Case evaluation and investigation
First off, if you're badly injured or lost a loved one because of someone else's negligence, contact us for a free consultation. We'll evaluate your case and guide you on your next step.
Once you hire us, we’ll open an investigation. This may involve getting evidence like police reports, pictures of the scene of the accident and witness accounts. We might analyze your medical and work records and how much it'll cost to get your car fixed. Sometimes, we use expert witnesses to recreate the accident so insurance companies can better understand the mechanics of the crash.
Claim and settlement
After gathering all the information, we open a claim with the insurance companies. We will take the information we found in our investigation and package it into a demand for settlement. If the insurance company agrees, you'll sign some paperwork, get a check, and that's it. The entire process typically takes 3-6 months, but could be longer for wrongful death and multi-vehicle accidents.
Lawsuit
If we can't settle your claim, we’ll file a lawsuit. A lawsuit starts with the filing file of a complaint. You become the "Plaintiff," and the person you're suing is the "Defendant." We serve the Defendant who has 30 days to file an answer. Usually, the defendant will deny any fault and blame you or someone else for the accident.
Next is the "Discovery" stage, where both sides exchange evidence. This includes written questions called "interrogatories" and oral interviews known as "depositions." Think of a deposition as being like a really important interview. For example, if you suffered multiple fractures, the Defendant will want to see your medical records to see if that's true.
Throughout this process, either side can file "motions," which are simply a request for a court order. For example, if you don't want to show your medical records, the defendant can file a motion asking the judge to make you disclose your medical records.
Mediation
The judge may order "mediation," which is an attempt to settle your case before going to trial.
If mediation fails, we proceed to trial. Here, both sides present their evidence and witnesses. A jury then decides who's at fault, and what compensation you should receive. The judge then enters a judgment which finalizes the process.
And that's it! That’s a simplified look at the personal injury process...from start to finish. The whole process usually takes around 30 months, and even longer in major cities.
Free case consultation
Call us for a free no obligation consultation. We’ll provide answers and give you direction in moving forward.