Personal injury attorneys assist clients who have been injured and suffered damages as a result of someone else’s negligence. They help resolve legal disputes that typically involve some form of negligence liability.
What Kinds of Accidents Fall Under Personal Injury Law?
The field of personal injury law is broad, encompassing many different causes of action. For example, a personal injury lawsuit might stem from the following situations:
- A traffic accident. Whether you are driving a car, riding a motorcycle, or walking, when you are struck by a car or truck as a result of another party’s negligence, you may file a personal injury claim to recover for your injuries.
- A workplace accident. Some examples of personal injuries that can occur at work include construction accidents, injuries from operating dangerous equipment or machinery, burns, and repetitive motion injuries. If you have suffered a workplace injury, you may be able to recover even if you have already recovered worker’s compensation benefits.
- An accident that occurs on someone else’s property. The area of premises liability helps victims who are injured on another party’s property, whether the accident occurs in a home or at a business. For example, you may have a personal injury case if you slipped or tripped as a result of a dangerous condition, causing you to fall on the premises.
- An accident caused by a faulty product. The area of product liability applies to victims who are injured as a result of a dangerous or defective product design, manufacturing defect, or lack of sufficient warnings about dangers inherent to using a product.
What is the Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Engaging the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you advance your case in many ways. A knowledgeable attorney will inform you of your rights and options, coming up with the best strategy for the next steps in your case. They will gather and investigate the facts of your accident thoroughly, using those facts to your best advantage. If an expert witness must be retained to investigate the claim, an experienced products liability attorney will know who to call. They will provide sound legal advice. And, because personal injury law is nuanced and complex, a knowledgeable attorney will research the law that’s applicable to your claim.
An experienced personal injury attorney can make all the difference when negotiating with the other party or the insurance company. Negotiations can be lengthy and complicated, and the balance of power often shifts in favor of the insurance company—after all, the company has significant resources, legal help, and experience fighting against a payout. Having an attorney by your side to handle negotiations can mean the difference between a favorable recovery and a difficult result.
Additionally, a personal injury lawyer is essential if your claim requires a lawsuit. In some cases, negotiations with the other party or insurer fail, and proceeding with your claim requires litigation. An experienced personal injury attorney will prepare your case thoroughly; file all necessary documents, pleadings, and motions; and argue on your behalf in court.
What Factors Should be Considered?
If you’re wondering when to hire a personal injury lawyer, consider the following factors in your case:
- Does your claim involve a complicated area of personal injury law? As some examples, claims that involve multiple parties, claims with a high amount of damages, and claims where causation and liability are hard to establish are all extremely complex. In these cases, you will benefit from the sound advice of a personal injury attorney.
- Are any of the facts of your case potentially problematic? For example, is liability in your case hard to establish based on the actions of the parties? Are your damages difficult to prove, particularly your non-quantifiable, general amounts? A personal injury attorney can help focus on the facts that help your claim, while also working to rebut the facts that are seemingly working against you.
- Could you benefit from sound legal advice? A significant plus to hiring a personal injury attorney is the knowledge and experience you will get in applying the law to the specific facts of your case.
- Would your interests be well-served by an experienced, knowledgeable advocate? Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or arguing on your behalf in court, a personal injury attorney can advocate on your behalf.
The legal landscape can be difficult to navigate, especially when you’re dealing with your own personal recovery. To get the justice you deserve, you need an advocate on your side.
How Can The Francis Firm Help?If you have been involved in an accident, you don’t have to fight to recover from your injuries alone. Our aim is to educate you about your options so that you can protect your rights and interests against the other party and their insurance company. Michael Francis is a board-certified personal injury trial attorney. He and his firm are the experienced Texas counsel who can help you get the medical care you need and the maximum possible compensation for your injuries. The Francis Firm specializes in personal injury cases, especially those involving trucking and auto accidents, and has recovered millions of dollars for our clients. Contact The Francis Firm today to schedule your consultation.