Personal injury is a legal term that refers to emotional, mental, or physical injuries, usually incurred during some kind of accident or due to another person’s negligence. For example, an individual who has been in a car accident may suffer from whiplash, which is a physical injury. This person may also struggle with anxiety and be afraid of riding in a vehicle. Those are symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is a mental health issue. It’s also possible the accident victim will be affected by insomnia or irritability, which are emotional injuries. Property damage is not covered under this legal term. Personal injury attorneys specialize in representing individuals who have sustained personal injuries due to another party’s actions or neglect.
If you’ve suffered from a personal injury, you may have legal grounds to pursue a settlement from the party responsible for your injury or from their insurance company. You can request a free consultation with a personal injury attorney to assess your situation and determine if you should pursue a legal case. You can discuss these issues with your attorney to be sure you understand your legal rights and options.
How can you find a personal injury attorney?
Firms that specialize in personal injury law promote their specializations, which means that they’re easy to find online. Personal injury lawyers are lawyers who concentrate on representing people who have been injured in accidents and are familiar with all potential compensation forms a victim may be eligible for. Their depth of knowledge and experience equips them to prepare your case efficiently, and you can have confidence that they will not overlook any details or options.
Google “personal injury lawyers in Albuquerque” to find personal injury attorneys in the area. You can research options and consider the advantages of each potential lawyer. For example, the experts with The Davis Kelin Law Firm will not charge you any fees until your case is won and you’ve received fair compensation to pay for any medical expenses or property damage. They will assess your situation during your free consultation and help you determine if you have a legal case for a personal injury case. Due to the payment policies, you assume no financial risks if you opt to retain a lawyer to be with you in the courtroom.
What are the advantages of hiring an attorney?
A personal injury lawyer can help ensure you’ve considered all legal avenues for compensation. Your legal team can also review settlement offers and ensure you fight for the maximum amount of compensation you deserve. A personal injury attorney will guide you through the injury and recovery process. They can tell you what steps to take to ensure your physical, emotional, and mental needs are met. The sooner you hire a qualified attorney, the sooner you can receive expert counsel to ensure you don’t overlook important details relevant to your personal injury case.
What information do you need to build your case?
Personal injury attorneys can use police reports, eyewitness statements, photographs, and medical reports to build your personal injury claim. You may contact an attorney from your accident scene (if you haven’t incurred a very serious injury) and have them advise you about evidence to collect. Alternatively, you may have the presence of mind to note specific factors that could be useful.
Your lawyer will need all the information available from the scene of the accident. This information includes where the accident occurred, the time of day, and any factors that may have impacted the accident, such as weather conditions.
Your attorney will also want to talk to any witnesses. If possible, note the names and contact information of people who witnessed the incident that led to your injury. People who responded after your injury may also be able to provide important information. They may be aware of other witnesses who left the scene before you could speak with them. They may also confirm details about the scene that will be relevant when pursuing your settlement.
Ideally, you will be able to take pictures or videos using your smartphone immediately after the accident. If you do not have a smartphone available or are medically incapacitated, it may be possible to secure video footage from other sources. Security cameras from nearby stores or homes may record part or all of the accident, which will provide you with a visual record that can be used in court.
Each year, there are approximately six million car accidents. Millions of people suffer injuries in these accidents, and some sustain permanent or long-term serious injuries that affect their ability to work and engage in routine activities. If you’re hurt in a car accident, you need to report the accident to the police. Make a note of the name, badge number, and precinct of the officers who respond to the scene. Your lawyer and your insurance company can use this information to secure a copy of their report after the accident.
If you’re physically able to do so, you will also need to exchange insurance information with the other drivers involved. If a driver refuses to provide this information or returns to their vehicle to flee the scene, take a picture of their license plate. The license plate can be used to track the owner of the vehicle.
Your attorney will also need medical records following your accident. All relevant medical documentation and medical bills can help build your case. Receive treatment for your injuries as soon as possible and take all medical tests recommended ensuring you have a comprehensive diagnosis. If you’re suffering from symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, and depression, you may need to see a mental health professional. A psychologist or therapist can determine if you have PTSD or an anxiety disorder and provide treatment. Comprehensive medical documentation can be used in court to establish the extent of your injuries and your long-term prognosis.
What do you need for the courtroom?
Your lawyer can advise you about what to wear in court. Although your case’s substance is most relevant when you go to trial, your court appearance can have an impact. If your appearance isn’t suitable, there may be legal consequences. The dress code is simple: men should wear dress pants and a dress shirt. They may also opt to wear a tie. Their attire will show they respect the court and the legal process.
Women have several options to consider. Womens dressy jackets can be paired with a dress, a skirt, and blouse, or a pair of dress pants and a dress shirt. Dressy jackets make a good impression because they are modest and suitable for a casual dress look. You can also opt to remove your jacket during lunch or other breaks from legal proceedings.
Your lawyer will also need receipts for all of your expenses related to your accident. You should collect documentation if you have had to take time off work, pay for expensive medical tests, or receive in-home care due to your injuries. Along with your medical records and test results, these financial documents can establish the extent of your injuries, the pain and suffering experienced, and the financial cost of your injury.
What is the difference between personal injury and medical malpractice?
It is possible to sustain an injury that doesn’t qualify for a personal injury case. One example would be injuries sustained as a result of medical malpractice. Medical malpractice is limited explicitly to injuries a person suffers when a medical professional deviates from the typical standard of care for their condition. For example, if you reported symptoms to your doctor, and they refused to send you for medical tests, you may have a medical malpractice case. You may also have a case if a doctor prescribed the wrong treatment for your condition.
Some attorneys may handle both personal injury and medical malpractice cases. When you book a free consultation with an attorney, they will be able to confirm whether your case qualifies as personal injury or whether it should be a medical malpractice suit.
