Car Accident Claims 101: How an Attorney Can Help
February 14, 2023
Secure Compensation for Catastrophic Injury in the Workplace
March 2, 2023If you have suffered life-altering injuries, it will understandably take longer to reach a resolution than if you have only sustained minor injuries. In addition, the number of parties involved in the case can also affect the timeline. If there are multiple defendants, each with their own insurance company, it can take longer to resolve.
While it is impossible to give a definitive answer as to how long your personal injury claim will take, understanding some common factors affecting the timeline can help give you a better idea of what to expect. This is why it’s important to be patient when going through legal proceedings–even if your case is clear-cut and has a lot of documentation, it could still take a year or more to come to a settlement.
Read the article below to better understand the timelines throughout your personal injury case in Atlanta.
Right Away
If you are injured, you should contact the police. This is important because even if an accident seems minor, its more severe consequences might not be apparent until later on.
Cases can become complicated quickly, so having an experienced attorney to guide you through the process is helpful. Having an attorney after an accident is vital because they can help ensure the police report is accurate and help you deal with the other party involved.
48 Hours
The sooner you see a doctor after an accident, the easier it will be to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident. If you wait to see a doctor, the other party may try to claim that your injuries were not caused by the accident. Be sure to tell your physician about the accident and have it documented.
It is generally a good idea to report any accidents to your insurance company immediately. Most companies have a policy where you have to file a claim within three days, but it is not always required.
If you don’t report an accident to your insurance provider right away, you might not be able to get any money from them to help pay for the damages. And, if the other person involved in the accident doesn’t have insurance, your policy might not cover you, either. So it’s crucial to inform your insurance company about any accidents as soon as they happen.
1 Week
Make sure you have any evidence that supports your case before going to court. This could include pictures, contact information for witnesses, or documents (like a police report).
You should keep any receipts related to the accident to be reimbursed for any costs. This includes medical care, prescription drugs, car repairs, and more. Some fees may not be immediately apparent, so it is vital to be thorough when compiling these documents.
It’s essential to be as detailed as possible in your documentation of an accident, including taking pictures of any visible injuries. Even though scrapes, cuts, and bruises may heal over time, having photographic evidence of the accident can help show how severe it was.
As you recover, keeping a daily journal documenting your medical progress is important. Include how you feel and the steps you took in your treatment plan. Although a few sentences a day is sufficient, having a medical diary could be useful in supporting your claim.
6 Months to 2 Years
If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If you do not file within that period, you will not be able to sue for your injuries. The other party has 30 days to respond to your claim.
It is best to hire an attorney to help you try to settle with the person or company responsible for your injuries. This can help avoid the stress of going to trial. If you and the other party involved in your accident cannot come to a fair settlement, your lawyer will file a lawsuit.
This also protects your right to sue other responsible parties; the statute of limitations for personal injury cases does not start ticking once a legal challenge is made. So even if you lose your initial suit, you can still pursue compensation from other responsible parties.
If a case cannot be settled, it will go to trial. This is the last step in resolving the matter. The trial can take years, and during this time, the case can be settled in many ways, including negotiations with the other side and mediation.
The amount of damages a plaintiff can recover in a personal injury lawsuit depends on the type of damages sought. For example, a plaintiff who is suing for medical bills will need to prove the amount of the bills. However, a plaintiff suing for pain and suffering will not need to put a specific dollar amount on their damages.
Conclusion
If you have been injured in an accident in Atlanta, it is essential to know that you may be entitled to compensation. Many personal injury lawyers in Atlanta can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Turn to Latin Law Group if you are looking for an Atlanta injury law group. It is easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. As an experienced personal injury law firm, we are prepared to walk you through the process of receiving compensation for your injury in Atlanta, Georgia, and surrounding areas. Call us.
