Navigating a Personal Injury Case: What to Expect

Navigating a Personal Injury Case: What to Expect

Personal injury cases can be intimidating, especially if you’re navigating the legal system for the first time. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall incident, or any other type of accident due to someone else’s negligence, understanding what to expect can help ease some of the stress. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the typical process of a personal injury case and what you can anticipate along the way. At Barnes Cohen & Sullivan, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to fight on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.

Initial Consultation

The process of a personal injury case typically begins with an initial consultation via phone or in person with our legal team. Be sure to seek legal advice within the first 14 days of an accident as the statute of limitations in Florida has drastically changed. For more information on Your legal team is available to speak with you at any point during your case and answer any questions you may have. In this meeting, you will have an opportunity to discuss the details of your case. These details are vital to your case to evaluate the strength of your case and advise you on the next steps. Such details include how the injury occurred, where the accident occurred, the extent of your injuries, and any potential damages that you may be entitled to.

Investigation

Once the client and attorney decide to move forward with the claim, the attorney and their legal team will begin to investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your personal injury case. This may involve obtaining medical records, police reports, witness statements (if applicable), and any other relevant documentation. In this investigation step, the goal is to build a strong case to prove the negligence of the other party involved in your injury. It is important to not speak to the insurance companies regarding your injuries. If any communication is necessary, inform the insurance company to speak to your attorney.

Negotiation with Insurance Companies

Once treatment is completed for your injury, the next step is for the legal team of your case to negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company for compensation. Your attorney will handle all communications with the insurance adjusters and work to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. This step may take some time to agree upon and if there is no agreement, the attorney on your case may choose to either settle or file a lawsuit.

Settlement or Trial

A large percentage of personal injury cases are settled before trial. However, if there is no settlement, your case will proceed to a trial where a judge or jury will hear arguments from both sides and share a verdict. It is important to know, that your case may be settled before trial even though there is an active lawsuit on your case. While this process can be rather lengthy and frustrating, this route may be best to secure the compensation you deserve.

Navigating a personal injury case can be complex, but understanding the process and knowing what to expect can help ease some of the uncertainty. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice. At Barnes Cohen & Sullivan, our experienced legal team can ensure your rights are protected and will fight on your behalf. Call us for a free consultation.