If you are involved in an accident in Alaska, you want to know what to do after an accident. All actions have consequences, from running to the doctor as soon as possible to filing a lawsuit and getting compensation. A personal injury claim must know your rights.
Seek Medical Attention
Your health comes first. In case of an injury, call a doctor even if you do not feel pain because of the accident. Some accidents may have hidden effects, and getting treatment after some time will harm your health and compensation claim. Records of your initial treatment will be useful when assembling your personal injury case. Moreover, early medical care facilitates a correlation between any aggravation of injuries and the accident in question.
Contact an Attorney
The next important thing that you need to do is to seek the services of a personal injury lawyer. Having leading Anchorage, Alaska attorneys on your side can mean the difference between a smooth and complicated process. These experts will help you in the legal process of collecting evidence and dealing with insurance companies. They know all the legal issues that are applicable in Alaska and will process your claim in the right manner without any delays.
Investigation
Depending on the type of case your lawyer handles, he/she will first investigate the accident and lawsuit. This stage requires gathering evidence, taking statements from the witnesses, perusal of the police reports, and calling for experts. The strength of your case mostly depends on the investigation part of the case. For this reason, experienced attorneys will emphasize compiling evidence in the form of all aspects that led to your injury.
Filing a Lawsuit
If the negotiations do not produce a favorable outcome, your lawyer may recommend you sue. This is a legal process that commences a lawsuit and also gives the defendant time limits. Filing a lawsuit will show the other party that you are serious, and this will most often compel them to reconsider their offers for settlement.
Discovery
In the discovery process, the parties involved in the case produce materials relevant to the case. This comprises depositions, interrogatories, and document production. Discovery is important in the sense that it helps identify the strengths and weaknesses of both parties involved. An experienced lawyer will use this time to obtain all the matters that would be required in either a negotiation or a trial.
Negotiation/ Settlement
Like most other states, Alaska does not require that a personal injury case goes to trial as most of them are settled out of court. Top anchorage attorneys in Alaska will also bargain zealously for your side and aim to get the largest possible compensation without going to trial. This phase includes negotiations with the defendant or his/her attorney or insurance provider. Another advantage of settlements is that they can be less time-consuming and less stressful than going to court.
Trial
If negotiations for settlement break down, your case will go to trial. This is where all the evidence is produced before a judge or a jury who will be in a position to make a verdict. The trial process may take a long time; however, when you hire the right lawyer, your chances of winning the case will be high.
Appeals (if applicable)
If one party is not satisfied with the judgment of the trial, they can appeal the case. This process entails assessing the trial for any legal mistakes. But appeals are not granted, and generally, one needs to have strong grounds for an appeal against the first decision.
For the best prospects of your case, seek the services of a nearby personal injury lawyer. Anchorage’s leading law firms have the experience and knowledge of the Alaskan courts and can provide a solution to your case.
