Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do after an accident?

If you have been physically injured in an accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Generally, first responders will arrive at the accident site and transport you to the nearest emergency room if necessary. If you have suffered injuries in an accident but did not go to the hospital immediately, make sure to collect evidence before leaving the scene. First and foremost, get the contact information of any potential witnesses. Additionally, take photos and videos of the vehicles, any visible damage, and bodily injuries. Lastly, write a short description of how you are feeling physically. Many accident victims experience delayed whiplash symptoms, so tracking your well-being will not only help inform decisions about your health but will also serve as evidence in a personal injury claim.

If you’re considering an injury claim or lawsuit, remember that anything you say can be used against you. So it’s best to share as little information as possible. If there’s any chance the accident wasn’t your fault, contact a personal injury attorney right away. Many offer free consultations. If you’ve been seriously injured, it may be beneficial to hire an accident injury lawyer who’s affiliated with a network of medical experts. That way, both your legal and medical needs will be taken care of with minimal effort on your part.

How do I know if I have a case?

You don’t have to make this decision by yourself. An experienced attorney can review the facts of your accident and explain your legal options under the law. In most cases, you will have a case if someone was careless and caused your injuries. This can be complicated to determine, so it’s important to seek legal advice.

Do I have a case if I do not feel hurt?

Victims of accidents may still have a case even if they do not feel pain at the scene. The biological response to a traumatic situation like an accident can send a rush of adrenaline through the body, which can temporarily reduce sensations of pain. Many accident victims have reported delayed whiplash symptoms triggered by returning to daily life. In the case of more catastrophic accidents, serious yet subtle injuries (e.g., brain bleeding, concussions, spinal cord injuries, etc.) may be revealed hours after the accident. For this reason and many more, it is wise to consult a doctor and a personal injury attorney even if you do not feel immediate, excruciating pain.

How long do I have to file a personal injury case?

Personal injury claims have a statute of limitations, which is the time frame you have to file a claim. Depending on what state the accident occurred in, you have one to four years from the date of the accident. Check your state’s rules to make sure you don’t accidentally waive your rights. If you’re not sure, contact an accident injury attorney in your area for a free case evaluation. There are some exceptions to the statute of limitations, but they’re very narrow. It’s in your best interest to pursue a claim as soon as possible, while the evidence is still fresh. Hiring a personal injury attorney immediately after an accident will help you get the best results possible.

What do I do if an insurance adjuster calls me?

You should never speak to an insurance adjuster for someone else involved in the litigation. They may come across as friendly and sympathetic, but they’re just trying to get you to say something that would reduce or eliminate the liability of their insured. If you have an attorney, tell the insurance adjuster to contact them. If you don’t have an attorney, tell the insurance adjuster to contact your insurance company. The same goes if an attorney for someone else contacts you. Keep in mind that insurance companies care more about saving money than your well-being and recovery. You need to choose a law firm that puts your needs first. Let a trusted and experienced personal injury attorney handle all aspects of your case to make sure you get justice.

What damages are available in a personal injury case?

The most frequent type of damages, compensatory losses, are further divided into economic and non-economic damages. Financial losses and costs, such as medical costs, lost wages and earning potential, property damage, and the cost of additional care, are used to calculate economic damages. Non-economic damages are more subjective and include factors like pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and impaired quality of life. Damages must be measured concretely rather than arbitrarily to be compensated. If the defendant’s actions were particularly atrocious, you may also be qualified for punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. These are designed to penalize the offender and prevent future offenses. Even though there are constitutional restrictions on how much they can exceed compensatory damages, punitive damages are rarely granted but can be significant.

How much is my personal injury case worth?

This depends on the type and severity of your injuries, and it cannot be verified until a full investigation into your claim has been carried out. You could speak with nearby personal injury attorneys for an approximate or expected settlement amount based on the results of previously handled accident cases comparable to yours. Be sure to keep in mind that your case is extremely unique, and thus attorneys are not permitted to guarantee a specific level of reimbursement or make any other type of forecast regarding the outcome of your injury claim. Any estimate you receive will probably be variable and contingent. The amount you can recover is another matter, and it may be impacted by factors like the assets and insurance policies of the parties who were at fault as well as your insurance coverage.

How do I pay for a lawyer in a personal injury case?

You do not need to concern yourself with finances when looking to hire an accident injury lawyer because most personal injury attorneys will work on your case without charge. Nonetheless, it should be noted that these kinds of attorneys are later paid via a percentage of any settlement amount obtained on your behalf. This refers to a contingency fee arrangement, meaning that the attorney also loses if you lose the case. The percentage of a settlement that a lawyer keeps varies, although it usually ranges between 30 and 33 percent (it may cost more if your case is taken to court).