Car Accident Lawyer

After an injury, you may be unsure of whether to file a claim. Was the accident your fault or was it someone else’s fault? How can you prove this? Many times, our own negligence can cause our injuries. When this happens, there is no evidence to substantiate a claim that someone else hurt you. However, when someone else caused your injuries—through a slip-and-fall accident or a car accident—filing a claim can help get you the compensation you need when making a recovery. If you are unsure of how to proceed with your personal injury claim or if you have other questions before proceeding, read below for more information.

What Is a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

When someone else has verbally or physically harmed you—either intentionally or unintentionally—you can typically file a lawsuit or a claim to hold the offender legally responsible for your injuries. Someone else’s negligence can injure you through hitting your car as while they texted and drove, or having dangerous areas to walk on in their restaurant.

Should I Hire an Attorney?

Unless you have a strong legal background, having an attorney on your side who has worked with other personal injury cases can be extremely beneficial when making your claim. An attorney can discuss your case with medical professionals, get police reports, and build a strong defense for you if the other party makes legal claims of their own.

What Should I Do If Their Insurance Company Says We Can Settle Without an Attorney?

When you are filing a personal injury claim, it is best to never speak with the other party’s insurance company. Often, they will encourage you to settle your claim outside of court for a significantly lower monetary value than you might have received with legal help. Additionally, an insurance company is usually trying to settle for the lowest value possible, and any legal advice they give you is not sound legal advice and it not legal to give.

Can I Get an Attorney After I Have Started the Process On My Own?

Many people begin the process of making a claim without the help of an attorney, only to find they do not understand the legal jargon and the intricacies of court proceedings. Just because you started the claim on your own does not mean you can’t finish it with an attorney.

How Do I Know If I’m Entitled To Damages?

The types of damages you receive will depend entirely on your own personal case. If you do not miss any work from your personal injury then you likely won’t get for lost wages at work. However, if you have hefty medical bills through surgery and physical therapy, these are the types of damages you can attempt to recover. You can also seek damages for:

  •      Pain and Suffering
  •      Loss of Future Income
  •      Emotional Distress, and
  •      Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Getting Help For Your Claim

If you have any additional questions about your personal injury claim, speak with a personal injury lawyer Harrisonburg, Virginia trusts about your accident today.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at MartinWren, PC for their insight into frequently asked questions about personal injury claims.