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So , You've Bought Auto Accident Law ... Now What?
Phases of an Auto Accident Lawsuit

Medical bills, property damage, and lost wages can be substantial following an accident in the car. An experienced attorney can help you receive the compensation you need.

The process can vary depending on the case, but generally, it begins with the filing of an action. The discovery phase, trial, and appeals follow.


Medical Records

Medical records are an important component of any auto accident lawsuit. They can assist a judge or jury understand the impact of the injury on your life. This includes the financial, emotional physical, and emotional costs. Medical records can also tell an account that insurance companies will have a tough to argue.

You may only have a specific amount of time, based on the laws in your state and the guidelines of your physician, to request medical records. It is recommended to consult with your lawyer as soon after an accident as possible. The law safeguards your access to these records by implementing the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). However, this does not mean that you or your lawyer are the only ones able to view your medical records. Insurance companies are always looking for evidence that could suggest your injuries might not be the severity you claim or that you have a pre-existing condition.

Your lawyer will make use of the medical records you provide to draft an order letter that will include evidence in support of the damages you want. Your lawyer should only provide the relevant medical records to your insurance company. They might ask you to grant them permission to access your entire medical record. This is not beneficial to your claim, as it could reveal past injuries not related to this claim.

Police Reports

Every time a police official responds to a request for help, including an accident, he prepares a police report. Even though they're not admissible in court (they are considered to be hearsay) They can provide valuable information to attorneys investigating an accident and preparing a case.

A police report provides an objective assessment of what transpired in the accident, based on witness statements and the officer's observations regarding the damage to the vehicles and weather conditions, drivers and more. It is an important evidence that can aid you in winning a lawsuit for car accidents.

You can usually request a copy from the police precinct that handled the investigation. Call their non-emergency line and provide the receipt or incident number as identification. The police department may also have a website on which you can request copies of your records online.

If your medical bills or property damage, as well as lost wages are at the amount of a certain amount, then you'll have to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. The police report can prove to be a helpful tool during settlement negotiations, particularly if you can prove that the other driver was largely at fault based on the officer's observations. In many cases, however, the parties reach an agreement without going to trial. It could take a long time to go through the pre-trial procedures and your lawsuit might not be resolved for a year or more.

Insurance Company Negotiations

Once an adjuster has all of the information they require from you as well as the investigation into the accident is complete, they will offer an offer of settlement. To make their first offer, they will enter all the information and details into an online program. They'll likely produce a number which is lower than what you calculated based on your study. When insurance companies offer settlement offers, they've got their own financial interest in their minds.

They'll want to reduce the amount they'll need pay for your medical bills and other damages. You can fight back by highlighting the ways in which your injuries will impact your life in the coming years. For instance, you can, point out your mounting medical bills, your diminished earnings potential, as well as the physical and mental pain you're experiencing.

Your lawyer or attorney will then prepare a demand letter and submit it to the insurer. The letter should include all the evidence you've collected, including witness statements and photos of your injuries. You should also create an inventory of your non-negotiables to ensure you can stop the insurance company from lowballing you. Once an agreement is reached, it will be reflected in a written settlement agreement. It's normal for a back and forth to take place during these negotiations, but being patient will help you reach an acceptable settlement.

Legal Advice

The next step in a car accident lawsuit is discovery, in which the parties exchange information and evidence. Parties may require medical records or police reports as well as witness statements. They may also send each other interrogatories (written questions that must be answered under oath before the end of a specified time). In addition your attorney will provide documentation of the extent of your physical emotional and psychological traumas and the additional damages you might seek to compensate for that are incurred, such as future medical expenses, property damage and lost wages.

auto accident attorney citrus heights will also speak with experts, such as medical experts mechanics, engineers, and mechanics. These experts can assist the jury get clear information about your injuries and accident.

Finally, your attorney will begin discussions with insurance companies to try to settle your claim without a trial. If the insurance company fails to offer you an equitable settlement or does not take into account your injuries or other damages, your case will likely go to trial.

Although a small percentage of cases get to trial, it is important for victims to make a claim as soon as is possible. Over time memories fade, witnesses pass away and evidence is lost which makes it more difficult to make a strong claim to receive the maximum amount of compensation. Plus, you must comply with the statute of limitations in your state, which could be anywhere from one to six years.

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