An experienced personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in a victim’s ability to recover financially following an accident. In addition to reviewing insurance policies and negotiating settlements, they can also file a lawsuit if the at-fault party fails to adequately compensate you. They are familiar with the state laws that govern such claims, as well as how to navigate the complex legal process of litigating a case to the best possible outcome.
The first step a personal injury attorney takes is to gather all the relevant information they can about your case, including your version of the incident, injuries, medical records, lost wages, expenses, future income, pain and suffering, and disability. The attorney will then create a legal strategy that will allow them to secure the maximum compensation for your damages.
Many personal injury cases involve more than one at-fault party or insurance company. Each party will want to talk to you, and may request your statement in writing. Your attorney can protect your interests by acting as a barrier between you and the at-fault parties or their insurers. They will ensure that you don’t give statements that could be used against you in a future claim.
A Personal injury lawyer will often work with health care professionals to assess your injuries and determine the severity of them. They will use the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) to classify the level of damage, which ranges from 1 for minor injuries to 6 for injuries that have fatal outcomes. This will help your attorney to demonstrate the impact of your injuries on your daily life and career, as well as your current and future quality of life, ensuring that they demand an adequate settlement for your damages.
In some cases, your injury lawyer will need to bring in outside experts to investigate how the accident occurred. These can include professional investigators or even retired cops who have picked up a new job as accident reconstruction experts. Your lawyer will know who to call based on their regular roster of professionals they normally use.
Your attorney will calculate your damages, which might include medical bills, loss of income and future earning potential, property damage, pain and suffering, and disability. They will consider your underlying medical conditions as well, which can significantly affect recovery time and how severe your injuries are. They will also look at any special equipment you might need in the future, if your injuries prevent you from working at your current occupation.
If you have been injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s careless or wrongdoing, you can contact a personal injury attorney at Kibbey Wagner, PLLC to get your life back on track. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We are available by phone, email and live chat. We serve clients throughout the State of Florida.
