Phases of an Auto Accident Lawsuit

Damage to property, medical bills and lost wages can be substantial following a car accident. An experienced lawyer can help you receive the compensation you require.

The procedure varies from case to case, however, it generally begins with filing an action. The discovery phase, trial and appeals are the next step.

Medical Records

Medical records are an essential element in any mountlake terrace auto accident lawyer accident lawsuit. They can help the judge or jury know how the injury impacted your life, including the emotional, physical and financial consequences of your injuries. Medical records will also provide an account that insurance companies will have a difficult to argue.

You might only have a limited amount of time, based on the laws in your state and the policies of your doctor to request medical records. You should consult your lawyer as soon following an accident as it is possible. Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) HIPAA guarantees your right to access these records. This does not mean you or your lawyer are the only ones who are able to examine your medical records. Insurance companies will often try to look for anything that could indicate that your injuries were not pre-existing or not as severe as you claim.

Your lawyer will use the medical information you provide to draft a letter of demand that includes evidence to justify the damages you are seeking. It is imperative that your lawyer only send relevant medical documents to the insurance company as they may ask you to sign an authorization that allows them to access all of your medical records. This is not the best option for your claim, as it could expose past injuries that are not relevant to the claim.

Reports of Police

Each time a police officer responds to a request for help, including an accident, he prepares a police report. While they're not admissible in court (they are considered hearsay) however, they provide valuable information to attorneys investigating an accident and creating the case.

A police report is an objective account of what happened during the accident, based on witness testimony and observations by the officer regarding the damage to the vehicle the weather, the drivers, and so on. It's a vital evidence that can aid in winning a lawsuit for car accidents.

Usually you can request a copy of your police report from the precinct which handled the investigation by calling their non-emergency number and providing an invoice or incident number to identify it. The police department might have a website on which you can request copies of your records online.

You will need to file a lawsuit against the driver at fault once your medical bills or lost wages damages to property reach the amount of. The police report can be a valuable tool in settlement negotiations, especially when you can demonstrate that the other driver was at fault based on the officer's observations. Many cases end up reaching a settlement without ever going to trial. The pre-trial process can be long and your case may not be resolved until one year after filing it.

Insurance Company Negotiations

Once the adjuster has all of the information they require from you and your automobile accident investigation, he will make an offer of settlement. To make their first offer, they will enter all the details and facts into the computer program. They'll likely produce a number that is much lower than the one you calculated based on your investigation. When insurance companies make settlement offers, they have their own financial interests in the back of their heads.

They'll want to limit the amount they'll have to pay for Vimeo medical expenses and other damage. You can fight back when you explain how your injuries will impact your life in the future. For instance, you could, point out your mounting medical bills, your diminished earning potential, as as the physical and mental suffering you are experiencing.

Your attorney or you will then draft the letter of demand vimeo and present it to an insurer. This letter should include all the evidence you've gathered such as witness statements and photos of your injuries. You will also create an inventory of non-negotiables in order to ensure that the insurance company is not undervaluing your claim. When an agreement is reached and ratified, it will be included in an agreement for Vimeo settlement in writing. Negotiations are usually back and forth process, but remaining patient will assist you in negotiating a fair settlement.

Legal Advice

The next stage of the car accident lawsuit is discovery. During this process, the parties exchange information and evidence. Parties can request medical records, police reports, and witness statements. The parties will also exchange interrogatories, which are written questions which have to be answered on oath within a certain time. Additionally your attorney will provide documentation of the extent of your physical, emotional and psychological injuries as well as the other damages you could be seeking to recover, including existing and projected future medical costs, property damage, and lost wages.

Your lawyer will also consult with experts such as medical professionals as well as mechanics and engineers. These experts can help the jury get an accurate picture of your injuries and accident.

Your lawyer will begin discussions with insurance companies to try to settle your claim with out a trial. If the insurance company is willing to offer you a small settlement or does not take your injury and other damages into account the case will be heard at trial.

Although a small percentage of cases go to trial, it is essential for victims to file a lawsuit as soon as is possible. With time memories fade, witnesses pass away and evidence is lost and makes it harder to file a convincing claim to receive the maximum amount of compensation. It is also important to adhere to the statute of limitations in your state which can vary between 1 and 6 years.