If you are seriously injured as a result of another party’s negligence, from a car or truck crash, or due to an unsafe or dangerous condition, a personal injury lawyer should be consulted. The personal injury attorney can investigate and evaluate whether there is a claim for negligence and damages.
Following a car crash there are many issues that need to considered, including an investigation of who may be at fault, determining insurance coverage, including liability, commercial coverage, underinsurance, uninsured motorist policies that may apply.
The attorney may advise that the injured party should not give a statement to the adverse party’s insurance company. Liability witness statements may be needed. The involvement of an accident reconstructionist may be helpful to determine speeds of the vehicle, and the perception, reaction times of the negligent driver.
Legal representation is critical in getting medical records and evaluating the nature and extent of the injuries sustained, future care.
Each person’s claim is unique and different. Many factors are considered, what are the injuries, how long have the symptoms or disability lasted, are there permanent injuries? How have the injuries affected the injured person’s activities, employment, marital, or family life? How have the injuries affected the person’s enjoyment and quality of life?
What are the claims for lost income, loss of earning capacity, since the crash, and the future? What are the medical bills since the collision, and for the future?
If permanent injuries are sustained a life care planner and economist may need to be retained to project future damages. The life care planner will assess the injured party’s medical condition and future medical needs, and prepare a plan setting forth future needs and costs, and future wage loss. An economist can arrive at the present value of future medical expenses and lost income.
Settling a personal injury claim too soon, before sufficient information is obtained about the nature and extent of injuries sustained and future treatment, can be very costly. When a personal injury claim is settled the signing of a release is required. No further compensation for damages is payable, the settlement is final.
An experienced attorney, like a personal injury lawyer Phoenix, AZ relies on, will be able to assess the approximate value of the case, the likely costs to pursue the case in court, and the potential results if the case goes to arbitration or trial.
The other party’s insurance company is interested in settling a legitimate claim for the least amount it can. Speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer should take place as soon as possible to investigate and evaluate the case, and to help ensure the possibility of a fair and reasonable settlement.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from the Law Office of Paul Englander, PLC for their insight into personal injury practice.
