Written by Parnall Law Firm reviewed by Bert Parnall Personal Injury Blog
Owner/CEO at Parnall Law Firm
From the moment a personal injury occurs to the final resolution of a subsequent legal case, victims face complicated investigations, legal processes, negotiations, and possible court proceedings. While you might want to receive compensation as quickly as possible, patience throughout the process can often be key to obtaining full justice for your injuries.
You should always have a skilled and experienced law firm like Parnall Law to guide you through each step of a personal injury lawsuit process, advocating for your rights and diligently fighting for the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has a potential personal injury case, don’t wait any longer to seek assistance and get the process started. Contact Parnall Law today for a free consultation now with a New Mexico personal injury attorney. The sooner you call, the sooner you can get your claim underway.
Every personal injury case is different, and some resolve much faster than others. The following is a general roadmap of common steps in the injury lawsuit process. Keep in mind that the right personal injury attorney is the best tool you have for keeping your case on the right track.
The first step in the personal injury lawsuit timeline is to hire a reputable law firm like Parnall Law. With our experience handling personal injury cases, we will be able to guide you through the entire process. By having a dedicated legal team on your side, you can focus on your physical and medical recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case.
Once you hire our team, you no longer have to worry about the steps in the process. We are thoroughly familiar with every aspect of personal injury claims, and we will take over handling your entire case.
Once you have hired Parnall Law Firm, your lawyer will begin communicating with the insurance companies involved in your case. They will gather all the necessary information and evidence to build a strong case on your behalf. This includes obtaining accident reports, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation to support your claim.
It is important that you avoid communicating with insurance companies without legal representation. Adjusters and other insurance representatives use many tactics to convince claimants to say things against their interests. Adjusters can twist your words and use even seemingly harmless statements to challenge liability for your accident or the extent of your injuries.
If adjusters start contacting you or request a recorded statement, politely decline and refer them to your attorney. To ensure you never say anything to potentially jeopardize your claim, allow your lawyer to handle all insurance communications, even if they seem harmless.
In the next part of the personal injury lawsuit timeline, the legal team at Parnall Law will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident. This includes:
This step ensures that all necessary information is collected to build a solid foundation for your claim. Collecting evidence can be highly challenging when you are dealing with serious injuries. Further, some parties or companies might not want to turn over evidence without an attorney requesting it.
We know how to immediately get to work investigating what happened, so we can identify all liable parties for your injuries. We use all the evidence we gather to build the strongest possible claim for you.
While your legal team handles the legal aspects of your case, it is important for you to focus on your recovery and keep up with your medical treatment. This not only ensures your well-being but also helps in establishing the extent of your injuries and the impact they have on your life.
Your medical records and treatment plan will be crucial in determining the compensation you are entitled to. Every treatment you receive will be documented in your records, which we can present to insurers. By staying on top of your treatment, you demonstrate that you are taking your injuries seriously.
On the other hand, if you do not follow the doctor’s orders, the insurance company will likely cast doubt on the severity of your injuries and the effects on your life.
Part of the personal injury process involves reviewing the available insurance policies and policy limits. This step allows your legal team to determine the potential sources of compensation for your injuries. Parnall Law will work diligently to identify all applicable insurance policies and explore the maximum compensation available.
If the obvious insurance coverage is inadequate to cover your losses, we can explore other possible sources of coverage and compensation.
To ensure that you receive the necessary medical treatment, Parnall Law Firm will notify your health insurance and Medicare regarding potential reimbursement. This step helps in managing your medical expenses and ensuring that you receive the care you need without worrying about the financial burden. We make sure you have coverage of your treatment now, and that your providers and insurers understand that they can be reimbursed once you receive compensation through your personal injury case.
Once you are released from your medical treatment, Parnall Law will gather all the necessary documentation, including your medical records, wage statements, and any other evidence of your losses. This information helps in accurately assessing the damages you have suffered due to the accident.
We wait until your treatment is complete to ensure we understand the full scope of your injury-related losses. If your treatment will be ongoing after the resolution of your claim, we will need to address future expenses as part of your damages.
Using the information gathered, your legal team at Parnall Law will advise you on what your claim should be worth. This includes calculating economic damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages like pain and suffering. By understanding the value of your claim, you are better prepared for negotiations with the insurance companies.
Insurance companies will undervalue your claim to convince you to accept less than you deserve. Do not trust their assessment of your claim’s value. Instead, allow our trusted injury lawyers to calculate how much compensation you deserve.
After fully assessing your damages, we will prepare a demand letter to the insurance companies involved. This letter outlines the compensation you are seeking and provides a detailed explanation of the injuries you have suffered. The demand letter serves as the starting point for settlement negotiations.
Once the demand letter is sent, your personal injury attorney from Parnall Law will engage in settlement negotiations with the insurance companies. We will use our negotiation skills to advocate for your best interests and strive to negotiate a fair settlement that compensates you adequately for your injuries and losses.
Often, we must go through several rounds of negotiations to get a fair settlement offer, as insurance companies will start low. Do not be discouraged with experienced negotiators on your side. We will keep fighting for what you deserve.
During the settlement negotiations, you have the final say on whether to accept or reject the settlement offer from the insurance companies. Your legal team at Parnall Law will provide guidance throughout this process and help you make an informed decision. We will stand up for your future interests and the financial support you deserve.
If the settlement negotiations do not result in a satisfactory resolution, your legal team at Parnall Law will advise you on whether it is necessary to proceed with litigation. Litigation involves filing a lawsuit, following strict procedures, and possibly even taking your case to court. While this can extend the timeline of your case, it may be necessary to ensure you receive the compensation you need to cover your losses.
The average length of a personal injury lawsuit can vary depending on various factors. In some cases, a settlement can be reached within a few months, while others can take several years to resolve. Every case is unique, and the best way to know what to expect is to have our attorneys review your situation.
Several factors can affect the length of your personal injury lawsuit. These include:
Even if you have factors going against a quick resolution, our legal team will ensure the process continues to move forward as efficiently as possible. We understand your financial concerns are likely increasing, so we work to avoid unnecessary delays.
In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is typically three years from the date of the accident or injury. You must consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you meet all deadlines and preserve your rights. Failing to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations may result in your case being dismissed.
If you have a possible personal injury case in New Mexico, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Parnall Law Firm is dedicated to providing the highest level of legal representation to individuals in need. With our experience and track record of success, you can trust that your case will be handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
Contact Parnall Law today at (505) 268-6500 for dedicated and compassionate legal representation. Don’t delay in seeking legal help – let us start the fight for fair compensation.
Bertrand Russell Parnall is an Albuquerque native, salutatorian of the Class of 1988 at Albuquerque High School, and co-captain of the district football champion Bulldogs. He earned his undergraduate degree from Rice University with a double major in history and French, and his law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law after coming home to Albuquerque.
Years of Experience: 27+ years
Justia Profile: Bert Parnall
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Bertrand Russell Parnall who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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