What to expect from the litigation process?
New Jersey personal injury lawyers of Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC outline what to expect from the litigation process in a personal injury claim. Let our experience practicing personal injury law for over 58 years benefit you.
Step 1: Meet with a personal injury lawyer – Hopefully you have carefully selected a few attorneys to interview. Most attorneys offer a free consultation to discuss your case.
Step 2: Bring your facts - At the initial meeting with the lawyer, you will need to provide a detailed account of what happened; contact and insurance information for any involved party and witnesses; and evidence such as medical reports, police report, photos, videos, or clothing from the injury scene. At a later appointment you may need to provide pay stubs if the injury has caused you to miss work, and a list of medical and other expenses you have incurred.
Step 3: Ask questions and choose the best attorney for your case – Choosing an attorney is a personal choice. Ask questions such as what the attorney’s fee is, a prediction of the outcome of your case, and how many similar cases to yours the law firm has handled and successfully settled.
Step 4: Get to work – You and your lawyer are a team and organization of your case will be critical. It may be a challenge to provide the information that is requested by your lawyer if you are seriously injured. You may have to enlist a family member or friend to help you. The more evidence you can provide the easier your case will be to manage.
Step 5: Listen to your attorney – Your personal injury lawyer will have a professional such as a doctor or accountant review your case and perhaps testify on your behalf. It will be critical in determining how much physical and financial stress your injury has caused you. Do not attempt to negotiate with any insurance companies – your attorney will know the tactics employed by insurance companies to keep your settlement amount down.
You may be questioned by the other party’s attorney when both sides share evidence and facts. Listen to the advice of your lawyer and provide only what is asked for. Do not admit fault, even if you think you have contributed to the accident.
Step 6: Consider a settlement – Most personal injury cases are settled out-of-court. You and your attorney will discuss the settlement and decide if you would benefit from litigation instead. Settling your case out-of-court will shorten the time it takes for your case to be concluded.
The steps in the litigation process are easy to follow with our personal injury lawyers guiding the way. Call Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy at 973-366-3900. We have offices in Bergen, Middlesex and Morris Counties for your convenience. Also, feel free to complete our quick contact web form and we will answer your request promptly.