If you were injured in an accident due to another party’s negligence, you can file a personal injury claim by working with a lawyer. However, it’s important to understand what to expect in these types of cases so you can prepare and avoid unnecessary stress. Here’s an overview of a typical timeline. 

5 Steps in a Personal Injury Case

1. Lawyer Investigation

Once you’ve hired an attorney, they’ll interview you about your injury, medical conditions, bills, and other pertinent information. By having this information, they’ll be able to better fight for your rights, so be completely honest when answering their questions. Additionally, they’ll ask you for medical records and bills; this will help them negotiate and determine a compensation amount. 

2. Negotiations

In less severe cases, the attorney will negotiate a compensation amount with the insurance company or the other party’s lawyer. However, this process won’t usually take place until after you’re on the road to recovery. Before requesting a compensation amount, the attorney wants to know how much the case is worth; this number is determined by medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. 

3. Filing the Claim

If the lawyer chooses not to move forward via negotiations, they’ll generally file a lawsuit. They’ll keep the statute of limitations in mind to ensure they don’t begin the process too late. Keep in mind that it could take more than a year before a lawsuit actually goes to trial. 

4. Discovery Phase

At this point, each side will ask the other party to answer questions and send over relevant documents, such as medical bills. They’ll also interview witnesses, including the plaintiff, defendant, and bystanders. You can expect this part of the process to take at least half a year. 

5. Negotiations, Mediation & Trial

Once again, your attorney may engage in negotiations, talking to the other party’s lawyer about reaching a settlement. If this doesn’t work, a third-party mediator may get involved; they’ll try to resolve the matter without the courts. However, some cases end up going to trial, which can take anywhere from a day to months. 

When you need a reliable personal injury attorney, contact Goicoechea, DiGrazia, Coyle, & Stanton. Serving the Elko, NV, area, they’ve been protecting their clients’ rights since 1974. In addition to providing compassionate customer service, they’ll ensure that your data and privacy are secure and protected. They’ll walk you through every step of the legal process, answering any questions you have. Call (775) 738-8091 or visit the website to learn more.