For most people, the process involved in filing a personal injury case is a bit of a mystery. If you’re one of those people who wonders, “Just what does a personal injury attorney do?”, we have the answer.
What happens in a personal injury case?
- First, the attorney will review your case to determine whether you’ll be able to win compensation by pursuing it. Having an attorney who’s experienced in personal injury law and in successfully pursuing cases can be of tremendous value during this initial evaluation.
- Once it’s been determined you’re legally entitled to damages and your case should be pursued, the attorney will draft a complaint to be filed with the court, outlining the case and why it’s being filed.
- Next, the discovery phase begins. This is where evidence is gathered, including testimony from yourself, your doctors, witnesses and anyone else with knowledge of your claim. Medical records, accident reports and other information will also be gathered during discovery. Information will be shared with the attorney for the “other side,” and you may be asked to give a deposition, which is a series of statements made in response to questions from the other party’s lawyer. During discovery, both sides may negotiate to attempt to reach a settlement, and motions may be filed with the court regarding the evidence. In some cases, a mediator may be called in to try to help both sides achieve an agreeable settlement.
- If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will prepare you to take your case to court, where it will usually be tried in front of a jury.
Do I need a personal injury lawyer?
Personal injury claims – even majors ones – are notoriously complex, and in most cases, insurance companies are reluctant to pay the entire amount of compensation you’re owed. If you’ve been involved in any sort of accident – car accident, motorcycle accident, commercial trucking accident, pedestrian accident, bicycle accident, medical malpractice, faulty product injury, construction accidents, or any other type of personal injury – it’s important to schedule a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney to determine if your case is worth pursuing. Only by speaking with a skilled personal injury attorney can you tell if the injuries you’ve suffered and the accident itself is compensable. A consultation appointment takes less than an hour in most cases, and if you have unrecovered losses, it could wind up being one of the best investments of your time that you’ll ever make.
At Dennis Hernandez & Associates, our attorneys have extensive experience helping accident victims in and around Tampa protect their rights so they can receive the compensation that rightfully theirs. Gathering evidence in a personal injury case can take time, and there are time limits for filing, so getting started right away is critical. Call Dennis Hernandez & Associates, PA today at (813) 250-0000 to schedule a free consultation and start taking steps toward protecting your rights.
