Phases of an lakeland auto accident law firm Accident Lawsuit

Medical bills, property damage and lost wages can be significant following an accident. An experienced lawyer can help to get the compensation you require.

The process may differ from case to case but usually begins with the filing of an accusation. The discovery phase, trial, and appeals are the next step.

Medical Records

Medical records are an important element of any Northwoods Auto Accident Law Firm accident lawsuit. They will assist the judge or jury understand how the injury has had an impact on your life, including the emotional, physical and financial consequences of your injuries. Insurance companies will find it difficult to argue with the information provided by medical records.

You may only have a certain amount of time, based on the laws in your state and the policy of your doctor to obtain medical records. This is why it is important to speak with your lawyer whenever you can following an accident. The law provides access to these records with the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This does not mean you or your lawyer are the only ones able to access your medical records. Insurance companies are always looking for any sign that suggests your injuries may not be as serious as you claim or pre-existing.

Your lawyer will utilize the medical records you provide to prepare an order letter that includes evidence to justify the damages you are seeking. It is imperative to ensure that your lawyer provides relevant medical records to the insurance company because they could ask you to sign a medical authorization that permits them to access all your medical records. This is not in your best interests because it could reveal prior injuries that aren't directly related to the present claim.

Police Reports

Every time a police officer responds to a call for help, such as an accident, he prepares a police report. Even though they're not admissible in court (they are considered to be hearsay) however, they provide important information to attorneys when investigating an accident and preparing the case.

A police report is an impartial account of the accident, based on the witness' testimony as well as the officer's observations of the weather conditions, drivers, and other factors. It's an important piece of evidence that can assist you in winning a lawsuit in a car accident.

Usually, you can request a copy of your police report from the precinct which was responsible for the investigation by calling their emergency number and supplying an incident or receipt to identify it. The police department may have a website on which you can request copies of your records online.

You'll need to file a lawsuit against the driver responsible after your medical expenses along with lost wages and property damage have reached a certain value. The police report is a valuable tool in settlement negotiations, particularly when you can prove the other driver's fault based on observations made by the officer. A lot of cases are settled without going to trial. Pre-trial proceedings can be lengthy and your case may not be resolved until one year after filing it.

Insurance Company Negotiations

Once an adjuster has all of the information they need from you and the investigation of the car accident and investigation, they will make an offer for settlement. They will enter all the facts and details into a software program to make their initial offer. They will most likely arrive at a figure that is much lower than the one you calculated from your study. It's important to keep in mind that insurance companies have their own financial concerns in mind when they make settlement offers.

They'll want to limit the amount they have to pay for medical bills and other damages. You can counter by highlighting the ways in which your injuries will affect your life going forward. You could, for instance mention your increasing medical bills and lost earning potential, as in the mental and physical suffering you're experiencing.

You or your attorney will then prepare an official demand letter and present it to an insurer. This should include all the evidence you have collected, including witness statements, photos of your injuries, as well as documentation supporting your losses. You'll also prepare an outline of your non-negotiables to ensure you can deter the insurance company from lowballing you. Once an agreement is reached, it will be reflected in an agreement to settle in writing. It's not uncommon for back-and-forth to occur during the negotiation process, but remaining calm will allow you to reach an equitable settlement.

Legal Advice

Discovery is the next phase of the lawsuit, in which the parties exchange information and evidence. The parties can seek medical records, police reports, and witness statements. The parties may also exchange interrogatories which are written inquiries that must be answered on the oath within a specified time. Your attorney will also record the severity of physical psychological, emotional, and physical injuries you have suffered, in addition to any other damages that may be sought, like the current and anticipated medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.

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

Your attorney will then begin discussions with insurance companies in order to settle your case without trial. If the insurance company does not offer an acceptable settlement or does not take into account your injuries and other losses, your case will likely go to trial.

It is crucial that victims file a suit as soon as they can, even if only a handful of cases are heard in the courtroom. Memory fades, witnesses disappear and evidence may be lost in time making it more difficult to establish a compelling case for the maximum amount of compensation. You must also comply with the statute of limitations for your state, which can vary from 1 to 6 years.