by: Everett Lupton

After an accident, most people have the same question: “What happens now?” 

A personal injury case generally follows a predictable path – consultation, signing, initial notice, pre-litigation investigation, compiling the medical records, lost income documentation, preparing a demand, negotiations, and obtaining either a settlement or proceeding with litigation – but the legal terms can feel anything but simple. 

This guide walks you through the typical case timeline, explaining what each step means and why it matters for your recovery. 

 

1. At the Scene of the Accident

Accident Report 

A police report documenting what happened, who was involved, and initial observations. 
Why it matters: Insurance companies rely heavily on it when evaluating fault. 

At-Fault Party 

The person or business responsible for causing the crash.
Why it matters: Determining fault decides who pays. 

Preservation of Evidence 

Keeping photos, videos, vehicles, medical records, and other proof safe from loss or destruction.
Why it matters: Strong evidence early on can make or break your case. 

 2. Immediately After: Medical Care & Documentation

Medical Records    

The paperwork documenting your injuries, treatment, and prognosis.
Why it matters: They form the foundation of your damages. 

Medical Expenses & the 414 Rule (North Carolina) 

Juries in North Carolina can only consider what was paid or is still owed on bills — not the full charged amount.
Why it matters: A $10,000 bill may be reduced to $1,000 in court. Strategy matters. 

Pain and Suffering 

The physical pain and mental distress caused by your injuries. 

Emotional Damages 

Compensation for anxiety, trauma, grief, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

 3. The Initial Consultation

Initial Consultation    

Your first meeting with a law firm to review what happened and explain your rights. 

Contingency Fee 

The injured party owes a percentage of the total recovery which is paid at disbursement after settlement.  

Why it matters: An injured person gets top-tier legal representation without having to pay upfront. 

 4. Insurance Review & Coverage Discovery

Declarations Page (“Dec Page”) 

Shows your insurance limits and coverages. 

Liability Coverage 

Pays for another claimant’s injuries and damage when you are at fault. 

Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) 

Covers your damages when the at-fault driver has no liability insurance or has too little liability insurance. 

Minimum Auto Insurance Limits 

State-required minimum injury coverage.
Virginia & NC (2026):
$50,000 per person (claimant) but no more than $100,000 total for all claims per accident. 

Stacking 

Combining multiple coverages to increase available compensation. 

 5. Starting the Claim

Claim 

A request for compensation filed with the insurance company. 

Insurance Adjuster 

The insurance company’s primary representative — focused on limiting payouts for their employer, the insurance company. 

Recorded Statement    

A statement insurers often request.
Why it matters: insurance companies often want to get a recorded statement quickly from an injured party before the injured person talks to an attorney. 

Property Damage Claim    

A separate claim for repairs or total loss of your vehicle. 

6. Investigating Fault & Liability

Burden of Proof 

An injured person’s obligation to show the other party caused their injuries.
Why it matters: The attorney gathers the evidence and experts to meet this burden. 

Contributory Negligence 

In Virginia & North Carolina, any fault by the injured person that caused the crash / accident can bar their recovery. 

Last Clear Chance Doctrine 

An exception allowing recovery even if the claimant was partly at fault if the other driver had the final opportunity to avoid the crash. 

Liability 

Legal responsibility for the crash / accident. 

7. Treatment Period & Monitoring Damages

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)    

The point where doctors believe you have reached the point where the injured person has healed as much as the physician expected.
Why it matters: Even if an injured person has reached MMI, they still may have continuing problems from their injuries, all of which are compensable. 

Special Damages (Economic Damages)    

Losses with specific, exact, and certain known dollar amounts, like past medical bills and lost wages. 

General Damages (Non-Economic Damages)    

Losses without a specific, exact, and certain known dollar amount — pain, suffering, inconvenience, scarring, and emotional harm. 

8. Building the Case & Preparing the Demand

Demand Letter 

A detailed summary of your injuries, bills, lost wages, and the compensation you’re seeking. 

Settlement Negotiations 

Back-and-forth discussions between your attorney and the insurance company regarding a certain dollar amount for fair compensation. 

Subrogation    

A health insurer’s right to be repaid from any settlement for bills they covered.
Why it matters: Virginia and North Carolina both have rules that generally prohibit private health insurance companies from subrogating against a personal injury settlement, but there are exceptions that depend on the particular “health insurance” coverage. 

9. If Negotiations Fail: Filing a Lawsuit

Complaint    

The legal document that formally starts the litigation process. 

Service of Process    

The formal way a defendant is brought into the case, as prescribed by state law. 

Statute of Limitations 

The legal deadline for filing a lawsuit.
Miss it = case is barred. 

10. Litigation Phase

Discovery    

Both sides exchange evidence, documents, and witness information. 

Interrogatories    

Written questions the other side must answer under oath. 

Depositions 

Sworn testimony taken before trial. 

Expert Witnesses    

Professionals (e.g., accident reconstructionists, medical experts) who offer specialized opinions to strengthen your case. 

 11. Alternative Dispute Resolution

Mediation    

A conference between the injured person through their attorney and insurance company managed by a neutral mediator, usually a retired judge or senior attorney.
Why it matters: Many cases settle in mediation without the additional costs, stress, and waiting for a future trial date. 

Arbitration    

A process where a neutral arbitrator, or panel of arbitrators, decides liability and damages.
Why it matters: Some policies allow arbitration of claims instead of a trial. 

12. Trial

Trial    

Your case is presented to a jury or judge. 

Verdict    

The jury’s decision on fault and damages. 

13. Post-Trial

Appeal    

A request for a higher (appellate) court to review the process or result for legal errors. 

Disbursement    

The final step where settlement or verdict funds are distributed to an injured person. Attorney fees, costs, and any liens against the proceeds are itemized and the client receives a net amount of recovery. 

 

Your Journey Made Simple and Easier 

A personal injury case has many moving parts — but you don’t have to navigate them alone. At Slaughter & Lupton Law, we walk with you from the moment of impact to the final recovery, explaining the process clearly and fighting for the compensation you deserve. 

Call us at 757-999-1111 for your free consultation today!