Get Big Settlements By Understanding Personal Injury Claims
The process of filing a personal injury claim typically involves several steps:
1. **Initial Consultation**: It begins with consulting a personal injury lawyer to discuss the details of your case. Many law firms offer free consultations, which can be a great opportunity to explore your options without financial commitment.
2. **Investigation**: Your lawyer will investigate the incident, gather evidence, and build a case. This includes obtaining police reports, medical records, and witness statements.
3. **Filing the Claim**: Once the case is built, your lawyer will file a claim with the responsible party's insurance company. This step is crucial for initiating the negotiation process.
4. **Negotiation**: Most personal injury cases are settled out of court. Your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. According to the Insurance Research Council, approximately 95% of personal injury cases are settled pre-trial4.
5. **Litigation**: If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer may file a lawsuit, and the case will go to trial. This is less common but necessary in some cases to ensure fair compensation.
Maximizing Your Settlement
To maximize your settlement, it's essential to understand the factors that influence the value of your claim. These include the severity of your injuries, the impact on your earning capacity, and the degree of fault of the other party. Additionally, hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer can significantly affect the outcome. Lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case, which aligns their interests with yours.