After serious car accidents, accident victims have a number of concerns. Not the least of these concerns involves who is the defendant in a car accident personal injury lawsuit. Like most of the good people of West Virginia, you probably can’t imagine suing someone in your neighborhood, especially someone you might know or care about.
Who Are You Suing?
The important thing to remember, though, is that the defendant in a personal injury claim of this kind is not the primary target. More often than not, it is the insurance company and the defendant’s attorney who handle most of the negotiations. Further, an experienced auto accident attorney can handle your case in a way that is sensitive to the relationships you want to maintain.
Considering Your Options
Although the concern is valid about not wanting the business of a lawsuit come between neighbors, there are other important considerations. If you have been seriously hurt, you will have immediate medical care, the possibility of long-term ongoing medical care, property damage, serious psychological trauma and other serious issues.
Medical care, psychological treatment and property damage are not cheap. If someone else was responsible for the accident, you should not have to shoulder the financial burden alone. Justice demands that you are compensated for your losses.
If you have two options after a serious auto accident, you should choose the one where you don’t have to pay for your losses.
Bringing a Lawsuit Involving Someone You Know
It is important to remember that the person who caused your car accident will almost certainly not have to pay for your losses personally. Insurance companies cover the cost of these accidents in most cases, so your acquaintance, friend or relative will not have to pay personally.
Further, any good attorney will be sensitive to the interpersonal issues involved. Your lawyer should handle the negotiations with professionalism and care to make sure your relationships stay secure.
It is never ideal to have to name someone you know in a personal injury suit, but if handled properly by an experienced lawyer, you should get the compensation you need without alienating your loved ones.
