Areas of Personal Injury Law Our Lawyers Handle
The majority of accidents that result in serious injury are due to another person’s negligence. Negligence is a legal theory that describes when a person acts, or fails to act, in a manner that keeps everyone safe. Negligence is not an intentional act. Still, when someone is careless and they cause an accident that results in significant losses for another person, they can and should be held liable. Some of the most common areas of personal injury law that deal with negligence include:
- Motor vehicle accidents, which may include passenger vehicles, trucks, and motorcycles
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Premises liability accidents, including slip and falls
- Medical malpractice
- Accidents caused by defective products
- Wrongful death
Sheridan Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
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Settlement Offers from Insurance Companies
It is natural to be concerned that you will not receive any compensation through a personal injury claim. You may worry that you have to pay your medical expenses and other costs out of your own pocket. When the insurance company calls you, which they often do soon after an accident, they may make a settlement offer. It is just as natural to be excited about this offer and accept it because you are happy to receive anything at all.
Sadly, the settlement initially offered by the insurance company is likely not enough to fully cover the cost of your injuries. The insurance company is hoping that you will accept the settlement, knowing you deserve more. You should never speak to an insurance company, or accept any offer, before you speak to a Sheridan personal injury lawyer. An attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation that will fully cover the cost of your injuries.
How Can a Sheridan Personal Injury Lawyer Help with Your Case?
You are never required to work with a Sheridan personal injury lawyer when filing your claim. However, studies have shown that accident victims receive significantly more compensation when they work with an attorney. When working on your claim, a lawyer will:
- Conduct a full investigation to determine how your accident occurred
- Collect evidence during the investigation that corroborates your claim so you have a better chance of a successful outcome
- Accurately value your claim depending on the losses you sustained
- Identify the liable party and send them a demand letter, informing them that you are pursuing a claim and the total amount of compensation you are asking for
- Negotiate aggressively with the liable party or the insurance company covering them
- Represent you at trial, although this is rarely necessary
Although it is always recommended that you work with an attorney when filing any personal injury claim, there are times when legal advice is particularly useful. If your injuries are very serious, for example, the insurance company will fight back against you even harder because they do not want to pay the compensation you deserve. An attorney will push back against the insurer and make sure that your claim is filed properly, even if you do not have the capacity to do so yourself.
You should also always contact an attorney if someone is claiming that you were partly at fault for the accident. These arguments can be disastrous to your claim and result in less compensation, or none at all. A lawyer will know which evidence to present to show you are not to blame, while also creating a strong case against the liable party.
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503-546-3167
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