Have you been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault? If so, you may be considering working with a personal injury lawyer. But what can you expect from the process? Here’s a quick overview of what to expect when working with a personal injury lawyer.
Initial Consultation
The first step is usually an initial consultation. During this meeting, the lawyer will ask you questions about the accident and your injuries. They’ll also ask about any insurance coverage you have and any medical treatment you’ve received (or are receiving). Be prepared to answer these questions as accurately and thoroughly as possible.
The lawyer will then use this information to determine whether they think you have a case. If they do, they’ll likely offer to represent you on a contingency basis. This means that they won’t charge you any upfront fees; instead, they’ll take a percentage of your final settlement or verdict (if your case goes to trial).
Investigation and Gathering of Evidence
If you decide to hire a lawyer, they’ll begin investigating your case. This will involve talking to witnesses, reviewing police reports, and gathering any other evidence that may be relevant to your case. The goal is to build a strong case that proves the other party was at fault for the accident and that their negligence resulted in your injuries.
Demand Letter and Negotiation With Insurance Company
Once the lawyer has gathered enough evidence, they’ll send a demand letter to the insurance company. This letter will outline your injuries, damages, and any other losses you’ve suffered as a result of the accident. It will also state how much money the lawyer thinks you should receive in compensation.
In most cases, the insurance company will respond with its own settlement offer—which is usually much lower than what was originally demanded. The lawyer will then negotiate with the insurance adjuster in an effort to reach an agreement on a fair settlement amount. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the next step would be filing a lawsuit and taking the case to trial.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, working with a personal injury lawyer can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Be prepared to answer some questions about the accident and your injuries during an initial consultation. Once hired, the lawyer will investigate your case, gather evidence, and send a demand letter to the insurance company outlining your injuries and losses. In most cases, negotiations between the lawyer and an insurance adjuster will result in a settlement agreement; however, if negotiations are unsuccessful, the next step would be taking the case to trial.
This article is from Brooke Chaplan, a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
