Georgia Injury Lawyers Blog
If you’ve been injured in a car accident – or any other kind of accident – that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have to take the matter through legal channels to obtain the compensation to which you are entitled. While your experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney will diligently fight for your rights every step of the way, understanding the basics about personal injury lawsuits can help you prepare for what’s to come.
First Things First
You’re injured, and that doesn’t leave you in a great position to take on the insurance company from whom you seek compensation. This is why your first order of business is hiring an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney who is prepared to aggressively advocate for your rights and for your rightful compensation. While you focus on regaining your health and well-being, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and will prepare to move your case forward to litigation if the insurance company refuses to comply appropriately.
Building Your Strongest Case
Your attorney will immediately set to work building your strongest legal case. While every accident and resulting claim is unique to its own set of circumstances, the building blocks of a solid case remain the same, including:
- Investigating the accident that left you injured
- Gathering evidence related to the accident, such as the police report, photos and videos at the scene, eyewitness testimonies, and more
- Acquiring and evaluating your medical records (related to the accident)
- Evaluating the gathered evidence and information in its entirety
- Strategizing the best legal path forward
The Negotiation Process
Once your attorney has a solid handle on your case, he or she will proceed to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. The fact is that most personal injury claims settle before they go to court, and once your attorney presents the insurance rep with your compelling case, the company may be moved to address the matter seriously and offer you a settlement amount that fully compensates you for the damages you’ve suffered. In the process, you may engage in a form of alternative dispute resolution – such as mediation.
Moving Forward to Trial
If the insurance company is unwilling to negotiate suitable terms, your personal injury attorney will be prepared to take your case to court. This begins with each party submitting their motions and arguments to the court. At this point, settling with the insurance company remains an option, and the insurance company may find that it’s inclined to make a more realistic offer at this juncture.
If You’ve Been Injured by Someone Else’s Negligence, You Need an Experienced Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney on Your Side
Being injured by someone else’s negligence is an extremely difficult experience. The dedicated personal injury attorneys at Slappey & Sadd – proudly serving the Atlanta area – are committed to working closely with you throughout the claim process – whether that ends with hammering out an acceptable settlement offer or proceeding to court to fight for your rights. Our formidable legal team is here to help, so please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation today.