What Happens During a Car Accident Lawsuit with a Lawyer?

​In Biloxi, car accidents are a significant concern, with Mississippi ranking as the state with the highest rate of fatal car accidents in the U.S. Notably, during the 2024 Christmas holiday travel period, the Mississippi Highway Patrol investigated 172 crashes statewide, resulting in 39 injuries and four fatalities. These statistics underscore the importance of seeking experienced legal representation when involved in a car accident. At Maloney-Lyons, LLC – Biloxi injury attorneys, we are committed to guiding clients through the complexities of car accident lawsuits, ensuring they receive the support and compensation they deserve.

When you engage with a car accident lawyer, the process typically begins with a thorough consultation to assess the details of your case. Your attorney will then gather evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, to build a strong case on your behalf. Negotiations with insurance companies often follow, aiming to reach a fair settlement. If a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare to take your case to court, advocating for your rights at every step. With dedicated legal support, you can navigate the aftermath of a car accident with confidence and clarity.

Initial Consultation

Consulting a knowledgeable attorney should be the first step before deciding whether to pursue a lawsuit. In the first meeting, people discuss the specifics of the accident, possible damages, and legal options. Attorneys review whether the case has the potential to be successful. Attorneys consider multiple aspects of the case to determine if they want to accept it. The first session is a basis for subsequent settlement and legal procedures.

Investigation and Evidence Collection

After securing representation, the investigation process begins. Legal practitioners collect key pieces of evidence, such as police reports, medical files, and witness statements. This data is instrumental in constructing a strong case that bolsters assertions of negligence or liability. Evidence also comes from photographs of the accident site and pictures of the damage to vehicles. Lawyers build a strong argument to prove their client is right.

Filing the Lawsuit

Once the evidence has been collected, attorneys will file the lawsuit in the proper court system. Filing a complaint usually consists of writing and submitting it to the court, detailing the facts of the incident, the negligence, and the damages being pursued. Filing opens the court case and brings the lawsuit to the defendant's attention. The court will then give a timeline for the process, such as dates by which the other side must respond and dates for the next steps.

Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery

This pre-trial phase acts as a chance for both parties to provide evidence and present their cases. Discovery includes exchanging documents and answers to interrogations and depositions. Both parties highlight facts and take testimony that reinforces their respective contentions. Additionally, there could be motions before the trial, such as the motion to exclude evidence to get the case dismissed. These motions are designed to expedite the trial process while promoting a fair trial.

Settlement Negotiations

Most car accident claims are settled before ever going to trial. Dispute negotiations between parties seek to resolve issues by paying damages. Lawyers are key to these conversations, presenting arguments for adequate compensation. Such a resolution can help save time and money and offer closure to the parties involved. However, the case goes to trial if the negotiations do not yield an acceptable deal.

Verdict and Judgment

After trial, the judge or jury considers the evidence to decide. This decision determines liability and awards damages to the injured party. The judgment specifies the figures for the hospital bills, income lost, and general damages. If either side disagrees with the verdict, they can appeal it to a higher court for further evaluation. This can delay the process and require more court involvement.

Post-Judgment Actions

After reaching a verdict, post-judgment actions may be necessary, such as collecting awarded compensation, enforcing the judgment, or pursuing appeals. These processes help ensure clients are paid what they need and are entitled to, and attorneys guide this process. The post-judgment phase is the final step in the journey, allowing individuals involved with the crash to stop further legal action while providing resolution and closure.

Conclusion

While a car accident lawsuit may seem straightforward, navigating it is pretty complicated. With experienced legal counsel, people feel empowered to seek justice. Every consideration, from the initial consultation and claim filing to post-judgment actions, will require skilled preparation and timely strategy. Lawyers help victims understand what happens when they enter the legal process, saving them from confusion and frustration.