Stages of Personal Injury Claims, Part One

Accidents which result in injuries vary so greatly that it can be difficult to provide more than a general timeframe for a personal injury claim because not every stage occurs in every claim.

Here are the general stages from the initial accident until the end of the legal process:

– The accident – Personal injuries result from a variety of accidents, including traffic accidents, slip-and-falls, and workplace accidents.
– Seeking medical attention – This should be your first priority after being injured in an accident. It is essential not only for your health, but also for your legal claim to hold the other party accountable for causing the accident.
– Speak with an attorney – After you’ve received a full medical evaluation, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and you can make it through the claim process as smoothly as possible. If you negotiate with the insurer without an attorney, you put yourself at high risk of being taken advantage of and offered a low settlement which does not fully compensate you for your losses; one study by the Insurance Research Council found that personal injury claimants who hire attorneys (who aren’t paid unless their clients win) earn settlements 3.5 times larger, on average, than those who negotiate alone.
– Investigation – You should feel comfortable providing your attorney with any and all important information and withhold none, as your attorney can only successfully represent you if trust and honesty are mutual between you. Your attorney may review a wide range of documentation, such as your medical history, medical records and expenses related to your recent injury, and the places where you’ve received medical treatment for your injuries, and a professional known as an “intake specialist” may assist in this process.
– Negotiations – After filing a legal claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver, a claims adjuster will be assigned to the case and negotiations will eventually begin. While most personal injury claims are settled before a trial is necessary if the other driver’s negligence is clear and obvious, your attorney will be willing to go to trial if the insurer is not willing to reach a settlement and fully compensate you for your injuries and losses.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to negligence, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.