If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be considering a personal injury lawsuit to recover your losses. While the legal process can seem overwhelming at first, understanding what to expect during a personal injury case can ease stress and help you make informed decisions every step of the way.
Here are the typical stages of a personal injury case our Raleigh, NC personal injury lawyer will talk about.
Initial Consultation
Your case begins with a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer. During this meeting, you’ll explain what happened, and our attorney will ask questions about the accident, your injuries, and any medical treatment you’ve received. The goal is to determine whether you have a valid claim and what your next steps should be.
If you decide to move forward, our lawyer will typically take your case on a contingency fee basis—meaning you don’t pay anything upfront, and our lawyer only gets paid if you win.
Investigation And Evidence Gathering
Once retained, our attorney will launch a thorough investigation. This may include:
- Gathering accident reports
- Interviewing witnesses
- Reviewing medical records and bills
- Obtaining surveillance footage or photos
- Consulting with medical or accident reconstruction experts
This phase is crucial to building a strong case and calculating the full value of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Filing The Personal Injury Claim
Our lawyer will typically start by filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, our attorney may file a formal lawsuit in civil court. Even after a lawsuit is filed, many cases settle before going to trial.
The Discovery Process
If your case proceeds to litigation, both sides enter a phase called discovery, where each party exchanges evidence and information. This can involve:
- Written questions (interrogatories)
- Requests for documents
- Depositions (sworn statements taken out of court)
Discovery allows both sides to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the case and can influence settlement negotiations.
Settlement Negotiations
Most personal injury cases are resolved through settlement rather than a trial. Our attorney will negotiate with the insurance company, presenting evidence to support the value of your claim. You’ll be kept informed and will have the final say on whether to accept any offer.
Our lawyer’s goal is to secure the maximum compensation available to cover all of your losses—now and in the future.
Trial (If Necessary)
If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your case may proceed to trial. At trial, our lawyer will present evidence to a judge or jury, who will determine liability and award damages. While trials are less common, having our skilled trial attorney is essential in case your claim reaches this stage.
While every personal injury case is unique, understanding the general process can make it feel more manageable. With the right legal team by your side, you can focus on healing while our attorney fights for the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured, contact our personal injury lawyers today for a consultation. At Burton Law Firm, we’re here to guide you through every step of your case.