If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you might be considering hiring a lawyer and seeking compensation. But where should you start? What goes into a lawsuit, exactly?
Your lawyer will walk you through all the steps of your personal injury lawsuit. It might seem like too much of a hassle, but it’s always worth it to get the compensation you deserve.
Want to learn more? Here’s a basic overview a personal injury lawsuit, so you know what to expect.
Step 1: Hiring an attorney
Once you’ve made up your mind to pursue a lawsuit, you need to connect with a California attorney.
This is the only part of the process that requires any effort on your part. You should do your research and make sure you’re working with a qualified professional. Fortunately, most attorneys offer a free initial consultation, so you don’t have to waste any money while you’re shopping around.
In fact, the best attorneys shouldn’t charge you at all unless you win your case.
Step 2: Filing a claim
Your attorney will investigate your case and help you to file a claim.
The claim is basically a demand for compensation, and it will be filed against the party responsible for your injury. For example, if you hire an attorney for a car accident, they will file a claim against the responsible driver’s insurance company.
If there isn’t an insurance company involved in the case, a demand letter might be sent to the person or company that hurt you. This part of the process can get a little confusing, but your attorney will guide you through each step.
Step 3: The lawsuit
If the claim is disputed or a settlement can’t be reached, your case will eventually go to court. Most personal injury settlements don’t actually need to become lawsuits — usually, the responsible party will pay what they owe you to avoid an unnecessary headache.
If it does come down to it, your attorney will fight for you in court and make sure you get the settlement you deserve!
