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Dealing with accidents is not common knowledge. Many victims have made wrong decisions, which have diminished their ability to claim compensation. This is why it is highly recommended that you speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Experienced personal injury lawyers can navigate the complex legal system and obtain fair compensation for the victim’s losses. Personal injury lawyers can answer all the questions you have on your mind. Schedule an initial consultation with a lawyer and speak with them before making a decision. Note that most of these lawyers offer free initial consultations.
This blog post answers the six most commonly asked questions about personal injury cases.
Table of Contents
1. How much is my case worth?
The first question a victim will have is how much their case is worth. They want to know whether it is worthy enough to pursue. To know the real worth of your case, you need to calculate your losses. Add all the expenses you incurred as a result of the accident, such as property repair costs, lost wages, etc., to calculate your losses. In addition, you need to calculate non-economic losses such as pain and suffering, stress, loss of consortium, etc. You can do all these things, or you can just ask a lawyer. They will tell you the approximate value of your case.
2. Do I need to hire a lawyer?
The short answer is yes. You must hire a lawyer. Even though it is not legally required to hire a lawyer, it is highly recommended. Insurance companies tend to reject or reduce the victim’s claim. Their goal is to make a profit, not to compensate you. Personal injury lawyers are well aware of this fact and will have strategies to protect your rights.
3. What does the statute of limitations mean?
The statute of limitations is the time window within which you can file a case. This law was imposed to protect people from baseless accusations. In most states, the statute of limitations is 3 years. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. One is the discovery rule. According to this rule, if the victim could have discovered the injury within the given time, the statute of limitations is extended. Another is that if the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations will begin only after they turn 18.
4. What kind of damages can I recover?
In most personal injury cases, you are allowed to recover both economic and non-economic losses. Following are some of the losses you can claim in a personal injury case:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property repair costs (if there is any property damage)
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of quality of life
- Reputation damage
5. What is punitive damage?
Punitive damages are awarded in rare cases where the defendant’s action is considered egregious. Punitive damages are awarded by the judge, and only they can decide how much can be issued as punitive damages. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the defendant, not to compensate the victim. Punitive damages deter the defendant from engaging in law-violating behavior in the future.
6. How much does a lawyer charge?
Most victims are not aware of the fact that a majority of lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. It means the victim has to pay a portion of their settlement as a lawyer’s fee. They only have to pay if the lawyer wins their case. Personal injury lawyers charge anywhere between 33% and 45%.
Final Thoughts
Feeling confused after an accident is pretty normal. Speaking with a lawyer can clear your mind. A lawyer can guide you throughout the claim process and obtain fair compensation for you. Hope this blog post answered some of your questions.
