A lawyer signs papers for a case.

What Is the Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer in a Case?

If you have been involved in an accident, it is in your best interest to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. The legal process can be complex and overwhelming, and a personal injury lawyer can advise you on how to navigate the process and determine whether you are entitled to compensation. Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you build your case and maximize your recovery. Here are a few important things that a personal injury attorney will do to set your case up for success.

Investigate the Facts of the Accident

In order to determine whether a sufficient factual basis exists to pursue an injury claim, a personal injury attorney will thoroughly investigate the facts of the accident. This may include visiting the scene of the accident, gathering police or accident reports, taking photographs of the scene, and interviewing witnesses. The personal injury lawyer may also determine that expert witnesses, such as an accident reconstructionist, needs to be hired for the personal injury case.  This investigation will be the foundation of proving liability, or fault, of the other party.

Deal with the Insurance Companies

Your lawyer will also put the insurance companies on notice of the representation and find out the applicable coverages and policy limits. The lawyer will ensure that the claims are set up appropriately and that all forms and other insurance paperwork is completed.   

Try to Settle Your Case Without the Need for a Lawsuit

Once enough time has passed and your doctors are able to give an opinion about the nature, extent, and permanency of your injuries, your personal injury attorney will begin the demand process. To do so, they will gather your medical records and bills, lay out the theory of liability, obtain opinions from your doctors about your injuries, and work with you to prepare a personal narrative about how the injuries and the accident have affected your life.  They will then pull all of this information together in a demand package to submit to the insurance company. The parties will then engage in negotiations to see if they are able to resolve the case and reach a settlement.

Start a Lawsuit and Handle the Lawsuit Process

A woman looks on during a deposition.

If the parties are unable to reach a settlement in your personal injury case, a lawsuit may become necessary. Your personal injury attorney will commence the lawsuit and represent you throughout the entire process through discovery and depositions, mediations, motions and ultimately a trial until a resolution is reached. 

Get the Compensation You Deserve

A lawyer works at his desk with papers in front of him.

Whether you are in a car, a truck or a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. With an experienced personal injury lawyer at your side, you can make sure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation in your personal injury case. 

Work with the personal injury lawyers at Nelson Personal Injury. With over 40 years of experience representing clients in St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Willmar, Elk River, Minneapolis and the surrounding areas, we can help you navigate the process and receive appropriate compensation. We fully understand the difficulty of going through an unsettling, emotional time after an accident. Our attorneys will work with you and for you to help you settle and find closure. Contact Nelson Personal Injury for a free case evaluation and get on the road to financial and emotional healing.