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“Life is unpredictable” is quite possibly the understatement of the century. People often follow their usual routine, only to get hit by a car when they cross the street. They may enjoy a day at the beach with their family but then slip and fall, breaking a leg.
You may be driving to work on a regular Thursday and crash into a truck, or a pedestrian may run into the road, and you cannot stop fast enough to avoid hitting them.
These are terrible scenarios to think about, but they happen every day. Life is full of unexpected curveballs like this. When these curveballs are thrown at you because of someone else’s negligence, it is a good idea to get a lawyer involved.
You should consult a personal injury lawyer if someone else’s negligence has injured you. In your areas, personal injury lawyers may offer a free case review on an obligation-free basis.
Before you start calling local law firms, it is important to know when hiring a personal injury attorney is appropriate for your situation.
What Is Personal Injury Law?
Personal injury or tort law covers cases where people are injured because of someone else’s negligent actions. It is a form of civil law that refers to one party suing another.
Personal injury law differs from criminal law in that it governs private parties suing others. Criminal law refers to the government prosecuting someone for a crime.
You can collect or recover damages if you file a personal injury case against a negligent party. This means you can pay for the expenses incurred after your injury.
Most personal injury cases are settled long before there is talk of going to court. This is because, in most cases, the two parties and their lawyers meet and agree on a settlement.
If this does not happen for you, your lawyer will prepare your case for court, where it will be heard by a judge and jury or just a judge.
When a personal injury case goes to trial, the judge or jury determines the extent of liability and the amount of damages.
Personal injury accounts for the largest chunk of civil lawsuits because it covers many scenarios. The scenarios include workplace injuries, injuries in a public place, injuries sustained after a car accident, slips and falls, and medical malpractice.
Rarer events like dog bites and defective products also fall under personal injury law. In the case of a defective product that causes you harm, you would file your case against the manufacturer or distributor.
This list is not exhaustive, however. If you are still determining whether your situation qualifies as a personal injury case, consulting a lawyer is already a good idea.
Five Signs You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
No two personal injury cases are the same, but there are general indicators that you could consider as grounds for hiring a personal injury lawyer. These include the following:
Severe Injuries
You will not need a personal injury lawyer if you are in a fender-bender and did not sustain any injuries. However, if you are involved in a serious accident that leaves you severely injured, a lawyer can help you fight for compensation.
If you need long-term medical care and rehabilitation or are permanently injured, a lawyer can help you get compensation for future expenses.
Liability Disputes
If it is unclear whose fault the accident was, your case will become more complicated, especially if the other party insists that they are not to blame or if there is a question of shared fault.
In such a situation, your lawyer will investigate and gather the necessary evidence to prove the other party was negligent. This will strengthen your case and potentially increase your compensation.
Insurance Company Issues
Dealing with an insurance company can be challenging. It will become even more challenging if you have to deal with one while trying to recover from injuries. Fortunately, if you hire a personal injury lawyer, they will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
Insurance companies are known for trying to pay out low settlements. They often also try to pressure plaintiffs into accepting these low settlements. You can avoid dealing with this when your lawyer takes over the negotiation process. You even have a much better chance of getting a higher payout.
Lost Wages and Earning Potential
If your injuries prevent you from working for weeks or months and impact your financial security, you need a lawyer. Your lost wages and earning potential will factor into your ultimate compensation payout.
Personal injury law is complex and includes various components like premises liability. If premises liability factors into your case, you need a lawyer with the right experience to guide you through the legal process.
Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
There are several benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer. As mentioned above, qualified and experienced lawyers understand all aspects of personal injury law. They have the knowledge and experience to help you win your case.
Moreover, they can strengthen your case by collecting evidence you have not considered. They will handle everything from negotiation to mediation to a full-blown trial. Allowing a personal injury lawyer to fight on your behalf gives you more time to focus on your recovery.
Free Case Reviews and Contingency Fees
If you are fortunate enough to get a free case review, use the opportunity to discuss your situation with a lawyer. Let the lawyer explain your options before you decide on hiring them.
If you hire a lawyer, you must remember that they often work on a contingency fee basis. This means they get paid only if they win your case. This also means their fee will be taken from your settlement or court award.
This arrangement will make hiring a lawyer after an accident easier, especially with medical bills and other expenses piling up.
Take Action Immediately
If you are injured because of negligence, it is crucial to take action immediately. Get a free case review, present evidence, and build your case. Your personal injury lawyer will advocate for you and see your case through.
