After a serious accident, one of the smartest steps you can take to protect your claim is to speak with an attorney. Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations, so you won’t have to pay anything to get answers to your questions and the guidance you need to make informed decisions. This first meeting is also an opportunity to find out if the prospective attorney has the experience and credentials to handle your case. There are certain documents you should bring to the initial … [Read more...]
What’s the Difference Between a Tort Claim and a Lawsuit?
If you’re planning to take legal action after a serious injury or wrongful death in the family, you probably have a lot of questions. The more you understand about the proceedings and what to expect, the less stressful the experience will likely be on you and your loved ones. One common question asked by personal injury victims is, “What’s the difference between a tort claim and a lawsuit?” We’ll provide the answer in this article. The Relationship Between Tort Claims and Civil Lawsuits There … [Read more...]
What Tactics Might the Insurance Company Use to Dispute My Claim?
If you were seriously injured and either you or the at-fault party carries insurance, you’re probably hoping the applicable policy will cover at least a portion of your medical bills, lost income, and other damages. Unfortunately, insurance carriers will go to great lengths to reduce the amount of compensation they have to pay or to deny claims outright. After all, their profits increase with every dollar they don’t have to pay out. Insurance bad faith laws are intended to prevent insurers from … [Read more...]
When Are Punitive Damages Awarded in Personal Injury Cases?
In the state of California, personal injury claimants can pursue both compensatory and exemplary damages. Compensatory damages, which include economic and non-economic losses, are intended to make the injured party “whole” again. Exemplary damages, or “punitive damages,” are only awarded in cases involving particularly egregious behavior. Read on to learn the definition of punitive damages and when they might be recoverable in a personal injury case: What Are Punitive Damages? Punitive damages … [Read more...]
Personal Injury Law: Frequently Asked Questions
General Personal Injury FAQs Premises Liability FAQs Bicycle Accident Claim FAQs Product Liability FAQs Car Accident Claim FAQs Pedestrian Accident Claim FAQs Bus Accident Claim FAQs Motorcycle Accident FAQs Truck Accident Claim FAQs … [Read more...]
6 Qualities to Look for in a Slip and Fall Attorney
A slip and fall can result in devastating injuries that take weeks or even months to heal. Some victims never make a full recovery. It’s not easy to stay positive when you’re dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial impacts of such a traumatic event, but if another person’s negligence was the cause of your fall, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. The path to a fair settlement is riddled with legal hurdles that … [Read more...]
What Are Liens and How Do They Affect Personal Injury Cases?
After you've won a personal injury settlement or verdict, it can feel as though a long and difficult journey has come to a successful end. But if a medical provider or insurance carrier has asserted a lien on the proceeds resulting from your case, your final award may be reduced. A lien is a claim of a right to payment from proceeds received in a settlement or judgment. In some cases, a lien claim can be so costly that it prevents the injured party from receiving any net recovery at all. This … [Read more...]
Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Cars: 10 Tips for Injury Claimants
You’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash. Now what? No doubt you have a lot of questions about the claims process: how to file when to contact the insurance company, and what evidence to provide. It’s natural to feel confused and even overwhelmed, especially if your financial security is at stake. But with the right approach, you may be able to recover the compensation you need to move on with life. Below are a few tips to keep in mind after being injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a … [Read more...]
4 FAQs About Car Accidents Caused by Poor Road Conditions
Driver errors are responsible for more than 90 percent of all car accidents in the United States. If you were hurt in a crash with a negligent motorist, you can file a claim against the at-fault individual's insurance company for any lost income, property damage, and medical bills you incurred as a result. But what if poor road conditions were to blame for the collision? Read on to learn the answers to four FAQs about car accidents caused by dangerous road conditions: 1. Who Might Be Liable for … [Read more...]
3 FAQs About Car Accidents Involving Shared Liability
Some car accident claims are fairly straightforward because the injuries are minor and everyone agrees on the relevant facts. But in other cases, such as those involving shared liability, it is not uncommon for disputes to arise that complicate and delay the proceedings. In this blog, we’ll answer three FAQs about car accident claims involving shared liability. If you were injured in a crash and you foresee a liability dispute, it is important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. … [Read more...]