Documents Needed for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

 

 

Proper documentation and evidence are critical in any personal injury claim. Being prepared before filing your claim can help make the process less stressful, but it can be confusing to know what is required to prove your claim. These are some examples of documents you may need to help your accident injury lawyer get started on your case.

Reports from Police and other First Responders

When you’re involved in an accident, it’s always a good idea to call 911 or your local law enforcement agency. Police reports, fire department reports and EMT reports are valuable pieces of evidence that can back up the facts of your personal injury claim. In addition to first responders’ observations, these reports sometimes contain witness statements that may be vital to proving your case.

Incident Reports

If you were injured at a business, construction site or another property, a manager or supervisor may create an incident report. If possible, you should obtain a copy of any type of accident-related report before you leave the scene.

Witness Statements

Written or recorded witness statements serve multiple purposes. Documentation of witnesses’ observations, while they are fresh, can provide compelling evidence of how an accident or injury occurred. Witness statements may offer important details that help accident reconstructionists determine what happened. Gathering witness statements and contact information right away may also prevent them from forgetting or changing their story later on.

Bills and Receipts

Even the best personal injury lawyers need quantifiable proof of your losses and damages to put an accurate value on your claim. Make sure to keep all of your bills and receipts for medical costs and any other accident-related expenses. Medical reports, records, or explanations of benefits should also be saved. You may also be able to recover compensation for travel expenses to and from medical appointments, so make sure to give these to your attorney as well.

Proof of Lost Wages

Paystubs, W-2 information, work schedules and other employment-related information help prove wage loss and can be important evidence when demonstrating loss of future income and earning capacity.

Insurance Information

Insurance companies are usually involved in most personal injury claims. If you are the victim of a motor vehicle crash, make sure to obtain the insurance information of everyone involved. Your car accident lawyer will also want your auto insurance policy information. Depending on the type of case, you may need a negligent party’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance information. Keep any correspondence you receive from any insurance provider, even your own.

Your Notes and Journal

Jotting down notes immediately following an accident can help document critical details you may forget later. In addition, keeping a journal documenting your injuries, daily level of pain, feelings, appointments, and day-to-day activities can paint a picture of how your life has been impacted. Your attorney can use this information to establish the physical, emotional, and financial costs of your injuries and losses.

If you need assistance gathering documents for a personal injury claim, contact an attorney to learn more.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/documents-needed-for-filing-a-personal-injury-lawsuit/

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How to Determine If You Have a Wrongful Death Claim

 

 

Regardless of how it happens, losing a loved one is never easy. When someone is responsible for another person’s death, certain family members or a deceased person’s estate may be able to bring a wrongful death claim against them. But how do you know whether you have a viable claim? The best personal injury lawyers know which specific factors to consider when determining whether a client may have a valid claim. Understanding these elements can help you make an informed decision about pursuing a wrongful death claim.

Was the Death Caused by Negligence?

It goes without saying that someone must have passed-away for a wrongful death claim to be considered. The major element that must be proven is whether their death was caused by negligence. To prove this, three factors must be taken into account:

Duty of care—you must show that the defendant owed a duty of care to the deceased victim. For example, all motorists have a legal obligation to obey traffic laws to keep themselves and others safe on the road.

Breach of duty of care—this means that the defendant failed to act reasonably, which caused them to breach their duty of care. For instance, if someone gets behind the wheel while they are intoxicated, they are breaching their duty of care.

Breach of duty of care led to the victim’s death—you must also prove that the defendant’s breach of duty of care led directly to a victim’s death. If the drunk driver in the scenario mentioned above ran a stop sign and t-boned another car, causing the death of someone inside, they may be liable for damages.

Although proving that negligence caused a victim’s death may seem straightforward in such examples, it can be challenging. That is why it’s vital to have an experienced car accident lawyer evaluate your case if your loved one was killed in a motor vehicle crash.

What is Your Relationship to the Victim?

In some states, a deceased victim’s spouse, children or parents can file a wrongful death claim directly. In others, the administrator of a victim’s estate must file the claim. If the victim died without a will or did not name an administrator for their estate, one will be appointed by the court.

When Did the Death Occur?

Each state also has its own statute of limitations for how long a family member or estate has to file a wrongful death claim. In many states, the time limit is two years from the date of death. However, there are exceptions and statues of limitations vary by state.

Have You Suffered Losses Due to Your Loved One’s Death?

To be awarded damages, you must also show that you suffered losses or expenses as a result of your loved one’s death. Wrongful death damages may include the future earning capacity of the victim, loss of companionship, love, and guidance, funeral and burial costs, and other damages. Quantifying some of these losses can be challenging, so having a seasoned accident or injury lawyer determine the value of your claim is critical to recovering the maximum compensation to which you may be entitled.

Have you lost a loved one in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence?? Contact a wrongful death attorney to learn more.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/how-to-determine-if-you-have-a-wrongful-death-claim/

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Bicycle Accident Claim Compensation – How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

 

Did you know more than 45,000 bicyclists are injured or killed each year by collisions with motorcycles? Riding a bicycle can be great for your health and is a cost-effective option to get around. As bicyclists often share the road with motorcyclists, there is a potential for serious accidents and injuries. Unlike the occupants of other vehicles, bicyclists do not have protection surrounding them and may sustain injuries such as broken bones, spine injuries, disfigurement, brain injury, and more. Different types of bicycle accidents and injuries are caused by distracted driving, drowsy driving, speeding, lane switching, running red lights, failure to yield, driving while impaired, and more.

If you are injured in a bicycle accident caused by a third party, you are eligible to get compensation for property damage, personal injuries, pain, and suffering. A good injury lawyer who understands how to accurately value your claim and fights can help your recover the compensation you need.

Perks of Hiring an Accident Attorney

When you or your loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, it’s difficult for you to figure out who is at fault on your own. Moreover, dealing with insurance adjusters is also tricky as they are always looking out for the best interests of the insurer. Hiring the best accident attorney helps you find out the accurate value on the cost of future medical bills, future wage and income loss, pain and suffering, and other damages. They are experienced and know how to prove negligence, value your claim, protect your interests, and get the compensation you deserve. In addition to this, a car accident lawyer will identify all possible sources of compensation and handle all of the legwork necessary to pursue maximum compensation for you.

They help you in,

- Accident investigation

- Collecting evidence

- Discussing the scope and severity of injuries

- Negotiation and more

A good injury lawyer will help you during the insurance process and help you obtain the maximum compensation from an insurance company. They file a claim that covers all of your accident-related losses to increase the success of your claim. They collect as much evidence of your accident losses to support your claim and minimize the chances of the insurance company blaming you. Moreover, they will also advise you when a settlement offer is inadequate and reject it. If the insurance company refuses to offer you the full amount of your compensation, your accident lawyer will know when to pursue compensation through court proceedings.

The Bottom Line

Are you involved in a bicycle accident? Hire an experienced injury lawyer to evaluate your claim and give you a fair idea of the true value of your claim.

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How to Recover Compensation When a Hit and Run Driver Cannot Be Found

 

 

Although leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in most jurisdictions, hit and run crashes are all too common. According to research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, since 2006 there has been an average of 682,000 hit and run accidents in the United States each year. Sometimes negligent motorists can be found, but what happens if you are the victim of a hit and run driver who can’t be tracked-down? A car accident lawyer can help you figure out your options, which may include recovering compensation for your injuries and property damage from your own auto insurance policy.

Ways to Recover Compensation after a Hit and Run

There are several ways you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, damage to your vehicle, and other losses. The best personal injury lawyers recommend that drivers carry more than the minimum Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist (UI/M) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. In addition, you should always carry adequate amounts of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance as well. Although these add-ons are required in some states, purchasing the minimum amount of coverage required may not even cover all your medical bills, let alone repairs and other accident-related expenses. Paying a few more dollars a month for your car insurance is well worth the cost.

However, just because you have insurance doesn’t mean that you’ll automatically be covered. You must show proof of the accident and your damages, so it is critical to call police after a hit and run crash. They may be able to find the negligent driver and a police report providing valuable documentation that gives proof of what happened. It is also important to keep all medical bills, receipts and any other evidence that may back up your claim for damages.

If you don’t have insurance coverage or your insurer denies your claim, check and see if your state has a victim’s fund to help cover costs. Your health insurance may also pay for all or a portion of accident-related medical bills.

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Unfortunately, insurance companies are in the business of making money and their top priority is the bottom line. Even if you provide proof of the accident and your damages, an insurer may try to minimize or deny your claim. An experienced accident or injury lawyer can evaluate your case and review your auto insurance policy to determine exactly which accident-related damages you may be entitled to receive. In addition to conducting an investigation to try and find a hit and run driver, your lawyer will handle negotiations with your insurer and fight to help you recover the maximum compensation you need and deserve to protect your health and financial security.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit and run driver, you don’t have to go it alone. Contact an accident attorney to schedule a free case evaluation and find out your options for recovery.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/how-to-recover-compensation-when-a-hit-and-run-driver-cannot-be-found/

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Personal Injury Terminology That You Should Know

 

 

When you or a loved one suffers an injury due to someone else’s negligence, understanding the personal injury claims process is vital. Although the best accident attorneys will guide you through your claim from start to finish, knowing basic legal terminology can be helpful.

Plaintiff – The plaintiff is the party who brings a civil lawsuit against an individual or entity in a personal injury claim. The injured victim is typically the plaintiff in a personal injury case.

Defendant – The defendant is the at-fault party or entity that the plaintiff is suing. In some personal injury cases, there may be more than one defendant.

Tort –Personal injury and wrongful death claims are based on tort law. A tort is a negligent or wrongful act that causes harm to another person. An intentional tort typically involves a deliberate act that causes injury, such as assault.

Duty of care – In certain situations, a person or entity has an obligation to protect themselves and others from harm. For example, a supermarket has a duty of care to keep the entrance free of ice, snow, debris, and other hazards that could cause someone to trip, slip or fall. In medical malpractice cases, the duty of care is often known as the standard of care, which means a medical professional’s conduct is compared to the accepted standard for their specialty or industry.

Negligence – Negligence is a vital element of most personal injury claims, negligence and occurs when a party or entity fails to take proper care. To successfully recover compensation in a personal injury lawsuit, you must prove negligence, which can be challenging. Experienced accident injury lawyers know how to prove all four elements of negligence:

- That the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff;

- That the defendant failed to meet that duty;

- That the defendant’s failure caused harm to the plaintiff; and

- That the plaintiff suffered injury, damages, or losses as a result.

Damages – There are two basic types of damages in personal injury cases. Damages are meant to “make the plaintiff whole,” or return them to the state they were in before an accident or injury. Economic damages are quantifiable and include medical bills, wage loss, property damage, and other accident-related expenses. It is more difficult to put a dollar amount on non-economic damages like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and emotional distress.

In rare cases, a court may award punitive damages, which are not meant to make a plaintiff whole, but to punish the defendant for particularly outrageous or egregious conduct and deter them and others from committing similar acts.

Statute of limitations – Each state places a time limit on how long a plaintiff has to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Although they vary from state to state, typically statutes of limitations for personal injury claims range from two to four years from the date of the injury.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of terms that are useful to know when filing a personal injury claim. To learn more about personal injury terminology, contact an injury lawyer.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/personal-injury-terminology-that-you-should-know/

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How Truck Accidents are Different from Car accidents When it Comes to Injury Cases

 

Being involved in any motor vehicle accident can be traumatic, but when it involves a tractor-trailer or another large commercial truck, the consequences can be life-altering. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a crash involving an 18-wheeler, an experienced car accident attorney can help you understand how your personal injury or wrongful death claim may differ from those that only involve passenger vehicles.

Truck Accidents Often Cause More Serious Damage and Injury

Because of their large size and weight, tractor-trailers often cause accidents that result in significant property damage, catastrophic injury and death. In cases where multiple vehicles are involved, the human cost of a crash may be even higher. Victims of truck accidents may suffer injuries such as:

- Head, neck and back injuries

- Spinal injuries that result in paralysis

- Traumatic brain injury

- Broken or crushed bones

- Amputation

- Disfigurement

- Organ damage

These types of injuries often require lifelong medical care and can significantly diminish your quality of life. Although no amount of money can change what happened, a good injury lawyer can put an accurate value on your claim and help to ensure you recover the maximum compensation you need and deserve to protect your health and financial future.

Truck Accidents Claims are Complex

Tractor-trailer accident claims are multifaceted. It is critical to collect and preserve valuable evidence as soon as possible. A trucking company may send investigators and insurance company representatives to the scene right away. Do not give a statement or sign anything from an insurance adjuster without talking to a car accident attorney first. Their priority is always the bottom line—even your own insurance company may not be looking out for your best interests.

Although it may be tempting to accept the first settlement offer, you may be unaware of the extent of your injuries and the long-term impact they may have on your life. Trucking companies and other businesses often have liability insurance policies that reach into the multi-millions. In addition, multiple parties may be liable for damages in a truck accident claim, including the trucking company, truck driver, maintenance company, truck manufacturer, or parts manufacturer.

An experienced attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and help you pursue all possible avenues of compensation. It is important to hire a lawyer who is familiar with the laws and regulations put forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), which oversees standards and rules for owners and drivers of commercial vehicles.

Collection of Evidence May Be More Extensive

Truck accident cases require the collection and review of additional evidence that is not typically necessary in car accident claims. In addition to photographs, witness statements, and police reports, the best accident lawyers gather evidence such as:

- The truck driver’s training and driving record

- Truck maintenance records

- The truck driver’s medical records

- Results of any drug and alcohol testing

- The vehicle operator’s log, which contains valuable information like the number of hours driven, breaks and stops

- The “black box recorder” from the truck, which documents GPS, engine and other travel data

- Cell phone records

Legal teams also work with accident reconstructionists and other professionals who can provide vital expert witness testimony to back up your claim.

If you have been hurt in a tractor-trailer accident, seeking the counsel of a skilled Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer can help protect your rights and recover fair compensation.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/how-truck-accidents-are-different-from-car-accidents-when-it-comes-to-injury-cases/

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Receiving Fair Compensation for Injuries Suffered in a Bicycle Accident

 

Riding a bicycle is a convenient, affordable way to get around and can be great for your health, too. However, because bicyclists often share the road with motor vehicles, there is also potential for serious accidents and injuries. A bike accident can be life changing, and if a motorist or another party is responsible for causing injury, they may be liable for damages. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, it is critical to find a top accident attorney who understands how to accurately value your claim and fights to help you recover the full and fair compensation you need.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents and Injuries

Even the most cautious cyclist can be hurt in an accident caused by a negligent driver. These types of crashes are often caused by:

- Distracted driving

- Drowsy driving

- Drivers crowding cyclists or following too closely

- Speeding

- Lane switching or weaving through traffic

- Running red lights, stop signs or ignoring other traffic signals

- Failure to yield

- Driving while impaired

Because bicyclists do not have protection surrounding them like occupants of other vehicles do, they may sustain injuries such as broken bones, road rash, cuts and lacerations, head, neck and spine injuries, amputation, disfigurement and traumatic brain injury. These types of conditions can have long-term physical, emotional and financial consequences for victims and their families.

Pursuing Compensation after a Bicycle Accident

There are many reasons why it is important to seek the counsel of an attorney if you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident. Figuring-out who may be liable and proving fault is challenging to do on your own, especially when you’re hurt and trying to recover. Dealing with insurance adjusters can be tricky, as they are looking-out for the best interests of the insurer, not you or your family. They do whatever they can to offer minimal settlement amounts or deny claims altogether.

Unless you are familiar with how personal injury claims work, it is extremely difficult to put an accurate value on the cost of future medical bills, future wage and income loss, pain and suffering, and other damages. Insurance companies know this and will not hesitate to take advantage of your inexperience if they can. The best car accident lawyers understand how to prove negligence, fight to protect your interests and accurately value your claim.

In addition, extensive investigation is usually required in bike accident cases. Multiple parties may be liable for damages, and you may be entitled to pursue compensation from your own auto insurance policy if you have one. An attorney will determine all possible sources of compensation and handle all of the legwork necessary to pursue maximum compensation for you, including:

- Investigating the accident

- Collecting evidence

- Employing the knowledge of accident experts

- Discussing the scope and severity of your injuries with your medical providers and how they have affected your life

- Negotiating with all insurers

- Taking your case to trial if necessary

Most bike accident lawyers offer free initial case evaluations, so you really have nothing to lose. Contact an attorney to learn more.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/receiving-fair-compensation-for-injuries-suffered-in-a-bicycle-accident/

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