Brain Injuries Brain injuries may range from a mild concussion to permanent brain damage or in the worst cases, death. Traumatic brain injuries typically occur from a blow to the head, for example when the head collides with the windshield or the dashboard in a motor vehicle accident. Our brains define who we are; therefore the consequences of a brain injury are more serious because they can affect all aspects of our lives, including our personality. Facial Injuries Facial injuries include cuts, bruises, abrasions, dental injuries, and fractures. Injuries to the face may be caused by almost anything, from shattered glass to striking the airbag or steering wheel, to personal items flying inside the car during the crash. Spinal Injuries The two section of the spine most often injured in motor vehicle accidents are the cervical spine and the lumbar spine. The cervical spine accounts for the seven vertebrae in your neck, while the lumbar spine accounts for the five vertebrae in your lower back, just above the sacrum. Spinal injuries may range from minor sprains to disc injuries, such as a herniated disc, that requires surgery. The Lawsuit A lawsuit, or complaint, is often filed when the parties do not agree on who was liable for the accident and/or the amount of compensation due the injured party. The lawsuit must be filed within the state’s statute of limitations in which the accident occurred. The plaintiff may be barred from seeking damages if he or she does not file a complaint within the statute of limitations. Also, if the defendant is government entity a notice of claim may be required. This involves a separate statute of limitations. After the complaint is filed and served, the defendant, or party being accused of liability for the accident, will have a specific amount of time to file their written response. Once the defendant files their written response, the discovery process begins. Discovery Each party will go through the discovery process. Discovery involves requesting medical records along with other records, as well as devising questions that witnesses will be asked to answer under oath. Written discovery may be administered through the use of interrogatories, formal written questions sent to the other party to be answered. While oral discovery is administered through depositions, meetings with an attorney present to gain the testimony of a witness, defendant, or plaintiff. Pretrial Conferences After discovery is completed, pretrial conferences are held with the attorneys and overseeing judge. The primary purposes of pretrial conferences are to schedule deadlines, mediation and a trial date. Most personal injury cases settle before trial. Trial Trials occur in the form of bench trials, where the judge hears the evidence, determines the verdict and awards damages, or a jury trial, where the judge oversees the court while the jury hears the evidence and determines a verdict and awards damages. Most motor vehicle trials are jury trials. The Simon Law Group represents individuals in all walks of life throughout the metropolitan Phoenix area and has been representing injury victims for over 30 years. If you need representation for a motor vehicle accident, look to the Simon Law Group for the expertise and justice you deserve. Call (480) 745 – 2450.]]>