The Intake Process for Car Accident Litigation

A lawyer who is specialized in the area of car accident litigation will help you determine the strength of your case is, and how much your settlement could be worth. This is only possible when all the information you require is available.

Discovery is the initial step of a car accident case. In this phase, attorneys and their teams exchange documents and discuss their respective cases under the oath.

Documentation

Documentation is an integral part of the work in an accident. This can include evidence such as photographs, medical records, or witness statements. In general, the more evidence you have to back your claim the more convincing your case will be.

A police report is the first document you should have. Typically the police officer that comes to the scene of the crash will prepare a report, and this will provide important information about the circumstances of the crash and who was responsible for the incident.

Your attorney may also make use of the report of a law enforcement officer to pursue additional evidence, if needed. If the incident occurred in the business environment, for example, an employee may have recorded video footage. If this is the case, you must ask for a copy of the footage from the business.

You should also record any expenses you incurred in the aftermath of the big rapids auto accident lawsuit. This can include medical bills and records for your treatment, receipts for medications rental car costs and in-home assistance or care, transportation costs, and more. Additionally, you must record any income loss due to your injury. You can use old tax returns and pay stubs.

If you are able, obtain the names of witnesses to the accident as well. They may be able to provide valuable details, especially if are able to get them to be a witness in court. However, it's important to keep in mind that witnesses can change their testimony over time and could forget specific details about the accident.

Intake and Investigation

Whether you have filed a claim with an insurance firm or are beginning an action against the at-fault driver, the initial intake process is essential to receive the fair and complete compensation you deserve for the accident injuries. Your lawyer will begin by examining your medical records, as well as obtaining copies of accident reports as well as other evidence. They will also go to the scene of the crash to record and observe what they can.

This information will enable them to understand Vimeo.Com the extent of the injuries you've suffered as well as the future and current costs for your physical or emotional suffering. Then, they'll review your current and future financial losses to determine the value of your case. Your damages may include not just future and present medical expenses, but also your loss of income as well as property damage.

Your lawyer will also conduct an investigation into the incident, including questioning witnesses and analyzing any available evidence. They will also collect data from the cell phone and driving records of the driver at fault in order to determine how they used their vehicle during the time. This is especially important in the event that there was a collision that involved an Uber or Lyft car or any other evidence that suggests the driver was working on the clock.

In addition to this, your attorney will likely inquire about the defendant's previous criminal and traffic-related offenses during the discovery process. In general, these information are not admissible in court, however they could be helpful to impeach the defendant's credibility in cross-examination.

The process of negotiating a settlement

Once you have the medical records, it is possible to begin negotiations for settlement. Initially, the insurance company may make an offer that's usually considerably lower than what you demand in the letter. This is a method to determine how strong your case is. In the counteroffer, it's crucial to emphasize the most important arguments you have in your favor - for example, the insured was at fault and that you suffered serious injuries that resulted in the highest medical costs. Negotiating back and forth should eventually result in an acceptable and reasonable amount.

A skilled attorney for accidents can effectively argue the benefits of your claim, including presenting evidence to support your losses. This could include photos of vehicle damage, police reports and witness testimony. We also know how to determine the value of various components of your claim, like loss of income, suffering and pain.

If, at this point, the insurance company is still refusing to offer a reasonable amount, we can choose to file a lawsuit in court. A trial typically lasts about two or three days and is usually ruled by a judge (called a bench trial) or a jury. If your case is settled before this point, it can take several months. Your attorney may also be able file a summary motion to enter judgment. This involves asserting that all evidence is in your favor and arguing that it's impossible for the opposing side to win.

Filing an action

In the majority of car accident instances, parties can settle their dispute without the need for court. Our team will work to assist you in negotiating a settlement with the other driver's insurance company, or directly with the person at fault. If an agreement is not reached, our attorneys will file a lawsuit against the defendant. The Complaint contains your claims as well as allegations regarding the accident and why you are entitled to compensation. The defendant is served with the Complaint and given a specific time frame to respond.

The discovery phase is the time when our attorneys and the defendant will begin to exchange documents and other material in exchange for questions through interrogatories or depositions. Our team will be asking questions to the lawyer for the defendant about their interpretation of the events, such as what injuries you've suffered and the way they believe it happened. We will also request expert opinions that will support our stance.

During the discovery phase, your lawyer may submit legal documents, also known as motions with the court to be ruled on by an individual judge. This could mean asking the court to block evidence or schedule a trial. It could take up to one year for the investigation process to be completed and a trial date scheduled. This is why it's crucial to consult with a seasoned Long Island car accident attorney early in the process.