Personal Injury FAQs
Q: How do I know if I have a personal injury case?
A: First, you must have suffered a physical injury. Second, another party’s actions must have caused or contributed to your injury.
Q: When must I file a law suit after I’m injured?
A: Each state has time limits in which you can file a personal injury lawsuit. These time limits are named in the “statute of limitation.” Depending on the state, you may have only one year to file an action. The time limit varies not only by state, but on the type of injury suffered. You may forfeit your legal right to compensation if you fail to take action within the statutes of limitations; therefore, you should to talk with a lawyer immediately following an injury.
Q: What should I bring to the first meeting with a lawyer?
A: There are many documents that can help an attorney prove your claim, including police reports, accident scene photos, witnesses names, the negligent party’s insurance information, medical reports and bills related to your injury. An attorney can obtain much of this during his/her investigation if you do not have it. Evidence becomes harder to locate with each day that passes, so you should consult a lawyer as soon as possible.
Q: What is negligence?
A: Negligence can be defined as a failure to use reasonable care – resulting in damage or injury to another. When the insurance company contests responsibility, the matter will be resolved by a jury trial.
Q: How will the person who injured me be punished?
A: Punishment is accomplished primarily through criminal prosecution. A personal injury lawsuit’s purpose is to compensate you for your injuries, enabling you to pay for medical treatment and/or the repair or replacement of your damaged property.
