Have you been injured in an accident where someone else is at fault? If so, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. Injuries can result in expensive medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other hardships. If someone else was responsible for your plight, you deserve compensation for what you’ve endured.
The best way to file a personal injury lawsuit is to meet with an Austin personal injury lawyer who specializes in these types of cases. When you file your lawsuit with the help of a lawyer, you have a better chance of getting the maximum amount of compensation.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Step 1: Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer.
If you think you may have a case, contact a personal injury lawyer. They will consult with you over the phone or schedule a face-to-face consultation. The face-to-face consultation could take place in your home, a public place, or even a hospital room if necessary. During this consultation, your lawyer will give you advice on whether or not to proceed with your case.
Step 2: Decide Whether or Not to Proceed with the Lawsuit.
Depending on the recommendation from your lawyer, you will need to decide how to proceed. If your lawyer believes you have a case and a good chance of recovering funds, you will most likely want to pursue the lawsuit. If your lawyer does not believe that you have a case, they will likely recommend that you accept whatever the insurance companies offer.
Step 3: Collect Documentation.
If you decide to pursue litigation at the recommendation of your lawyer, you will need to collect some documentation to provide to your lawyer. These documents can include hospital bills, insurance forms, a written record of the incident, pay stubs, and other paperwork. Do your best to keep all paperwork related to your case and present that information to your lawyer.
Step 4: Follow your Lawyer’s Instructions.
From this point forward it is best to follow your lawyers’ recommendations on what to do and what not to do while your lawsuit is being filed. Avoid posting any information about your case on social media. Don’t even talk about your case with anyone besides your immediate family members who are aware of the situation.
Step 5: Keep up with Doctor’s Appointments.
If you are still under the care of a doctor as a result of your injuries, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all required appointments. This shows that you are taking the best possible care of yourself and doing your best to minimize the financial burden.
Step 6: Do Not Communicate with Insurance Companies.
Once you begin the process of filing a lawsuit, do not communicate with any insurance companies, yours, or the other party’s. Your lawyer should handle all communication. Insurance companies may try to get you to admit fault or say something to jeopardize your case.
Step 7: Wait for Communication from your Lawyer.
A big part of filing a lawsuit is a waiting game. The process can take a year or two in many cases, depending on whether or not the case is settled out of court. A case that settles out of court will be much faster than one that goes to court.
Step 8: Settlement or Court Date.
The final step in a personal injury lawsuit is either a settlement or a court date. A settlement is an agreement between all parties involved, typically resulting in some financial damages being paid to the plaintiff. If a settlement cannot be reached out of court, the case will go to court and be decided on by a judge or jury.
Kelly Legal Group Specializes in Personal Injury Lawsuits
If you want to file a personal injury lawsuit, the experts at Kelly Legal Group can help. We will listen to your case and give you our recommendation on whether or not to pursue legal action.
Call (512) 505-0053 today to schedule a consultation or request an appointment. We look forward to helping you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
