What to Expect When You Hire a Columbus Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have a personal injury claim after an accident in Ohio, it will be important for you to understand what to expect as you move forward. This will help you make informed decisions, and it will allow you to feel confident that you are making the right decisions for you and your family. So, what can you expect? Here is an overview from an experienced Columbus personal injury lawyer.

7 Key Steps in the Personal Injury Claim Process

1. Free Initial Consultation

The first step in the process is to sit down for a free initial consultation. During your appointment, a Columbus personal injury lawyer will ask you questions to learn about your claim, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions that you have as well. With this in mind, it is a good idea to prepare detailed notes, as this will help you get as much out of your free initial consultation as possible.

2. Investigation and Claim Evaluation

After your free initial consultation, your lawyer will conduct an investigation to gather as much evidence as possible. Then, based on this evidence, your lawyer will provide a comprehensive claim evaluation.

3. Filing Your Claim

If you decide to move forward based on your claim evaluation, the next step is to file your claim. In most cases, this will involve contacting the at-fault party’s insurance company. This is a key step in the process, so it is important to have your lawyer file your claim on your behalf.

4. Dealing with the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company

After filing your claim, your lawyer will continue to deal with the at-fault party’s insurance company to establish liability. If the insurance company accepts liability, your lawyer will shift his or her focus to proving how much you are entitled to recover.

5. Negotiating for a Fair Settlement

Most successful personal injury claims are settled. Using your medical records, employment records, and other relevant documentation, your Columbus personal injury lawyer will negotiate a fair settlement for you.

6. Filing a Lawsuit in Court

If the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, your lawyer will file a lawsuit in court. While this may eventually lead to a trial, many personal injury claims settle after a lawsuit is filed.

7. Taking Your Personal Injury Claim to Trial

Finally, if settling isn’t an option in your case, your lawyer will take your claim to trial. Your lawyer will present the evidence in court, and then the judge or jury will render a verdict. If you are satisfied with the verdict, your case will be over (unless the defendant appeals). If you are not satisfied with the verdict, you and your lawyer can decide whether an appeal is warranted.

Request a Free Consultation with a Columbus Personal Injury Lawyer

Do you have a personal injury claim? To find out, schedule a free initial consultation at Malek & Malek Law Firm. Call 888-444-7440 or contact us online to speak with a Columbus personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.