- If You're Injured
- What to Do
- - Automobile Accident
- - Injured on the Job
- - Major Personal Injuries
- - Whiplash Injuries
- - Wrongful Death
- What an Attorney Can Mean to Your Case
- When & How to Choose a Personal Injury Attorney
- Are Your Injuries Covered?
- Working with an Attorney
- What is the Claim Process Like?
- How to Handle Your Medical Needs
- What to Expect If There Is a Lawsuit
Auto Accident and Personal Injury Law Washington
What is the personal injury claims process like?
Once an accident and personal injury attorney takes your case, he or she will collect evidence and evaluate your medical bills, possible future medical needs, any lost wage information and property damage related to your claim. Based on this information, your personal injury attorney will assess the value of your case and begin working with the insurance company and/or other defendants to negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
The majority of claims related to accidents or injuries never reach a court trial. Most are resolved before this through a negotiated settlement between your auto accident attorney and the other parties. In many circumstances, however, your personal injury attorney will have to file a lawsuit detailing your proposed damages before the insurance company is willing to talk seriously about a reasonable settlement.
What are the key issues in deciding to settle my case?
Your attorney will do a thorough assessment of your case, taking into consideration the following key points:
- The amount your accident attorney thinks the case is worth, often in a range of dollar amounts.
- Verdicts and settlements in similar cases.
- The chances of winning at trial.
- Amount of personal information that could be revealed at trial or through further discovery that could hurt – or help – your case.
- Any weaknesses in your evidence or weaknesses in your opponent's evidence.
- The amount of insurance coverage that the defendant has in your case.
- The defendant's own monetary resources.
- Your defendant's lawyer and how experienced he or she is.
What happens if I settle?
When you settle, you agree to give up your right to pursue any further legal action in connection with the accident or injury in exchange for the payment of the agreed-upon sum of money from the defendant or the insurance company.
How long will it take to settle my claim?
Most claims are settled within a couple of months after compiling all your records. You should never attempt to settle your claim until your doctor has released you or can give a meaningful opinion about your future condition. The best time to proceed with your claim is usually determined by you and your doctor.
What if my claim doesn’t settle?
Sometimes, for any number of reasons, a claim cannot be settled through negotiation. Understand that your personal injury lawyer works for you and will never settle a claim or file a lawsuit without your understanding or consent.
To find out more, it is a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can guide you through the process and help you make the right choices for your specific case. The highly qualified personal injury attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast law firm will provide you with a FREE Consultation, at no obligation to you, about your auto accident, personal injury or wrongful death case. Simply contact us about your injury or call toll free at 1-888-228-3860.
| Call if you have been injured in Washington state, including in these cities: | |||||
| Arlington | Auburn | Bellevue | Bellingham | Bothell | Bremerton |
| Edmonds | Everett | Federal Way | Issaquah | Kent | Kirkland |
| Lacey | Longview | Lynnwood | Marysville | Medina | Oak Harbor |
| Olympia | Port Orchard | Redmond | Renton | Seattle | Shelton |
| Snohomish | Sumner | Tacoma | Tukwila | Vancouver | Woodinville |