Category: Personal Injury

Being hurt personally may have a profound impact on one’s life. A vehicle accident, a slip and fall, an incident at work, or any other terrible occurrence can have crippling effects on one’s body, mind, and finances. In such challenging times, pursuing a personal injury claim can provide a glimmer of hope for recovery and justice. This article serves as your roadmap to navigate the complex terrain of personal injury claims, from the moment of injury to the path of recovery.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

The first step in your journey from injury to recovery and a successful personal injury claim is seeking immediate medical attention. Your health should always be the top priority. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it’s crucial to get a professional evaluation. Some injuries may not show immediate symptoms, but they can worsen over time if left untreated. Furthermore, medical records will play a vital role in your claim, documenting the extent of your injuries and their connection to the incident.

Document The Scene And Gather Evidence

Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, if possible, gather evidence from the scene of the incident. This includes taking photographs, collecting contact information from witnesses, and making notes about what happened. The more detailed and accurate your documentation, the stronger your case will be when it comes time to file a claim.

Consult With An Attorney

Without expert assistance, navigating the legal nuances of a personal injury lawsuit may be difficult. To determine if your case has value, speak with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. They can provide invaluable advice on your rights, potential compensation, and the best course of action. Many personal injury lawyers provide first consultations at no cost, making their services accessible to those who may be concerned about the expense.

File The Claim

When the time comes for you to file the appropriate paperwork with the insurance company of the at-fault party—or, in some situations, in court—your attorney will assist you in pursuing a personal injury claim. This procedure starts the official legal process needed to get your damages and injuries compensated.

Gather Medical Records And Evidence

During the claims process, your attorney will work with you to gather all necessary medical records, evidence, and documentation related to your injury and its impact on your life. This includes medical bills, reports from healthcare providers, and any other relevant records. This step is essential to building a compelling case.

Negotiate Or Litigate

Depending on the circumstances and the willingness of the opposing party to cooperate, your attorney will either negotiate a settlement or litigate your case in court. Negotiation may lead to a quicker resolution, but if an agreement cannot be reached, going to court becomes necessary. Your attorney will guide you through this process, advocating for your rights and best interests.

Focus On Recovery

Your rehabilitation should be your first priority while your attorney takes care of the legal issues of your claim. Follow your medical treatment plan diligently and attend all necessary appointments. Document your progress, including how the injury has affected your daily life, work, and well-being. This information can be crucial when determining the compensation you deserve.

Stay Informed And Communicate

Communicate honestly and openly with your lawyer at all times during the procedure. Keep yourself updated on the status of your claim, and don’t be afraid to express concerns or ask questions. Your attorney is there to support you and ensure your interests are protected.

Settlement Or Trial

The insurance provider for the other party may make you a settlement offer as your claim develops. Your attorney will advise you on whether the offer is fair and in your best interest. If an acceptable settlement is reached, you can conclude your claim without going to trial. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, your attorney will proceed with litigation, presenting your case in court.

Conclusion

Even though navigating a personal injury lawsuit can be difficult and emotionally draining, it’s a route that may lead to reconciliation and compensation. By adhering to this guide, which includes getting medical aid and pursuing a claim with the assistance of a knowledgeable lawyer, you can raise the likelihood of a favorable result. Recall that perseverance, hard work, and the assistance of a committed legal expert are essential for success. Your journey from injury to recovery is a challenging one, but it is also a path toward regaining control of your life and future.

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Personal injury lawyers represent accident victims and pursue compensation on their behalf. They focus on tort law and can help you build a strong claim against the responsible party.

They are familiar with the judges and insurance companies in the area. This allows them to anticipate roadblocks and devise strategies to overcome them.

Objectivity

Objectivity in the context of legal cases means a lawyer does not allow their personal feelings or biases to influence how they assess your case. According to a law firm Rockville MD this includes distinguishing facts from opinions and making decisions based on hard data rather than emotional responses. Journalists are also often expected to be objective when reporting news, as they should try to ignore their personal opinions and biases to present unbiased information.

Choosing a personal injury attorney who is empathetic and committed to your case is essential. A lawyer with experience in representing victims of similar cases will help you better understand the legal system. This will improve your chances of success.

An experienced attorney will be able to anticipate any roadblocks that may come up and develop strategies to overcome them, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome for your claim. Considering factors such as their reputation, communication skills, fees and availability when selecting an attorney can help you make the best decision for your situation.

Peace of Mind

The phrase “piece of mind” is well-known, but the word’s meaning goes beyond calmness. People seek peace of mind to reduce anxiety and to feel at ease in their lives. A personal injury lawyer can provide you peace of mind by allowing you to concentrate on your rehabilitation while knowing your case is in experienced hands.

A local attorney is also familiar with the rules and procedures in a particular courtroom, which may make it easier for your case to proceed smoothly. The attorney is also knowledgeable about any ongoing issues relevant to your claims, such as traffic patterns or flooding concerns.

Finding a qualified personal injury attorney requires meticulous research and thoughtful evaluation. It is important to consider the attorney’s reputation and experience, as well as their fees and how they are structured. Many injury attorneys offer free consultations to allow potential clients to explore their options without financial obligation.

Expertise

The right personal injury lawyer can provide valuable insight into the local laws that could impact your case. These local laws may pertain to liability and insurance coverage. An experienced personal injury attorney is familiar with these local rules and will be able to apply them in your case.

A local personal injury lawyer will also know the judges who may hear your case. They will know which judges are known to be more inclined to favor certain types of cases or to send other types of cases for alternative dispute resolution out of court.

If you are ready to hire a personal injury attorney, start your search by looking for one with a strong reputation in the legal community and a track record of successful results for clients like you. Ensure you choose an attorney who communicates clearly and regularly and can answer your questions. Also, remember that most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations.

Reputation

In addition to evaluating your case, an experienced personal injury lawyer will gather crucial evidence, determine the responsible party, and negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. It can be difficult, requiring you to navigate many legal procedures, deadlines, and complex insurance laws.

Local attorneys are familiar with the local laws and courts and can help you file a personal injury claim. They also know judges, lawyers and other professionals in your area. They will see the time limit for filing legal documents and can anticipate any roadblocks which could delay your claim.

Personal injury attorneys can help you to build a successful case and pursue the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. Consider factors like their experience, reputation and fees. Also, please take into account whether they are available. 

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Personal injury attorneys represent people who have been hurt or harmed in accidents, and they work to recover damages for their victims. They do this by helping their clients to understand their rights, negotiate with the defendant, and calculate damages.

Calculating damages

The process of calculating damages in a personal injury case is a complex one. The number of damages you are owed will vary depending on a number of factors. You should consider your pain and suffering, lost earnings, and other damages to determine the amount of money you deserve.

A compensation formula is used by insurance adjusters to calculate the value of your injury. This formula takes into account the severity of your injuries and the length of time you have to recover. In some cases, experienced Orem, UT personal injury attorneys can help you find out the right number for your case.

You can also use a worksheet to keep all of your information in one place. The formulas are subjective, but it can help to know the numbers in order to get the compensation you deserve.

An experienced personal injury attorney will use a multiplier method to calculate the value of your case. A multiplier is a numerical adjustment that is applied to your special and general damages. A multiplier is usually between 1.5 and five. The higher the multiplier, the more severe your injuries.

Negotiating with the defendant

The jury is still out on whether or not your case has been settled in your favor. The most recent court of appeals verdict in your favour is a good thing, but it could have been much worse. Fortunately, you are in a more forgiving judicial environment compared to the litigious days of yore. This may be the right time for a last ditch effort to get the most out of your current situation. There are some important tips and tricks you should know.

The first rule of thumb is that the defendant is probably a very busy person. To keep yourself out of the doghouse, you need to enlist the help of a competent law firm. The best bet is to go with a local firm that specializes in personal injury litigation.

Punitive damages

If you’re injured in a car accident and the other driver was drunk, you may be eligible for punitive damages. You can also receive compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering.

If you want to receive punitive damages, you’ll need to prove that the other driver was reckless. This is usually a willful, wanton, or grossly negligent act.

The goal of punitive damages is to discourage the defendant from making similar errors in the future. It’s a way of sending the message that a person’s behavior is intolerable. In addition, it’s a way of deterring other people from doing the same thing.

In cases where a company’s conduct is found to be outrageous, the company can be ordered to pay punitive damages. Some examples of these cases include medical malpractice and product liability.

The jury in this case awarded the plaintiff $3 million for pain and suffering. The plaintiff was an older woman who suffered severe burns. She needed skin grafts and spent a few years in a hospital.

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When you’ve been in a car accident, it’s very common to experience whiplash. Many times, we shrug this injury off as something that will just go away and was simply triggered by the jolt of the accident. However, if you’ve experienced whiplash from a car accident, we recommend using a Sacramento accident attorney to help you get the relief you need. 

Whiplash has been rated as one of the most common injuries that occur in car accidents. All too often, the real side effects of whiplash don’t show up until later and you might not even make the connection to the accident when you do notice it. 

Whiplash often leads to neck pain and quite possibly mobility issues as well. You need an attorney on your side. 

Recognizing Whiplash Symptoms

Whiplash happens when you have a violent back and forth experience, typically with your neck. When you think about the impact of a car accident, your neck likely jolted sharply forward and backward at impact. It might have even moved back and forth more than once. 

That whipping motion is not natural and tends to cause strain to muscles or ligaments around the shoulder and neck area. In some cases, whiplash can even affect your spinal cord and nerves. 

Car accidents are common sources of whiplash, but whiplash can also result from falling hard or even sports injuries. These are some of the most common symptoms of whiplash: 

  • Dizziness or random dizzy spells
  • Unusual fatigue
  • Shoulder pain
  • Headaches at the base of your skull
  • Neck pain 
  • Neck stiffness
  • Neck mobility issues
  • Numbness or tingling of your arms
  • Blurred vision
  • Ear ringing
  • Mental or psychological effects 

If you’ve been in a car accident and begin to experience any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor right away and contact an attorney to be sure your treatments will be covered. 

If left untreated, you may have chronic pain for the rest of your life, and it will only get worse over time. 

Treatment of Whiplash

How whiplash is treated will heavily depend on the severity of your injury. In some cases, physical therapy may be sufficient to restore movement and ease the strain that resulted from your accident. 

In more severe cases, there will likely be the need for pain treatment, extensive care, and possibly even surgery to correct the problem. Even mild conditions need to be treated by a doctor to ensure they are treated properly and that you can recover fully. 

Only a medical professional will be able to determine the extent of the injury and what can be done to help treat the injury effectively. 

Legal Compensation for Whiplash Injuries

In the state of California, whiplash is considered a condition that can be approved for compensation. Just like other injuries, it will require treatment and may result in medical bills or missed work. 

You will need to make sure that you seek treatment as quickly as possible if you suspect whiplash. Make sure the doctor knows why you need treatment and that you think whiplash is possible. 

In addition, it would be wise to get a Sacramento accident attorney to handle your case and help you get the best settlement possible. Contact insurance under the advisement of your attorney. Be mindful that insurance companies always try to settle for as little as possible, so only work with them as your legal counsel recommends. 

Mild cases of whiplash can settle for anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000. This depends on the case, treatments, and your attorney. Some cases settle for even more than this when they are severe cases. Don’t look at dollar signs, but rather getting your bills and missed work covered. If you come out ahead, that’s a plus, too. 

Whiplash Claims Statute of Limitations

Most claims like these do have statutes of limitations to protect individuals and companies alike. In the state of California, you are allowed to file within two years of a car accident. 

Since whiplash tends to show up later and not immediately following the accident, this is a good rule to be aware of. You will need to take action as quickly as possible, but you do have two years to do so if needed. 

There are some exceptions for minors and government entities, but the standard timeframe is within two years. 

Hire an Attorney for Your Whiplash Case

If you or someone you know has experienced whiplash and is within their two-year timeframe, you need to contact a Sacramento accident attorney right away. Use an attorney who has experience handling this type of case and will go to bat to help you get the compensation and coverage that you deserve. 

No one should have to suffer after an accident for any reason, including whiplash.

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If you have been in a truck accident, you probably want to get the compensation you deserve. This article will give you an overview of what you can expect in your lawsuit, as well as the fees you can expect to pay to a truck accident lawyer. Also, learn more about the regulation and laws surrounding truck accident attorneys in New York. These regulations govern the practice of truck accident lawyers, as well as the rights you have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident.

Injuries caused by a truck accident

Injuries sustained in a truck accident can vary from minor to severe. While some injuries may require minor medical attention, others can be life-threatening. For example, a truck accident can cause a person’s head to be fractured and have an open wound on it. Such injuries can limit the amount of oxygen in the brain and can cause permanent damage. Other injuries from a truck accident include abdominal aorta aneurysm, which occurs when the abdominal aorta is crushed and ruptures. Another injury may be pneumothorax, which occurs when the lung collapses and fills the chest cavity with air. Injury caused by a truck accident can also impact the chest, abdomen, and pelvis and cause internal bleeding and damage to organs.

Another type of injury suffered in a truck accident is a spinal cord injury. This type of injury can cause paralysis and requires ongoing medical care. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as a spinal cord injury is much more dangerous and can affect a person’s life for the rest of their life. In addition to back injuries, other common injuries caused by a truck accident can include a spinal cord injury, which can cause paralysis.

Damages that can be recovered in a truck accident lawsuit

The compensation you can recover for a truck accident can include economic damages, including your lost wages and medical bills. Even if the other driver is at fault, their insurance may cover your medical costs and property damage. However, some states have minimum limits on how much coverage a truck driver must have. In these cases, you may be able to pursue compensation from the truck driver to make up for the amount of coverage that you did not have.

The average commercial truck weighs around 20 times more than a passenger car. This large weight differential gives the truck driver an advantage in the accident. Although the truck driver’s insurance carrier will pay for the basic economic loss of a collision, non-economic injuries can be recovered through a truck accident lawsuit. Moreover, you can seek compensation for your pain and suffering if you suffered a serious injury. If the truck driver has not made sure to maintain accurate records, they may be held liable.

Cost of retaining a truck accident lawyer

Whether you need a Maryland truck accident lawyer is a question that plagues many individuals. The cost of hiring a truck accident lawyer depends on the circumstances surrounding your case. Most truck accident lawyers charge on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay nothing up front and only pay them when you receive a favorable settlement or verdict. Contingency fee lawyers have a strong incentive to achieve results. Here’s how to get a free consultation from a truck accident attorney.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a truck accident lawyer is the payment structure. Although contingency fee arrangements may seem more favorable in many cases, you should make sure to check whether your insurance will cover these costs. While contingency fees are more advantageous for many individuals, some lawyers may not accept such cases. If you believe that your case is too weak for contingency fees, you should consult with a lawyer to determine the best payment plan.

 

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Hurt in a car accident that is clearly not your fault? After being involved in a car accident, it is important that you know how to handle the situation without causing any unnecessary harm to your safety, health, and rights to compensation. But in a ‘no-fault’ insurance state like New York, how can you receive what could have been your compensation for the injuries from the accident? 

A few years back, in what was perceived as an attempt to speed up compensation claims, the New York State introduced the “no-fault” laws, designed to provide quick financial benefits to victims of auto accidents, regardless of who’s at fault. Despite the no-fault law helping people get compensation faster, there are still many complications that many New Yorkers are yet to understand. No fault laws are one of NY States greatest tools for combating personal injury law negligence.

New York No-Fault Coverage 

New York is a no-fault insurance state. This means if you, a New Yorker, get into an auto accident, you’ll be compensated for the injuries and other possible damages by your insurance company, regardless of who is responsible. Your insurance company will have to compensate you for the medical costs and other losses you might incur after the accident, including lost wages. 

New York is one of the several states in the US to implement the no-fault car insurance system. Your PIP coverage applies to you or anyone driving your car, any passenger riding in your car, and any pedestrian hit by your car. Even though this system is designed to help you get compensation faster, it might not allow you to get as much compensation as there are coverage limits. 

Coverage limits In New York 

New York requires every driver to have no-fault coverage for personal injury protection. The minimum coverage amounts every driver in New York must carry includes;

 $25,000 liability for bodily injury per person

$50,000 liability for bodily injury per accident

$10,000 liability for property damage per accident

$50,000/$100,000 for death

New York No-Fault Coverage

The covered person is the person injured from the covered accident. The owner or the passenger of the vehicle is termed under covered person. A covered accident is an accident that occurs while using a car. 

In New York, the no-fault insurance covers;

  • Reasonable or necessary medical bills from the accident
  • 80% of lost wages, for up to $2,000 per month, to three years from the time of the accident  
  • Maximum of $25 a day for up to a year compensation for expenses caused by the accident
  • $2,000 death benefit to the estate of any person that died from the accident, which is covered 

The state expects all claims for no-fault personal injury compensation to be properly filed within 30 days from the day of the accident. The insurance company also has 30 days to respond to your claims. 

It is equally important to note that motorcyclists or passengers on a motorcycle are not covered. Also, you might not be eligible if you were intoxicated while driving, injured while committing a felony, or if the owner of the vehicle is uninsured. 

No-Fault Insurance And “Serious Injury”

Despite the no-fault insurance legislation, if you’re injured in New York, the law allows you to sue the driver and claim compensation as long as your claim meets the “serious injury” bracket. This involves;

  • Bone fracture
  • Total disability for 90 days
  • Disfigurement 
  • Permanent damage to body organ or system 

An injury can affect your life forever. You deserve to be fully compensated for all damages resulting from personal injury. It is your right. You’re entitled to it. Discover how you can get your full compensation today. Speak with a local personal injury near you.

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It’s important to understand the laws that may apply to your case before going over the actions to take after a maritime injury. Maritime laws are in place to assist injured maritime workers in recovering compensation for their losses. Although there are several marine regulations, the following are the most important ones that apply to harm cases:

The Jones Act  The Jones Act is federal legislation that allows a maritime industry worker to sue an offshore employer for injuries caused by the employer’s or a coworker’s negligence.

The Longshoremen and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act – Employees of a land-based marine business who are injured while working on a bridge, pier, or harbor are covered by the Longshoremen and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act

What To Do After a Maritime Injury

If you’ve been wounded in a marine accident at work, there are a few things you should do right away to protect your right to compensation under maritime law:

Report the Injury to Your Employer 

When an injury happens, it is critical to notify your employer. A worker should, at the very least, report an injury to their immediate supervisor. Coworkers may potentially report the mishap to the employer if the injury is severe enough.

It’s important for workers to prioritize their own health and safety; they should never rely on others to report their injuries unless they are unable to do so themselves. A copy of what transpired should also be attached to the injury.

The sooner you can put what happened down on paper, the better.

Seek Medical Attention 

What should you do initially if you’ve been hurt? Seek medical assistance. As quickly as possible, go to the emergency department, your primary care physician, or a healthcare clinic—and, if necessary, contact an ambulance at the scene of the accident. Any delay in getting to the hospital could harm your health or jeopardize your legal case. Most insurance companies regard 72 hours following an injury to be a reasonable time frame for seeking medical attention.

Mention all difficulties and pains to your doctor, even if you believe they are minor. On the other hand, avoid embellishing or exaggerating. Simply tell your doctor the truth and follow their instructions.

Take Notes and Photos

Accidents occur quickly, but determining who is to blame can take months, if not years. Take some time soon after the accident to write down what happened, including the names of everyone who was present. Photograph the equipment and the surrounding environment.

Don’t Sign Any Documents Without a Lawyer 

Following a maritime injury, your employer or insurance company may request a statement from you. You may be asked to sign paperwork as well. Both of these actions should be avoided until you have spoken with a marine attorney. If you submit a marine injury claim, anything you say or sign could be used against you.

Hire a Lawyer 

It is critical to contact an marine accident attorney as soon as possible before proceeding with your claim, regardless of your occupation. This is especially true for seamen, who frequently face a slew of challenges before receiving just recompense.

Longshore and harbor employees are not guaranteed benefits, notwithstanding the no-fault system. A skilled Jones Act lawyer can assist you in filing a claim, disputing any denials, and representing you in court if necessary. If a negligent third party contributed to the accident, your attorney can advise you on additional legal alternatives.

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In case of an accident, people involved usually get affected either in one way or another. Whether it is the loss of a loved one or a vehicular collision due to another party’s negligence, the process to follow to recover can be time-consuming and complex. The victim may get overcome by medical bills, emotional trauma, and handling insurance claims. Additionally, you would wish to get back to the position you were in before the accident.

Typically, injury attorneys practice several areas of the law. Thus, you must identify an attorney such as a Denver personal injury attorney specializing in injury law— that is, the attorney at the company focuses solely on personal injury law. Personal injury attorneys specialize in assisting their clients who get hurt due to the negligence of others. While injury law has several components to it, an attorney who specializes mainly in personal injury is likely to have more experience than one that focuses on many fields of law at the same time.

Why hire a personal injury lawyer?

If you or a family member have previously gotten involved in an accident, you know how disorienting one can be. Suppose you get injured as a result of another party’s negligence. In that case, you can contact a reputable injury attorney such as a Denver personal injury attorney to assist you in seeking appropriate compensation for expenses incurred. Engaging an injury lawyer is not a must after accidents; nonetheless, there are several reasons why one might need to hire one, some of which are;

  • They Can Help You Get Faster Compensation: If you do not have an attorney, you will have to wait until you’ve recuperated before seeking a settlement. Failure to have an injury attorney implies that it will take you much longer to get your compensation. You should therefore contact an injury attorney immediately after getting involved in an accident.
  • They Are Professional and Objective: Accidents and injuries cause a lot of both physical and emotional pain. This trauma may prevent you from making reasonable decisions regarding your injury. A personal injury attorney will file personal injury claims on your behalf. They will also help bring knowledge, skill, and experience into your case, which will help you get the settlement you deserve.
  • They Help You Make Better Decisions: Filing a personal injury suit is a complicated legal process, especially if you are not a lawyer. In most cases, the culprit owns up to their mistake and is willing to compensate you. In such cases, if the settlement amount is reasonable for your injuries, it would be wise to avoid a lawsuit. An experienced injury lawyer will analyze your situation and advise you on the available options.
  • They Know How to Negotiate: once an accident occurs, and you file an injury, the culprit’s insurance daily deals with these cases. It can be compelling when negotiating a lower settlement. Negotiating with insurance companies can be challenging because they have techniques for convincing you to take their offer. Hiring an injury attorney usually leads to better settlement.
  • They Can Provide You with Legal Coverage: Often, the culprit contests a personal injury claim, and this occasions you to consider court action. The offending party will most likely have an attorney, and not having a personal injury attorney will probably hurt your case. A seasoned personal injury attorney will give you adequate legal representation after injuries. They will collect the evidence needed to win your case.
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People usually make the mistake of thinking that personal injury lawyers are all the same, and therefore, it does not matter whom they hire. However, nothing can be further from the truth as it is imperative to find a good lawyer who will represent you in court and get you compensation for your injuries. An example of personal injury lawyers is Breakstone, White & Gluck. Below are some mistakes that people make while choosing an attorney:

Wrong instincts

The biggest mistake that most individuals make while hiring an attorney is going with their gut instincts and hiring whoever happens to be available. This leads to situations where clients get represented by law firms with no experience in dealing with cases related to their specific type of case. Moreover, these attorneys may not have any legal background in this field, which makes them useless.

Research

It is always recommended to do your homework and ask pertinent questions about the law firm’s experience with cases like yours. You should also consult with family or friends who can recommend you a good lawyer or at least guide you in choosing one for yourself instead of looking around randomly. Ensure that your attorney specializes in personal injury claims. Only then will they be able to provide you with satisfactory service.

Confidentiality

Attorney-client confidentiality/privilege is considered an essential part of this relationship. Still, numerous clients disregard their responsibility when utilizing attorneys, which leads to loss of confidentiality whereby insurance companies are informed about your case, consequently reducing the amount you receive in compensation. Suppose the attorney chooses not to share information about their client with the insurance company, and the attorney has no way of knowing that this person has done so. In that case, they cannot be held accountable for revealing information. While it is understandable that everyone needs to share their story, it is always better to ask your attorney whether you can talk about your case before disclosing any information.

Wrong communication

Other than breaching confidentiality by sharing facts of the case with friends or family while waiting for their lawyer to prepare for court, people also make mistakes while communicating on the phone, leading to loss of attorney-client privilege. Such privileges are considered sacred in legal practice, but there are numerous ways through which they can be lost. For example, if an individual accidentally mentions another party’s name during a phone conversation, the entire conversation becomes part of the public record. Similarly, if someone accidentally discusses their injuries or any progress in a case during a phone call, this will become available to insurance companies.

Therefore, it is recommended that individuals must always ask their attorney beforehand whether they can discuss anything related to their case before doing so. Otherwise, keep all communication strictly professional and formal instead of personal and casual. Additionally, do not sign any document without reading it entirely, as ignorance cannot be used as an excuse in the court of law.

Finally, most people ignore hiring an attorney because they presume that they are getting more than enough compensation for their injuries or loss of life due to some accident. However, everything should be taken into consideration before making a final decision.

One must never forget that, along with money, many other things cannot be compensated for by any amount of money in this world, such as loss of life, pain, suffering, etc. It is appropriate to hire a personal injury lawyer compared to representing yourself. In addition, when you hire an attorney, they can guide you in getting an appropriate settlement from the insurance company or court in your favor, so in return, you get fair compensation for the injuries sustained due to some accident.

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Heavy traffic and negligent drivers put pedestrians and cyclists at risk of getting hit by a car every single day. If you have recently suffered injuries after a driver hit you, Personal injury law entitles you to take action to receive compensation for your injuries. However, you need to take certain steps to protect the value of your claim and ensure you have the best chances of recovering the maximum damages for your situation.

Immediately after a car hits you, it’s likely that an ambulance transported you to the nearest emergency room for treatment, and local law enforcement came to the scene to investigate. The following tips provide guidance in the hours, weeks, and months after your accident:

Seek Medical Treatment After You Were Hit by a Car

If you were fortunate enough to remain conscious and walk away from an accident after a car hit you, you still need to let a doctor check you out. Your medical record serves as evidence that your injuries occurred because a car hit you, giving you leverage for your pedestrian accident case. Some choose to avoid medical treatment because they have a high pain tolerance and do not want to go to the hospital. Pain and soreness sometimes indicate hidden injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, broken ribs, and internal organ damage, which can be fatal when left untreated. Your health and well-being are the top priority.

Keep Records of Economic Loss

After being hit by a car, the value of your pedestrian accident injury claim heavily depends on the amount of economic loss you suffer because of your injuries. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Whether filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove every penny of your economic loss. Save every bill and receipt and make a digital file with copies of them to ensure you have the evidence you need to recover your losses. Common documents that serve as records of economic loss include:

  • Ambulance bill
  • Hospital/Doctor bills
  • Rehabilitation bills
  • Pay stubs to prove lost wages and benefits
  • Gas receipts for travel costs to and from doctor/hospital
  • Receipts for items/labor needed to make a home more accessible after injury
  • Receipts for replacement services, such as lawn care, childcare, and handyman services

It’s best to save everything. Your car accident lawyer can help you edit and advise you on which items you can get money for.

Keep a Daily Journal

The law also permits you to seek compensation for non-economic damages after you’ve been hit by a car. Non-economic damages include things that are difficult to quantify, such as pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and loss of consortium. Your attorney will use their experience and your medical records to place a value on this portion of your claim, but you can ensure those involved understand the full impact of your injuries on your life by recording your physical and emotional feelings in a daily journal. Your journal entries should include things like:

  • A description of your physical pain in comparison to the previous day or week
  • Discussions of things you cannot do, e.g., raise your arm, walk, turn your head
  • Discussions of things you missed out on because of your injuries, e.g., child’s birthday celebration, work, yearly family vacation
  • Negative emotions you are feeling because of your injuries, such as anger, sadness, depression, and humiliation

Consult an Experienced Accident Injury Lawyer

Suffering severe injuries after getting hit by a car comes with emotional and financial stress on top of the physical pain of injury and healing. In the aftermath of your injuries, let an experienced car accident lawyer help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Your attorney can investigate the accident and uncover facts to support your claim. Skilled lawyers also help their clients by handling communication with the other driver’s insurance company, negotiating a settlement, and presenting your case to a court when settlement is not an option.

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