When you are hurt and trying to heal, dealing
with a personal injury claim may be the last thing on your mind. The claims
process can be time-consuming and frustrating, leaving you wondering how you will
pay for your medical bills and missed time from work. The best
personal injury lawyers help clients navigate the claims process from
start to finish, which can ease your stress and allow you to focus on your
recovery.
Assessing
Your Case
In your initial consultation, a Pennsylvania
personal injury lawyer will ask you some questions, address your
concerns, and discuss your case with you. They will ask how the accident or
incident occurred, who was involved, and who you believe may be liable. An
attorney also will inquire about your injuries, how they have affected your
life, and what type of medical treatment you have received. After evaluating
your case, they will give you their opinion on whether you have a viable claim,
and on the most effective way to proceed.
Investigating
Your Claim
If you decide to proceed with your claim, your
attorney’s team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your
case. For example, if you were hurt in a car accident, your personal injury
lawyer may visit the scene of the crash to take pictures, obtain police
reports, get the insurance information of other involved parties, contact
witnesses, and identify who may be at fault and liable for damages.
They also will request all medical records
associated with treatment for your accident-related injuries.
You will want to gather all bills, invoices, receipts, pay stubs, or other
proof of income so your accident lawyer can determine what your claim is worth.
Depending on the circumstances, your personal injury attorney may also employ
the services of accident reconstructionists and other experts as your case
develops.
Sending
a Demand Letter or Notice of Claim
Once the evidence is collected and your attorney
puts it all together to create a legal claim, your attorney will send a formal
demand letter to the liable party’s insurer. This puts them on notice of your
intention to file a claim. The letter will outline the evidence, explain why
you are entitled to compensation, and include the dollar amount you are
requesting for your injuries and other damages like lost wages and pain and
suffering.
Negotiating
a Settlement
The vast majority of personal injury claims
are settled out of court. A car accident attorney
or personal injury lawyer will handle all communications and negotiations with
insurers so you can focus on getting better. Without legal representation, many
injured victims accept minimal settlements that do not even begin to cover
their medical bills, let alone other damages. Even if you do not think you have
been seriously injured, it is always a good idea to speak to a lawyer after an
accident.
Personal injury lawyers are familiar with the
tactics insurance companies often employ to offer minimal amounts or deny
claims. When you have an experienced attorney advocating for you, you can rest
assured that they are working towards the best possible outcome for your case.
If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may recommend taking
your case to trial.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an
accident caused by negligence, our personal injury
lawyers in Chester County, PA can help.
This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/the-role-of-a-personal-injury-attorney-how-they-can-help-you-navigate-the-claims-process/
