If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be wondering how to go about filing a personal injury claim. Here are six things you need to know about the process:
1. You Have A Limited Time To File
In most states, there is a time limit to file a personal injury claim. If you cannot settle your case with the insurance company before the expiration of the statute of limitation, you will need to file a lawsuit to extend the statute of limitation. If you wait too long, your claim will likely be barred by the statute of limitations. This is why it’s important to speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident.
2. You Will Need To Prove Negligence
In order for your personal injury claim to be successful, you will need to prove that the other party is at fault for the accident that caused your injuries. There are many ways to do this, but one of the most common is through the accident report prepared by law enforcement and/or witness testimony. If there were any witnesses present at the time of the accident, their testimony can be incredibly valuable in proving that the other party is at fault. Other ways of proving fault include a police testimony, photographs or videos of the scene of the accident, and medical records documenting your injuries.
3. You May Be Entitled To Compensation For Your Damages
If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand what types of damages you may be able to recover.
4. The At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company Is Not On Your Side
The at-fault party’s insurance company will likely try to lowball you on your settlement offer or deny your claim altogether. This is why it’s important to have an attorney on your side who can level the playing field and fight for the compensation you deserve.
5. Going To Court Is Not Always Necessary
Most personal injury claims are resolved through negotiation and settlement rather than going to trial. However, having an experienced trial attorney on your side can give you leverage in negotiations and help you get the best possible outcome for your personal injury case.
6. You Don’t Have To Go Through This Alone
The process of filing a personal injury claim can be complicated and overwhelming. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through it alone—an experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through every step of the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Most personal injury lawyers offer a free consultation and are here to offer support.
Find An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident, it’s important to know your rights and options when it comes to filing a personal injury claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can answer your questions, explain your options, and help you get the best possible outcome for your case. Contact The Overholt Law Firm, PC today to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers.