When Should You File A Lawsuit For Your Personal Injury?

Being involved in a personal injury accident can be devastating, especially when it was caused because of the other party’s negligence. A personal injury results in various damages, such as medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, lost wages, mental suffering, and much more. If you have been injured by another party, you should not let them get away. 

The other party may try to stop you from contacting the police and attempt to settle the matter privately. However, do not make the mistake of believing a stranger. Reporting the accident to the police will create documented evidence that an accident has indeed taken place. Refer to a Los Angeles personal injury attorney for legal help. 

When should you file a personal injury claim after an accident?

As soon as you get into a personal injury accident, whether it be a car accident or a medical malpractice claim, you may want to determine your damages and recover them. Nobody likes to bear losses due to the negligence and carelessness of the other party. While you should not let the other party get away with it, filing a lawsuit should not be your first step. 

Instead, after you realize you have been in an accident and reach a safe location, contact a personal injury attorney. An attorney in Los Angeles can assess your case and list down all your legal options. Most personal injury cases settle outside the court without the judge’s involvement. The attorneys of the two parties negotiate with each other and bring to a conclusion. 

If the conclusion does not sit in your favor, your attorney won’t settle the claim, and then they might recommend filing a lawsuit and taking the case to court. When the other party does not agree to your terms, you can let the court make the decision. 

What kind of damages can you recover from a personal injury claim?

The main purpose of filing a personal injury case is to recover damages that the responsible party has caused. There are various damages under two main types– economic and non-economic. 

• Economic damages are the ones that are incurred directly due to the accident, and there is a certain monetary compensation for them. These damages are calculable through investigation and evidence. For example, medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost wages, etc. 

• Non-economic damages are difficult to calculate because they cause intangible harm to the victim. These usually refer to the person’s mental and emotional pain. For example, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of a companion, pain, and suffering, etc.