Have you ever been involved in a lawsuit? If your answer is no, don’t worry. Many people have never been involved in a lawsuit and as a result, many accident victims get nervous about pursuing a personal injury claim. But remember, if injuries resulting from another driver’s negligence are preventing you from living a full, productive life, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation.
Your lawyer is your personal guide
First, after you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s carelessness, be sure to get any medical treatment necessary. Once your medical needs have been met, you’ll want to meet with a personal injury attorney and bring any photos, documentation, medical records, and notes you have about the accident. Here at Dussault & Zatir we offer free consultations, as do many other personal injury attorneys, so be weary of those who may charge you for your initial consultation as your attorney should always put you first always and having the right personal injury attorney is important. Don’t hesitate to ask any questions to make sure you feel comfortable with us, our process, and our compensation structure because we get paid on a contingency basis meaning there are no fees unless your case is successful and you get paid.
After you’ve chosen and met with an attorney, they’ll begin to investigate your case.
Your attorney will research your case to understand how and why you were injured, the extent of your injuries, and any damages and costs that were incurred. They will also take over all contact with your insurance company, the party that injured you, their insurance company and their attorney. Your attorney should keep you informed as the proceedings progress, but if you’re injured, your focus should be on getting better.
At any point during the trial, mediation could be requested by either party involved in the personal injury case.
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that involves both parties, their attorneys, and a neutral mediator who oversees the process. During mediation, both sides are given the opportunity to present their case and engage in settlement negotiations facilitated by the mediator.
Remember, most times you only have one opportunity to get the compensation you deserve.
Many personal injury claims, especially ones involving car accidents, can be resolved before a lawsuit is filed with an out of court settlement.
As your attorney negotiates with the insurance company of the party who injured you, they may present your attorney the opportunity to settle the case monetarily and not go to court. If a settlement offer is made, your attorney will inform you about the offer and advise you on whether they think you should accept it, but in the end it is your choice to accept or deny the settlement offer. If a settlement is not possible, your case could possibly go to court, which is a longer process consisting of a trial before a judge and jury.
Over the past two decades, the law offices of Dussault & Zatir have successfully handled hundreds of cases in Massachusetts and Rhode Island involving a wide variety of personal injuries and we’re here for you. Dussault & Zatir, P.C. is prepared to ensure that you receive a full and fair settlement for your injuries. Reach out today!