Should I Settle My Car Accident Case?
If you have decided to hire an experienced auto accident attorney after you or a loved one were injured in a Los Angeles accident, you will likely be faced with the question of whether you want to try to settle the case through mediation. With the backlog of civil cases in Los Angeles courts, many judges require the parties in a case to attend mediation before going to trial. Indeed, recent data indicates that only 5% of cases actually go to trial.
What to expect when seeking a settlement
After an accident caused by another driver's negligence, you will need to file a claim with the driver’s insurance company. The insurance company may ask you to make a recorded statement and/or settle. Never agree to either without first consulting with an experienced Los Angeles accident attorney.
The right lawyer will inform you of your legal options and advise you on the strength of your case, including what he believes to be the potential monetary value of your case. Here is a list of additional questions you may want to ask the attorney before you hire him.
Once you hire an accident attorney, the investigation into the accident will begin. He will review witness statements, police reports, medical records, and anything else pertaining to your case. In some cases, the lawyer will consult with accident reconstruction experts, manufacturing experts, and medical experts. He may request video footage or the vehicle’s black box.
What's in a demand package?
When your attorney feels like he has all the information he needs to present your strongest case, he will submit a demand package to the opposing party detailing your personal injury claim, including liability and damages (injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.). Inside will also be a total number you are demanding for your injuries. The opposing party will review the demand package and either reject it, accept it, or make a counteroffer.
If the parties cannot reach an agreement, your attorney may work with you to file a lawsuit.
For a free, no obligation consultation about your potential car accident claim, contact the experienced injury attorneys at Ghozland Law Firm today.
