Auto Accident Litigation Document everything that is in connection with your accident This includes medical records and images of the scene and also pay stubs and bills Memories fade, witnesses can go away or die, and evidence can disappear If you and the Defendant do not reach a consensus during this phase the case will go to trial What is a lawsuit A lawsuit is a legal proceeding brought in a court of law wherein the plaintiff seeks to hold the defendant accountable for a loss A plaintiff may ask the court for compensation in cash or other non-monetary "equitable relief" The defendant must answer to the complaint and may be forced to pay damages if found to be responsible The first step in a civil lawsuit is filing the complaint https//vimeocom/706734682 of the case and lays out the legal foundations for holding the defendant accountable for the plaintiff's damages The defendant is given a specific amount of time to reply to the complaint They may contest the allegations and the arguments of the plaintiff, or request that the case is dismissed for lack of legal grounds Additionally the defendant has the option to settle the case rather than going to trial Settlement is an agreement reached between the parties in order to end litigation without determining the liability in exchange for money There are also class actions, which combine multiple injury claims into a single claim for compensation This allows for a more cost-effective and efficient lawsuit, as multiple parties are trying to file a claim This is particularly beneficial when the damages are minor and the cost to litigate each case individually would be prohibitive How does a lawsuit proceed In car accident lawsuits, the process typically starts with a complaint which is filed in the court and then served on the defendant The defendant has 20-30 days to respond, which is known as an answer During this time, they may argue against your personal injury claim, or even make counterclaims against your They may also use discovery This includes interrogatories written questions, depositions, requests for production which could include videos, documents, photos or even physical evidence, and requests for admission You may settle your case outside of court based on the severity of the injuries you sustained and the insurance coverage of the party at fault This is more cost effective and faster than pursuing a trial If the insurance company is unwilling to pay you an amount that is reasonable and you are not satisfied, your Long Island car accident attorney might decide to take the case to trial The damages you can get are those that you have documented like medical bills and property damage You may also sue for non-economic damages that you suffer from, like pain and suffering Insurance companies are known for underestimating the cost of non-economic damages A lawyer experienced in car accidents with extensive experience can guarantee you get fair compensation for your losses This is particularly crucial in cases where the at-fault party has no insurance or insufficient insurance coverage to pay for your damages What can I expect when I make a claim in a lawsuit When a person who has been injured in a car crash seeks compensation for their injuries and losses, they must be prepared to fight their claim They'll likely require evidence of their treatment, which could include doctors' notes and tests results, as well in receipts for any medical expenses incurred in connection with the accident They'll also have to prove their losses, such as lost income, property damage and the pain and suffering It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly following a crash to treat any injuries so that all the information can be documented and then presented to the insurance company to prove the loss During the discovery process the attorney will speak with witnesses, experts and more to create a convincing case for you This may include depositions where the witness gives their testimony under oath, and is asked questions by your attorney This allows both parties the opportunity to listen to other's stories, evaluate the strength of the testimony and decide on which way to proceed After reviewing the evidence, a judge or jury will decide if the defendant is accountable for the incident and the amount of compensation you'll receive The case will vary, but it could take from just a few days to more than a year If either party is unhappy with the decision, they can appeal It's expensive and time-consuming for both parties to appeal so it's crucial to begin preparing your case in the earliest possible time after the crash Why should I choose to hire a lawyer If an accident causes injuries the victim will be required to pay high medical bills along with loss of wages and property damage because of the inability to work Legal action may be needed to get the compensation you need An auto accident attorney can help determine if it is advisable to file a lawsuit in your situation The first thing an attorney will do is ask for your medical records and other documents that pertains to the incident The evidence will be used to determine the extent and severity of the injuries you sustained in a vehicle accident Interviews with witnesses could be conducted In some cases, experts such as mechanics or engineers can be brought in It could take weeks, even months to complete the court procedure according to the circumstances of your accident This is due to a range of factors including negotiations with the insurance company, discovery analyzing evidence from both sides, setting dates for court, and trial preparations In this time, the memories can fade, witnesses might move away or even die and evidence may be lost A car accident lawyer will assist you with the legal options that are available to you during a free consultation Contact Bruscato Law today to schedule your appointment in Monroe, LA We can answer your questions regarding whether or not you should sue and what damages you may be able to recover