Personal injuries continue to be common today, as they were several years back. However, what has changed is the increase in personal injury claims. You’re likely entitled to compensation if you sustain an injury due to someone else’s negligence or intentional action. Are you confused about personal injury law 101? You might find the legal system of obtaining a settlement overwhelming, which is why it’s best to consult with a personal injury attorney. These attorneys are legal professionals specializing in representing individuals injured due to the negligence of others.
How long do you have to sue for personal injury? The time limit for filing a lawsuit is one of the important factors when pursuing personal injury claims. It’s referred to as the statute of limitations, which varies by the type of injury and the state. Another important factor is the personal injury cause of action, or a legal basis, for a claim. This may occur because of an act or failure to act, a violation of rights, or a breach of duty. Generally, personal injury claims entitle you to compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, etc. It’s essential to check the personal injury lawyer’s reputation to ensure a knowledgeable and experienced attorney will represent you. This helps increase your chance of obtaining a fair settlement.
If you have been in accident you know that there is nothing that it is easy to get far behind in bills. Especially if you are the primary bread winner in your home, your injury can set back your finances by thousands of dollars. With the stress of the injury and all the associated financial headaches that are including several medical expenses, living expense, car repair and lost wages, the primary thought on your mind is your personal injury settlement time frame. Negotiations with insurance companies can take quite a bit of time depending on how much you are willing to compromise, but there are steps you can take to make the process as painless as possible and hopefully tip the scales in your favor.
It is important to Have Predetermined Goals
Before engaging with the insurance company you and your lawyer should take the time to draw up a general list of the best possible scenarios. This list should be based on your financial and lifestyle needs in relation to your injury claim. This list should serves as a guided plan for how to approach your claim. Your personal injury settlement time frame will vary depending how willing your are to stick your ideal settlement price and terms.
Know the Phases Of Personal Injury Settlements
Regardless of the variables most settlement negotiations have major phases in common. The first phase is you and your personal injury attorney submitting your ideal settlement amount to the opposing council along with any supporting documentation. It is not uncommon for this amount to be fairy high, it is usually used as an opening salvo for negotiations. The second phase is more than likely the insurance adjuster sending a counter offer which will most likely be on the lower spectrum of what they are willing to part with. For many who are concerned with long personal injury time frames, they usually opt to take this initial offer, which is the desired outcome for insurance adjuster in a hurry to come to a personal injury settlement. This basic cycle goes on back and forth with each side wither raising or lowering their settlement amount until an agreement is reached. There are things to keep in mind during this process that can equate to a better settlement on your part.
Make Sure to Stay Organized
When it comes to these cases organization and proper documentation is of the utmost importance. While your lawyer should be taking notes on all meetings and conversations, it is important that you keep your own records as well. Do not settle for verbal promises make sure that everything is is writing. Certain questionable adjuster will try to contact you without your legal counsel in a attempt to get around your lawyers expertise. Do not make any promises without your lawyer.
Actively Pursue Your Claim
While it may seem ruse or nagging it is important to make sure that insurance adjusters do not sideline your claim. It probably is not the best for to outright harass your insurance adjuster by calling three times every day, but it is important to demonstrate that you are still concerned about your claim. Unlike you insurance adjuster usually feel no real pressure to resolve your claim in a timely manner which is why it is important to make sure that they are actively working to resolve your claim in a timely manner. Your personal injury settlement time frame can drag on if you do not take the initiative to pursue your claim.
Patience Can Pay Off When it Comes to Your Final Settlement
Considering that the resolution of your personal injury case can have a large effect on your future health and quality of life it is important to remember that not all personal injury settlement time frames will be resolved in the timeliest of fashions. Sometime taking a slower more calculated approach can reap big rewards. Think about this in all the steps of the personal injury process, from selecting your personal injury lawyer to going through the negotiation process. The patience and planning that you can exercise the more likely you will receive a injury settlement that matches what you will truly need.