California Lawsuit & Settlement Process

Getting the Legal Help You Deserve in Orange County

Filing a personal injury or auto accident claim to receive compensation for a personal injury involves several steps that you and your attorney must take in order to receive a timely and appropriate settlement.

To many, this process may be confusing, and after a serious accident or injury it can even become overwhelming. In the interest of protecting and helping injury victims throughout Orange County and California, the personal injury and accident law firm of Frank Nicholas explains the process for filing a personal injury claim.

Consultation: After being involved in an accident, the first and most important step to take is to speak with a personal injury attorney. Your attorney can examine the details of your case and help you understand the law as it applies to the circumstances of your claim. If it is determined you have a claim for personal injury compensation, your attorney will begin the process of filing a lawsuit.
Investigation: After accepting your case, your attorney will begin to investigate the circumstances of your claim and your injury. He will gather evidence, contact any witnesses, and speak with the insurance company or attorney of the defendant named in the suit. This evidence will be used to prove your claim during negotiations and at trial if necessary.
Negotiations: Due to the expense and stress associated with a court trial, many personal injury attorneys will attempt to resolve a claim through negotiations and out of court settlements. Your attorney will negotiate to help you receive an appropriate settlement and help protect your rights during this process.
Trial: If your claim cannot be resolved with out of court settlement, your case may proceed to trial. At trial, a judge and jury will be presented with the evidence of your claim and allow the defendant to respond to your allegations.
Settlement: If your case is resolved in your favor during trial, you and your attorney will work together to decide the best way for you to receive the settlement you have been awarded. Depending on your personal circumstances, you and your attorney may decide to receive your settlement as a lump sum or as part of a structured settlement.

Speaking with a personal injury settlement attorney as soon as possible is vital for your case to be resolved in a timely and responsible way. Your lawyer will help protect your rights and guide you through the settlement process.

For more information, or to schedule a free consultation with the law firm of Frank Nicholas, call 949-477-2277, or contact our Orange County lawyers via our web form. The Orange County law firm of Frank Nicholas is available 24/7 and takes auto injury cases on a contingency fee basis.