Hiring a personal injury lawyer is one of the most important decisions you can make after an accident. But once you sign the paperwork, what actually happens next?

At Dwyer Williams Cherkoss, we believe every client deserves clarity. Whether you were injured in a car accident, suffered a fall, or experienced another type of injury, you need to know what to expect after you hire us. This post will walk you through the exact steps we take after you become our client, so you understand how your case will move forward and what role you’ll play along the way.

Step One: Making It Official

Once you meet with one of our attorneys and both sides agree to move forward, we sign a fee agreement. At that point, we officially become your legal representatives. From this moment on, our job is to handle the legal side of things so you can focus on healing.

We send out letters of representation to all relevant parties, including the at-fault driver’s insurance company, your own insurance provider, and any health insurance companies involved. These letters make it clear that you now have legal representation. All future communication should go through us, not you.

This single step protects you from having to deal with aggressive insurance adjusters or confusing paperwork. It puts a legal buffer between you and the chaos that often follows an injury claim.

Step Two: Your Team Is Assigned

Every case we handle at Dwyer Williams Cherkoss is assigned a dedicated team, including the attorney who met with you and a primary paralegal. You’ll receive an email or letter from your paralegal introducing themselves and explaining how to stay in touch.

Your paralegal is your direct line for day-to-day communication. They help gather documents, coordinate with medical providers, and ensure your case stays on track. This team approach allows us to work efficiently while keeping you informed.

Step Three: Gathering Evidence and Medical Records

Next, we begin the process of building your case. This involves collecting a range of records and documentation, including:

• Medical records and chart notes from every provider you’ve seen. These records show your symptoms, your treatment, and your doctors’ assessments.
  
  
• Medical bills for all the care you’ve received. These costs are a key part of your damages.
  
  
• Wage loss documentation, if your injuries kept you from working. We coordinate with your employer to verify lost income.
  
  
• Insurance information, including health insurance liens. If your health insurance has paid for any of your treatment, they likely have a legal right to claim reimbursement out of your settlement. We carefully review their claims to make sure only valid charges are included.
  
  
• Police reports, if applicable. These documents help establish fault and add credibility to your case.
  
  
• Witness statements. In some cases, we reach out to witnesses or even send private investigators to document scenes or conditions before they change.
  
  

This phase can take several weeks, depending on how quickly medical providers and other parties respond. Our team stays on top of it, following up regularly to avoid delays.

Step Four: You Focus on Healing

While we gather evidence and deal with insurance companies, your focus should be on your recovery. Go to your doctor appointments. Follow through on physical therapy. Take the steps your medical providers recommend.

Many clients are surprised to learn that their number one job is simply to get better. The more consistent your treatment, the clearer your injuries appear in your medical records, which strengthens your case.

Meanwhile, we continue building your claim and protecting your rights behind the scenes.

Step Five: Case Evaluation

Once your medical treatment ends and your doctor determines that you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, we shift to case evaluation.

At this point, your attorney will meet with you to review everything. We go over:

• The strengths and weaknesses of your case
  
  
• The total damages, including medical costs, any necessary future medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering
  
  
• A recommended settlement range based on our experience and your unique situation
  
  

This is a collaborative process. We work as a team, and we do not make any major decisions without your input. If needed, we may bring in other law partners or even retired judges to help assess your case and refine our strategy.

Step Six: Negotiation and Resolution

With a settlement value in mind, we begin negotiating with the insurance company. Most cases are resolved at this stage without the need for a lawsuit. Our goal is to reach a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your losses.

We use all the evidence we’ve gathered, from medical records to wage loss verification, to support our demand. If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable amount, we prepare for the next phase.

Step Seven: Litigation (If Necessary)

While most personal injury cases settle, some do require litigation. If that happens, we file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you throughout the court process. This may include depositions, working with expert witnesses, pretrial motions, and eventually a trial if needed.

Even if litigation becomes necessary, our goal remains the same: to get you the compensation you deserve. And we’ll be by your side every step of the way.

The Big Picture: You Are Not Alone

All of this may sound like a lot. And it is. But that is exactly why you hire an experienced personal injury attorney in the first place. We handle the legal pressure so you don’t have to.

At Dwyer Williams Cherkoss, our team has helped thousands of Oregonians navigate injury claims. We understand how overwhelming this process can feel, and we take pride in making it as smooth and stress-free as possible.

From the first phone call to the final settlement or verdict, our focus is on your recovery, your rights, and your results.

Need Help with an Injury Case?

If you’ve been injured and need guidance, don’t wait. Call us at 541-617-0555 to schedule a free consultation today!