What's the Legal Process When I Choose Your Law Firm?

The legal process is something that most people don't understand. It's scary to be seriously injured in an accident, but the weeks and months following the accident can be just as stressful.

Hiring an injury attorney can help get you the compensation you deserve to make up for missed work time and pay your medical bills – but what happens after you get a no obligation, free legal consultation at Edgar Snyder & Associates?

At our law firm, we want you to understand the legal process.

1. We give you a free legal consultation:
   • Our Intake Department will ask you details about your accident and injuries. Then we determine whether we think we can help you.
   • If we think you have a case, you can decide whether to hire our law firm. There's no obligation to use our services. We encourage you to browse the biographies of our partners and other attorneys. Our attorneys are highly regarded in the legal community and enjoy leadership positions in many of the profession's top organizations. Of course, our successful results speak for themselves.
   • Even if we determine we aren't able to help you, in many instances we will try to find a lawyer who may be able to help you. We have many resources at our fingertips, including the ability to put you in contact with attorneys from other firms who may be able to help you with your specific type of accident or injuries.
   • If we believe you can handle the case on your own, we will be honest about that. We will provide you with resources and information that can help you deal with the insurance companies and protect your legal rights.
2. Our attorneys and legal staff get to work:
   • We use skilled, professional investigators to preserve all important evidence (photograph the scene of the accident and damage to
     property and to cars, obtain police reports, interview witnesses, etc.)
   • We notify the insurance companies that we are representing you. We will then handle communication with the insurance companies so you
     can concentrate on your health and recovery.
   • We obtain all important medical records and reports.
3. If we believe it is in your best interest to try to settle your case before filing a lawsuit, then:
   • We prepare and send a detailed "demand package" to the insurance company explaining your injuries and all aspects of your claim for damages, along with the amount we are asking to settle your case.
   • We negotiate with the insurance companies to obtain a settlement amount that is acceptable to you.
4. If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair amount to settle your case (which is very common):
   • We file a lawsuit on your behalf to force the at-fault party and insurance company to pay a fair amount to cover your losses and damages.
   • We first prepare and file in court a "Complaint" (the legal document that sets forth all of your legal claims and your damages). The defendants then file what's called an "Answer" where they respond point by point to the allegations in the Complaint.
   • We then engage in "discovery" where all parties exchange all documents pertaining to the case, and where each side has to answer written questions under oath.
   • Next, depositions take place. You will be questioned in-person, under oath by the opposing attorney. We will be there to prepare you and protect you during the deposition. The defendants and any witnesses will also give their deposition testimonies in the same fashion. Depositions are not held in court, but take place in one of the attorney's offices.
   • The defendant will often require that a doctor they choose give you an examination. As you may expect, the insurance companies often hand-pick these doctors to give opinions that favor their best interests and the interests of the defendant.
   • After all preparations for your case are completed, then your case can be certified for trial.
   • There are numerous opportunities for settlement discussions to take place even after we file a lawsuit.
   • We also meet with the trial judge shortly before trial, when the judge attempts to work out a settlement between the parties.
   • If the insurance company still won't offer a fair settlement amount, then we try your case before a jury and have the jury compel the insurance company to pay a fair amount for your losses and damages.

We always cover expenses for your case ahead of time, and of course if we aren't successful and don't get a recovery for you, you won't owe us anything. There's never a fee unless we get money for you.

Our attorneys and legal staff look out for you and your best interest throughout the legal process. We listen to your concerns and answer your questions. The decision whether or not to settle your case is yours and yours alone.