If you or your loved one was injured in an accident in New Jersey, you might wonder what the legal process ahead entails. Knowing what to expect from the personal injury claim process can give you more confidence and help you make informed decisions about your case. At Aronberg, Kouser, Snyder & Lindemann, P.A., we are here to assist you through every step of the process and help you navigate your case with clear and comprehensive guidance. Here is what to expect from your Cherry Hill personal injury case.
Steps Involved in the Personal Injury Claim Process
While each personal injury case is different, the general steps usually include the following:
- Reporting the accident: Your case officially begins when you report the accident to authorities or the responsible party.
- Seeking medical treatment: You should seek medical attention immediately to protect your health and legal claim. Keep all of your medical records to help support your claim.
- Documenting the incident: Get the other driver’s or negligent party’s information, including their name, address, phone number, and insurance details. Take pictures of the accident scene. Ask witnesses for their contact information.
- Consulting with a personal injury attorney: Seek legal assistance as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
- Investigation: Your personal injury lawyer investigates the case, collects evidence, interviews witnesses, and consults with expert witnesses, as necessary.
- Preparing a demand package: Your lawyer prepares a compelling demand for compensation and presents it to the insurance company or defendant.
- Negotiating: Your personal injury lawyer and the insurance company negotiate until they reach a settlement.
- Filing a lawsuit: If your case is not resolved through a settlement, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
How Long Personal Injury Claims Take
While you might be anxious to settle your case quickly, there is no average timeline for a personal injury case. Instead, factors individual to your case can affect how long your case takes to settle, such as:
- The severity of your injuries: If your case involves serious injuries, your case will likely take longer to settle than if you only suffered minor injuries. This is because your lawyer will likely want you to reach maximum medical improvement before attempting to settle your case so that your damages can be accurately calculated.
- The damages involved: Cases involving higher damage amounts often take longer to resolve because the insurance company may fight the claim harder, or the insurance adjuster may need to get a supervisor’s approval to authorize the settlement amount.
- The willingness to reach a settlement: When you and the insurance company or defendant are motivated to settle your case, it might settle more quickly.
- Whether your case goes to trial: If your case goes to trial, it will involve many other steps, including pretrial motion filings, discovery, voir dire, and the trial. This can significantly increase the time of your case.
Contact Our Cherry Hill Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Case Review
If you were injured in an accident in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, you don’t have to try to deal with the legal process alone. An experienced personal injury attorney from Aronberg, Kouser, Snyder & Lindemann, P.A. can help. Call us today for a free consultation.
