If you have experienced a personal injury in Decatur, Alabama, and someone else is responsible for it, you should file a personal injury lawsuit. The personal injury claim is a formal demand for compensation for injuries sustained.
It’s overwhelming to ask someone who has just been injured in an accident to go head-on with a veteran insurance company or adjuster and their lawyers. It can feel very intimidating. The stakes are also exceptionally high. But remember that these negotiations will determine whether you’ll have money to cover your medical costs, lost wages, etc. This is where a knowledgeable Decatur personal injury lawyer comes in. The lawyer will protect your legal rights and ensure you get the compensation you are entitled to.
So, how does a personal injury lawsuit work in Alabama? Let’s find out as we discuss this and much more.
What is the process of a personal injury lawsuit in Alabama?
Here are the steps involved in a personal injury lawsuit:
- Investigation
The process starts with an investigation. This step involves identifying, analyzing, and gathering evidence to show what happened, who is legally responsible, and the damages or injuries caused. If you hire an attorney, they will handle all these. They will utilize their resources to pay for a survey of the accident scene, accident reconstruction, expert witnesses, and necessary documents. The lawyer will ensure that you have strong support for your claim by the end of this stage by determining who caused the injury, what happened and why, the results of the accident, and the potential settlement value of your case.
- Demand letter
The demand letter is the document you need to file a claim. Your attorney will forward the written document to the insurance company representing the at-fault party. It outlines what happened, the extent of injury and losses, and how much compensation you expect to be paid to cover your damages.
- Negotiations
It is no secret that insurers usually try their best to avoid paying the amount included in the demand letter. They will counter-offer instead, which will be way lower than the amount your attorney valued your settlement. This is to be expected because, after all, insurance companies are in business. This is where negotiation starts.
Your attorney will use their strong negotiation skills and techniques to obtain a settlement within your fair settlement range.
- Settlement
The last stage in a personal injury lawsuit is the settlement. Settlement can get easier if the insurance company recognizes that you have a strong cause to sue them and take their policyholder to court should they refuse to pay you a fair settlement based on the facts of the case. But they will still try to give you less settlement.
It will be upon you whether you accept the offer or not. But your Decatur personal injury attorney will guide you through the process and even manage talks on your behalf. You can accept the offer if you are willing to settle the case faster.
Final thoughts
Personal injury lawsuits in Alabama involve a complex legal process that only a knowledgeable and experienced attorney can help you navigate. So, if you are considering filing a personal injury claim, one of the most important things you need to do is consult a personal injury lawyer. They will protect your rights and ensure fair compensation for your injuries and damages.