It's A Auto Accident Law Success Story You'll Never Be Able To

Phases of an hazard auto accident lawyer Accident Lawsuit

Car accident injuries can result in significant medical bills, property damage and lost wages. An experienced attorney can assist you in getting the justice you deserve.

The process varies from case-to-case, however, it generally begins with filing an action. Then comes the discovery phase, trial and any appeals.

Medical Records

Medical records are a vital part of any athens Auto accident lawsuit accident case. They will assist a jury or judge understand how the injury has affected your life, as well as the emotional, physical and financial consequences of your injuries. Insurance companies will have a hard time to argue with the information provided by medical records.

You might only have a limited amount of time, depending on the laws of your state and the policy of your doctor, to request medical records. This is the reason you should consult with a lawyer as soon as you can after an mount vernon auto accident lawsuit. Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) HIPAA, protects your right to access these records. But, this doesn't mean that only you or your lawyer will be able to access your medical records. Insurance companies are usually keen to discover anything that may indicate that your injuries were not pre-existing or not as severe as you think.

Your lawyer will utilize the medical records you provide to create the letter of demand, which will include evidence to support the damages you're seeking. Your lawyer should only supply the relevant medical documents to your insurance company. They may request you to allow them to access your entire medical record. This is not in your best interest since it could reveal previous injuries that aren't connected to the present claim.

Police Reports

Police reports are produced each time a law enforcement officer responds to an emergency, including car accidents. While they cannot be used in the courts of law (they are deemed to be hearsay), they provide valuable information for attorneys when investigating and preparing cases.

A police report offers an impartial account of the accident that is based on the witness testimony of the officer and his observations regarding the weather conditions, drivers, and other aspects. It's an important piece of evidence that could aid in winning a lawsuit in a car accident.

Typically you can request a copy of your police report from the local police department that was responsible for the investigation by calling their emergency number and providing a receipt or incident number to identify it. The police department may also have a website where you can request copies online.

You will need to file a lawsuit against the driver at fault after your medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage exceed a certain value. The police report is an effective tool for settlement negotiations, particularly in cases where you can prove other driver's responsibility in the light of observations made by the officer. In many cases, however, the parties reach settlements without ever going to trial. It can take a while to go through the pre-trial process and your case may not be resolved for a year or more.

Insurance Company Negotiations

Once the adjuster has all the information they require from you as well as your car accident investigation, he will make an offer of settlement. To make their first offer, they'll input all the details and facts into a computer program. They'll probably be able to come up with a figure that's much lower than what you calculated from your research. It's important to keep in mind that insurance companies have their own financial interests in mind when making settlement offers.

They'll want to limit the amount they'll have to pay for medical expenses and other damage. You can fight back when you mention how your injuries will negatively impact your life in the future. For example, you can point to your mounting medical bills, the loss of earning capacity, and the emotional and physical pain you're suffering.

Your lawyer or you will then prepare a demand letter and submit it to the insurance company. The letter should include all of the evidence that you have gathered including witnesses' statements and photographs of your injuries. You should also make an inventory of non-negotiables in order to keep the insurance company from undervaluing your claim. Once you have reached an agreement the agreement will be recorded in an agreement to settle in writing. It's common for a back-and-forth to take place during these negotiations, but staying patient will help you reach a fair settlement.

Legal Advice

Discovery is the next stage of the lawsuit in which the parties exchange information and evidence. Parties may seek medical records and police reports as well as witness statements. They may also send each other interrogatories (written questions that must be answered under oath before the end of the specified time). In addition the attorney will also document the extent of your physical emotional and psychological injuries and any other damages that you could be seeking to recover that are incurred, such as future medical costs, property damage, and lost wages.

Your lawyer will also speak with experts such as medical specialists, mechanics and engineers. They will help paint a a vivid image of the accident and the extent of your injuries to the jury.

Then, your lawyer will begin negotiations with insurance companies in order to try to settle your claim without a trial. If the insurance company fails to offer an acceptable settlement or does not take into account your injuries and other damages your case is likely to be heard in court.

Although a small percentage of cases go to trial it is crucial for victims to begin a lawsuit as soon as possible. Memories fade, witnesses can disappear, and evidence could be lost over time making it more difficult to present a convincing case for the maximum amount of compensation. Additionally, you must comply with the statute of limitations in your state, which could be anywhere from one to six years.