Accidents happen at the most inconvenient times and strike without warning. While most accidents are not difficult to resolve, those involving serious injuries can take months or even years to complete. The following is a brief overview of how personal injury law may be able to help you seek monetary compensation for your accident related expenses and if you can sue the at-fault party more than once for your injuries.
Accident Types
Personal injury law covers a variety of accidents that lead to injury and mounting medical bills. The most common types of accidents leading to lawsuit filings in the U.S. are:
- Motor vehicle crashes
- Pedestrian incidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle crashes
- Medical malpractice
- Birth injuries
- Dog attacks
- Commercial vehicle incidents
- Product liability cases
Accident Related Injuries
Accident related injuries can vary greatly, depending on the type of accident that occurred and the force of impact. The most commonly reported injuries in personal injury cases include:
- Broken bones
- Closed head injuries
- Spinal cord fractures
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Paralysis
- Compound fractures
- Disfigurement
Proving Liability
The success of any personal injury case depends on the plaintiff’s ability to prove the at-fault party was negligent and caused the accident. Because this can be difficult in some cases, it is best to have an attorney working to protect your interests.
Can You Sue the Same Person Twice?
It is important to be as thorough as possible when you bring a lawsuit against someone who injured you. Be sure to provide a local or personal injury lawyer residents trust with your medical records, accident reports and receipts for out of pocket expenses at the time of filing. In most states, an injured person cannot sue the same defendant twice for the same accident so it is critical to get it right the first time.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
If you are considering bringing a lawsuit against someone, it is essential to hire a lawyer. While many people worry that they cannot afford legal counsel, most lawyers who practice personal injury law work on a contingency basis. This means you do not pay your lawyer unless you win a monetary settlement. The majority of lawyers provide the first consultation at no cost, so you have nothing to lose.
What Damages Might I Win?
Every case is different, but some of the most typical damages awarded in personal injury cases are:
- Lost wages
- Cost of medical care
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Therapy fees
- Price of ongoing medical care
If you have been injured in an accident, it is important to speak with a lawyer to discuss your options. This is important even if you feel your injuries are not serious. It is better to be prepared in the event your condition worsens because you only get one chance to obtain a settlement.