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If you were hurt in an accident caused by the negligence of another person, you could be entitled to financial compensation. Serious accidents can lead to medical bills, lost wages, property loss, pain and suffering, and other losses. To seek financial recovery while working on your personal recovery, you can pursue a personal injury claim for your damages.
What is the timeline for a personal injury case in Augusta, GA? The timeline will depend on the facts of the claim, the damages involved, and any potential legal issues connected to your case. Some personal injury cases are more complicated than others. An experienced Augusta personal injury lawyer can review the details of your case and help you navigate the legal process, however long it takes.
In Georgia, a personal injury case will normally follow several different steps. From the date of your accident to the date you are paid for your damages, a personal injury case could take a few months, or it could take over a year in more complex cases. No case is the same, and your timeline will vary depending on the facts of your claim.
The following steps usually take place in a personal injury claim:
Knowing more about the steps involved will help you understand the timeline of a personal injury case.
Nobody expects they’ll become an accident victim, but hidden dangers and careless actors surround us anywhere we go. When an accident does happen, it can be a shocking and overwhelming experience. You will likely need medical treatment and could face unexpected bills and out-of-pocket expenses. The accident can also force you to miss work and go through mental anguish due to your injuries.
Immediately after the accident, be sure to get medical attention. Even if you don’t think you need help, some injuries might not be apparent right away. If your medical provider suggests follow-up care or prescription medication, make sure to follow through on those recommendations. Your personal injury claim will benefit from your cooperation with medical advice.
If you’re not sure whether you need a lawyer or think you can’t afford the cost of a personal injury lawyer, think again. Most personal injury lawyers in Augusta, GA, will work on a contingent fee basis, meaning you do not pay attorney fees upfront. When you are already dealing with mounting medical bills, missed work, and other costs, you can hire a lawyer without the stress of coming up with a retainer fee. When you get dependable legal advice early in the process, you stand a stronger chance of getting the financial recovery you deserve in a personal injury case.
In a personal injury case, evidence can include any of the following:
A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer will carefully analyze all aspects of your personal injury case and use evidence to boost your claim.
If your claim is not settled with the insurance company, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. What is the statute of limitations for a personal injury complaint in Georgia? In most cases, personal injury plaintiffs have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in Georgia. If you fail to file on time, you could permanently lose your right to file in court. Your personal injury lawyer will know the deadlines that apply in your case and make sure none are missed.
As your case proceeds, both sides will exchange materials known as “discovery.” Discovery materials can include documents, photos, video footage, witness lists, and other information to avoid surprises at trial. Discovery can help the defendant’s attorney and their insurer understand the strength of your claim and consider offering a fair settlement.
Settlement negotiations and mediation are a part of almost all personal injury cases. Mediation is an out-of-court meeting with all parties to discuss the issues and resolve disputes. The goal of mediation is to reach a fair settlement. At any point during the case, attorneys on both sides are free to discuss settlement options to avoid the need for trial. In fact, studies show almost 95% of personal injury cases settle before going to a jury trial.
The case will proceed to a trial if there is no settlement. At trial, your lawyer will use physical and digital evidence, documentation, and witnesses to explain why the other party caused your injuries and how much you should pay. The jury’s job is to make a ruling based on the evidence shown during the trial. This is where experience counts – at trial, you want a personal injury lawyer who has been there many times before.
If you were injured and someone else was at fault, you should not be left paying for the full costs of the accident. The Augusta personal injury lawyers at Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys have helped thousands of clients get the financial help they deserve after a devastating accident. Call our law office today to schedule your free consultation.