If you have been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or other personal injury incidents in Colorado Springs, you may want to file a claim. This article will walk you through the process of filing a personal injury claim from start to finish. We’ll discuss what items are needed for your initial meeting with an attorney, as well as what happens at the mediation phase of your case.
What’s a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury claim is a type of civil lawsuit filed to recover damages for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. To file a personal injury claim in Colorado Springs, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be injured as a result of another person’s negligence
- The injury must have occurred within the state of Colorado
- The injury must have caused you to suffer some monetary damages
What to Bring to Your Initial Meeting with an Attorney
When meeting with an attorney from Sawaya Law Firm or any other firm for the first time, it is important to bring as much information as possible. The following items are typically needed:
-Copy of your driver’s license or ID card
-Proof of insurance
-Copy of the accident report
-Photos of the scene of the accident
-Medical records and bills
-Proof of lost wages
What Happens at Mediation?
If your personal injury case goes to mediation, both parties will meet with a mediator in an attempt to reach a settlement. The mediator is a neutral third party who will help to negotiate a settlement that is agreeable to both parties. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will go to trial.
Here’s a step-to-step process of handling a personal injury claim.
- Seek Medical Help
After sustaining injuries in a personal injury accident, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. This will document your injuries and can be used as evidence in your case. You should not overlook minor injuries, as they can often lead to more serious injuries if left untreated.
- Gather Evidence
In order to file a successful personal injury claim, you will need to gather evidence of the accident. This includes photos of the scene, police reports, witness statements, medical records, and eyewitness testimony. Having proof makes it easier for your attorney to negotiate a settlement with the insurance company.
- Meet With Your Attorney
Your initial meeting with an attorney will be used to understand your case better and determine if you have a valid claim. During this meeting, you should bring any evidence you have collected so far. You should also be prepared to discuss how the accident happened, where you were when it occurred, and how long it took your injuries to heal.
- Mediation
Once your attorney determines that they are interested in representing you, they will contact the insurance company on your behalf. The most common place to conduct mediation is at a neutral location like an arbitration center or law office conference room. During mediation, your attorney will attempt to negotiate a settlement on your behalf. Once the insurance company has made you an offer, it’s up to you whether or not you accept it.
- Filing a Claim with the Court
If mediation is unsuccessful and you decide that filing suit is financially feasible for yourself, this step may be necessary. Your case can be heard in civil court, and you can ask the judge to order your insurance company to pay for all of your damages. But things will be easier on you if your attorney can negotiate a settlement instead.
In order to be filing a personal injury claim in Colorado Springs, several items will need to be gathered, and evidence must be collected from the accident scene. Victims of accidents need to seek medical help as soon as possible while also seeking legal advice. During mediation, an insurance company may make an offer to the victim. If this is unsuccessful, the case may be taken to court. Having a personal injury lawyer can help victims through every step of the process and increase their chances of receiving a fair settlement.