The sharp increase in fatal crashes in Pittsburgh, rising by 71% between 2018 and 2020, has brought heightened awareness and concern about road safety in the area. For those involved in a car accident, understanding the legal process that follows can be as daunting as dealing with the aftermath of the accident itself. Here’s what to expect when you’re navigating a car accident lawsuit.
Initially, your lawyer will gather all necessary evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and any relevant camera footage. This phase is crucial for building a strong case. Following evidence collection, if the insurance settlement offer is inadequate, your attorney will likely file a lawsuit, marking the beginning of formal legal proceedings. Throughout this process, expect various phases, including discovery, where both sides exchange information and possibly depositions. We understand how complex this entire process can be; remember that our Pittsburgh car accident lawyer is on your side. They can navigate the complexities of the legal system, advocate for your best interests, and strive to secure the compensation you deserve.
This blog delineates the phases and important factors to consider throughout the process.
Meeting an Attorney for the First Time
Following an event like an accident, many folks tend to seek guidance from a lawyer. Sitting down allows for a thorough assessment of the circumstances. In this discussion, clients review the details of their situation, and attorneys review the specifics and advise on legal consequences. This stage is crucial in deciding whether moving forward with an action is feasible.
Initiating the Complaint
After making the decision to move forward with your course of action, you need to formally submit a complaint document detailing the specifics of the situation and presenting allegations against the opposing party. Submitting this initiates the proceedings by commencing the lawsuit process and notifying the accused party to provide a response.
The Discovery Phase
Following the submission of a complaint comes the discovery phase, where both parties gather evidence for the case at hand. Lawyers exchange documents and conduct interviews with witnesses to collect information essential to building a complete understanding of the incident. The purpose of the discovery process is to uncover facts and reveal any obscured details related to the matter at hand.
Court Proceedings
If settlement discussions fail to resolve the case, it will proceed to trial, where both parties present their arguments before a judge or jury. The trial process involves key steps such as opening statements, witness testimonies, and cross-examinations, allowing each side to make its case. The court will carefully assess the evidence, and the complexity of the case may lead to extended proceedings as both sides work to persuade the court of their position.
Motions Filed After the Trial
After the trial, a decision is reached and shared with the parties, either in favor of one party or proposing a middle-ground solution between them. Accordingly, possible motions following the trial may involve seeking a fresh trial or challenging the ruling through an appeal process. Knowing what to anticipate in such situations is key to keeping expectations realistic at this stage.
Gathering the Verdict
When the court rules in favor of the plaintiff (the person suing), the next step is to collect the damages awarded. This process involves ensuring the defendant (the party ordered to pay) follows through with payment. While the defendant may agree to pay, complications can arise if they don’t comply. In such cases, additional legal steps may be necessary to recover the full amount, making the collection of damages potentially challenging.
Factors to Take into Account
Lawsuits related to car accidents can bring about financial challenges for individuals involved in such situations. Dealing with the procedures can take a toll on one’s health. It is important to have support from others and to find ways to handle the stress. From a perspective, lawsuits can be expensive and require a significant amount of time. Being aware of the costs involved is essential for setting financial expectations.
Likely Enticements
Following a court decision, one party has the option to file an appeal if they disagree with the ruling. Appeals entail a court examining the case for any mistakes. This procedure may prolong the process and necessitate fresh legal tactics and extra resources. Being aware of this outcome prepares individuals for prolonged battles.
End Note
Getting a grasp of the phases of a car accident lawsuit helps bring clarity to a situation that can be quite confusing. From the meeting to any appeals that may follow afterward, each stage holds significant importance. Being well prepared and having an understanding can help reduce some of the pressure and assist people in moving through the process smoothly. Receiving legal guidance provides individuals with the strength to confront challenges with confidence.