If you suffered personal injuries in an accident, you may face unexpected medical bills and lost income if you cannot work. If someone else caused your accident, they may be responsible for paying those financial losses. A skilled and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can review the circumstances of your accident, evaluate the liability of all potentially responsible parties, and advise you of your legal options for pursuing the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Do if I’m Injured in an Accident?
Your health and well-being are the priority. Be sure to seek emergency medical treatment if necessary after an accident. Once your condition is stable, consider taking these steps to preserve your legal rights:
- Seek Follow-Up Medical Treatment – Even if your condition does not require immediate treatment, your primary care physician or an urgent care medical provider should evaluate you after an accident. They may discover a latent medical issue that is not yet apparent, which could prevent further injury.
- Call Your Insurance Company – Your insurance policy likely requires you to report an accident even if you are not at fault. Report the accident to your carrier to ensure you do not inadvertently waive coverage.
- Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer – Although it may seem premature to call a lawyer so soon after an accident, the sooner you retain an attorney, the sooner they can initiate their investigation and build a strong case on your behalf.
What Steps Will My Attorney Take in My Case?
Although every accident – and thus, every case – is different, you can expect your attorney to get to work on your case right away by taking the following steps:
- Evaluating the Facts – Your attorney will thoroughly investigate your case’s alleged facts and circumstances, including how the accident occurred and the extent of your injuries.
- Assessing Liability – As your lawyer reviews the available evidence, they will evaluate the liability of the potentially at-fault parties. Determining liability in an accident with personal injuries is crucial to your ability to pursue compensation.
- Reviewing Your Losses – In addition to assessing the full extent of your physical injuries, your lawyer will examine the complete picture of your financial losses, including your medical expenses, lost wages, and the loss of your future earning capacity (if applicable). They will also determine whether you suffered any non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering or mental distress.
- Pursuing Your Claim – Before filing a lawsuit, your attorney will likely demand that the at-fault party’s insurance company settle your case to avoid the time and expense of litigation. However, if the insurance company contests its insured’s liability and refuses to engage in settlement negotiations, your attorney will not hesitate to file a lawsuit.
- Filing a Lawsuit – Sometimes, a negotiated settlement is not possible. In that case, your attorney will prepare and file a lawsuit to pursue your losses in court. After you file your complaint, the defendant files an Answer. The parties will then engage in written discovery and likely take depositions. The court may order the parties to mediation. If the case does not settle at mediation, your attorney will vigorously advocate for you at trial, arguing for the money you need to cover your losses and compensate you for the pain and suffering and mental anguish you suffered due to the accident.
Call a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in an accident, we want to help you. At DelVecchio & Miller, LLC, we understand that you may feel intimidated by the legal process. Filing a lawsuit might be the farthest thing from your mind when trying to heal from your injuries. Rest assured that we will assist in all aspects of your case so you can focus on your recovery. When you’re ready to review your legal options after an accident, contact us today to speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer in a free consultation.