If you've been injured due to an incident that wasn't your fault, you may be eligible to claim compensation. To find out if you qualify to make a claim, you'll need to meet with a personal injury lawyer. For many people, the thought of taking legal action is nerve-wracking, particularly if you've never instructed an attorney before.
Fortunately, the claims process can be simply and straightforward, providing you have the right lawyer. To give you peace of mind and help you learn a little more about taking legal action after an accident, take a look at what happens in a personal injury compensation case:
1. Describing the IncidentWhen you first meet with your lawyer, he or she will want to know more about the incident and the injuries you sustained. Details like where the accident took place, when it happened and how it happened are critical to your case. In addition to this, your attorney will need to know what injuries you suffered and the medical treatment you received.
In some cases, people find it very difficult to talk about the incident that caused them to get hurt. While recalling the details of a traumatic event can be difficult, experienced personal injury lawyers understand that you might find this aspect of the claims process tough. By seeking advice from reputable, approachable attorneys, like Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers in Bowling Green KY, you can be sure you'll get the professional, empathetic support you need.
2. Explaining the Legal ProcessMost people are unaware of the exact legal process that's involved in making a claim for personal injury compensation. When you have your first consultation with a lawyer, they will take the time to explain exactly how the process works, so you'll know what to expect at each stage.
While personal injury law in the U.S. is complicated, your attorney will ensure that you understand the steps you need to take to establish liability. In addition to this, your lawyer will give you an estimate of how long your case may take to resolve and how much compensation you could expect to receive.
3. Discussing the Terms of RepresentationMeeting with a lawyer and discussing a potential claim doesn't put you under any pressure to move forward or take legal action. Instead, you'll have the opportunity to get all the information you need before you decide whether or not you want to proceed.
To help you make an informed decision, your lawyer will tell you how they operate, their fee scale and what terms they work on. Some law firms work on a no-win, no-fee basis, for example, whereas others work on a retainer.
Should You Make a Claim for Compensation?Only you can decide whether or not you want to make a claim for compensation after an accident that wasn't your fault. However, if you've been hurt because of someone else's actions or negligence, it's well worth getting legal advice. By finding out what your rights are, you can decide whether to move forward and claim the compensation you deserve.