Road traffic crashes are the leading cause of death globally, with over 1.25 million fatalities. There are also around 50 million car accident-related injuries per year. The lawsuit process for a road accident, work injury, or any other type of injury case can be long and confusing. You need to have the right documents for going to trial and pick a reliable law firm.
Understanding what to expect during a personal injury case will help you prepare and feel confident in the courtroom.
Depending on the severity of the injury, you must take civil action quickly if you want to receive compensation.
So, here is an overview of hiring a personal injury attorney from consultation to court appearance. Note that most cases settle before going to court, so thankfully most people won’t have to deal with that aspect of a personal injury case.
What Happens During a Personal Injury Case?
A personal injury case occurs when someone wants to hold the negligent party responsible for causing injury and other damages. In other words, this is the last step to recover the money lost during an accident. Before going to court, it’s possible to file an insurance claim and settle the dispute with the person responsible.
But, if the person does not agree to give compensation, you need to follow legal protocols. First, you need to prove that the person is liable for the injuries.
Here are the most common type of personal injury claims:
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accidents
- Car incidents
- Product Injuries
- Slip and fall accidents
Depending on the situation, your personal injury lawyer will be able to determine if you have a good case.
Investigation Process
Once your lawyer has decided to take your case, it’s time to gather the correct information. Witness statements are essential to prove the person is responsible for the injury. Typically people ask other employees in a workplace or drivers that witnessed the road accident.
That’s why it’s important to contact the police as soon as possible so they can take witness statements. But, if written statements are unavailable, it’s good to record the accident.
Nowadays, people can take photos or videos on their phones of license plates to track other drivers. Security cameras are also useful for examining the incident and collecting evidence.
There are several months before the trial begins when a settlement can be reached. This investigation period is called discovery, when both parties gather relevant information and footage.
If the people in the case agree, there will be mediation. Both lawyers meet with an official mediator and discuss compensation and reach a settlement agreement.
Then, the trial is set if no agreement is determined by a specific date. This is when your lawyer will take the information and argue against the defendant to win you compensation.
New Orleans Lawyers for Personal Injury Cases
Hiring a professional lawyer is essential to a personal injury case. You need to be able to trust your lawyer with personal information and confide in them about the accident.
This is crucial if you are filing against an employer or have suffered severe injuries from car accidents.
We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us for your personal injury case here.