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The Process of Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Car Accident

Published on July 16th, 2020

If you or someone close to you has been a victim of a car accident, you want to have an aggressive lawyer who will fight for you and get you as much compensation as possible for your injuries and car damage. The last thing anyone wants to worry about when they are injured from a car wreck is if they are going to be fairly compensated and have their bills taken care of. Our attorneys at Block, Klukas, Manzella & Shell, P.C., who specialize in personal injury law in Lockport and other surrounding areas, will fight for you to alleviate any added stress and get you the money you deserve.

Discovery and Deposition

 Once a personal injury claim has been filed, there is a “discovery,” where each side’s lawyers ask for documentation and other records. A deposition is often part of this discovery and is an opportunity for both sides to ask accident witnesses, expert witnesses, and victims like you specific questions about the car accident itself. Although a deposition is not equal to a trial, you are still under oath and the answers can be used in trial if the proceedings get to that point. After the deposition is completed, your lawyer will review the transcript closely and see if any other witnesses need to be deposed or any additional information is needed.

Medical Examination

 If the accident has left you with serious injuries, it is common that the other party will ask for an independent medical examination. The defense will want to make sure you aren’t exaggerating your injuries to procure more money. 

Settlement 

 After everything is reviewed and all the information is gathered, your lawyer will go over the case with you and discuss your options. Most civil cases end in a settlement, rather than putting you through the burdens of a trial. You want to make sure your settlement covers all of these expenses and concerns:

  1. Present and future medical bills
  2. Pain and suffering 
  3. Emotional distress 
  4. Lost wages 
  5. Lost earning potential 
  6. Rehabilitation Costs

If you have been in a car accident and are in need of a personal injury lawyer to help with your claim, contact us at Block, Klukas, Manzella & Shell, P.C. in Lockport and surrounding areas.

 

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