No one wants to think about the possibility of being in an accident or suffering a serious injury, but it’s a risk we take every time we walk out the door in the morning. Anyone who does find themselves in the position of experiencing a personal injury may not be aware of the fact that there are legal remedies available. Working with a personal injury attorney can help you understand what your options are and whether or not you’re entitled to compensation to cover the expenses connected to the incident. If you or someone you know has been the victim of an accident, keep reading to find out what kind of help and guidance you can receive from a personal injury attorney.
What help and guidance can a personal injury attorney provide?
Having quality legal representation is necessary if you want to have the best chance of receiving the compensation that you’re entitled to after suffering a personal injury. Many people aren’t even aware that they have a case, which is why you should consider a free consultation with a lawyer if you’ve been in an accident. An attorney with years of experience winning personal injury lawsuits can tell you if you have a case and what your next steps should be. A quick search for “Paul Wilkinson personal injury attorney” will give you all the information you need to proceed with the litigation process.
Another reason it’s a good idea to have an attorney by your side is because of the amount of documentation you’ll need to prove your claim. This can include keeping records of all medical treatments so your medical bills can be covered by your eventual settlement, as well as maintaining a paper trail about every expense from the accident. It can be overwhelming or even impossible to handle all this on your own.
There are many types of personal injuries, so it’s essential that you find a law firm that has experience with cases that are similar to yours. Some examples of practice areas include motor vehicle accidents, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and wrongful death. Most law firms have information about their previous cases and what settlements they’ve won for their clients in the past, so you can evaluate your options.
Why is it important to call a lawyer immediately after an accident?
You should always talk to an attorney as soon as you’re able to after an accident. One concern is that your lawsuit may be subject to a statute of limitations. Put simply, a statute of limitations is a law that sets the maximum amount of time you have after your accident to initiate legal proceedings. This time limit can vary significantly depending on the nature of the offense. Many serious felonies, like homicide, are not subject to a statute of limitations, but personal injury cases often are. You can ask your attorney about any limits that may apply to your case.
If you’re concerned about not being able to afford legal assistance, you shouldn’t be. Most personal injury attorneys work on what is known as a contingency fee basis. When working for a contingency fee, lawyers take their payment as a percentage of your final judgment or settlement. That means you won’t have to pay anything until your case is resolved. You shouldn’t let fear of the financial cost stop you from seeking justice.
A personal injury attorney can help take a lot of the work off your plate after you’ve been through an accident or injured due to neglect. Your priority should be on rest and recovery, but it can be tough to prioritize that when you’re overwhelmed by paperwork and logistical responsibilities. Your attorney can handle your legal needs while you focus on healing. Even if you aren’t sure if you’re eligible to file a personal injury claim, it’s always worthwhile to have a consultation with a qualified attorney after you’ve been in an accident.
