When a car accident happens and you believe your injuries and property damage were due to the negligence of the other driver, filing a lawsuit to recover financially may be a viable option for you. There are several factors that may delay or otherwise affect the length of the trial, and knowing what they are may help you face the near future with more confidence.
#1 Proof of Wrongdoing
One of the most vital elements of your car crash lawsuit is how well you and your attorney can prove that the other driver was negligent and failed to protect you and other motorists. For example, if the other driver was distracted by a series of texts and ran a stop sign or failed to yield, the difficulty of proving this could be difficult if there are no witnesses. A police report may help support your claims, especially if the allegedly negligent driver was cited at the scene.
#2 Your Health and Mobility
If the car accident caused you serious injuries and you cannot drive or ride comfortably in a car or on public transportation, this could affect the length of your court case. Allowing your attorney to represent you in all legal matters, including inside the courtroom, could help expedite the case. You may want to keep in mind that attending court can be stressful, so you might want to ask your doctor if attending will negatively affect your health.
#3 Documentation
Car accidents and the resulting lawsuits usually involve a great deal of paperwork. There are accident reports, insurance claims and medical reports to review and sign, and doing so may take weeks before and during the trial itself. You can ask your attorney if he or she can gather most of these so you can sign them at your home or the hospital.
#4 Payment Settlements
Even if the judge rules in your favor, you may have to settle your medical bills and other costs before you receive any money. It is wise to keep track of these costs so you can settle them as quickly as possible once the trial ends. Your attorney will likely receive the check first, so you can ask him or her whether you can pay all debts through the legal office before you take your share of the settlement.
Proving that someone else was at fault for your injuries and property damage in the aftermath of a car wreck can seem like a difficult task, but it is not one you have to face alone. Contact a car accident lawyer, like one from Therman Law Offices, LTD, today for more information and assistance.
