When you are involved in an accident, you may endure serious financial strain as a result of medical bills and time taken off work to heal. However, the idea of a long court battle may leave you wondering if it is worth it to file a claim. The following blog explores what you can expect during a personal injury case to help you better prepare for this process. Additionally, you will discover how our Irvine personal injury lawyers may be able to assist you.
If you have been involved in an accident, understanding the steps involved in a personal injury case is critical to ensuring you are prepared for what is to come.
Your personal injury case will begin the moment you are injured, so it is crucial to take the correct steps at the accident scene. You should seek immediate medical treatment, take photos and videos of the scene, speak with witnesses, and request a copy of the police report before leaving.
Next, you should connect with an attorney who can help guide you through this process. Once you have a better understanding of the medical treatment you require for the injuries sustained, you and your attorney can estimate the value of your case. Damages can include medical care, lost wages, and emotional suffering. You can then file a claim through the insurance of the negligent party, if they are insured. You should be aware that the third party insurance will likely counter with an offer considerably lower than you deserve. This will begin the negotiation phase in which you and your attorney will attempt to settle the matter with the negligent party and their insurance.
If you cannot reach an agreement, you may then need to have the matter handled in court.
First and foremost, the most important thing to understand about how long your personal injury case will take to resolve is that it depends heavily on the circumstances of your case. Unfortunately, no two personal injury cases are the same, meaning there is no set timeframe. As such, some cases take months while others can take years to resolve. However, understanding the factors that can elongate your case can help you get a better idea of how long this can take.
Generally, one of the most influential factors that will impact how long your case takes is the severity of your injuries. Since you may require medical care years after your case has settled, estimating future costs can be challenging. If you have sustained injuries that are chronic and life-altering, it may take longer to resolve your case as opposed to a broken bone.
Another factor that can draw out the process of recovering compensation is how certain negligence is. If there is confusion regarding who is liable for the injuries, it can take longer to determine an outcome as you must first prove that the other party is negligent for the injuries sustained.
Additional factors that can impact how long your case will take include the cooperation of the other party, whether you must go to trial, delays within the court system, and how many parties are involved.
As you can see, many factors are at play during a personal injury case, which is why it is in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate these complicated matters. At California Personal Injury Law Firm, APC, our team is committed to fighting for you. Contact us today to discuss your case with a member of our firm.
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