If you have been injured in an accident, you may be considering filing a personal injury lawsuit. A personal injury lawsuit is a legal claim that is filed against the person or entity that you believe is responsible for your injuries. If you are successful in your lawsuit, you may be awarded compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Although you do not need a lawyer to file a lawsuit, you should contact a Texas car accident lawyer for a free consultation.
Here is a general overview of what to expect during a personal injury lawsuit:
1. Filing a complaint
The first step in filing a personal injury lawsuit is to file a complaint with the court. The complaint is a legal document that outlines your allegations against the defendant and the damages that you are seeking.
2. Serving the defendant
Once the complaint is filed, it must be served on the defendant. This means that the defendant must be given a copy of the complaint and a summons. The summons is a legal document that informs the defendant of the lawsuit and requires them to respond to the complaint.
3. Discovery
After the defendant has been served, the discovery process begins. Discovery is a process of exchanging information between the parties to the lawsuit. This may include exchanging documents, answering written questions, and participating in depositions.
4. Mediation
In many personal injury cases, the parties will be required to participate in mediation before the case goes to trial. Mediation is a process in which a neutral third party attempts to help the parties reach a settlement.
5. Trial
If the parties are unable to reach a settlement in mediation, the case will go to trial. At trial, the plaintiff (the person who filed the lawsuit) will present their evidence to the judge or jury. The defendant will then present their evidence. After both sides have presented their evidence, the judge or jury will decide whether the defendant is liable for the plaintiff's injuries and, if so, how much compensation the plaintiff should be awarded.
6. Appeals
If either party is unhappy with the outcome of the trial, they may file an appeal. An appeal is a request for a higher court to review the decision of the lower court.
The personal injury lawsuit process can be complex and time-consuming. It is important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side to help you navigate the process and protect your rights.
If you think you need to file a lawsuit in Texas, speak with our personal injury lawyer, Daniel Gonzales, first. He may be able to help you before a lawsuit is necessary. Call (361) 309-4243 for a free consultation.