Unfortunately, many who are injured due to the negligent actions of other people are hesitant to pursue a personal injury claim against the responsible party because they aren’t sure how to do so or what to expect. As such, if you have sustained injuries due to another person’s negligence, the following blog explores what you should know about these matters and the importance of working with experienced personal injury attorneys in Baltimore County.
How Do I File a Personal Injury Claim?
After an accident occurs, it’s important to understand how to pursue a personal injury claim to fight for the compensation you deserve. In Maryland, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is three years from the date on which the injury occurred. While there are some exceptions to this, such as the victim being under 18 at the time or inability to locate the negligent party in a matter like hit-and-runs, failure to file before the statute expires will relinquish your right to pursue compensation. Though three years may seem like a long time, it’s generally best to file sooner rather than later.
To pursue a personal injury claim, you will generally file with the other party’s insurance, which will conduct an investigation into the accident. After investigating, the insurance company will likely offer you a settlement amount. However, this amount will probably be significantly lower than the actual value of your claim. As such, you may negotiate with the other party’s insurance company for the compensation you deserve.
What Happens After?
Generally, filing a lawsuit against the other party is only necessary in the event you cannot reach a settlement agreement. As such, if this is the case, the first thing you’ll need to do is file a complaint with the court. This document essentially lists all the information about your case, including who the negligent party is, your allegations against them, and the damages you have suffered as a result. Once filed, you must have the negligent party served so they are aware of the lawsuit and can issue a response.
Once the case has been filed, you will then enter the discovery process to exchange information with the other party and craft your arguments. After discovery, the trial can begin, in which your lawyer will examine evidence, present arguments, and question witnesses. At the conclusion of the case, the jury will issue a decision on the matter. It’s imperative to understand that the exact timeline of a personal injury case can vary, as there are many factors that can influence how long a trial takes.
As you can se,e filing a personal injury claim can be complicated. However, it is critical to pursue the justice you deserve if you have been injured due to the negligent actions of another person. That’s why you should contact an experienced attorney with the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi. Our firm understands that trying to navigate a lawsuit while healing from the injuries you’ve sustained can be complicated. That is why we will do everything in our power to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more.
