In today’s fast-paced digital era, technology has revolutionized every aspect of our lives—from the way we communicate to the way we work, exercise, and the way we do business.
One area in the legal industry where the impact of technology is becoming increasingly apparent is the field of personal injury law.
According to recent statistics, personal injury/product liability filings increased by a staggering 97% solely in 2020. In the same period, pending civil cases increased by 9% compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 397,492 pending cases in the United States.
These numbers give a realistic picture of the stuffed legal world we live in. But at the same time, they also highlight the urgent need for a more streamlined and efficient process when it comes to personal injury cases.
With the right tools and technologies attorneys can vastly reduce their work hours and increase their efficiency when it comes to managing a personal injury case.
In light of this, we will examine some of the key ways in which technology is influencing personal injury cases.
1. A Simplified Process of Gathering Evidence
Technology has become a game-changer in the world of personal injury law, providing access to hard-to-reach facts, data, and information that can significantly impact the outcome of the case.
One of the ways technology is being utilized is through the use of drones for aerial photography of accident scenes.
Drones can capture high-resolution images and videos from angles that would otherwise be inaccessible, providing crucial evidence for scene reconstruction, and evaluating the extent of damages in a certain case.
Online research is another valuable asset that can uncover crucial facts about a particular situation, such as:
- Weather conditions
- Road conditions
- Relevant regulations
- Topography
- Potential witnesses (if there are images or social tags on social media), etc.
Moreover, tapes from public surveillance cameras or private cameras in the area are commonly used as evidence in court.
2. Securing Confidential Data
Nobody’s data is 100% safe today, Everyone is a potential victim of the threat of hacking and data breaches. Data breaches can impact the outcome of a personal injury case and completely destroy the reputation of the law firm.
Shockingly, according to the American Bar Association, 29% of law firms reported security breaches in 2020!
Luckily, technology can come to the rescue and help protect confidential data. Some of the most common ways data can be protected include:
- End-to-end encryption—securing communication where only the sender and the intended recipient can read the message, while others cannot.
- Multi-factor authentication—using more than one form of identification to access a system, such as a password and a fingerprint scan
- Network monitoring—keeping an eye on network activity to detect and prevent unauthorized access or data breaches
- Regular and automated system updates—ensuring that security measures are up-to-date and functioning properly
- Data backups—Creating and storing multiple copies of important data in a secure location, such as on a separate server or in the cloud, to ensure that it can be recovered in the event of a disaster or data loss
3. Enhanced Claim Settlements
When it comes to personal injury cases, there are typically two options: accepting a settlement or taking the matter to court.
Settlements are often preferred as they save time and money and reduce the risk for both parties. Moreover, securing damages in a timely manner can help curb repeated infringement if a significant amount is included in the arrangement.
To determine the worth of their claim, injured parties can use a personal injury calculator to ensure they receive just compensation. However, some cases may require court intervention, and this is where AI technology can also be of great use.
AI tools can analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns in case law and legal precedents, providing attorneys with a competitive edge when building their cases. By helping lawyers build stronger arguments, AI technology can increase the likelihood of a favorable settlement outcome.
Moreover, AI can also improve the efficiency of the personal injury claims process by automating routine tasks, such as document review and discovery.
4. Virtual Representations of the Accident Scene
In many personal injury claims, determining the cause and liability of an accident can be challenging, even more when relying solely on witness testimonies and physical evidence.
3D visualizations are often used to represent the details of the accident scene in the courtroom, allowing judges and juries to gain a better understanding of the situation.
Many attorneys also use animation software to create interactive versions of such scenes for display on monitors in the courtroom. These animations allow for a more immersive experience for the jury and can be extremely effective when it comes to demonstrating liability. Accessing Connecticut state police accident reports is vital for building a comprehensive case, especially in car accident claims.
5. Virtual Hearings
Virtual hearings have increasingly common, due to the restrictions and challenges that have arisen from the COVID-19 pandemic. They allow attorneys to interact with witnesses and their clients from the comfort of their homes and offices, without the need to travel to court.
This has made hearings more cost-effective and time-efficient, while also increasing convenience for all parties involved.
Wrapping Up
Technology has significantly impacted personal injury cases in recent years, from simplifying the process of gathering evidence to improving the efficiency of the personal injury claims process. With the help of drones, online research, 3D visualizations, etc., attorneys can build stronger arguments and increase the likelihood of a favorable settlement outcome.
Moreover, AI technology can analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns in case law and legal precedents, providing attorneys with a competitive edge in building their cases.
And lastly, the use of virtual hearings has made the legal process more cost-effective, time-efficient, and convenient for all parties involved.
If you want to learn more about why hiring a personal injury lawyer is essential for your case and answer the How a personal injury lawyer can help me understand my legal rights and the potential outcomes of my case question, contact Spar & Bernstein Law Offices.
