Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Cases
Get the Anti-Lawyer Lawyer on your side
If you’ve been hurt in a personal injury accident, you may not be sure what to do next. The accident was caused because someone was negligent. Who is going to pay your medical bills? Can you file a lawsuit? You probably have a lot of questions. If you were injured in Gilbert or anywhere in Maricopa County, attorney Byron Browne can get you answers.
At Browne Law Group, we know that an injury can impact your life in many ways. You’re in pain. There are medical expenses to pay, but you may not be able to work. This can lead to financial stress. All you want is fair compensation. All the insurance company wants is to pay you as little as possible.
Here are some common questions people have about personal injury claims:
- What is a personal injury?
- Can I file a lawsuit?
- Do I need a lawyer for a personal injury claim?
- How can I prove that someone’s negligence caused my injury?
- How much is my personal injury case worth?
- What types of compensation can I recover?
- Should I accept a settlement offer?
- Will I have to go to court?
- Do I have to talk to the insurance company?
- How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Our firm builds strong cases that insurance companies have to take seriously. If you’ve been hurt in a personal injury accident, you should know where you stand. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. Byron Browne can go over the details of your accident and discuss your legal options for recovering compensation.
A personal injury is a legal term that refers to any physical, financial, or emotional harm suffered by a person as a result of someone else’s negligence. These cases usually involve accidents in which one person’s actions – or failure to act – led to the injury or harm of the other person. Examples of personal injury cases include car accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, and premises liability claims.
Can I file a lawsuit?
Yes. If you were hurt in a personal injury accident caused by negligence, you have the right to file a lawsuit to seek compensation for damages you suffered. But it’s important to follow the process for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Arizona. An experienced attorney can go over your legal options and file all the necessary paperwork for filing your lawsuit. Byron Browne can guide you through the process every step of the way and keep you updated on the progress of your case.
Do I need a lawyer for a personal injury claim?
You are not required to have a lawyer. But you will likely be dealing with the insurance company for the negligent party, and they will have lawyers. Insurance companies handle claims every day and they have the advantage. There are many different tactics they use to try to pay you less – or even nothing at all. At Browne Law Group, we fight back against insurance company attempts to minimize your injuries. We’re committed to helping you recover maximum compensation.
How can I prove that someone’s negligence caused my injury?
A personal injury attorney will have the resources to investigate your accident. Our legal team gathers evidence such as any photos or video, as well as any relevant business records. We carefully review any police reports and other documentation, and interview witnesses. If needed, experts can be consulted to determine how the accident happened. Our firm builds a strong case that proves negligence led to your injury. Then we demand the compensation you deserve.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
Each case is different. The value of your case will depend on many factors: the type and severity of your injuries, whether or not you suffered any permanent damage, the strength of the case, and insurance policy limits. Byron Browne can determine the total amount of damages that you suffered in the accident and give you a better idea of how much compensation you can reasonably expect to recover.
What types of compensation can I recover?
In a personal injury lawsuit, the types of compensation that can be recovered will depend on your situation. But in general, victims in personal injury accidents can recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses – This includes compensation for past, current, and future medical bills related to the injury. Expenses may include hospitalization, surgery, doctor’s visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, and assistive devices.
- Lost wages – If the injury caused you to miss work, you can seek compensation for the income that was lost.
- Pain and suffering – This refers to physical and emotional distress a person suffered as a result of the injury.
There may be other damages that apply to your case. A lawyer can discuss your damage during a free consultation.
Should I accept a settlement offer?
In an effort to resolve a personal injury lawsuit, it’s common for insurance companies to offer a settlement. This may happen soon after the accident. They may promise quick payment. At this time, you may still be in pain. Medical expenses are adding up fast and are leading to financial stress. It can be very tempting to accept the settlement offer. But their offer will fall far short of covering all the damages you suffered. The insurance company is trying to save themselves some money. Always get legal advice before accepting any offer to settle your claim.
Will I have to go to court?
Most personal injury cases end up being settled out of court. But it is possible that your case will go to trial. If it does, you may be required to appear in court. A lawyer can discuss your options for recovering compensation and keep you updated on the progress of your case. If your case does go to trial, we can let you know what to expect and explain how the process works.
Do I have to talk to the insurance company?
The insurance company representing the at-fault party in your accident may contact you. They may want to ask you a few questions or ask you to make a recorded statement describing what happened. You do not have to talk to them. Their goal is to try to get you to say something that can be used against you. If you are contacted by the other party’s insurance company, politely decline their requests. Explain that you would like to get legal advice first. Then talk to a lawyer.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
In Arizona, the statute of limitations for taking legal action is two years from the date of your injury. That sounds like you have plenty of time to think about whether or not to sue. But waiting too long is not a good idea. Delays can make it more difficult to prove your case. Over time, evidence can be lost or destroyed. Witnesses may forget important details about what happened. It’s in your best interests to get legal advice as soon as possible. Byron Browne can discuss your case with you and go over your legal options.