Accidents may happen when we least expect them, and we might not be prepared for the consequences. Mounting hospital bills and painful injuries might be just the tip of the iceberg. An attorney can help you sue for fair compensation.
An attorney can gather information and evidence, evaluate your various damages, and handle complex legal procedures and documentation. Lawsuits can take time, and you need an experienced attorney who can navigate each step of the legal process effectively. In the end, your lawyer should help you get the financial compensation you deserve to get back on your feet after an accident.
Ask our personal injury attorneys at Rice Law for a free, private legal review by calling (410) 694-7291.
What an Attorney Can Do to Help You with a Personal Injury Case
Plaintiffs may represent themselves in court, but this would not be wise. The legal process is notoriously complicated to navigate without an attorney.
Gather Details About the Case
First, your lawyer should gather as much information as possible. We need details about how you were injured. It is a good idea to begin by discussing the date, time, and location of the accident.
Discuss with your lawyer who was present and how you believe the accident unfolded. These discussions are a great launching point for our lawyer to begin a thorough investigation.
Evaluating Your Damages
Your lawyer can help you identify all your damages and evaluate their worth so that you claim all the financial compensation to which you are entitled. If damages are unaccounted for, you risk missing out on compensation.
Legal Documents and Paperwork
Documentation and paperwork are necessary parts of the judicial process. If documentation is not properly filed with the court or provided to the opposing party, the entire case could be derailed. Your lawyer should be familiar with the ins and outs of documenting the case and tracking important filings.
What Happens After You File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Montgomery Village?
Once we file your lawsuit in court, numerous hearings and legal proceedings may take place before the trial.
Serving Notice
After our personal injury attorneys file your formal complaint against the defendant in court, we must serve the defendant with formal notice of the case almost immediately.
If notice is not served according to strict state laws and court rules, the entire case could be thrown out before it begins.
The Defendant’s Answer
Once the defendant receives notice, they have time to file a formal answer to the complaint. The defendant may admit certain allegations and dispute others. If the defendant fails to file an answer on time, you may win the case by default.
Discovery Phase
The discovery phase is the period during which each side of the case must exchange information and evidence with the other, allowing each party to build the strongest, most compelling case possible.
The discovery phase can last for several months, and we may use this time to review evidence we receive from the defendant and request additional evidence if we believe it is necessary.
Pre-Trial Conferences
Before the trial, we will likely attend several pre-trial conferences with the defendant, their attorneys, and the judge.
At these conferences, the goal is to streamline as much of the case as possible. Any legal or evidentiary issues may be discussed to avoid hiccups in the case later. Settlement options may also be discussed.
The Trial
The trial itself may take several weeks, possibly longer if the case is especially complex or requires many witnesses. The trial can be a stressful period, as it is the culmination of all our efforts. Your attorney should lead the way and guide you through this process. You may need to provide testimony, depending on the legal strategy your lawyer employs.
What Kind of Evidence Should We Be Looking for in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Evidence is the heart of your case, and we need as much evidence as possible to sufficiently prove your claims for damages.
Witness Testimony
Many personal injury cases revolve around witness testimony. Having even just a few people who can back you up in court can greatly strengthen your credibility. The more people who can provide clear and accurate testimony about the incident, the stronger your case may be.
Photographic Evidence
A photo is worth a thousand words, and photos may be admitted into court as evidence in a lawsuit. People often take photos of accidents as proof of what happened. They may also photograph their injuries and the surrounding area. Review all your photos with your lawyer to determine if they may be used in court.
Video Footage
Depending on where your accident occurred, there may be video evidence of the incident. Private security cameras may have been present and recorded everything. If you were involved in a car accident, there may be traffic cameras or dashcams that recorded everything.
If video evidence exists, we should obtain it quickly before it is erased or deleted.
Records and Documentation
Various records related to the case may be admitted into evidence. Medical records can be used to prove your injuries. If the defendant is a business or organizing, certain business records may shed light on the accident.
When Should You File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After an Accident?
In Maryland, personal injury lawsuits must be filed in court no later than 3 years after the plaintiff is first injured. If you do not file on time, you risk being barred from bringing your claims at all.
Do You Have to Sue to Get Financial Compensation for Personal Injuries?
You do not necessarily have to sue, but it may be the strongest option for many cases. Sometimes, other options like insurance are limited or unavailable. You should review all legal options with a lawyer before deciding what is best.
How Do You Calculate Damages in a Personal Injury Case?
Economic damages are based on your real expenses from the accident and may be calculated based on bills, invoices, credit card statements, and any other proof of cost.
Non-economic damages are more subjective and may be calculated in several ways. Generally, the more severe your non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering), the more compensation they are worth.
Do Personal Injury Cases Always Involve Severe Injuries?
No. You may file a personal injury lawsuit even if your injuries are not severe. Many plaintiffs fully recover from their injuries by the time of their trials.
Get Legal Support from Our Personal Injury Lawyers in Montgomery Village
Ask our personal injury attorneys at Rice Law for a free, private legal review when you call our team at (410) 694-7291.