If you have been in a car accident and you’re thinking of hiring an attorney, you’re not alone. In fact, hiring an attorney is one of the first things people do after a serious accident. But that said, many people aren’t sure what happens after they call an attorney.
The reality is that every case is different, and no two claims unfold in exactly the same way. Even so, most follow a similar process from the first meeting to the final resolution. So, if you are wondering what you can expect after hiring a car crash lawyer in Bowling Green, KY, this article should help make the road ahead feel a little less uncertain. At Flora Templeton Stuart Accident Injury Lawyers we have represented clients in car accidents for 50 years.
Your First Meeting Is About Understanding Your Case
At Flora Templeton Stuart Accident Injury Lawyers we begin by gathering information about the accident and your injuries and getting you medical care. To make the most of this meeting, here is what to bring if you have it:
- Police report or incident identification number
- Photos or videos taken at the accident scene
- Copies of medical records or discharge paperwork related to injuries sustained in the accident
- Your insurance information
- Contact information for witnesses
Do not worry if you are missing some of these items, since your legal team can track down much of the documentation later.
This first meeting with our attorneys is also your opportunity to ask questions. You can learn how the legal process works, what our attorneys will need from you, and what a realistic timeline might look like for a case like yours. We reserve your PIP benefits without charge for medicals and lost income, get you to good doctors for treatment, get statements from involved parties and/or witnesses and locate and contact insurance companies on your behalf.
Your Lawyer Begins Investigating the Accident
Once you sign a representation agreement, our legal team begins collecting evidence to understand how the collision happened. That work may include reviewing the police report in detail, interviewing witnesses, obtaining traffic camera or surveillance footage, and collecting photographs of the vehicles and the accident scene.
Your medical records will also be reviewed carefully, since they connect your injuries to the crash. In more complicated cases, your lawyer may work with accident reconstruction professionals who can analyze physical evidence and explain exactly how the collision occurred.
The purpose of all this work is to build a clear picture of two things, liability and damages. In other words, your attorney is documenting who was at fault and what the accident has cost you.
Medical Treatment Continues While Your Case Moves Forward
Many injury claims take months to resolve, in part because medical treatment often continues long after the accident. Your case should not settle before anyone understands the full extent of your injuries. Getting good medical care is number one and our attorneys are here to assist.
Following your treatment plan matters for your health first, and for your claim as well. Gaps in care give insurance companies room to argue that your injuries were minor or unrelated to the crash. Complete medical records help document how your injuries affect your daily life, your ability to work, and your future care needs, which all factor into the value of your claim.
Your Lawyer Handles Communication With the Insurance Companies
Once representation begins, our attorneys are the primary point of contact for the insurance companies. Adjusters direct their calls, letters, and requests to your legal team instead of to you. This can relieve some of the pressure on you and can give you a better opportunity to focus on your physical and emotional recovery from the accident.
Behind the scenes, we gather documentation, respond to inquiries, and work to protect your interests at every stage. This representation carries real weight. Closed-claim data from the Insurance Research Council shows that injured claimants with legal representation recover about 3 to 3.5 times more, on average, than those who deal with insurers on their own.
Settlement Negotiations Begin
Once the extent of your injuries is better understood, our top lawyers prepare a demand package for the insurance company. Here is what that includes:
- Accident facts – Police Report
- Photos of car and your injuries
- Medical records and bills
- Demand for your damages
The claim includes medical expenses, future medical care, lost income, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and pain and suffering.
The insurance company rarely accepts the first demand, and negotiations often involve several rounds of discussion before both sides reach an agreement. Your attorney will keep you informed throughout, and the final decision about whether to accept an offer always belongs to you.
Some Cases Require Filing a Lawsuit
Most cases settle without going to trial, but not all of them do. Here is when filing a lawsuit is generally necessary:
- Liability is disputed
- Settlement offers are not adequate
- Multiple parties are involved
If your case reaches this point, do not panic. Filing a lawsuit does not automatically mean you will end up before a jury. Many cases still settle during the litigation process, sometimes shortly after the suit is filed, once the insurance company sees that your attorney is prepared to go the distance.
What You Can Do to Help Your Case
While your legal team handles the heavy lifting, there are practical steps you can take to support your own claim.
- Keep all medical appointments.
- Save receipts and records related to the accident.
- Tell your attorney about new medical diagnoses or changes in your condition.
- Avoid discussing your case on social media.
- Respond promptly when your legal team requests information or documents.
Staying organized and maintaining open communication with your attorney can help your case move forward more efficiently and prevent avoidable delays.
Your Car Crash Lawyer in Bowling Green, KY Will Guide You Through the Process
Hiring a lawyer is only the beginning of the legal process, and every case follows its own timeline depending on the injuries, the evidence, and the insurance issues involved. If you have questions about your accident or want to discuss your legal options after a collision, contact Flora Templeton Stuart, Accident Injury Lawyers at (888) 782-9090 today for a free consultation. Or, you can visit florastuart.com to fill out our contact form. Our team is ready to answer your questions and guide you through every step that follows.
