When you’re sitting at the beginning of a personal injury claim, it can be overwhelming. It’s difficult to be certain what lies ahead, but knowing some things you can expect can make the process a bit easier for accident sufferers.
Recently, we published a comprehensive article about the personal injury claim process in Texas, but here are the basic steps.
- Finding an attorney
Be sure to choose an attorney that understands Texas’s specific laws or the laws for your respective state. Research several attorneys and look into recommendations, reviews, and their experience/certification. Ultimately, choose a qualified attorney that makes you feel comfortable.
- Getting the facts sorted
At this step, your attorney will begin gathering evidence and facts surrounding your accident and the damages you’ve suffered. They will look at any documentation on your case and speak to witnesses to get a complete picture.Your attorney will also start adding up a total for the amount of damages you have suffered. In Texas, the amount you are due will drop if it’s shown that you are partially responsible for the accident.
- The discovery process
The discovery process is where both attorneys share with each other the facts and documentation of your case. It is after this stage that negotiations for a settlement will begin.
- Going with settlement or filing a lawsuit
Once you know your total damages, and your attorney has negotiated with the defendant, you may accept the settlement amount outside of court. The majority of cases end with an out of court settlement.If you cannot reach a settlement with the defendant that is fair, you have the right to file a lawsuit and settle the incident in court, and your attorney can help you file your case properly. Keep in mind that trial dates can be rescheduled many times and can take time to come to a decision. Going to trial means that a judge will decide a proper settlement for your personal injury case.
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