A car accident lawsuit officially starts when your lawyer files a complaint in court outlining your losses, the other party’s conduct, and the remedies you are seeking. Next, the defendant will have a chance to respond, and then both sides will begin exchanging information. Your lawyer will ask the other side for any documentation or details it has that might be relevant to the case. The defense will also request information from you. Your lawyer can handle these requests to protect your rights and keep your case on track.
Settlement talks usually continue on the side while both sides prepare for court. The vast majority of cases settle before trial as both sides learn more about the facts and the strength of the evidence. Your car accident lawyer will review all settlement offers with you and give you straightforward guidance about whether they adequately cover your losses. If a fair settlement offer never surfaces, your lawyer will be ready for trial, where they will question witnesses, present evidence, and argue your position in court.