If you have been hurt in an accident through no fault of your own, you should consider a personal injury lawsuit. Personal injury suits compensate you for lost wages and medical costs due to the accident, and a lawyer can help you file the suit and negotiate a settlement with the responsible party.
The Litigation Process
To determine whether it’s in your best interest to file a suit or accept the other party’s settlement offer, you first need to learn about the litigation process. Your attorney isn’t likely to negotiate with the person responsible; rather, they will communicate with a defense attorney or a representative of the other party’s insurance company.
With auto accidents and other kinds of personal injury lawsuits, the at-fault party’s insurance pays for your lost wages and medical bills. Your attorney will start your case by sending the other party a demand letter, including specific information and a settlement offer.
The other party has an opportunity to respond, usually with an offer lower than your initial offer. The negotiation continues until an amount is agreed upon; if the parties cannot come to an agreement, you and your lawyer can file a lawsuit and the case will go to trial.
Litigation or Settlement?
Your lost wages and medical bills will comprise most of the settlement amount your attorney will ask for. In some cases, attorneys seek punitive damages, which are designed to penalize the at-fault party. If your settlement offer is accepted, the case is over.
However, if the other party has a counter-offer, your decision may be more difficult. If their counter-offer is less than yours is but still enough to cover your lost wages and medical bills, it may be wise to accept the offer. If the offer is too low to pay your expenses, you should discuss the trial option with your attorney.
Personal injury trials can be complex affairs, and some cases take years to resolve. By hiring a Personal Injury Attorney in Enumclaw, you will be able to come up with a fair settlement, and you’ll have legal guidance and advice should your case go to trial.