It may seem like the easy way out, but ignoring a personal injury claim is a bad idea. It can lead to negative outcomes for your case.
It also puts you and your attorney at risk for a settlement that is less than it should be. To avoid this, keep records of your medical bills and loss of income, as well as other costs related to your injuries.
Default Judgment
Ignoring a personal injury claim can lead to a number of negative outcomes. Among them, you may find yourself with a default judgment, which allows a creditor to go after your assets without asking for permission first.
As a result, you could be subject to wage garnishment or bank account levy, which can leave you broke. You could also get a lien placed on your property, which would prevent you from selling it until the debt is paid.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid default judgments and vacate them. This requires a thorough defense that involves proving why the other party failed to respond and establishing some legal merit to your case.
Mediation
If you’ve been in an accident and have a personal injury claim, your options are to settle the case or go to trial. Depending on the circumstances, your attorney may recommend that you go to mediation first to try to resolve the case without going to court.
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that allows you to reach an agreement with the insurance company before the matter goes to trial. It is a private process where a neutral third party (the mediator) facilitates discussions and negotiations between the parties involved in the case.
The plaintiff and the defendant present their cases to the mediator. The mediator then invites them to discuss their claims and answer any questions the other side may have about their claim.
The mediator then passes around a document that everyone signs agreeing to keep the negotiations confidential. This helps both sides to relax and talk freely without fear of being charged or taken advantage of during the mediation.
Settlements
Settlements can help you get the money you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages and other damages. They also can help you avoid going to court, which is always a stressful process.
A settlement is an offer of payment made to you by an insurer adjuster or by the defendant in a personal injury case. It can happen before you file a lawsuit or after a trial has begun.
Some settlements are lump sum payments while others are structured. You can choose to accept either or both.
The amount of your settlement depends on how much you have suffered. The types of damages you have sustained and the cause of your injuries are both important factors in determining how much compensation you will receive.
Court Dates
If you ignore a personal injury claim, it could lead to a judgment against you. This might not seem like a big deal, but it’s actually quite common. The plaintiff (you) must prove their case in front of a judge or jury, and the defendant (the party that injured you) must provide evidence that they are responsible.
Fortunately, the process of bringing your personal injury case to court doesn’t have to be an unpleasant or expensive experience. A good personal injury attorney will guide you through the legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected. The best way to ensure a positive outcome is to contact an experienced Atlanta injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. They can help you with the basics of filing a lawsuit and the most important details regarding your case. They will also advise you on the most effective way to handle your case if it goes to trial.
