Some people think that, just because they are in an accident, they’re automatically entitled to damages. They see television shows and movies where someone walks into court wearing a neck brace and walks out with a million dollars. In the real world, it doesn’t work this way. Very rarely do people involved in car accident cases ever become instant millionaires. And, very rarely do cases actually go to trial.
Most personal injury cases are settled long before trial. There’s very little that can be proved or accomplished in court that can’t be done between the two parties’ lawyers. The evidence is going to be the same no matter what. The only difference is in how the evidence is received. The defendant may claim that you were at fault. You claim they were at fault. The only time you need a jury is when it’s really unclear who is at fault. Deep down, both sides know what’s going on. It’s just a matter of meeting somewhere in the middle.
Whether your case is settled long before trial or goes to court, your Albany accident lawyer will still have to prove your damages. Damages are just another word to describe the money you’re entitled to following a personal injury. There are a variety of types of damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost future income
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
It’s up to your lawyer to prove how much compensation you’re entitled to.
You Need to Prove Your Exact Damages
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to all of the types of damages listed above. In order to get money for these damages, you need to prove that you were hurt. The best way to do this is with medical records. But they don’t always prove all of your damages. Your attorney may have to rely on a lot more than medical records to prove your case. Here, we’ll talk a bit about how to prove the major types of damages in your personal injury lawsuit in Albany, Georgia.
- Medical bills and future medical bills – These are pretty easy to prove. Your attorney can show copies of all of your medical bills. This includes money you paid out of pocket. It also includes the money your primary health insurance paid. Your attorney will also submit letters from your doctor showing what kind of future medical care you’ll need.
- Property Damage – If you had to get your car repaired or replaced, the defendant should be held responsible for this. You’ll need to submit proof of any repair bills. If your car was totaled out by your insurance company, they can provide you with evidence of this to submit to the defendant as well.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings – If your injuries are serious, you may be out of work for a while. Your Albany injury lawyer can submit copies of your timesheets and paychecks to show how much you’ve lost. They can also show copies of tax returns showing how much your income has gone down as a result of the accident.
Once you’ve proven your damages, your attorney will do one of two things. They’ll either push to settle the case or they’ll move forward with a trial.
Contact a Skilled Injury Lawyer in Albany Sooner Rather than Later
If you’ve been hurt in any sort of accident, you’re going to need a personal injury lawyer in Albany. They are the ones who will fight to get you compensation for your injuries. They’ll negotiate with the defendant to get you the damages you deserve. This won’t be easy and they’ll have to prove that you were injured. They’ll also have to prove how much your damages are worth.
You can certainly handle your case on your own. But It’s a lot easier to have an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side. Your Albany attorney will deal with the insurance company on your behalf. They’ll also fight to make sure you get the money you deserve. If they can’t settle your case with the insurance adjuster, they’ll file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
Contact our office today and schedule your free initial consultation. You can sit down with someone who’s handled plenty of cases just like yours. They know how to deal with insurance adjustors. They also know how to prove your damages. The consultation is free and you don’t pay anything until your case settles.
