You were involved in a car collision that left you with several injuries, some of which are serious. At first, you thought the collision was an accident, but after reading the official police report, you discovered another driver might have committed one or more acts of negligence. Now the question is, “How can I sue someone after a car accident?
Whether you settle a personal injury case or win a legal judgment against another party, you have to act with a sense of urgency if you expect to get paid. Each state has established a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Dealing with an Insurance Company Before Filing a Lawsuit
Before you file a civil lawsuit, you have to know how to file an injury claim. You have to go through an insurance company first to seek compensation for your injuries.
Dealing with an insurance company before filing a lawsuit requires the services of a personal injury attorney. Your legal counsel will not accept the first offer made by your insurance company. This is a mistake made by many policyholders that do not gain legal representation during the injury claim process. Your personal injury lawyer calculates a reasonable value for both your economic and non-economic damages.
Your insurance claim must include convincing evidence that proves you suffer from one or more injuries. The results of diagnostic tests, as well as the description of treatment and rehabilitation programs, can persuade your insurer to reach a favorable settlement. Many insurance companies offer insultingly low claim payments, which means your attorney will have to make a counteroffer to keep negotiations moving forward.
When Can I File a Lawsuit for a Car Accident
How to sue for a car accident requires you to file a lawsuit before the expiration of the statute of limitations as established by the state where the accident took place. Most states have set a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit between two and four years from the time of an incident. If you fail to meet the deadline for filing a civil lawsuit, you can expect the court to dismiss your lawsuit.
If you suffered one or more serious injuries, then you should consider filing a civil lawsuit if your insurance company refuses to reach a fair settlement. This is especially true if your injuries prevent you from earning a living.
How to File a Lawsuit
After your car accident, you may wan to seek help from a personal injury attorney. Your personal injury attorney will help you file the correct paperwork in a timely manner in addition to submitting the documents that make your case for monetary damages. The official police report represents the most important document because it declares which party should be held liable for causing the accident. Your personal injury attorney will submit witness statements, copies of your medical records, and physical evidence such as photos taken at the scene of the incident. You want to submit copies of your medical bills, which include assistive devices prescription medications. The judge hearing your case should review your bank statements and timekeeping records to verify the amount of time you have missed from work.
Connect with a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
From knowing how to file an injury claim to submitting the right documents to initiate a civil lawsuit, a personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Car accident attorneys are only paid if you win your claim. Schedule a free case evaluation today with a personal injury lawyer.