When you’ve had an auto accident and are thinking about filing a claim, understand the legal process and what to anticipate. Often, car accident lawsuits are complicated and time-consuming. However, with the help of an experienced car accident attorney, you can be able to go through this journey confidently. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to expect during a legal suit for a car crash.
The lawsuit begins by setting up a meeting with an experienced New York City car accident lawyer. During this meeting, your lawyer will review many things about the accident, such as how it happened, your injuries sustained from it, and also any evidence that you have collected so far. They will examine the merits of your case and explain to you the different options available at law.
The moment you hire an attorney, they will start by thoroughly investigating the accident. This includes gathering proofs like police reports, medical records, photographs at the scene of the accident, and witness statements. The lawyer can as well seek advice from experts to examine your injuries’ extent and the one responsible for them. Therefore, this phase is very important since strong evidence will boost your case and establish legal responsibility.
If settlement negotiations break down, your attorney will institute a formal lawsuit. At this point, the legal process officially commences. In a complaint filed in the lawsuit, you outline your injuries and specify what damages you are seeking. Finally, you serve this lawsuit upon the defendant, who then has a certain span of time to respond to it.
During the discovery period, both sides exchange information that is relevant to the case, such as written questions (interrogatories), requests for documents, or depositions where witnesses or experts testify under oath. Your lawyer will help you prepare for this stage and ensure that any requested information is given accurately and promptly.
Several road crash suits are settled out of court. Your attorney will discuss with the insurance company or the defendant’s lawyers to ensure that the settlement is fair enough. Settling is often preferable since it enables both parties to evade a trial that could take long and is uncertain. In such circumstances, your lawyer will fight for your interests so that the settlement can cover medical bills, lost income, and pain.
When no fair settlement can be reached, a case may proceed to full trial. In this regard, each party will present their facts and arguments in court for determination by either judge or jury, as the case may be. Throughout the trial you will have your lawyer representing you, who shall see to it that your side of the story is told and help you get a positive judgment.
The award against the defendant must be paid if there is a ruling in favor of you in court. Any party discontented with a decision made might file an appeal that drags on longer than expected.
Although it may take a long time and be intimidating, prosecuting a car accident can be done through the process with the assurance that there is an experienced car accident attorney. The legal process will be unraveled for you by your attorney starting from the first meeting up to the courtroom proceedings so that you are adequately compensated. Should you have been involved in a car crash, getting legal advice at an early stage will enable you to protect your rights all along.