Filling A Personal Injury Lawsuit: 4 Things You Should Know Before Proceeding With Your Case
Posted on: 12 November 2021
If someone else's negligence caused your injuries, you should file a lawsuit against them so that you receive financial compensation for damages. But, before you can take any legal action, knowing what you should expect during your case lessens any fear or anxiety you may have. That being said, here are a few things your personal injury attorney would want you to keep in mind before filing a lawsuit.
1. Determine whether the insurance policy covers your accident
If you're confident that your injuries were a result of someone else's negligence, it's wise to contact an injury law firm. Personal injury attorneys can help you find out whether the insurance coverage caters to your injury claim. For example, if your injuries resulted from a workplace accident, try to establish whether your employer has a worker's compensation policy. This is important as it's a determinant factor on whether you'll receive a fair settlement.
2. Personal injury cases have timelines
You should know that personal injury cases have a timeline of one to two years for you to file a lawsuit. The timeline for your case starts when your accident or injury happens. That's why it's crucial to have your personal injury lawyers evaluate and start your case immediately after your accident.
3. Don't sign anything
After your accident, you shouldn't accept the first offer you receive from the insurance adjuster. Many adjusters will try to convince you that you don't need to seek the help of personal injury attorneys, but this is a tactic they use so that you can settle for less than what your claim is worth. So, when you agree to sign the contract without seeking the assistance of an attorney, you may not recover the compensation you deserve.
4. The extent of your injuries determines how your case proceeds
While you may have a valid case, your personal injury lawyers will not immediately make any demands or negotiations with the at-fault party. It can take weeks or months before they do so because attorneys will hold off any demands until they're sure you can receive the maximum compensation amount. This can only happen after they've completed investigations on the circumstances surrounding your case and have gathered crucial evidence like pay stubs and medical receipts. All these are necessary for determining what your claim is worth.
If you've sustained injuries due to another person's negligence, it's important to seek the assistance of a personal injury law firm. But before you file your case, ensure that you take into account the few tips highlighted above.
Share