What to Expect at Each Stage of a Personal Injury Claim
If you’ve been left injured because of a negligent driver, property owner, dog owner, or another reckless individual, the thought of pursuing a personal injury claim may seem overwhelming. But that’s why we’re here—with the help of a Biloxi personal injury lawyer, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while we navigate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Learn more about what to expect from the personal injury claim process and how we can help. When you’re ready to move forward with your personal injury claim, call Gardner Law Group at 228-436-6555 to set up a consultation.
Your Initial Consultation
Your journey to fair and full compensation starts with an initial consultation with a personal injury attorney. This is your chance to explain your side of the story, show the evidence that you’ve gathered, and tell the attorney about your losses. During the meeting, expect the attorney to ask questions about your injuries, look over your evidence, learn more about your injuries and treatment, and explain personal injury law to you as it relates to your case. At the end of the consultation, they’ll tell you whether or not you have a case, how strong your case is, and what their professional advice is. If they believe you have a strong enough case, you can retain them to represent you.
Investigation of Your Claim
Once you’ve hired a lawyer, they’ll jump into investigating your case. Before they can convince the other party’s insurance company to pay up what you’re owed, they know that they have to prove you deserve a fair settlement. They’ll obtain copies of police reports, accident reports, eyewitness statements, medical records, and medical bills. Depending on the complexity of your case, they may also consult with expert witnesses. In cases where liability is unclear or there are numerous factors at play, expert witnesses can provide clarity and insight.
For example, if you were injured in a reckless driving accident, your lawyer may bring in an accident reconstruction specialist. Your attorney will also gather and analyze photographic evidence that shows how your injuries happened, how they have progressed, and if any property damage occurred. Their goal is to figure out who’s liable, how they were negligent, and how much you have lost as a result.
Negotiating With the Insurance Company
After your attorney has the evidence they need to prove the other party’s negligence, it’s time to negotiate. This is where most personal injury claims end—very few cases ever make it to court. Your lawyer will tell the insurance company how much money they are looking for in order to make you whole, and they will explain their reasoning for that number. This starts the first cycle of negotiations. The insurance company will likely come back with their own number and their explanation for that number. Depending on how far apart those numbers are, it may take several rounds of negotiations to come to an agreement.
If the two sides are able to come to an agreement, they will draw up the paperwork. In exchange for your settlement, you waive your right to sue the other party for your current injuries and any other losses related to the accident in question. Once everything is signed, the settlement is disbursed. Any other parties who must be paid—for example, medical providers and repair shops—receive their cut. Your attorney gets their share. Finally, you receive your check for your losses.
Taking Your Case to Trial
If both parties are just too far apart on their numbers, a settlement may not be possible. When this happens, your attorney will move forward with a lawsuit against the liable party. This involves extensive preparation, so expect the case to take much longer. If your case makes it all the way to trial—since a settlement is still possible at any point during this process—both sides get a chance to present their cases. The judge or jury decides whether the other party is liable, and if so, how much they owe you.
Ready to Get Started? Call Gardner Law Group Now
If you’re ready to find out if you’re owed compensation, it’s time to meet with the team at Gardner Law Group. We’re committed to fighting for victims like you. Schedule your consultation by reaching out online or calling us at 228-436-6555.
