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

Property damage, medical bills and lost wages may be substantial after a car accident. An experienced lawyer can help you in obtaining the financial compensation you deserve.

The process may differ from case to case but generally it starts with the filing of an action. The discovery phase, trial and any appeals follow.

Medical Records

Medical records are an essential element in any auto accident case. They will help jurors or judges to comprehend the impact of the accident on your life. This includes the financial, emotional physical, and emotional expenses. Insurance companies will be unable to argue with the information provided by medical records.

You may only have a certain amount of time, depending on the laws in your state and the policies of your doctor to request medical records. It is recommended to consult with your lawyer as soon following an accident as it is possible. The law protects your access to these records by implementing the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This does not mean you or your lawyer are the only ones who can look over your medical records. Insurance companies are always looking for anything that could suggest your injuries might not be as serious as you claim or if you have pre-existing injuries.

Your lawyer will utilize the medical records you provide to draft a letter of demand that includes evidence to justify the damages you want. Your lawyer must only provide the relevant medical records to your insurance company. They may require you to give them permission to access your complete medical record. This is not in the best interest of your claim, as it could reveal injuries from the past that are not related to the claim.

Reports of Police

Every time a police official responds to a call for help, which could include an accident, he or she makes a police report. Although they are not admissible in a court of law (they are considered to be hearsay) they can provide valuable information for attorneys when investigating and preparing their cases.

A police report provides an objective account of the accident which is based on the witnesses' testimony and the officer's observations regarding the weather conditions, the drivers, and a variety of other factors. It is a crucial evidence that can aid you in winning a lawsuit for car accidents.


auto accident attorneys los angeles can usually request a copy of the records from the precinct responsible for the investigation. Contact their non-emergency number and provide an invoice or an incident number for identification. The police department may also have a website where you can request copies of records online.

If your medical bills and property damage as well as lost wages reach the amount of a certain amount, then you'll need to file a lawsuit against the driver at fault. The police report is a valuable tool in settlement negotiations, particularly when you can prove the other driver's negligence based on observations made by the officer. Many cases are settled without going to trial. The pre-trial process can be long and your case might not be resolved until a year after filing it.

Insurance Company Negotiations

Once an adjuster has all the data they require from you and the investigation into the car accident They will then extend an offer for settlement. They will input all the information and facts into a computer program in order to make their initial offer. They will most likely arrive at a figure which is lower than what you calculated based on your research. It's important to remember that insurance companies have their own financial interests in mind when making settlement offers.

They'll want to limit the amount they'll need to pay for your medical bills and other damages. You can fight back when you mention the negative effects your injuries could have on you and impact your life in the future. You could, for instance mention your increasing medical bills and your lost earning potential, as as the mental and physical suffering you are experiencing.

You or your attorney will then prepare the letter of demand and present it to an insurance company. The letter should include all the evidence you have gathered including witnesses' statements and photographs of your injuries. You'll also make a list of your non-negotiables so you can prevent the insurance company from under-pricing you. After an agreement has been reached the settlement agreement written will reflect it. It's not uncommon for back-and-forth to take place during the negotiation process, but remaining patient will help you reach an equitable settlement.

Legal Advice

Discovery is the next phase of the lawsuit, during which both parties exchange information and evidence. Parties can request medical records, police reports and witness statements. The parties will also exchange interrogatories that are written questions that must be answered on the oath within a specified time. In addition your attorney will provide documentation of the extent of your physical, emotional and psychological injuries and any other damages that you could seek to compensate for such as current and anticipated future medical costs, property damage, and lost wages.

Your lawyer will also confer with experts like medical specialists mechanics, engineers and mechanics. These experts can assist the jury to get a clear picture of the injuries and accidents you sustained.

Your lawyer will then begin negotiations with insurance companies in order to settle your case without a trial. If the insurance company fails to offer a fair settlement, or does not consider your injuries and other damages your case will likely go to trial.

While only a few cases go to trial it is important for victims to file a lawsuit as soon as they can. Memories fade, witnesses can die and evidence can disappear in time and it becomes difficult to make a strong argument for the most compensation. It is also important to adhere to your state's statute of limitations which can range from 1 to 6 year.

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