Being served with legal documents after an accident can feel overwhelming. Many injury victims are surprised to find paperwork showing up at their door, even though they’re the ones who were hurt. The truth is, lawsuits, insurance disputes, and court proceedings almost always involve legal documents — and how you respond could shape the outcome of your case.

At Lowenthal & Abrams, PC, our personal injury attorneys put together this guide to help you understand why you might receive legal documents after an accident and the most important steps to take next.

1. Do Not Ignore Legal Documents

Even if you think the paperwork isn’t serious or doesn’t apply to you, ignoring it can lead to missed deadlines, default judgments, or even penalties. Always take legal documents seriously.

2. Understand Why You Received Them

Personal injury victims receive legal documents for several reasons:

• The defendant (or their insurance company) is responding to your lawsuit
• A subpoena for your deposition or testimony
• Counterclaims alleging you share responsibility for the accident
• Requests for discovery, records, or medical information

Knowing the purpose of the papers will help you and your lawyer respond correctly.

3. Contact Our Experienced Attorneys Immediately

Once you’ve been served, the clock starts ticking. Our attorneys can explain the meaning of the documents, the applicable deadlines, and your available options. Having the right legal team ensures your rights are protected, and no mistakes derail your case.

4. Keep Everything Organized

Accident cases often involve stacks of paperwork — medical bills, discovery requests, settlement offers, and more. Keep all your legal documents together so you and your attorney can quickly access what’s needed.

5. Track Every Deadline

Courts operate on strict timelines. Missing even one deadline can harm your case, whether it’s failing to respond to discovery, skipping a deposition, or missing a hearing. With our firm managing your case, we’ll stay ahead of every filing date and appearance.

Get Help Navigating Legal Documents After an Accident

While this blog represents the five things you should do immediately after receiving legal documents, it barely scratches the surface. Navigating your way through a court process can be challenging. Do not let the other party’s attorney intimidate you or lead you down the wrong path.

Reach out to Lowenthal & Abrams, PC, the moment you receive any legal paperwork, even if you think you understand what to do next. Paperwork mistakes can be costly, so contact us right now for sound legal advice you can always trust.