappy with the outcome of the trial, you may have the option to file an appeal. This will involve presenting your case to a higher court, which will review the proceedings of the lower court and determine if there were any errors that affected the outcome of the case.
We know that nothing can truly compensate you for some injuries and losses. An experienced attorney can help you receive compensation to support you through this difficult time, and continue as necessary into the future.
Your attorney will be there to provide advice and guidance throughout this process. They can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in a car accident, hiring an experienced attorney is essential to protect your interests and get the best possible outcome for your case.
Contact Aversa & Linn for help in evaluating your claim.
