When Do You Need A Personal Injury Lawyer: A Guide For Accident Victims

Published on: 09 March 2024 Last Updated on: 19 March 2024

Accidents are unexpected and traumatic events that can have far-reaching consequences for those involved.

But if you are involved in a serious accident and it has left you with severe injuries, you might wonder if it would be worth hiring an attorney.

Thus, you would need an injury lawyer in every situation, but there are a few exceptional cases where you might suffer a severe injury. Hence, it might be best to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer.

To mitigate your situation, you can contact an injury lawyer in Grand Rapids, as they will be able to give you the best advice.

In this article, you will discover when and where you would need a personal injury lawyer.

When Do You Need A Personal Injury Lawyer?

Many accident victims hire lawyers to assist them and navigate the steps of filing their claims. However, you might need to decide when to hire a lawyer after having an accident or whether you need legal assistance.

Hence, you do not have to meet specific criteria to hire an injury attorney after an accident. Thus, here is a list of situations when you need to hire a personal injury lawyer.

1. When You Have Significant Injuries

In recent days, the number of car accidents has increased to a significant level. The reports published by the WHO claim that the number of annual road traffic deaths has risen to 1.19 million.

If you have experienced a serious injury from a car accident, then you are likely to face hefty medical bills. Thus, you would need an attorney to mitigate this situation.

Hence, the personal injury lawyer will help you fill out the proper forms in order to receive your medical bills covered.

Similarly, auto accidents that produce injuries can warrant legal action against the defendants for compensation. Having legal assistance from the beginning can help you anticipate the best way to proceed after your serious car accident.

2. Your Accident Includes Different Parties

When an accident involves different parties, it becomes complex. Some countries follow a contributory negligence policy that permits insurance companies to assign a percentage of faults to all parties in an accident.

As a result, you need to hire a personal injury attorney to make sure you understand which insurance company to file your claims.

Therefore, car accident attorneys have extensive experience navigating various car accident cases.

Hence, hire an attorney to help you understand the procedure for filing an insurance claim. Moreover, they will communicate on your behalf with the insurance adjuster and all parties involved.

3. No Cooperation From Insurance Company

When you file for a claim with the at-fault party insurance company, you should be provided with payments to cover the accident expense without any issue.

Thus, the insurance company is in the business of incurring money. Moreover, they need to offer more payouts or even deny the claim outright to save money.

However, if the insurance company is not cooperating, you might need an attorney to negotiate for a higher offer and a wrongful claim denial.

4. Planning To Take Legal Actions

If you plan to take legal action against the at-fault driver or their insurance company, you need a personal injury lawyer.

Thus, if the insurance company completely cooperates with your claim, then at-fault driver’s insurance coverage might not be enough to cover your expenses.

On the other hand, you might want to pursue non-economic damages, for instance:

Emotional distress.
Pain and suffering.
Loss of enjoyment of life.

Thus, with the help of a lawsuit, you can seek compensation beyond what you might qualify for through an insurance claim.

Furthermore, you need a professional car accident attorney to guide you through the legal process, present you at the court, and help you gather the right evidence.

5. Difficulty In Compensation Claims

If you have difficulty receiving your claims, a personal injury attorney will help you obtain them.

However, you might feel stressed, traumatized, and overwhelmed when you file your claims or even talk about your accident. Thus, the professional will help you mitigate the situation and maximize your compensation. The attorney will determine for which you are entitled to make claims.

This will make sure that you are not taking advantage of the person held responsible. In return, you are offered a fair amount for your loss and suffering.

Hence, an attorney can take this burden off your shoulders, thereby assisting you move forward.

6. Difficulty In Carrying Out Details

Evidence plays a huge part in personal injury cases. Thus, when you face an injury, you must prove negligence and the duty of care.

However, personal injury lawyers are aware of this and will help you take your time to work with the evidence.

Moreover, in other cases, you can hire a lawyer to work with an accident reconstruction professional to help you establish a strong case.

Therefore, as a part of the investigation process, the lawyer will help you meet the eyewitness, gather surveillance camera feeds, and make sure the desired outcomes are met.

List Of Cases Personal Injury Lawyer Handle

Personal injury lawyer deals with a variety of cases.

Here is a list of some of the most frequent cases we deal with:

During a motor vehicle accident. It can involve a car, boat, motorcycle, and other vehicle.
During a wrongful death. It might be a traumatic situation, but a lawyer will help you receive compensation for many things.
Slip and fall accident.
Birth injuries. This situation can be traumatic for the families, and if it is due to a negligent mistake, then the family is entitled to compensation.
During a dog or animal bite. This accident can be more serious than a person might expect.

Hire A Personal Injury Attorney Today

Thus, we suggest you get an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure that your claim is as strong as possible.

This is because the greater the evidence against the negligent party, the greater the chance of receiving a settlement.

So, appoint a lawyer quickly, as they can help you gather the evidence before it gets lost. Similarly, the lawyer will help you set settlements with an insurance company.

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Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

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How To Fight For Your Inheritance In Case Of An Unfair Will

Suppose one person has two children. And both the children are expecting they will inherit an equal part of the property that their parents have. But the final testament will reveal that one of the two children gets the majority. At this point, the other child, who has got the minority party, may feel that the inheritance was unfair. The person can initiate a procedure to content the will. And in order to do so, anyone will need to consult with inheritance lawyers. How To Challenge? But one also needs to keep in mind that just because the person feels the will is unfair, he or she can not challenge a will. There are some strictly defined parameters set, as per that one can commence contesting a will. Let’s get an idea about those parameters. 1. The Will Lacks Validity: Under this very provision, one needs to establish a fact before the court of law. And the fact is, the deceased was in no condition or position of physically or mentally or both to understand and after that agree with the terms and conditions that are mentioned in the will. So, the deceased person was either coerced or tricked into making the offerings. 2. The Property Was Owned Jointly: In case the deceased person jointly owned the property, then the other party of the property will continue to enjoy the very ownership of the property as per the contract. And this is also making the other party eligible for challenging the will in case it grants ownership to someone else. 3. The Execution Of The Will Have Not Complied With The Law: This provision allows the appellant a chance to prove that the execution of the will did not follow the laws of the lands that lay down some specifics on the basis of how a will has to be witnessed and signed. And in order to do that, you will need a good inheritance lawyer in North Carolina. 4. The Will Is An Act Of Forgery: Here, an appellant has to prove in front of the court that the will was created fraudulently, or the sign of the deceased that is present on the will was crafted through forgery or also received under false pretense. Who Can Challenge? After we know the grounds on which one can challenge a will. The next question is Who can challenge the will in the court? In case you are one of the named beneficiaries in the will, you can challenge. And in order to do so, you need an inheritance lawyer in North Carolina. There is also another intestate succession law, which spells out inheritance rules in case there is no valid will. You also can challenge, if as per the law, you would inherit. So, this means that in case there are no surviving spouses or any direct descendants, even distant relatives can challenge a will. There is another condition when you might challenge the will. In case you are the beneficiary of the prior version of the will, that will become a valid one in case the court ruled the current version of the will invalid. In order to avoid such challenges, the copies of the prior version are destroyed most of the time. Alternatives That You Can Try: Before you challenge the will in the court, you can meet the executor and ask about the doubt you are having with the will. In case the person is able to make you understand it properly, then you may feel that you are not being cheated or need to go to court. Before you meet the executor, you can hire an inheritance attorney and consult along with all the legal papers and emails that you have sent to your family members and the executor. The person will assist you with them and also make sure you do not miss the deadline. Conclusion: With the help of a qualified inheritance lawyer in North Carolina, you can challenge a will in case you are fulfilling any of the mentioned conditions. The attorney will also let you know about some additional laws in case there are any. Read Also: 6 Reasons to Hire an Immigration Attorney (Not a Consultant) 5 Ways A Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help You In Your Case Hiring The Services Of A Legal Eagle

Understanding The California License Points System

Points are assigned for accidents and traffic tickets. The revocation or suspension of some or all of your driving privileges can take place if you receive a particular number of points within a certain period, depending on the violation you committed. If you speed, run a red light, or do any other moving crime, you will get points. As a driver in the state, you need to understand the system regarding California points on your license, as it is very important to maintain a clean driving record and keep your insurance premiums in check. By exploring how points are assigned, the consequences of their accumulation, and the options for point removal, you can equip yourself with the knowledge needed to proactively manage your driving privileges. How Points are Assigned When you violate traffic laws in California, points are assigned to your driving record based on the severity of the offense. Minor infractions typically result in one point being added to your record. These can include speeding, running a stop sign, or making an illegal U-turn. More serious violations, like reckless driving or driving under the influence, can lead to two points or more being assigned. The number of points you accumulate within a certain time frame can have consequences such as license suspension or increased insurance premiums. It is important to note that receiving too many points within a specific period can result in harsh penalties. For example, if you accumulate four points in just 12 months, six points in 24 months, or eight points in 36 months, your license may be suspended. Being mindful of the points system and driving responsibly can help you maintain a clean driving record and avoid potential repercussions. Consequences of Accumulating Points Accumulating points on your California driving record can lead to various consequences, including license suspension and increased insurance premiums. If you accumulate 4 points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months, or 8 points in 36 months, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may suspend your license. Driving with a suspended license can result in further penalties and fines if caught. Insurance companies often review driving records when policies are up for renewal. With points on your record, you may face increased insurance premiums or even have your coverage dropped altogether. Drive safely and avoid accumulating points to maintain a clean driving record. Remember, points stay on your record for 3 to 7 years, depending on the violation. Being mindful of your driving habits can help you steer clear of these consequences and keep your driving privileges intact. Point Removal and Reduction Options To improve your driving record in California, you can explore various options for removing or reducing points accumulated due to traffic violations. One way to reduce points is by attending traffic school. By completing a state-approved traffic school course, you may be eligible to have one point removed from your record. This option is available once every 18 months. Another method to reduce points is through a 'Negligent Operator Treatment System' (NOTS) hearing. During this hearing, you can present your case and potentially have points reduced or removed. If you maintain a clean driving record for a certain period, points can also be automatically reduced. For instance, one point is typically deducted after driving for one year without any additional violations. It's necessary to understand these options and take proactive steps to improve your driving record and avoid potential consequences such as license suspension or increased insurance premiums. Impact on Auto Insurance Rates Reducing points on your driving record in California can positively impact your auto insurance rates. Points on your record signal to insurance companies that you may pose a higher risk on the road, potentially leading to increased premiums. By maintaining a clean driving record, free of points or with reduced points, you demonstrate to insurers that you're a responsible driver, which can result in lower insurance costs. Insurance providers often review your driving record when determining your rates. Having fewer points can lead to discounts or better offers, as it shows that you're less likely to be involved in accidents or commit traffic violations. Some insurance companies offer specific programs for drivers with good records, allowing them to save even more on their premiums. By taking steps to reduce the points on your California driving record, such as attending traffic school or driving violation-free for a certain period, you can potentially enjoy savings on your auto insurance rates. It's a proactive approach that not only improves your driving record but also benefits your wallet. Tips for Avoiding License Points To maintain a clean driving record in California, follow these practical tips to avoid accumulating license points: (1) Always obey traffic laws and signs. This includes following speed limits, stopping at red lights, and using turn signals consistently. (2) Stay focused while driving. Avoid distractions like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio. Keeping your full attention on the road can prevent careless mistakes. (3) Be mindful of road conditions and adjust your driving accordingly. This means slowing down in adverse weather or heavy traffic to reduce the risk of accidents. (4) Maintain your vehicle properly to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to violations. Regularly check your brakes, tires, lights, and signals to ensure they're in good working order. (5) If you receive a traffic ticket, consider attending traffic school to prevent points from appearing on your record. By following these tips, you can steer clear of accumulating license points and maintain a clean driving history. Conclusion Understanding the California license points system is highly important in maintaining a clean driving record. By knowing how points are assigned, the consequences of accumulating points, and options for removal and reduction. You can avoid potential penalties and higher insurance rates. Remember to drive safely, follow all traffic laws, and stay informed about your points to keep your license in good standing. Read Also: The Evolution Of Braking Systems In Modern Vehicles: A Leap Towards Preventing Rear-End Collisions 7 Important Car Driving Safety Tips You Should Not Skip! Are Trucks Safer To Drive Than Cars?

Road Mishaps That Requires A lawyer!!!

We, the intellectually advanced species, need law and order to be able to co-exist with one another. Like the popular saying denotes: "where there is no law, there is no offence." So when Road Mishaps That Requires A lawyer! This makes the law the pillar and backbone of every social structure and integration. But because individuals craft the law, It makes it almost impossible to be 100% perfect. There are always going to be imperfections or loopholes within the frame of the law. These loopholes within the law are not readily visible to a layman. For you to be able to find such imperfections within the legal system, you would have to undergo specific stringent years of training and experience from a good legal chamber like Jurewitz Law Group. For this singular reason and many more are why the professional insights and guidance of an attorney are indispensable. Apart from the fact that lawyers are well-grounded in the knowledge of the law, they also play a very necessary and crucial role in helping us to settle disputes or conflicts. Their usefulness doesn't stop there. They also help in guiding you into implementing fail-safe measures in the advent of litigations against you. Still-on what lawyers can do for us---they can help in creating contracts in such a way that your interests are not only covered but at the same time solidify the validity of that contract. When lawyers act as a witness to a deal or contract, it becomes difficult for people to easily swindle you out of that deal as opposed to when you just sign a contract without any form of legal authority. For the sake of this article, though, we are going to be focusing on situations and events that may warrant the need for an excellent attorney. Such incidents include but are not limited to:- Hit and Run accidents: The implications and complexities of a hit and run case can pose to be a very daunting and traumatic experience. This is especially true because of the magnitude of injuries that might be sustained during the whole process. Now, this is where an accident lawyer comes in, because of your physical and mental condition, it will be extensively difficult to track down all necessary information and possibly make depositions that you might need to build and make your case. If during an accident, the liable person is present and identifiable, then it is easy to bring a lawsuit against the responsible person---persons, for damages. But if the situation were to be the other way round, in which case the liable party runs off and couldn't be identified. Then the victim will have to go through a lot of hurdles to get any form of compensation. But with an accident lawyer at your arsenal, you will stand a better chance of receiving a hefty form of compensation. Transportation Network Accidents: What do we mean by transportation network company? Well, they are transport companies like Uber and Grab that interface between passengers and drivers at a fair and moderate price. Now traditional, taxi, cab or limousine service companies make their drivers go through rigorous vetting processes. Not only that, these companies make sure their drivers take out insurance policies that protect the driver as well as their passengers. And in the event of an accident, a victim can pursue and recover compensations from the insurance companies. But for most transportation network companies, their drivers usually don't undergo cumbersome screening processes like taxi and limousine companies. Not only that, companies like Uber exempt themselves from any legal obligation by claiming that their job is only to facilitate fares between passengers and drivers. And therefore are not liable to any responsibility in the event of an accident. Pedestrians Accidents Pedestrians are prone to all kinds of accidents ranging from motorcycles, cars and even truck accidents, which can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. And as such, compensations are required for injured victims or family members in cases that involve the loss of life. But the challenge is usually that insurance companies will try to persuade or force you into an early settlement because they want to pay you a meagre amount as compared to what should be a fair payment. That is why an accident lawyer is needed to tenaciously fight for you, in negotiating a reasonable compensation that is in equilibrium with the magnitude of the injury sustained during the accident. Dangerous road condition accidents: We live in a world where nature takes its toll on any artificial structure we put in place. This invariably translates to the fact that the road conditions will be acted upon by the force of nature. Now when an accident is caused by a person, it is usually very easy to get compensation from the liable person or party. But when it is caused by road conditions that are as a result of negligence by a certain arm of government responsible for the proper maintenance of the road. It becomes very cumbersome to get any form of benefits, as the bureaucracy involved when dealing with the government is much. But with the help of an accident lawyer who knows how to manoeuvre such barriers, it becomes easy to get a fair recompense. In conclusion, with all we have written above, it is crystal clear that accident attorneys are just about the most important factor or key needed in surmounting all the technicalities that may arise after an accident. Read Also: How To Choose A Personal Injury Lawyer Atlanta Law Experts: Know About Back Injuries Compensation Motorcycle Accident Attorney: Questions To Ask When You’re In An Accident Expert Advice: 5 Crucial Things To Do Immediately After An Automobile Accident

When Do You Need A Personal Injury Lawyer: A Guide For Accident Victims