If you are injured in an accident you can sue for damage. Discover how to get protection from an accident with a personal injury lawyer.
If you were injured during an accident, you can pursue the responsible party for damage. The best way to win your case is by hiring an attorney. Accidents are classified as tort law, which also includes the majority of cases where a physical injury occurs. Personal injury lawyers specialize in cases involving accidents or injuries. This not only applies to physical injury, but also incidents where your reputation is damaged. This is especially important if the other party is slandering your name and claiming you are responsible for the accident.
The biggest advantage to working with a personal injury lawyer is you have an expert representing you in court. Your attorney also helps you assess how much you are owed in damages. This includes medical costs, lost wages and other legal fees associated with pain and suffering. Listed below are several tips for finding an affordable personal injury lawyer.
Roles of a Personal Injury Lawyer
The main role of a personal injury attorney is proving you were not at fault for the accident. Because each accident is different, the exact steps an attorney takes varies based on the case. One of the first roles of a personal injury lawyer is determining whether you have a case. The majority of attorneys provide free consultations. During the consultation, you provide an overview of what happened during the accident. This allows your attorney to determine who was responsible and to what extent you can sue for.
Suing for damages is a complex process, since there are many levels of damages. Some damages have direct expenses attached to them, such as medical bills after a hospital visit. If you were unable to work during this period, you can include your lost wages as part of the damages. Even if you are unemployed, a skilled attorney can claim damages as a result of being unable to search for work. These types of damages are much harder to quantify, since there is no direct cost associated with them. Your attorney is able to place a number to these damages by researching similar cases and using their extensive knowledge of the law.
Personal injury lawyers also build a case to protect your reputation. If the opposing party goes to court, their attorney will attempt to smear your name and imply you were responsible for the accident. This may have a serious impact on your life, depending on the severity of the accident. For example, if the accident took place at work, it is much harder to find future employment if you are blamed for causing the incident. If others were injured, you are also vulnerable to other lawsuits.
A personal injury attorney does not only represent you in court. If there are any settlement negotiations, your attorney is present to argue on your behalf and ensure you are given a fair deal.
Involved In a Trucking Accident
If you're involved in a trucking accident, the process is similar to being involved in a car accident. Even if there were no serious injuries, you may still want to call the police so they can gather the necessary information and evidence about the accident. In some cases, such as when you're not seriously injured, you may be able to gather some information yourself during the accident. Some of the typical information gathered includes the other driver's name, address, phone number, and insurance information. You should also exchange information with all parties involved. In the case of serious injuries it is important to first seek medical attention. After the accident, you may want to consult an attorney with experience in trucking accidents and receive an evaluation on your case.
When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
A common misconception regarding accidents is you can only sue if you were severely injured. These cases often gain more acclaim because they are higher profile, but you can sue for damages even if you were not physically injured. For example, if another driver crashes into your car while you are not in it, you are still able to sue the driver for the damage to your property.
It is also possible to sue for personal injury if you were harmed by a third party. If your accident was the result of product liability, such as a device malfunctioning or failing to adhere to safety standards, you can sue the manufacturer. This also includes incidents where the company failed to provide proper instructions, resulting in an accident.If someone is claiming you are responsible for an accident, you can take them to court. Not only can you make them retract their claims, but you may be able to get compensation for the damage to your reputation. You can also claim damages for the stress caused by the slander or libel.
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
It commonly takes months to resolve a personal injury case. If you are suing a larger corporation, the process may even take years and involve multiple court appearances. It is important to choose a lawyer you are comfortable working with during this period.
During your consultation, make sure to discuss rates. Lawyers use several different methods to charge clients. With shorter cases, lawyers typically charge a flat fee or an hourly rate. With longer cases, lawyers may charge a contingent fee. A contingent fee is a percentage of your earnings, which is only paid out after the case is won. If your lawyer wants a contingent fee, ask if there are any other potential expenses, such as court filing or research costs.
If you are having trouble finding a lawyer, there are multiple sources available. One option is to search for accredited lawyers through the bar association’s online directory. The government has a database for lower-income individuals to find affordable attorneys, including lawyers who take cases pro bono. You can also consult an online database specifically for accident lawyers.