If you’ve been injured in an accident in Colorado and suffered a personal injury, you may be considering filing a personal injury claim. The claims process and litigation take time, and you may wonder how long the whole process will take. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer because every case is unique, we can outline the process and timeline so you know what to expect. For a better idea of the exact steps and process for your unique case, it is best to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Steps in Pursuing A Personal Injury Claim
Before you begin to pursue a personal injury claim, it is important to first determine whether you have a claim. Simply sustaining an injury does not automatically mean you qualify to file a personal injury claim. Typically, personal injuries are the result of another’s negligence or recklessness. To be sure you have a claim, it is best to consult with a personal injury attorney. Examples of accidents that may result in personal injury include:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Rideshare accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- DUI accidents
- Dog Bites
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Workplace injuries
- And more
Once you have determined you have a claim, the timeline of a personal injury case may go as follows.
Timeline of a Personal Injury Claim
- Medical Care & Recovery
Seeking prompt medical care is paramount in any personal injury claim. This allows you to establish your injuries and their cause as well as create an official record. After seeking medical care, you will need to follow your doctor’s orders so that you don’t make your injuries worse. You will need to take some time to recover to understand the full extent and cost of your injuries so that you may pursue full and fair compensation.
- Investigation & Collecting Evidence
You will need to collect evidence that proves the at-fault party is responsible for your injuries and therefore owes you compensation. Your legal team can help you collect this evidence by investigating the circumstances of your accident, collecting medical records, obtaining expert testimonies and witness statements, obtaining police reports, photographs, physical evidence, and more.
- Settlement
The majority of personal injury claims can be resolved through settlement. A settlement is a guaranteed payment amount you receive in exchange for giving up your right to file a lawsuit in the future for additional compensation. This can be a good option, but it is important to work with an attorney so you can be sure you are receiving a fair amount, and that you fully understand the terms before agreeing to it.
- Trial
If a fair settlement cannot be reached you may decide to file a lawsuit in civil court. If this happens, both you and the responsible party will present evidence to a judge or jury to decide whether or not you deserve compensation, and how much.
How Long Will A Personal Injury Claim Take To Resolve?
How long a personal injury claim takes to resolve varies from case to case because every case is different. Every factor matters in your case and will need to be carefully examined. Factors that can influence the time it takes to resolve your claim include:
- Severity of injuries
- How long it takes to get evidence
- The quality of evidence avail
- Whether or not you can reach a fair settlement with the other party
- Investigation
- Whether the defendant is open to a settlement
- And more
If you are considering filing a personal injury claim in Colorado, contact a Denver personal injury lawyer for guidance.