The occurrence of accidents is not restricted to one area, whether it is the freeway or a grocery store. When they do happen, it is imperative that you get to know your rights and the steps you have to take if you are to be compensated for the injuries that you sustain.
The settlement process involves conversations that are normally conducted by your attorney, for purposes of securing the best results. They will ensure that the settlement incorporates all your ancillary costs, including your medical expenses and any future therapy that you might require.
Steps in the Personal Injury Claims Process
Step 1: Seek Medical Attention
The first measure that should be taken when faced with such situations is consulting a doctor.
It is true that your health comes first. You need to see a doctor soon after an accident has occurred. This not only means that your injuries will get the proper care they need but also ensures that you have documented proof to back up your claim.
Step 2: Document Everything
Gather as much information about the incident as possible. This entails capturing pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and getting photographs of any witness with their identification details. All these aspects are important in establishing a proper case.
Step 3: Contact the Responsible Party
This step involves confronting the person or company that you think caused your injury. This is done through a notice – often a letter – to the tortfeasor, making them aware of your intention to seek compensation for your injuries.
Step 4: Get Personal Injury Attorneys to Begin the Settlement Negotiation Procedure
The majority of personal injury claims are settled out of court. Personal injury attorneys will help you to engage the insurance company in a bid to have them pay you a reasonable compensation amount. Your personal injury attorneys can take the case to trial if they are unable to secure a favorable outcome through negotiation.
What to Expect During Your Claim
Anyone in Phoenix who wishes to pursue a personal injury lawsuit must also be willing to commit his/her time and energy to participate in a well-coordinated and sometimes lengthy process. Amongst the steps that should be taken in this process should be to consult a doctor to establish the extent of the injuries. Then, gather all possible detailed proof from the scene of the accident such as photographs and statements of the eye witnesses that would aid in support of the claim. The next step is often to contact the appropriate party(ies), often through legal notices declaring an intention to claim damages.
It is crucial to understand that you should be entering a dialogue with the insurance company of the culpable party with your personal injury lawyer. These discussions aim to make a decision that aims at trying to cover any cost which may arise as a result of such an incident, with regard to medical and/or other treatments incurred already and for the future. Sometimes the attorney may advise you to go to trial in the event that the parties cannot agree on the terms of the negotiation.