If you’ve been hurt as a result of someone else’s negligence, you’re entitled to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your injuries. In addition to hiring a skilled attorney, knowing what to expect can help ease any anxiety you might be feeling. Take a look below to learn the general timeline of a personal injury case.

What Happens In a Personal Injury Case?

1. Meeting With a Lawyer

After receiving medical treatment for your injuries, the first thing you should do is contact an experienced personal injury attorney and schedule a consultation. They will discuss the specifics of your case with you, then investigate the accident. This can include collecting police reports, witness statements, and accident scene photos, as well as gathering your medical bills and records, lost wages, treatment records, and other personal information related to the case.

2. Filling a Lawsuit

If possible, it’s best to wait to file until your treatment is complete so you have an accurate idea of the total cost of your injuries. Once you have this number, your attorney will write a demand letter to the other party involved in the accident, outlining the details of the case and the amount of compensation you seek. If a settlement cannot be reached between you and the other party, your attorney will file a lawsuit.

3. Reviewing Claims

During this stage, the attorneys for both parties review each other’s defenses and legal claims. Each side can ask the other for relevant documents, photos, and other case evidence. They can also use this time to request witness statements and depositions. In most cases, discovery is an exhaustive process that can take from six months to a year to complete.

4. Conducting Mediation

Mediation gives both parties a chance to reach a settlement and avoid having to go to trial. It is a voluntary process that involves a mediator—typically a judge or lawyer who isn’t involved in the case—overseeing negotiations. Mediation can happen after your demand letter is sent, before trial, or during the trial.

5. Agreeing on a Settlement or Trial

In most cases, injured parties are willing to settle if they feel they’re getting the damages they deserve. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will go to trial and a jury will establish fault and award damages. 

If you’ve been injured and are considering filing a personal injury claim, contact Vincent J. Criscuolo & Associates. This law office and its seasoned attorneys have helped accident victims throughout Rochester, NY, get the compensation they deserve. Visit their website to learn more and call (585) 232-3240 to schedule a free consultation today.