If you or someone in your family has been hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you might be wondering about your next steps.
Should you hire a lawyer? And if so, what exactly will they do?
It might seem confusing at the start — but hiring a personal injury lawyer is actually the best way to get the compensation you need.
They’ll make sure you’re able to pay for your medical bills and stay supported while you’re out of work.
To simplify things, here’s a basic overview of what you should expect from your personal injury case.
1. Hiring an Attorney
Once you have decided to pursue compensation, you need to connect with the right California legal team.
This is the only part of the process that requires effort on your part. You’ll have to do your research and make sure you’re working with a qualified professional.
The best attorneys will offer a free initial consultation — so you don’t waste any money getting to know your team.
In fact, your personal injury attorney shouldn’t charge you anything unless you win your case.
2. Filing a Claim
Once you’re working with a professional attorney, they’ll investigate your case and help you to file a claim.
The claim is essentially a demand for compensation from the party responsible for your injury. For example, an auto accident attorney will file a claim against the responsible driver’s insurance company.
If there is no insurance company involved, a demand letter might be sent to the individual or company that hurt you.
This part of the process can get a little confusing, but your attorney will guide you through each step.
3. The Lawsuit
If the claim is disputed or a settlement can’t be reached, your case will go to a lawsuit.
Most California personal injury settlements don’t actually need to go to court — usually, the responsible party will pay what they owe you to avoid the hassle of a lawsuit.
