A personal injury lawyer helps people who have suffered injuries and other damages in accidents that were caused by the negligence of others receive compensation. If you were injured in an accident that was due to the negligence of another you may be entitled to compensation for your financial losses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
A personal injury attorney can investigate your accident, identify all liable parties, and help you recover a settlement or award that will cover the cost of your accident-related losses. They can also help you file a claim or lawsuit against the negligent party and represent you in court, if necessary.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help Me with My Accident Claim?
A personal injury lawyer can help you with your claim by:
Explaining Your Rights
An attorney will take the time to explain your rights and the law. They will discuss how to establish your claim under California statutes and go over complex legal concepts such as the statute of limitations and pure comparative negligence.
Provide Legal Guidance and Advice
Every case is unique and requires an analysis of the circumstances and facts as they apply to California law. An experienced personal injury lawyer will explain in detail the legal process, help with paperwork, negotiate with insurance companies, consult with expert witnesses, issue subpoenas, through discovery, obtain the opposing side’s evidence, hold depositions, and walk you through the entire process.
They will also provide legal advice, such as whether or not to accept a settlement offer, encourage you to avoid speaking with the insurance company, keep a personal journal that documents your recovery, and other things you can do to strengthen your case.
Your attorney’s ultimate goal is to ensure that you receive fair compensation through the legal process. Offering advice and explanations along the way will help you understand the process and can also help to alleviate emotional distress or any frustration you experience.
Conduct an Investigation
An accident investigation can involve hiring expert witnesses, interviewing eyewitnesses, and developing legal theories regarding how the accident occurred, who is liable, and assessing damages.
Calculating Damages
As your lawyer works through the investigation they will be able to assess your damages accurately. Damages often include past and future medical costs, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses.
Negotiate with the Insurance Company
Your personal injury attorney will negotiate with the insurance company in an effort to avoid going to trial and help you recover fair compensation as soon as possible.
Represent You in Court
While the majority of claims are settled out of court, a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer will be prepared to represent you in a court of law. Your attorney will be able to argue your case accurately before a judge and jury.
The Process of Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
As mentioned earlier, most cases are settled out of court. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer your attorney may advise you to proceed with a lawsuit.
The process of filing a personal injury lawsuit involves many steps, including:
- Filing a lawsuit
- Serving the other party
- Awaiting the other party’s response to the suit
- Filing pleadings
- Discovery
- Negotiation and mediation
- Pre-trial motions
- Selection of a jury
- Opening arguments
- Each party presents evidence
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation
- Verdict
During this time, while your attorney prepares for trial, they will continue to negotiate with the other party in an attempt to settle your case out of court. If the other party still refuses to make a fair settlement offer your case will proceed to trial.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
How much it costs to hire a personal injury lawyer will depend on the final outcome of your case. An attorney will subtract a small percentage of your settlement or award to cover the cost of the legal services provided. At Avaness Law, our personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. With this payment arrangement, you will pay nothing upfront and you will owe nothing if your case is not successful.
Contact Us Today
If you were injured in an accident that was caused by the negligence of another, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Avaness Law today to schedule a free legal consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer on our legal team to learn more.
