Tips on Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Tips on Filing a Personal Injury LawsuitAccidents can be devastating for all those involved, and a personal injury lawyer serving Memphis, TN understand that you may have sustained injuries that leave you in financial danger due to your inability to work.  A bad situation can easily become worse. It may be logical to file a personal injury claim in order to receive compensation for your injuries to temper medical bills and day to day expenses. You are not legally required to have legal representation to file a claim in Tennessee, but it is beneficial to have the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer for Memphis, TN throughout the process.

First Step is Medical Treatment and Documentation

Medical treatment is your first and foremost important step before filing a claim. Many people may feel fine and will neglect to visit a doctor following the accident. However, it is important to see a doctor anyway to establish a paper trail should you experience symptoms of an injury later on. If you cannot verify your injury and produce proof from a doctor, then you simply have no case. You have to complete treatments and comply with the doctor’s orders in order to qualify. Any medical bills can be included in your list of damages.

You may also claim “pain and suffering damages” if your Memphis, TN personal injury lawyer can gauge it and lost wages added up can be listed for damages, too. It is difficult to estimate your case’s worth in the first consultation, but it is important to come prepared with necessary documentation to prove that you indeed suffered an injury and a list of medical costs, lost wages and proof of emotional damages.

Sending a Demand Letter

After collecting all the documentation and evidence for your claim, your attorney will likely send a demand letter to the insurance company of the third party that caused your injury. Most cases settle out of court because the insurance company knows that a strong case may be awarded more than they will offer if the plaintiff pursues a lawsuit and wins.

In Case of Uncooperative Insurance Companies

If your claim is denied or is lowballed by the insurance company, then you may have to proceed in court with a lawsuit. Your personal injury lawyer in Memphis, TN may have to call on expert witnesses for testimony about the accident and injuries you sustained to justify the dollar amount of damages you seek.

Be Aware of the Statute of Limitations

The law places a time limit on how long you have to pursue a personal injury claim after you have been injured. It varies by state, but the statute of limitations does exist everywhere and you have little exceptions that extend the statute. Consult an experienced personal injury lawyer in Memphis, TN at the very beginning of the process to ensure a smoother and possibly successful claim process.  Call Patterson Bray today!