An accident can change your life in the blink of an eye. Motor vehicle crashes, poorly devised products, and improperly maintained equipment all have the potential to cause serious injury or even death. When you are involved in an accident, your immediate priority is to recover or mourn a loss. It can be difficult to think about legal ramifications. However, as reality sets in, you may realize the practical consequences of an injury, such as loss of wages and suffering. That is why you need a qualified personal injury attorney on your side!
At Wyatt Law Firm, we hold negligent parties responsible for any injuries or property damage they cause. We review our clients' cases and help them seek the compensation they deserve. For a better understanding of how we do that, we list the basic anatomy of a personal injury case.
WHAT GOES INTO A PERSONAL INJURY CASE
Hire an Experienced Attorney
Before you file a personal injury claim, it is important to seek legal guidance. Accident cases can be nuanced, with the other party trying to disprove their fault. In addition, you must deal with insurance companies. A lawyer who understands the process can ask the appropriate questions and knows what to look for in a case.
Investigate Your Case
After you hire an attorney, you will need to compile all your evidence. An attorney can help you comb through the accident site to take the appropriate pictures and interview important witnesses. You will need to note injuries sustained and gather all valid medical records.
File a Lawsuit
In order to begin your injury claim, you will need to file a lawsuit. You will do this by filing the appropriate documents to a court that has jurisdiction over your area. Texas statute of limitations on personal injury cases is two years. After filing a lawsuit, the defendant must be served and respond with an answer.
Motions
After the initial documents are filed and served, the plaintiff and defendant will have an opportunity to file motions. This might include asking the court to dismiss the case, challenging the grounds of the case, or asking to change jurisdiction. With the help of an attorney, you can present the appropriate details to ensure your suit progresses.
Discovery
The discovery process is when attorneys can obtain testimonies from expert witnesses, gather evidence for the case, and interview medical experts. During this process, either party may also gather depositions and ask others formal questions under oath.
Settlement Negotiations
At any point during the case, the two parties can get together to negotiate a settlement. Here, the plaintiff and defendant can meet to voice their demands. Some cases can be settled without having to go to court.
Trial
In situations where a settlement cannot be agreed upon, the case goes to trial. The court will gather a jury, before which the two parties will present their case. Based on the evidence and details revealed, the court will decide who to favor.
At Wyatt Law Firm, we have years of experience helping injury victims seek the restitutions they deserve. We do not shy away from confrontation. Rather, we aggressively fight on your behalf. Our clients are like family. We do not let injustices against them go unanswered. If you were hurt in an accident caused by someone else's negligence or inaction, contact our San Antonio personal injury lawyer! You don't pay unless we win!