Let's Get Things Started: Your Personal Injury Case Begins
For those hurt by a careless driver, you might already realize that you are entitled to get paid. The other driver (or, at least, their insurance company) owes you for your medical expenses, lost wages from your job, pain and suffering, and a lot more. You might not get everything you deserve by counting on the insurance company and many accident victims end up contacting a personal injury lawyer to assist them. Getting things started can be as easy as picking up the phone and making an appointment with a lawyer, but it can be helpful to know what is happening to your case during the first few weeks after your initial meeting. To give you a better idea of what to expect as your case gets started, read on.
First Things First
There are a few precautions to take before you do anything else. In this case, it's more about what you should not be doing than what you should do. Be sure you don't ruin your case by speaking to the insurance adjuster for the other side before you meet with your attorney. Your attorney will likely tell you not to do so, but insurance adjusters can often begin trying to contact you very soon after the accident. You do not have to speak to them and you should not do so. Report any attempts to contact you to your attorney.
Information Gathering
Your attorney will want to form an idea of what your case is about by asking you for certain information. For example, they may ask you to provide them with a copy of the accident report. This report contains the name and policy number of the other driver. The level of maximum insurance coverage will influence your compensation, among other things. Another important component of your case is your physical injuries. Keep up with your medical costs by setting aside insurance explanation of benefits statements, receipts, and your medical treatment records.
A Demand Letter is Sent Out
Using the gathered information, your attorney will create a letter that states the settlement amount you are willing to accept from the other side. The demand letter backs up the requested settlement with a summary of evidence along with medical expenses and other costs. It should be noted that this is not a lawsuit. The demand letter is an attempt to avoid a lawsuit and settle outside of court. In many cases, the demand letter marks the beginning of negotiations between your lawyer and the other driver's insurance company. If you are ready to take action against the driver that hit you and caused your injuries, speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as you can after your wreck.