Personal injury cases aren’t as straightforward as one might think. It’s easy to assume that if you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, then you are awarded compensation for your damages.
However, there are many things to consider and do before you reach that point. Contacting a personal injury lawyer is one of the first things you should do if you are involved in an accident because they can help you get the compensation that you deserve. Here are five things to know about personal injury cases!
Your Injuries Are Not Enough to Pursue a Personal Injury Case
Suppose you were involved in an accident that resulted in several injuries. In that case, you should file a personal injury claim. However, you must consider that this isn’t enough to win your case.
In a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to prove liability and damages to have a valid claim. When it comes to liability, you need to prove the following points:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care
- They breached this duty of care
- You suffered injuries and losses because of the breach
In your claim, you will need to gather evidence to prove that the other party caused your injuries. You can do this by taking photos of the accident scene, writing down the contact information of eyewitnesses, and gathering police and medical reports. With a personal injury lawyer by your side, they might even hire other experts to reconstruct the accident scene and prove your claim.
Many Personal Injury Cases Settle Out of Court
Some people might choose not to pursue a personal injury claim because they don’t want to go through court proceedings that take some time. However, you should know that most personal injury cases never reach the trial phase as they are settled beforehand.
To settle out of court, you will need an attorney by your side. A personal injury lawyer will build your case and negotiate on your behalf. The at-fault party, whether they are responsible for a slip and fall, auto accident, or workplace accident, will likely be willing to settle the issue outside of court when your lawyer presents them with your case.
You can issue a lawsuit if the defense doesn’t agree to a settlement. Your lawyer will be able to let you know if the offer is reasonable or not and advise you on the best course of action.
You Can Receive Compensation For Your Physical and Emotional Injuries
Many people wrongfully believe that they should seek compensation only for their physical injuries in a personal injury case. However, with a good lawyer, you can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages.
This means that you might receive compensation, not just for your medical bills, property damage, and lost wages, but also for emotional anguish, PTSD, depression, pain and suffering, and other emotional issues resulting from the accident.
Be honest with your lawyer and tell them exactly what you are going through, physically and emotionally. They will use this information and fight for your case to reward you for the damages you are entitled to.
You are Entitled to More Money Than You Think
It’s easy to assume that any offer you receive from an insurance company after your accident is fair. However, you have to remember that insurance companies are businesses and might not offer adequate compensation for your injuries.
In personal injury cases, your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive the best possible compensation, whether through a settlement or a court reward..
Personal Injury Cases Have a Time Limit
While you may think you can pursue a personal injury case at any given point in time, there is actually a legal timeframe you must follow. All states have different statutes of limitations on personal injury cases or other legal issues.
When it comes to Georgia, you can file a personal injury case up to two years from the date of the injury. If you miss this deadline, you might not be able to receive any compensation for your injuries. There might be some exceptions, but the best way to tell is to consult a personal injury lawyer and present your case. They will be able to assist you.
