What should I do immediately after an accident?
Begin gathering evidence and documenting events, such as taking photos of the scene, obtaining police reports, and collecting documentation of any costs incurred.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, the personal injury lawsuit process is complex and has many statutes, procedures, and court rules that may be involved. You should work with an attorney who understands this process well, and, at the same time, is compassionate and knows the emotional strain and stress that comes with the legal process.
The personal injury lawsuit process can be a complex undertaking for most people, but it is how those who are injured in accidents can recover compensation for their losses. Accidents happen every day, and in order to protect your rights, you should seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney who has the skills necessary to successfully take your case from start to finish.
The attorneys at Bhatt Law Group have years of experience helping people with their claims. We know how to effectively work with insurance companies, adjusters, investigators, and other attorneys who are involved in the personal injury lawsuit process. If you have been injured due to someone else’s recklessness or negligence, contact us at (201) 798-8000 for a free initial consultation.
If you’ve been in an accident, the first thing you should do once you’re safe is begin gathering evidence and documenting events, even before you’ve hired an attorney. This can include taking photos of the scene of the accident, ensuring you have relevant police reports, and collecting documentation of any costs you’ve incurred, such as medical bills and property damage invoices. Once you have an attorney, they can look at the evidence you already have and collect additional information that may be necessary to initiate your claim.
Once you are able, you should immediately contact an attorney to help proceed with your claim. The personal injury process can be complex. Insurance companies are powerful and will use all of their resources to get rid of you as quickly as possible for as cheaply as possible. They may even deny your claim even if you were not at fault. You need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side to fight back for what you deserve.
The next step in the process is filing an insurance claim or sending a demand a letter to the negligent party. In this step of the process, you and your attorney will draft a formal demand letter to the insurance adjuster assigned to evaluate the merits of your claim or to the responsible party. The demand letter should lay out the reasons you are entitled to compensation, the facts and events involved, and a clear demand stating that if you don’t receive what is demanded, you will make a formal court filing.
If the insurance company or the negligent person fails to satisfy the demand letter, then it will probably be time to file a complaint in court through your attorney. The complaint is the first step in the civil litigation process, and in the complaint your attorney will lay out the facts supporting your claim and the allegations showing that the other party was reckless or negligent and caused your injuries.
Filing a lawsuit is usually a motivator that starts any settlement negotiations between the parties. In reality, most personal injury lawsuits are resolved through early settlement negotiations among those who are involved, their attorneys, and the insurers. This back and forth between parties can take some time, and if a settlement is reached, it is memorialized in a formal written agreement where you agree to resolve the complaint through payment of an agreed-upon sum instead of moving forward with a formal lawsuit. Your attorney will help you determine whether a settlement offer is reasonable based on the facts of your case and the losses you suffered.
Most cases don’t make it to trial. However, if the parties don’t reach a settlement, you need to have an attorney who is able and willing to take your case to trial and has a proven track record of success in court. At trial, the parties will present evidence and witnesses. They will try to convince the judge or the jury who is responsible and for how much damage.
If you proceed through trial and your attorney argues your case in front of a judge or jury, you will receive a verdict. The decision makers will consider the facts presented by both sides and make a determination about who is at fault for the losses incurred. They will also determine how much money you deserve according to the actual monetary amounts you’ve already lost and any expected losses in the future. You may also get an award for pain and suffering, mental anguish, punitive damages, and other non-economic aspects of your case. Once a verdict is reached, the party found responsible must pay for damages they caused.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, the personal injury lawsuit process is complex and has many statutes, procedures, and court rules that may be involved. You should work with an attorney who understands this process well, and, at the same time, is compassionate and knows the emotional strain and stress that comes with the legal process.
Bhatt Law Group has been helping personal injury victims throughout New Jersey fight for the compensation they are entitled to since 2006, and can help you explore the legal options available to you. Contact us at (201) 798-8000 for a free initial consultation.
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Recent Settlements
Our client’s car was t-boned by a commercial vehicle. As a result, she required multiple lumbar spine surgeries. Bhatt Law Group immediately filed a lawsuit and retained experts. Prior to trial and after several depositions, we were able to obtain a settlement on behalf of our client.
Our client’s vehicle rolled over several times after being side-swiped by an 18 wheeler. This resulted in significant injuries to his neck and back. Client was unable to return to work because of his injuries. The insurance company contested the liability but after filing suit, serving discovery, and taking depositions, Bhatt Law Group was able to settle this case.
Our client was struck by a car that was attempting to make an illegal u-turn. This resulted in significant damage to our client’s car and he was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Our client required both back and knee surgery and physical therapy.
Our client was injured in a motor vehicle accident. As a result of the accident, our client sustained injuries to her spine.
Our client was injured when she was struck by a motor vehicle when crossing the street. As a result of the accident, our client sustained a fractured leg and injuries to her back. This was a difficult liability case but the settlement was obtained as a result of strong settlement negotiations.
Our client was injured when he slipped and fell on ice. As a result of the accident, our client sustained a broken ankle.
Our client was injured when he was rear-ended by a commercial vehicle in Jersey City. The liability insurance carrier argued low impact with minimal property damage and our client’s age to minimize the extent of his damages. As a result of the accident, our client sustained injuries to his neck and back resulting in multiple injections including a two level lumbar fusion and discectomy surgery. This settlement was the result of strategic preparation and strong settlement negotiations.
Our client was injured when she was involved in a motor vehicle accident in Maplewood. The claim had its complexities due to the claimant’s ongoing health issues, prior accident history and age. As a result of the subject accident, our client sustained an aggravation of injuries to her neck, back and right shoulder resulting in a one level discectomy with instrumentation. The bodily insurance carrier tendered its insured’s policy limits prior to the two year statute of limitations and without extensive litigation.
Multi-motor vehicle accident involving our client who suffered back injuries requiring injections.
* Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Begin gathering evidence and documenting events, such as taking photos of the scene, obtaining police reports, and collecting documentation of any costs incurred.
A personal injury attorney has the skills necessary to navigate the complex lawsuit process and can effectively work with insurance companies to fight for your rights.
A demand letter is a formal document sent to the insurance adjuster or responsible party outlining your claim and the compensation you are seeking.
If the demand letter is not satisfied, your attorney may file a complaint in court to initiate the civil litigation process.
Yes, most personal injury lawsuits are resolved through settlement negotiations before reaching trial.
During a trial, both parties present evidence and witnesses to convince the judge or jury of their case, after which a verdict is reached.
The duration of the process can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial or is settled beforehand.
You may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injuries.
You can contact us at (201) 798-8000 to schedule a free initial consultation.
We proudly represent clients throughout New Jersey.