How Do I Start a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
The decision to file a personal injury lawsuit is very personal. Most of us would rather believe that the other party will do the right thing by us, but that is not always the case. Sometimes a lawsuit is the only tool left in your arsenal to make a bad situation right again. If you have never been in this situation before, it's difficult to know what to do and what actions come next.
Gather Your EvidenceBefore you can proceed with filing a personal injury lawsuit, you need to gather all of the evidence that you have regarding the potential case. This evidence includes any police reports, pictures of injuries and accident scenes, witness statements, medical documents and financial records. Any information that shows that you have sustained losses, both physical and financial, can support your case. Don't forget that there are many different types of injury, even those that do not leave visible marks, but they can all affect your life significantly.
Talk With an Experienced AttorneyOnce you have all of your evidence in hand, it's time to talk with an attorney who has experience with these types of cases. California personal injury law is complicated to navigate on your own, so it helps to have someone on your side who has handled situations like yours before. Your attorney can review all of the evidence you have gathered and may be able to make suggestions for additional documentation that you did not think to gather.
Consider a SettlementOften the other party's insurance company will offer a settlement; however, once you agree to take a settlement, you can never change your mind and there is no other recourse. Before agreeing to a settlement, make sure that it is in your best interest. Your attorney can let you know whether you should hold out for a better offer or whether a court trial is the best option of all. Never agree to a settlement without allowing your attorney to look over the agreement for you. If it's time for you to go further in your quest to file a personal injury lawsuit, contact an attorney who can help you. He or she can help you to gather any evidence that is missing from your files and can take some of the stress off your shoulders.
ou do not have to go through these situations on your own, especially when you are already in pain and suffering from reduced circumstances.