If you have suffered from an injury that was the result of another party acting negligently or carelessly, then you need the assistance of a personal injury attorney. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker we can provide a free legal consultation during which we assess your situation and let you know what your legal options are. Continue reading about the process of filing a personal injury claim and the potential outcomes, then contact us at 800-333-0000 for your free consultation.
The First Step is Filing a Claim with the Insurance Company
While every case is different, it is generally the case that the first step we will take is to file a claim with the insurance party of the at-fault party. This claim will indicate that you were injured and are seeking damages from the at-fault party. This gives the insurance company notice that a lawsuit is pending. It is likely at this point that the attorney of the plaintiff is going to request medical bills and records, as well as other documents they will use to determine the nature and cost of your injuries.
The Second Step is Preparing the Settlement Demand Package
Once you have completed medical treatment for your injury, we can create a settlement demand package to send to the claims adjuster that is handling the case. This will include a letter that lays out how much we are asking for and why. We will generally also include evidence, such as medical bills, medical records, and documentation showing your lost wages.
The Third Step is Negotiation and / or Litigation
For many personal injury cases, negotiation is the final step. It generally begins with the insurance adjuster accepting fault but offering a settlement that is considerably less than what we are asking for. We will then counter with an amount closer to our original asking. This goes on until we have reached an agreement that works for everyone. This is one of the reasons you want to work with an attorney – so we can handle this delicate negotiation process for you.
If the adjuster either doesn’t agree that their party was at fault, or if they refuse to negotiate to a fair settlement, then it may be necessary to litigate. The first step in this process is to file a lawsuit. It will them move through the California court system. Note that only about 5 – 10% of personal injury cases end up going through the entire process – almost all are settled either before or during the litigation process.
Your Next Step: Contacting an Attorney
Wherever you are in the process, if you have been injured and another party is even partially at fault, then it is time to contact a personal injury attorney. You are eligible to receive a free consultation from The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker by calling us at 800-333-0000 today.
