How Does the Personal Injury Claim Process Work?

By Zane T. Cagle | July 30, 2021 | Personal Injury

Accidents can happen when you least expect them. Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to avoid accidents caused by other people’s negligence. After any accident, whether it is a motorcycle accident, car accident, or another type of accident, there’s a good chance you’ll have to face many challenges as you recover. This can be extremely difficult, and if the accident was caused by someone else, you shouldn’t have to find a way to deal with it on your own. Individuals who resolve their claim with reasonable compensation most often hire an attorney.

If you were recently injured in an accident, you might be asking, “how does the personal injury claim process work?” The personal injury claim process can be difficult, but The Cagle Law Firm is here to answer your questions and provide expert legal advice. Learn more about the personal injury claim process.

First, Seek Medical Treatment for Your Injuries

It might seem obvious that you should seek medical treatment for your injuries, but it’s extremely important. Seeking medical treatment is the first thing you should do after your accident. Even if you think your injuries are only minor, they could be more serious than you think, and you don’t want to put your health and safety at risk.

The most important thing about getting medical treatment is that it greatly improves your chances of a better health recovery. Additionally, medical records and bills document your injury, need for treatment, and results of your treatment. Your word alone isn’t enough for you to receive the amount of compensation you need. Documentation through medical treatment establishes a record of your injury.

Discuss Your Situation with a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you were injured, it is in your best interest to consult with a personal injury lawyer before discussing your injuries with an insurance adjuster. A personal injury lawyer can help make this process much easier for you and increase your chances of recovering fair compensation. Working with a lawyer provides you with someone who knows how to effectively communicate and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to best recover needed compensation.

Most people do not know the extent of their injuries right away or how they will heal. In the early portion of your treatment, your doctors may not be able to predict your actual recovery. Hence, unless you have access to an accurate fortune teller, you do not know the extent of your injuries or exactly how you will heal. Banking on a fortune teller is about as smart as banking on the insurance adjuster to look after your best interest. You may think it is too early to consult an attorney. However, the first days after an incident is the ideal time to consult a personal injury lawyer. Our attorneys can look over the details of your incident and assist you in avoiding common pitfalls. They can review the damages you’ve faced and the evidence involved to see if they can take on your case.

Your Personal Injury Lawyer Plans a Strategy to Fit Your Case

There are many steps in the claim and lawsuit process, including filing a claim, making a demand, filing a petition, and litigation. Our attorneys consult with you through each stage of the process and advise you on how to make the best, informed decisions. In some cases, a petition is filed immediately, and in others, it may need to wait several months. Our attorneys develop a strategy based on your specific case. Representing yourself while trying to physically recover is simply not feasible, no matter how smart or business savvy you may be. Negotiating is a skill that many have. However, you want a negotiator with successful experience in legal negotiations.

Some of the processes in a personal injury case may include the initial claim and may include a legal document known as a Demand. On your own, this can seem like quite a research project as it may involve a compiled list of all of your medical treatment with records, police reports, witness statements, photographs, detailed statements of facts, and a multitude of other evidence. Again, the way a demand letter is written and submitted really depends on the legal strategy of your attorney. If there was a set and simple way to do any of these steps, we would publish those steps for everyone!.

Negotiations occur at various points in the process, and multiple offers may be exchanged between the parties. Our attorneys include you in those negotiations and advise you in order for you to make the best decisions.

In some cases, a mediator might be required in negotiations prior to a trial. Again, our attorneys spend time explaining the process and preparing clients for all stages of the legal process.

Your Case May Go To Trial

You might be worried about your case going to trial. However, many personal injury lawsuits settle out of court and never reach this point. If your case goes to trial, you will want to know that your attorney is prepared and experienced. You will want an attorney that begins every case as if it is going to be litigated so that it is done correctly. Our attorneys spend months and years preparing for trial, and we litigate cases successfully. Ultimately, whether or not your case is settled or litigated, our attorneys remember that it is YOUR case, and our mission is to focus on the best result for our client.

Find Out if a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You

If you were recently injured, you might not know the next steps that you need to take. While there are all kinds of articles and suggestions out there regarding next steps, you want to talk to an experienced attorney about your case and your injuries, not hypothetical situations. Making sure you receive the maximum compensation for your injury is why we are personal injury attorneys. At The Cagle Law Firm, our attorneys help you get through the process.

Take action to ensure your best opportunity for compensation. Contact The Cagle Law Firm toll-free at (1-800) 685-3302 or locally at (314) 276-1681 for a free consultation today.

About The Author

Zane T. Cagle

Zane T. Cagle is the founding president and lead trial attorney at The Cagle Law Firm. With a strong dedication to his clients, he has built a reputation for his tenacious representation in personal injury cases, ensuring each client's unique story is heard. Areas of Practice: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death. Bar Admissions: Supreme Court of Missouri, Illinois & Kentucky. Superior Court of U.S. Virgin Islands Education: Washington University School of Law. Awards: Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association, 10 Best in Missouri for Customer Satisfaction.

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