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 Choose The Best Construction Accident Lawyers In The United States?

As the world’s need for more buildings, infrastructure, shopping centers, and energy multiply, the construction industry is trying to step up its performance. In other words, in the last few decades, construction has emerged as one of the key drivers of the economy, providing employment and livelihood to millions. However, the construction industry has been plagued by a lot of problems. Scholars, activists, and legal experts have pointed out that the construction industry suffers from- Poor payment to the workers Hazardous working conditions No Injury or Life Insurance Unregulated Working Conditions Illegal Occupation of Workers In this article, we are going to shed light on one key aspect of the industry- the need for personal injury lawyers and law firms to help defend the rights of the workers. Why Construction Sites Are Dangerous And Accident Prone? If you have ever been to a construction site, the first thing that you are likely going to notice is the huge machines. Cranes, trucks, dumpers, forklifts, drillers, etc. are all big, mechanical, and heavy. The slightest error can lead to multiple injuries or even death. Accidents at construction sites are very common. Given the serious nature of the injuries that can be sustained at construction sites, expensive medical bills are a given. Many workers are under the impression that their injuries can be covered by workers’ Construction companies hire workers that have dubious legal status. This means that even if they are injured at the construction site, they would not be able to push for a lawsuit or claim compensation. This leads to a lot of exploitation and the promotion of unsafe working conditions at construction sites. Workers’ compensation is always designed in a way that protects the business and puts the workers at the sympathy of minimal settlements and poor claims redressal. All the above six points make construction sites a very dangerous place to work. In the following section, we are going to look at how you can select the best construction site accident law firm. 5 Things To Check Before You Hire A Construction Site Accident Law Firm 1. Years Of Experience Fighting a case against a big construction company is no easy feat. In fact. Construction companies employ some of the best lawyers on their team. This is why you need to hire a construction accident law firm that has good years of experience. Experience both in matters of settlements as well as in terms of the time spent during Court Trials in front of a judge. 2. Success Rate and Compensation Secured If the construction accident law firm has several years of experience under its belt, it will have some record numbers to show. The best law firms that specialize in such cases can boast of generating settlements worth billions of dollars for their clients. Pick an attorney that has a success rate of over 75% in all his or her injury cases. 3. Dealing With Various Stakeholders If you have suffered an injury at a construction site, you would be requiring immediate medical attention. A good construction site accident lawyer deals with everyone from the hospital to the insurance authorities and the opposing party. This is essential as timely intervention can be the only thing that can help get compensation and allow for complete medical recovery. 4. Great At Networking With The Authorities As we have already pointed out, construction companies are million-dollar entities that employ some of the best attorneys. This is why you need legal counsel that is great at networking with legal representatives, court officials, public prosecutors, and the police. This kind of networking can prove to be invaluable when it comes to winning such cases. 5. Good At Evidence Gathering A lot depends on collecting and presenting the right kind of evidence when building a case. This is why the best construction accident law firms work with their private investigators to collect evidence. In most situations, the task of collecting evidence can be a very difficult one. A lot of skill, expertise, and discipline is required in the face of adversity. The Final Word By following all the above points as mentioned in the article, you will be able to ensure that you can get the best construction site accident lawyer for your case. As compared to other kinds of personal injury lawsuits, construction accidents tend to be far more serious. If you would like us to share more information on the same, let us know in the comments section below. We will request our experts to answer as many of them as possible. More Resources: 6 Reasons you need a Divorce Lawyer Tips To Choose The Best Lawyer In Your Country 5 Tips To Help You Choose The Best Car Accident Lawyers In 2021

Bail Bonds: What You Should Know

Paying bail bonds are not as simple as it seems. Knowing and having the right understanding of how these work, how it is determined, what the payment methods are, and other important issues are very important for anybody who is facing an arrest or who has an arrested loved one. There are several questions asked online to shed light and find out what bail bonds are all about which you may also have, click here to find out the answers. What is Bail? It is a term to describe the release of a person arrested for a criminal offense before the end of the criminal case. It can involve - but not every time - the defendant paying money to a court; this is not a punishment. It ensures the court that the defendant returns to the court now and then while the case is ongoing. It ensures the court that the defendant does not fail to go to court without having to keep him in custody all the time. Bails are significant in both ends – the arrested and the authorities. It ensures that people, no matter if they have a case at court, are free and, also, it avoids having to jam-pack jails with offenders, while have not been convicted yet. With it, offenders can be released almost in any stage of the criminal justice process, either immediately after arrest or while the case is ongoing and the court has not issued a sentence yet. This means that if someone gets arrested, three possible scenarios can come to place: he is arrested and released without charge; he is arrested, charged, and released on bail; or he is arrested, charged and is held in custody until the verdict of the case comes out. Schedule of Bails This is a list of the amount of money applied to individual crimes and can be paid in terms of bails. State laws determine the amount appropriated for a crime, and they decide whether the arrested individual be released without posting any bond at all or if the individual is allowed to post any or not; or if allowed to post bail, should it be posted (and individual is released with it) after booking or should they wait for a hearing. If the state laws allow for immediate release after the appropriate amount is paid, the defendant can post this immediately and release will follow. But if the state law requires a hearing, the defendant will not be able to pay immediately after booking and be released, instead, he will have to wait for the hearing to ensure before anything else. Hearings During a hearing, the court would determine the amount applicably. However, courts do not always allow this; they can also deny it according to applicable state laws. If allowed, the amount will be determined using the following factors as a basis: Flight Risk Level: Sometimes defendants would escape the system especially when they are facing possible major sentences such as death or life imprisonment. These defendants are most likely to flee and escape the penalties. Degree of Connections to the Community: An individual who has a strong connection to the community where he belongs would be less likely to flee. For example, a defendant who has a business in his locality or whose entire family is in that locality, he will have a lesser likelihood of fleeing compared to individuals who have nothing to lose in that locality. Obligations in the Family: Sometimes the court will consider and require lesser bail to defendants who are responsible for the well-being of his family or who have other dependents. Assets and Incomes: When a defendant has a lot of money and/or assets, he may likely not be considered for a low amount. If the defendant is employed, the court may consider that the defendant may likely lose the employment. Court and Criminal Histories of Defendants: Especially individuals who have had histories involving failures to appear in court will most likely have to face higher bonds compared to those who are first-timers in court. Also, the court would look into the number of times a person may have been granted bail and have violated conditions related to the given considerations or who have failed to appear in court. The court will most likely impose higher bond amounts to these individuals as compared to someone without such history. The gravity of the Crime: More serious crimes require higher bonds and lesser serious crimes require lower bond amounts. Public Safety: If the release of an accused individual would pose a risk to the safety of others and/or the community, the courts would most likely refuse to allow bail. Examples for these are cases of treason, rebellion, terrorism, or conspiracy - a defendant charged with these crimes would most likely not be allowed to post bail. The Types of Bail Bonds Most of the time bail bonds are associated with money. The notion is that when one is arrested and he has the money, he can get out of jail immediately. However, it is more complicated than that. There are several questions asked online to shed light and know what bail bonds are all about which you may also have. Different states may have different types of bails, some may apply to another and in others, it may not. The different types may include cash bonds, signature bonds, property bonds, surety bonds, and others. Read Also: Under What Circumstances Can You Bring a Claim Against an Employer? Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident that wasn't My Fault?

California Lemon Law: Can You Get Your Kia Optima Repurchased?

Owning a car is a significant investment, and experiencing recurring problems with your Kia Optima can be frustrating and financially draining. If you're a California resident facing this situation, you might find solace in the California Kia Optima Lemon Law. Under certain circumstances, this consumer protection law offers a potential solution for repurchasing your faulty vehicle by the manufacturer, Kia Motors America, including the Kia Lemon Law buyback. Understanding the California Lemon Law: The California Lemon Law, also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, safeguards consumers who purchase or lease new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles in California with a manufacturer's warranty. The law defines a "lemon" as a vehicle with: A substantial defect: This defect must significantly impact the vehicle's use, value, or safety. Common Kia Optima issues reported by owners include: Failed repair attempts: You must have documented evidence of taking your Kia Optima to an authorized Kia dealership for repair attempts. This typically means four attempts for the same issue or eight repair attempts for any combination of covered defects. Engine problems (e.g., stalling, excessive oil consumption) Transmission issues (e.g., slipping gears, grinding noises) Electrical problems (e.g., malfunctioning lights, power window issues) Infotainment system malfunctions (e.g., freezing, unresponsive touchscreen) Identifying the Signs: Is Your Kia Optima a Lemon? While the California Lemon Law defines specific criteria for a "lemon," you might also be wondering if your specific situation aligns with the spirit of the law. Here are some questions to help you assess the situation: Persistence of the Issue: Has the same problem persisted for an extended period despite multiple repair attempts at an authorized Kia dealership? This typically exceeds 30 days out of service or four repair attempts for the same issue. Impact on Usability and Safety: Does the defect significantly hinder your ability to safely and reliably use your Kia Optima? This could involve limitations in functionality, creating safety concerns, or excessive inconvenience. Value Reduction: Has the defect significantly reduced the value of your Kia Optima compared to a similar vehicle without the issue? This substantial financial loss can be a potential indicator of a lemon. If you answer "yes" to any of these questions, it's advisable to consult with a California lemon law attorney. They can assess your situation in detail and determine if your Kia Optima qualifies under the Lemon Law, guiding you through the legal process if necessary. Does Your Kia Optima Qualify as a Lemon? Unfortunately, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Determining if your Kia Optima qualifies under the Lemon Law depends on the specifics of your situation. Here are some key factors to consider: The nature of the defect: The defect must be substantial and significantly impact the vehicle's use, value, or safety. While the list above provides examples, it's not exhaustive. Repair attempts: You must have documented proof of taking your vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership, with details of the reported defects and the repairs performed. Lemon Law deadlines: California has specific deadlines for filing a lemon law claim. Failing to meet these deadlines can significantly impact your case. It's crucial to consult with a California lemon law attorney or the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) to understand the applicable timeframes for your situation. What to Do if You Think Your Kia Optima is a Lemon: If you believe your Kia Optima might qualify as a lemon under California law, here are the recommended steps: Gather all relevant documentation: This includes your vehicle purchase or lease agreement, service records detailing the repair attempts, and any communication you've had with Kia regarding the repairs. Contact the Kia manufacturer: Attempt to resolve the issue directly with Kia Motors America by filing a formal complaint and outlining your concerns. While not mandatory, this step shows good faith and may potentially lead to a resolution without legal involvement. Seek legal advice: Consulting with a qualified California lemon law attorney is crucial. They can: Evaluate your case: They can assess the specifics of your situation and determine whether your Kia Optima qualifies under the Lemon Law. Advise you on your legal options: Depending on your situation, this might involve pursuing a repurchase, replacement, or monetary compensation from Kia. Handle communication with Kia on your behalf: An experienced Kia defect lawyer can handle all communication and negotiations with Kia, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process. Conclusion If you're facing ongoing issues with your Kia Optima and are unsure about your rights under the California Lemon Law, seeking guidance from a qualified legal professional is imperative. They can provide crucial legal advice, evaluate your case, and help you navigate the process effectively. Remember, this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Consulting with a qualified attorney is essential to determine your rights and legal options under the California Lemon Law. 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When Do You Need A Personal Injury Lawyer: A Guide For Accident Victims