Accidents are pretty common, and they can render one immobile or less productive. At times, families lose their breadwinners. If your loss or injuries are a result of someone else’s recklessness, then you have the right to sue them for compensation.
Families that lose their sole breadwinner in such a scenario can seek compensation for emotional harm caused. For a successful case, you should hire a personal injury attorney. They will guide you through the whole procedure and do whatever it takes to ensure your case goes through smoothly. Do click here for one of the best and experienced personal injury lawyers in Stockton. So, what does an injury lawyer do? Read on to find out.
Who is a Personal Injury Lawyer?
When someone’s injuries result from another person’s negligence, a lawyer can help the victim file a claim. Injuries can be physical, such as broken bones, or psychological, such as pain and suffering. The primary purpose of hiring a lawyer is to get compensation for the damage you have suffered.
Types of Personal Injury
Personal injury claims can cover a wide variety of situations. Here is a short list of common injuries:
- Car crashes
- Medical malpractice
- Workplace accident
- Manufacturer’s responsibility
- Responsibility for the premises
- Dog bites
- Boating
- Abuse in a nursing home
By hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer, you can get the help you need to complete the claims process. From handling paperwork to navigating court systems, your lawyer will be someone you can trust to help you make the best decisions.
The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney
Here are some things a personal injury lawyer will do to ensure your case goes through smoothly.
Evaluating Your Complaint
When you file a claim for damages, investigations will be conducted from both sides. For example, you slipped and fell in a store because you could not hang a sign with a wet floor. The store’s liability insurer is about to launch an investigation into what exactly happened.
During the investigation, the insurance company will ask you for a formal statement. It is always best to wait to make a formal statement until you speak with your lawyer. While the store’s insurance company is looking for the truth, it is also incredibly biased. The main goal of insurance companies is to relieve their client of any responsibility.
In addition, your personal injury lawyer is also investigating the claim. Your lawyer will work hard to uncover facts that support your point of view. Finally, by gathering as many facts as possible, your lawyer can help you answer any arguments regarding your claim.
Giving Out Letters of Demand
Demand letters are a way to state your side of an argument about an accident clearly. One of the most difficult parts of writing this kind of letter is being calm as you defend your position and give out the hard truths. Your attorney will accept all the wording for you because they are very qualified in drafting the best demand letters. Writing a demand letter perfectly can go a long way in determining your demand outcome.
Once the letter is complete, your lawyer will send a letter of claim to the insurance company at your request. However, before your lawyer can write a letter of demand, he must first fully discuss the incident with you.
Overview of the Incident with You
When you first meet with your personal injury lawyer, they will want to go over all the details of your case. The better you are prepared for the meeting, the easier it will be for you to provide your lawyer with a complete picture of the incident.
Here are a few things you should collect for your first meeting:
- Diagnosis documents
- Medical bills
- Ambulance service information
- Hospital dates
- List of current medications
- Registration of medical insurance documents
- Auto insurance paperwork
- Police report
- Photos of the smell of the accident
- Photos of injuries
Your lawyer will use all of the documents listed above to determine how they will approach your case. The more documents you provide, the easier it will be to substantiate your claim.
Evidence Collection
If you are missing any key evidence you need for your case, your lawyer can help you obtain it. For example, are you having trouble keeping track of a police report? Then your injury lawyer can get a copy for you. Your lawyer will want to speak with all the witnesses who were present at the scene.
After receiving your testimony, your lawyer may also hire a photographer to photograph the scene. Finally, attorneys can also be of great help when it comes to obtaining the necessary medical records to help prove you are right.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Since the primary goal of insurance companies is to pay you as little money as possible, your lawyer may advise you to avoid talking to them. Instead, your lawyer will be able to speak on your behalf, ensuring that you don’t accidentally take responsibility for the accident.
Court Representation
Last but not least, your lawyer will also be able to represent you if your case goes to court. Often, personal injury claims are resolved outside the courtroom. However, if you have a complex case, a lawsuit may be required to resolve it fully.
Now that you know more about what a personal injury lawyer does, what are you looking forward to getting help with? Are you happy with the idea that your lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies? Take your time to find the best personal injury lawyer by looking at essential qualities. Make sure you go for an experienced attorney, and you can also look at reviews that will help you get the best.
