Accidents happen, but hopefully one won’t happen to you. If you do get injured somehow, you might be able to receive compensation through a personal injury case. Many people, however, don’t know what to expect during a personal injury case.
The following information is a general overview of the process, and your case might differ slightly. For more specific information about personal injuries, contact the attorneys at Bushway Law Firm.
As Soon As Possible After the Accident
The first thing you should do after an accident is seek medical attention. This is important for your health as well as for your case. If you don’t receive treatment right after the accident, the other party could argue that your injuries weren’t serious.
During your medical treatment and recovery, keep track of everything, including:
- Diagnoses
- Treatments
- Prescriptions
- Expenses
- Lost wages (if you are unable to work)
As soon as possible, you should contact an attorney to work on your behalf, especially if you sustained serious injuries.
Let Gregory Bushway fight for the personal injury compensation you deserve. Call us today at 478.621.4995.
Working on the Case
Once you hire an attorney, he or she will begin working on your case. Your lawyer will learn every fact surrounding your accident, such as how it happened, your injuries and medical treatments, and your medical expenses and records. Your lawyer will need to know every detail in order to fight for you.
After learning the details, your attorney will decide whether you should settle or file for a lawsuit. Most small claims are settled outside of court.
Settling Your Claim
If you and your lawyer decide to settle, your lawyer will make a demand to the other party’s lawyer or insurance company. If possible, it is important to make a demand only after you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), meaning that you are finished with your medical treatment and your recovery is considered complete. This will ensure you can demand payment that takes into account all of your expenses.
Upon receiving the demand, the other party’s lawyer will send an answer and negotiations will begin. If both parties reach an agreement, the case will be settled and you will receive payment. If you cannot agree, the case will move to trial.
Preparing for Trial
If your case goes to trial, your lawyer and the other party’s lawyer will begin a process called Discovery, during which they will question each other as well as third parties such as witnesses and doctors about the claims and defenses of your case.
The two lawyers will try to settle once again after Discovery, however if no one can come to an agreement, the case will go to trial.
Many additional steps and processes occur during trial, so it’s important to hire an experienced attorney on your side. The team at Bushway Law Firm have the extensive trial experience necessary to defend your case in court. To schedule a free consultation, contact us today.