As a result, it is not out of the question that you will eventually find yourself in a situation where you’ve been injured from a vehicle-related incident. In situations where you are the victim and not the perpetrator, receiving just compensation for your injuries is reasonable and should be done wherever possible. However, the legal process can be confusing, which makes explanation and sure information an important starting point. Below, we go through the process of suing for a car accident injury.
The Process of Car Accident Injury Claims
Gathering Evidence & Information
The first step in the process is gathering information about your claim. You’ll want to get the contact information of everyone involved, including witnesses to the incident. This will be helpful information when you seek out a car accident lawyer, but more on that in a moment. Other documents you’ll want to gather include: police reports, medical documents, insurance information, vehicle descriptions, details about the scene and any other concrete information that may be relevant to the claims process.
Finding Legal Representation
Once you’ve gathered all the relevant information and have recovered enough to recall the events, your next step is to find legal counsel in the form of a car accident lawyer. These lawyers are adept at handling these claims and can walk you through the process and assist you in achieving maximum compensation for your injuries. Ensure that you find the right lawyer to represent you by speaking with multiple individuals and inquiring about their rates, process and expectations before choosing from your available options.
Drafting a Demand Letter
Working with your car accident lawyer, you’ll draft a demand letter that summarizes your injuries and claims. Once complete, this will be submitted to the responsible party’s insurance company and legal representation, if required. Generally, your lawyer will handle the majority of this process so that you can focus on rehabilitation and your life, but you may need to provide additional information at some point during this stage of the process.
Negotiating and Settling the Claim
The final step in the process of a car accident claim is negotiating and settling the claim. Usually, there is a fair amount of back and forth between your lawyer and the insurance company as they determine what’s fair and applicable on both sides. Although it is uncommon, sometimes these negotiations can break down, at which point litigation may become necessary. Litigation is the legal process that involves courts settling a dispute. This is a costly and time-consuming detour that everyone tries to avoid, but having a strong lawyer can be essential if there is a continuing dispute about the claim. In these situations, evidence and details are presented to a judge who will make a decision based on the facts of the claim and the parties involved.
