If you have been involved in a car accident, it is recommended to hire a reputed car accident attorney who can help you file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. A skilled lawyer can handle your crash investigation, gather evidence, and draft the legal documents required to file in court. Here are the steps involved in suing someone following your car accident and how an attorney can help you at each stage. The lawyers at Ellis Injury Law have some very helpful information on what you can expect at each stage on their website here: https://ellisinjurylaw.com/los-angeles-car-accident-lawyers/how-do-i-sue-someone-after-a-car-accident/
Assessing the Fault
The first step in filing your personal injury lawsuit is determining the party whose fault led to your accident. In most US states, it is necessary to prove fault to secure compensation. The lawyer can help in assessing the fault by asking you questions related to the crash. It is essential to report every single detail you can remember about the accident, even if you think it is irrelevant to your case.
The lawyer will also assist in reviewing the physical evidence and securing a copy of the police report. It is always recommended to take photographs from the accident scene that highlight the vehicle’s damages, accident location, and road conditions. Also, it is recommended to approach any eyewitnesses and collect their contact information as their testimony can be helpful for your case.
Once the lawyer has all the details, they can use their expertise to determine fault. If your accident involves multiple parties, and even if you are slightly responsible for the accident, the lawyer can help you understand your legal options and strive relentlessly to ensure you receive compensation for your damages and injuries. If a car accident is complicated and it is not easy to determine the fault, the lawyer can also help secure the testimony of accident reconstruction experts.
Filing a Lawsuit Against the Negligent Party
Once all the evidence is assessed and the fault is determined, the car accident attorney will prepare all the paperwork and file a personal injury lawsuit. This lawsuit aims to request compensation for your economic and non-economic losses such as your medical bills, salary loss, pain, and suffering. It is essential to maintain records of all your bills and expenses and provide a copy to your lawyer, who can review them and determine the compensation amount you rightfully deserve.
Resolving the Lawsuit
Once your lawsuit is filed, it may go into the settlement phase. The lawyers from all the parties involved in the accident engage in negotiation to determine the settlement amount. If you are offered a settlement, you can either accept it or go to trial if you believe that the offer is too low. If your lawsuit reaches trial, you will have to prove that the other party is responsible for your accident. The trial usually ends with the jury along with the judge providing a verdict.
How Can A Good Car Accident Lawyer Help You?
Each step involved in suing someone for your accident requires an understanding of the procedures and legal expertise. A knowledgeable and experienced car accident attorney can assist you at each stage and provide helpful information to make the process go smoothly.