4. Calculate Damages

As your case progresses, your lawyer will work with you to calculate the money you deserve. 

Economic losses include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages are intangible and harder to quantify, like pain and suffering and emotional distress. 

To calculate your damages, your attorney will review your medical records, work history, and other important factors. They’ll make sure all your potential losses are considered and valued fairly.

     5. File an Insurance Claim and Negotiate

Your personal injury attorney will file an insurance claim with the other party’s insurance company; this is an essential step in trying to settle without going to court. The insurance company will investigate the accident, decide who was at fault, and determine how much your claim is worth. 

After you file the claim, your lawyer will negotiate with the company on your behalf. They’ll present evidence and arguments to submit your case. The goal is to reach a fair settlement that covers your injuries and damages. 

If you’re offered a settlement, your lawyer will review it and advise whether to accept it or negotiate further.

     6. File a Lawsuit and Prepare for Trial

If you can’t settle with the insurance company, your attorney will file a lawsuit; this means starting a court case. They’ll then prepare the necessary legal documents and file them with the court. It’s crucial to file the lawsuit before the time limit runs out. 

Once the lawsuit is filed, both sides will exchange information and evidence — this is called discovery.

     7. Settlement Negotiations and Medication

Even after a lawsuit is filed, you can still try to settle with the other party. Sometimes, the court may order you and the other party to go to mediation. 

Mediation means working with a neutral third party to reach an agreement. It’s a good way to have open discussions. It often leads to a mutually agreeable settlement without going to trial. 

Your personal injury lawyer will represent you during settlement negotiation and mediation. If you can’t agree, your case will be sent to trial.

     8. Trial and Verdict

If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will present your case to a judge or jury. They’ll argue the facts of the case, present evidence, and call witnesses to support your claims. The opposing side will also present their case, and both sides can question witnesses and challenge evidence. 

Once all the evidence is presented and arguments heard, the judge or jury will deliberate and reach a verdict. If they decide in your favor, the court will decide how much money you should get. If things go the other way, you can appeal the decision.

     9. Post-Trial Motions and Appeals

After a trial, either side can file motions to challenge the verdict. These motions are usually about legal issues or mistakes made during the trial. If the judge denies these motions, the next step is to think about appealing the decision. 

Appeals involve presenting arguments to a higher court, asking them to review the trial’s court decision. Your attorney will help you through the appeals process if it becomes necessary.