
A skilled attorney can build a strong compensation case. This may include obtaining police reports, official documents, and physical evidence like damaged vehicles or medical records.
They can also handle the often-nuanced negotiations with insurance companies to ensure victims receive the full value of their damages. This could include presenting medical evidence that proves a life-changing injury or showing that an insurer undervalued an injury.
Proving Liability
If the person or company responsible for your injuries did something negligent, you need to prove that. This is where a personal injury lawyer comes in.
An expert attorney such as from Jay Trucks & Associate team can investigate the incident in several ways, including conducting an investigation with outside investigators and bringing in experts to help with accident reconstruction. They will also review the evidence gathered and conclude how your accident occurred. For example, suppose you were injured in an auto accident at an intersection. In that case, your attorney will review traffic signals, speed limits, and other factors that may have contributed to the crash. Similarly, in a slip-and-fall accident, they will look at the lighting, your shoes, and any obstructions or uneven ground that may have caused you to trip. Your lawyer will also help you document all your losses, including medical expenses from doctors, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, lost income from missing work, property damage, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. They will ensure that your losses are documented accurately so they can negotiate a fair settlement or win compensation at trial.
Gathering Evidence
When an accident occurs, it leaves behind a trail of evidence. Personal injury attorneys are skilled in collecting the relevant evidence for your case, including police reports filed at the scene, witness statements or contact information, medical records detailing your injuries and future treatment plans, photographs or videos capturing the accident site or damage to your vehicle or property, and if applicable, surveillance footage.
They also perform a detailed liability analysis. This involves reviewing all applicable statutes, case law, and legal precedents to establish a valid rationale for pursuing a claim against the negligent parties responsible for your injuries. Additionally, personal injury lawyers negotiate with insurance companies or the opposing party’s representatives to ensure a fair settlement for your damages. This complicated and nuanced task can be difficult for injured victims to navigate when their emotions are clouded by fear, anger, or stress.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Injured individuals have a right to pursue compensation for their losses, including medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. An experienced attorney will ensure these costs are accurately calculated and factored into a settlement. Moreover, they will interview witnesses to gather new perspectives and insights that strengthen the case. They may also seek expert testimony, such as accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals, to bolster claims. They will also gather financial records and calculate future loss of earnings, if applicable. Skilled negotiators and personal injury lawyers will negotiate on behalf of their clients to secure fair settlements. They will be able to recognize low-ball offers and counter them with compelling arguments. Lastly, they will be prepared to take the insurance company to court if necessary.
Filing a Lawsuit
While most personal injury cases are settled out of court, they sometimes require a lawsuit. Personal injury attorneys are skilled at filing legal complaints and litigating civil courts. A personal injury lawyer can perform a detailed liability analysis to determine who may be responsible for an accident. This can include reviewing relevant statutes, case law, and legal precedents. It can also involve identifying all potential parties involved in the incident, for example, if someone slips and falls in a grocery store and gets hurt. In addition to identifying all potential defendants, personal injury lawyers can assist with calculating general damages. They can consider many factors when assessing your pain and suffering, including when you’ve been unable to work and calls from debt collectors. They can also help you decide whether to accept a settlement or go to trial.