Being injured while you’re out enjoying your day is more than just a simple inconvenience. Whether you’re driving, going for a walk, or shopping at the mall, someone else’s negligence can cause harm to you. Even a simple bump on your knee after tripping from wet floors can still cause pain and suffering that lasts years or even permanently. No matter how small the injury, if it hurts and you missed work or had to change your lifestyle in some way, that could be grounds for litigation. Listed below are the different phases of a personal injury lawsuit and what to do if you find yourself in that situation.
Accident Phase
Just like it sounds, the accident phase is when the accidental injury occurred. If you are injured in a car accident or from property mismanagement, the first thing you should do is determine if you have immediate medical needs. If so, then get emergency services involved. Then call your lawyer, Ashley Armstrong, to help guide you through the next steps. Of course, collect contact and insurance information from everyone involved. Note the date, time, and location of the incident, and obtain testimony from witnesses if possible. Take photos and videos to thoroughly document everything.
Intake
During your consultation, you will give all of the details of the accident and answer any clarifying questions. This process is extremely important because the more information your lawyer has, the better they can serve you.
Medical Treatment
Receiving medical treatment of any kind for your pain and suffering is considered valuable and necessary evidence. Some types of insurance require medical services to take place within 14 days, so don’t take this step for granted. As a client, you’ll get personalized recommendations from our office for medical services that will take you and your concerns seriously.
Insurance Negotiation/Demand Phase
Once you’ve received appropriate medical treatment and all the necessary information and documentation has been collected, the case moves to the negotiation or “demand” phase. This is an opportunity to knock on the insurance company’s door and say “time to pay up!” Your lawyer will file the claim that informs the offending party of their wrongdoing and the requested amount in damages. Remember all those doctors that you had to see? The medical bills and lost income from missing work will be included in the demands.
Settlement Phase
The insurance company will respond relatively quickly and will probably attempt to settle the dispute outside of court. Reaching a settlement before going to trial is ideal in a lot of cases because it can save time and money. If the amount they agree to pay is satisfactory, we can work towards obtaining the funds.
Distribution phase
This is the best phase of course, because it means that you are finally getting paid! The insurance company will write a check for the agreed-upon amount and your lawyer will be responsible for using the funds to pay off outstanding medical bills and giving you the final payment check.
Even though money can’t replace your lost time or prevent your pain and suffering, it can ease the financial burden of going through such a traumatic experience. As a personal injury lawyer, I have seen how the choices of an irresponsible person can upend someone’s life. If you are in a car accident or are injured due to the negligence of a third party, call or text the law office of Ashley Armstrong at 850-977-3229 to schedule a consultation today.
The Law Office of Attorney Ashley M. Armstrong, PLLC
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