What Happens After You Hire a Roadway Injury Attorney?

After a roadway injury, you may already be juggling appointments, missed work, and calls about your vehicle. Hiring a lawyer can raise a whole new set of questions: What happens next? What do I need to do? Will I have to go to court?

At Biesterveld & Crook, Caleb and Dustin want you to understand the work being done on your case. They're local dads as well as attorneys, and they know that everyday responsibilities don't stop when someone gets hurt.

Here's a plain-English look at the process. These stages can overlap, and the right next step depends on your situation.

1. Getting started, often from home

Most of our clients hire us from home. Phone and email make it possible to talk through what happened, ask questions, and handle the hiring process without making an office visit the first hurdle.

Before representation begins, we'll discuss the work we'll handle and review the representation agreement, including fees and expenses. Ask about anything you don't understand. A free consultation gives you a chance to learn about your options before deciding whether to hire us.

Getting started remotely is convenient. Your case may still require your participation in a deposition, mediation, or court proceeding later. We'll explain what's needed if that comes up.

2. Gathering the facts and reviewing insurance

A roadway injury claim needs a clear account of what happened and how you were affected. Depending on the incident, the investigation may involve crash reports, photographs, witness information, available video, vehicle damage, and other evidence. Some cases call for help from an appropriate expert.

You can help by keeping the information you already have together. Save original photos, insurance letters, claim numbers, and contact details for people who witnessed the incident. Tell your attorney about possible evidence even if you haven't been able to get a copy yourself.

We also review potentially applicable insurance. That can include another party's coverage and, depending on the facts and policy terms, your own. Having an insurance policy involved doesn't automatically establish coverage or the amount available for a particular claim.

Our roadway injury overview explains the types of incidents we handle.

3. Understanding your injuries and losses

Your medical providers handle your care. Your attorney works to understand the information relevant to your claim, including medical records, bills, missed work, and how the injury affects daily life.

Keep us updated about appointments, additional treatment, work restrictions, and new bills. A change that feels routine to you may be important to understanding what the injury has cost you.

If transportation, scheduling, or another practical problem is making it hard to attend an appointment, tell your provider and your attorney. Clear information helps everyone understand what's happening.

There isn't one point in recovery that dictates every legal decision. Medical information, available evidence, insurance issues, and applicable deadlines all matter when deciding how to move a case forward.

4. Discussing a possible settlement

When appropriate, your attorney can present the claim and supporting information to the insurance company and seek compensation. The insurer may ask questions, dispute part of the claim, or make an offer. Your attorney can respond and explain the available options.

An offer is a decision to discuss carefully. Ask what supports the amount, what remains disputed, and what accepting the proposed settlement would mean. Your attorney should also explain relevant fees, expenses, and other amounts that may affect what you receive.

You decide whether to accept a settlement, with legal advice to help you weigh that choice. Negotiations don't come with a guaranteed result or a standard completion date.

5. Considering a lawsuit when needed

A lawsuit may be appropriate when a claim remains disputed or other circumstances call for it. Your attorney can explain the reasons, the risks, and what's expected of you.

Litigation may involve exchanging documents and written questions, taking testimony under oath in a deposition, asking the court to decide legal issues, and preparing for trial. Settlement discussions can also continue during a lawsuit. Filing a case doesn't make a trial inevitable.

If a trial becomes necessary, your legal team will prepare you for your role. For referred cases we accept, Caleb or Dustin remains responsible. Litigation counsel may join when needed while Caleb or Dustin stays involved.

Knowing what's happening along the way

You don't need to learn legal vocabulary to ask a useful question. “What are we waiting on?” and “Is there anything you need from me?” are good places to start. Let us know when your contact information changes or you receive something new about the claim.

If you've been hurt on the road in Kansas or Missouri, request a free consultation or call (913) 353-5870. Speak with Caleb or Dustin on your first call.

Hurt on the Road? Get what’s owed.™

This article provides general information, not legal advice. Each case depends on its facts, applicable law, and insurance coverage. No result or timeline is guaranteed. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.