Injuries are a common occurrence in life. But while they may sometimes be unavoidable, in some cases, they may be a result of other people’s negligence or wrongful actions. If you are injured due to someone else’s reckless behavior, you are entitled to get a settlement for the damages you incurred.
However, getting the compensation you deserve might not be that simple since the defendant may also seek legal representation. If you have suffered an injury that was caused by someone else, you should work with a personal injury lawyer to prove their liability. The attorney can help you build a strong case to get a full settlement. Read on to learn how working with an experienced lawyer can make a difference in your personal injury claim.
Prove liability
When you are involved in an accident, you must prove liability to increase your chances of getting the damages that you deserve. Proving negligence in an accident can be difficult, and this is the main reason why you should enlist the services of a professional injury attorney. To prove negligence, you should show that the other party failed to provide a reasonable “duty of care” to another person. Therefore, you must prove that the other party:
- Owed you a duty of care to avoid acting in a certain way
- The defendant breached that duty of care
- You suffered injuries as a result of the breach of that duty
- Your injuries caused damages that include lost income, medical expenses, pain, and suffering
Establishing negligence can be complicated, this is why you need to work with an experienced personal injury attorney. Your lawyer can work with investigators and witnesses to build a strong case against the defendant. Lawyers work on a contingent basis, so they will do their best to secure a settlement for you.
Assist you with your medical needs
When you are involved in an accident, you must seek medical treatment immediately. A doctor will examine your injuries and write a medical report that is used to determine the settlement you should get. Your lawyer will also help you with your medical needs like ensuring you follow the doctor’s instructions. Additionally, your attorney can also recommend further medical examination to ensure that you get proper treatment.
Legal advice
Before you file a compensation claim for injuries sustained in an accident, you must seek legal advice from a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law. The professional LA-based attorneys at cd-lawyers.com/los-angeles-personal-injury-lawyer/ explain that a seasoned legal practitioner will evaluate your case first to establish its merits before filing a claim. Your attorney will also ask you different questions, and you should refrain from falsifying any information since this can jeopardize your claim.
Moreover, they will explain your legal rights and the steps you need to take to get a fair settlement. These measures aim to protect your legal rights and help you recover the damages you are owed. The steps they will advise you to take include the following:
- Report to the police
- Gather evidence
- Get medical treatment
- Do not provide a statement to insurance adjusters from the defendant’s insurance company
- Do not share accident details
- Communicate through your lawyer
Estimate settlement value
Your personal injury lawyer will evaluate all the documents to determine the compensation that you should get. It is not easy to predict the total value of the settlement that you must get from the outset. The damages are also known as compensatory damages, and they include the following: medical expenses, lost wages, mental and emotional distress, pain, and suffering. The lawyer will also consider the time it may take for you to heal.
File a compensation claim
When your attorney has gathered all the necessary evidence and prepared the case, the next thing is to send a letter of demand to the defendant’s insurance company. The lawyer will state the reasons for demanding settlement and they will also indicate the expected damages to be paid. Personal injury cases are usually settled before they go to court, so the insurance company will respond to the letter of demand.
If the insurance company agrees to the settlement, then you will get your damages compensation. However, if they dispute the claim, your attorney can negotiate a better settlement. On top of that, if you disagree on the compensation you deserve, your attorney can file a lawsuit. Your case will go to the court of law where you can pursue your claim. Your attorney will help you file a lawsuit before the expiry of the statute of limitations.
If you are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, it is a good idea to hire a personal injury lawyer to handle your claim. Personal injury lawyers can make a big difference since they have experience in dealing with similar cases. Your attorney can help you prove negligence to increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. All in all, you will preserve your peace of mind and be able to focus more on your recovery if you work with an experienced lawyer.
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