According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are approximately 6 million car accidents each year in the US. Of those accidents, 2 million involve injuries, and nearly 40,000 results in fatalities.
If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may want to consider hiring a personal injury lawsuit. A lawsuit can help you secure compensation for your injuries, but it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. Here are some tips for preparing for a personal injury lawsuit.
1. Gather evidence
One of the most important things you can do in preparation for a personal injury lawsuit is gathering evidence. This includes photos of the accident scene, medical records, and witness statements.
The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. Besides gathering evidence, you should also keep a journal of your injuries and their effects on your daily life.
2. Contact an attorney
An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to help you gather evidence, file a lawsuit, and represent you in court. Tennessee is known for being a “tort reform” state, which means that the laws are tilted to favor the defendant.
This makes it even more important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side.
Hence you can simply Google a location-based search such as ‘personal injury Knoxville near me’ and find a lawyer to help you with your case. Remember, you don’t have to hire the first lawyer you speak with, so take your time and do your research.
3. Know your rights
It’s important to know your rights before filing a personal injury lawsuit. In Tennessee, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. You also have the right to sue for both economic and non-economic damages. These include medical bills, wages, pain, and suffering.
4. Understand the process
Filing a personal injury lawsuit can be a daunting process, but it’s important to understand what to expect. The first step is usually to file a complaint with the court. The court will then issue a summons to the defendant, who will have to respond to the complaint.
If the defendant doesn’t respond, the court will usually rule in favor of the plaintiff. The next step is to file a motion for discovery, which allows both parties to gather evidence. After that, the case will go to trial.
5. Be prepared for a long process
Filing a personal injury lawsuit can be a long and arduous process. The average personal injury lawsuit takes two to three years to resolve. So, be prepared for a long wait.
However, the wait is usually worth it, as plaintiffs typically receive a higher settlement from a jury than from an insurance company. However, it’s important to remember that not every lawsuit is successful.
6. Be prepared to spend money
Filing a personal injury lawsuit can be expensive. You may have to pay court costs, attorney fees, and expert witness fees. So, be prepared to spend some money on your lawsuit.
However, most personal injury lawyers will work on a contingency basis, which means they will only get paid if you win your case. Also, many personal injury lawsuits are settled out of court, which means you won’t have to pay any legal fees.
7. Be patient
The process of filing a personal injury lawsuit can be long and frustrating. So, be patient. The best thing you can do is to stay focused on your goal of obtaining a fair settlement for your injuries.
More importantly, don’t forget to take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Seek out help from friends and family members, and consider seeking professional counseling if you feel overwhelmed.
8. Stay positive
The process of filing a personal injury lawsuit can be stressful and overwhelming. However, it’s important to stay positive and focused on your goal of obtaining a fair settlement.
Remember, you’re not alone. There are plenty of people willing to help you, including your attorney and family and friends. So, stay positive and don’t give up.
However, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. However, don’t forget that a personal injury lawsuit is a legal process, and things may not go your way. Be prepared for the possibility of a negative outcome.
9. Be careful what you say
It’s important to remember that anything you say can be used against you in a personal injury lawsuit. So, be careful about what you say to both the defendant and the court.
Don’t discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney, and be sure to answer the court’s questions honestly. However, you don’t have to answer any questions that you feel uncomfortable answering.
10. Get a competent lawyer
Filing a personal injury lawsuit can be difficult, so it’s important to have a good lawyer. A good lawyer will guide you through the process, answer your questions, and help you obtain a fair settlement for your injuries.
So, be sure to do your research and choose a lawyer who has experience in personal injury law. However, don’t forget that you’re in control of your case, and you can always fire your lawyer if you’re not happy with their services.
Conclusion
When you incur an injury in an accident, the first thing you are likely to do is to seek medical help. However, if the injury is severe enough, you may want to consider filing a personal injury lawsuit.
A personal injury lawsuit can allow you to recover damages for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Filing a claim can be complicated, but this article mentions some tips to make the process more straightforward. It would be best to hire a competent lawyer to ensure a favorable settlement at the end of what could be a long process. So find a good one ASAP.