If you have been hurt in an accident by someone else’s negligence, you may be curious about the timeline of a personal injury case. Below, the experienced attorneys at Lauenstein Law firm discuss the timeline expectations during a personal injury case. 

Gather All Information Following the Accident 

It’s important you get all contact information and the location of the incident. Depending on the type of personal injury, for example, if you have been in a motor vehicle accident, you will need to obtain insurance information, vehicle information and if applicable, eyewitness information. 

Seek Medical Attention
If you are hurt in an accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. That means you should go to the emergency department or schedule an appointment with your primary physician. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s important you seek medical attention. Even if you believe you have minor injuries those injuries could turn into severe injuries.  If you don’t visit a physician following your accident the liability insurance company may take the position that your injuries aren’t related to the accident.  Even a jury may assume that your injuries aren’t severe if you don’t document that you were injured in the accident. Not documenting your injuries with a medical professional can hurt the outcome of your case.

Contact A Personal Injury Attorney

Getting in touch with a personal injury attorney before you speak to insurance companies after your accident is a vital part in advancing your case.  Insurance companies love to take recorded statements of people involved in accidents before they can talk to an attorney. You may say something that is detrimental to your case because you are unprepared to answer the questions.  The insurance company adjusters are trained to have you say or admit to things that may ruin your case. A personal injury attorney can help you when dealing with insurance companies.

Claims and Medical Records Are Reviewed By Your Attorney 

The first time you meet with your attorney you will discuss your accident and any injuries or medical treatment from the accident. Your attorney will obtain your medical records and expenses from the accident.  It’s important to be very detailed to make sure your attorney is up to speed on your case.

Settlement

Settlement before trial can take place upon presentation of your case by your personal injury attorney to the insurance company for the defendant.  If your case is settled then you can avoid litigation. The settlement process will start with a demand letter to the insurance company.  The demand can be made after you are done treating your injury or when the nature of your injury is permanent. 

Litigation Begins

When you and your lawyer file a personal injury lawsuit in court, the litigation process begins. This process determines when your personal injury case will go to trial. 

Investigation of Claims and Defenses

Both parties will review the legal claims and defenses of the other party. Documents will be exchanged and relevant parties and witnesses will be interviewed, starting with the plaintiff and defendant. Based on the court’s requirements and the intricacy of the case, this process can take anywhere from six months to a year or longer with Covid.

Trial

If mediation does not work, your personal injury case will be taken to trial. This process can range anywhere from a day to months. Trial dockets because of Covid may be backed up for years. 

To Learn More About Personal Injury Cases, Contact Douglas C. Lauenstein at the Lauenstein Law Firm

If you have any questions about a personal injury lawsuit, please do not hesitate to contact Douglas C. Lauenstein. To speak with Mr. Lauenstein, please visit our website or contact (410)256-0311.