Before you decide to sue somebody, ask yourself in all seriousness:
- Can I claim enough damages to make the aggravation of a lawsuitthe invasion of my privacy, the drain on my timeworthwhile?
- Does the would-be defendant have enough money or insurance to pay my claim if I win?
If you answer yes to these questions, the very first thing you need to do is find a lawyer.
Choosing the right Philadelphia accident lawyer
Most lawyers who advocate for injured plaintiffs offer free consultations. You should meet with more than one lawyer and have questions ready:
- Will you be the primary lawyer on my case? Who elseparalegals, secretaries, junior lawyerswill work on my case? Make sure you feel comfortable with the entire team, not just your primary lawyer.
- What is your fee? Most accident lawyers work on a contingency fee, meaning they only get paid if you do, but fees can vary, as can other costs you may have to bear.
- How do you see this case working out? Experienced lawyers can give you a quick evaluation of the difficulties facing your case.
You do not have to settle for the first lawyer you meet, or work with anyone who makes you uncomfortable. Be picky!
Beginning the Philadelphia accident lawsuit process
Once you choose a lawyer, your lawyer works with you to gather evidence and reconstruct the accident. Tell your lawyer everything that has anything to do with the accident, no matter how tangentialyou never know what may turn out to be significant! Your lawyer may want to interview friends and family about whether your injuries have limited your usual activities, and will request your medical records and reports from your doctors. Your lawyer may even want you to see an expert who will prepare a report and testify at trial, if necessary.
Filing an accident lawsuit in Philadelphia and neighboring communities
Your lawyer will know in which of Pennsylvania’s 60 state judicial districts and three federal districts to file your lawsuit. Filing the suit will entail notification to the defendant. Once your lawyer has filed the suit, you and the defendants will exchange information in a process called discovery. Most accident lawsuits settle sometime during or after discovery, but if both sides cannot agree on the value of your claim, you may end up in court.
Work with savvy Pennsylvania accident lawyers
Soloff & Zervanos, P.C. represent plaintiffs throughout Pennsylvania and western New Jersey. With more than 100 years’ combined experience, they will guide you through every detail of your accident lawsuit. Contact Soloff & Zervanos today.
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