General Personal Injury FAQs
How do I know if I have a personal injury claim?
You don’t have to make this decision on your own. Consult with a personal injury attorney to give you the details of what you can expect for your claim. In most situations, you will have a claim if someone acted carelessly under the circumstances and caused your injuries.
Do I need a lawyer for a personal injury case?
If you were in a simple, straightforward incident, you may be able to resolve the issue without a personal injury attorney. However, if you need to negotiate with an insurance company, your injuries are severe, or your case is more complex, a personal injury attorney is invaluable.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
This will depend on the statute of limitations in your state. They range from as little to one year to a maximum of four years. As a general rule, it’s best to pursue a claim as soon as possible after the incident.
How do I prepare for a personal injury claim?
The best way to prepare is to ensure that you’ve gathered evidence from the scene of the incident, including photos, videos, and police reports. You will want to keep any medical records relevant to your claim, as well.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
The compensation you could receive from your personal injury case will vary greatly depending on the nature and extent of your injuries. A personal injury attorney can discuss the details of your case and give you a rough estimate based on similar cases that they’ve handled.
How long will it take to settle my claim?
The time that it will take to reach a settlement can differ dramatically and be difficult to predict. Generally, if the injury is severe or the case is more complex, the settlement can take longer to reach. Cases that are settled with the defendant or insurance company outside of court will take a shorter amount of time.
What should I bring with me to my personal injury lawyer consultation?
Bring with you:
- A list of questions
- Accident reports
- Medical records
- Insurance information
- Pictures and other evidence
- Witness information
Car Accident FAQs
What should I do after a car accident?
If you have injuries, it’s essential that the first thing you do is seek medical attention. Otherwise, stay at the scene to get the contact and insurance information of the other drivers involved. Get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident and take pictures of the accident scene.
Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?
You will most likely need to get a lawyer after a car accident if your claim can potentially be contested or if your injuries are more severe.
Do you have to call the police after a minor car accident?
It’s a good idea to call the police for minor accidents, even if it’s not legally required in your state. That way, you’ll have an official police report which is helpful when you file an insurance claim.
How do you know who was at fault for a car accident?
Determining who was at fault for a car accident typically requires a detailed investigation.
What if I was partly at fault for an accident?
If you’re partly at fault for your car accident, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility for causing it. Some states have cut-offs where if you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover any damages. Very few states don’t allow accident victims to recover damages if they are at all at fault for the accident.
How long after a car accident can you file a lawsuit?
This will depend on the statute of limitations in your state. They typically last between two to four years, though they can be even shorter in some states. It’s always better to file as soon as possible after your incident.
How much money can I expect from a car accident settlement?
The money you are awarded for a car accident settlement will depend heavily on the specific circumstances of your accident and your injuries. You can consult a personal injury attorney for a rough estimate based on their previous cases.
How long does it take to get a settlement from a car accident?
How long it takes to get a settlement from a car accident will depend greatly on factors like the complexity of the crash, the quality of the evidence supporting your claim, and the extent of the injuries received.
Motorcycle Accident FAQs
What should I do if I am involved in an accident on my motorcycle?
Meet with an attorney immediately before admitting any fault or signing forms from an insurer. Take photos of any injuries or damage to your motorcycle. Keep copies of medical bills or records and keep track of medical expenses related to the accident.
Do I need a lawyer after a motorcycle accident?
After a motorcycle accident, it’s extremely helpful to speak with an attorney to understand what kind of claim you have for damages and any obstacles that could be in your way.
Do I need to call the police after a motorcycle accident?
If your accident involved death, personal injury, or property damage, you must notify the police. Even if these circumstances don’t occur, it’s a good idea to get an official police report for your accident in case you need to discuss it with an insurance company.
I was injured in a motorcycle accident but wasn’t wearing a helmet. Can I still recover damages from the other driver?
Even if you are legally required to wear a helmet in your state, not following that law will most likely not prevent you from recovering damages for your injuries. If your lack of a helmet contributed to your injuries, the amount you can recover may be affected.
How can motorcycle accidents lead to brain injuries?
Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to brain injuries because there is a lack of structural protection compared to cars. This is an issue even when wearing a helmet, so it’s essential to receive medical attention after a motorcycle accident in case of brain injury.
How does comparative fault impact a motorcycle accident claim?
In many cases, more than one party is at fault for a motorcycle accident. This is why the comparative fault is relevant. If a motorcyclist is found partially at fault, it can reduce the amount of compensation they receive in some states.
Is lane splitting legal, and how can it impact a motorcycle accident case?
Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist drives between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving cars. The legality of this practice varies depending on the state.
If an accident takes place while a motorcyclist is lane-splitting, it can complicate the case when it comes to determining who is at fault.
Truck Accident FAQs
What do I do after a truck accident?
First, put your physical recovery as your priority. Get the treatment that you need to tend to your injuries so you can get back on your feet as quickly as possible. Then, you will want to start looking for a truck accident lawyer to represent you to any insurance or truck companies involved. Without an attorney, they will potentially try to take advantage of you.
Are there lawyers who have specific expertise in truck accident lawsuits?
Yes. There are personal injury lawyers who are trained to understand specific commercial vehicle regulations and are familiar with negotiating with trucking companies.
Why are truck accident injuries more serious than other auto accidents?
Truck accidents tend to be more dangerous because trucks far outweigh other motor vehicles, making them capable of causing more damage. Many truck accidents also occur on highways while traveling at high speeds, which also tends to result in more severe injuries.
How much can I expect to receive in damages for a truck accident?
Personal injury cases, including truck accidents, are meant to cover your medical costs, property loss, lost wages, and any other expenses that have been incurred as a result of your injuries.
The amount you’ll recover will depend on the severity of your injuries, how much time you were out of work, and other factors like pain and suffering. Your attorney will work with several experts to determine all of the expenses you have or will have due to your injuries.
What if I’m at fault for a truck accident? Can I recover anything?
It depends on the state and the circumstances surrounding your accident. In some states, you can still recover a reduced amount of compensation if you’re partially at fault for the accident. In other states, you can’t recover anything if you are partially at fault. Others have a cut-off where if you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t receive compensation.
Top Legal Case FAQs
For more information about other personal injury FAQs, look at: