Accidents can be life-altering. Out of nowhere, you could suddenly be faced with significant physical pain, medical bills, damaged property, and time away from work. You will probably not know the steps to take to protect your rights.
If you were recently injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you might be battling many questions. Here are answers to six common personal injury attorney FAQs.
If you have further questions or concerns about your personal injury case, contact El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers to speak to a Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney with El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers.
What should I do after a personal injury accident?
Immediately after an accident:
- Take photos of your injuries.
- Collect a copy of the police or accident report
- Collect the at-fault party’s contact information
- Inform your insurance provider of the accident
- Gather the contact information of willing witnesses
- Call 911 or drive to the nearest medical center.
- Call a Los Angeles Personal Attorney and follow the instructions you are given.
How do I know if I have a case?
Following an accident, you could be confused as to whether you have a case. Fortunately, you don’t need to determine this alone. Consult an attorney about your situation. They should be able to weigh the facts of your case and the state laws to give you a conclusive answer.
That said, you generally have a case if someone’s negligence or careless behavior caused your injuries.
How long do I have to file a personal injury case?
The answer to this question depends on where you live. Most states have a 2-years statute of limitations on personal injury cases. This means that you have 2 years from the date of the accident to take legal action against the at-fault party.
To be on the safe side, talk to an attorney immediately you are injured.
What damages are available in a personal injury case?
Damages in a personal injury case are categorized as economic and non-economic. Economic damages cover any losses or costs that are tangible and relatively objective, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Property damage
- Aftercare and rehabilitation
- Lost earning ability
Non-economic damages, in contrast, are more subjective. They cover losses that have no monetary value, such as pain and suffering.
In some instances, punitive damages are awarded if the defendant is proven to have acted out of malice or with outrageous disregard for the victim’s safety.
How long will it take to settle my claim?
Every personal injury case is different. A case could take anywhere from a few months to several years to settle. Generally, cases involving severe injuries or unclear liability take longer to reach a settlement.
Do I need a lawyer for a personal injury case?
Some personal injury cases are simple enough to be resolved without an attorney. These include instances where no one was seriously injured or where the fault is obvious. That said, you may require a lawyer if:
- You were severely injured.
- The at-fault party is contesting liability.
- Large amounts of money are at stake.
- It is difficult to determine fault.
- You have zero experience dealing with insurance companies.
Contact Us Today
Every personal injury case is different. If you have a question or concern that is not addressed here, contact us at 888-539-9617 to consult an expert Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney with El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers. We will listen to you and tailor our approach to your situation.