What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

Suppose you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence. In that case, consider hiring a personal injury lawyer to help you seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Personal injury lawyers handle various tasks to ensure their clients receive the best possible outcome in their cases.

At Ward + White, we represent your rights and defend your interests. Let’s discuss the roles and responsibilities of a personal injury lawyer and how they can help you with your injury lawsuit. Then, call us to schedule a case consultation with our personal injury law firm. We fight for accident victims and can see if we can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.

Types of Cases That Personal Injury Lawyers Handle

Many personal injury lawyers are skilled in handling extensive personal injury claims that involve injuries caused by various circumstances. Cases handled by personal injury attorneys can include, but are not limited to:

• Car accidents often result from driver negligence, mechanical failures, or hazardous road conditions and can lead to severe injuries and even fatalities.
• Truck accidents, which can be caused by many factors, such as driver fatigue, improperly loaded cargo, or inadequate maintenance, often result in devastating consequences due to the size and weight of commercial trucks.
• Motorcycle accidents, where motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries due to their lack of protection compared to occupants of other vehicles.
• Bicycle accidents, where cyclists can suffer significant injuries if they collide with motor vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles on the road.
• Pedestrian accidents can occur when a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle or injured due to poorly maintained sidewalks or other hazards.
• Slip and fall accidents result from dangerous conditions on public or private properties, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, or inadequate lighting.
• Medical malpractice is where healthcare professionals fail to provide an acceptable standard of care, leading to injury or harm to their patients.
• In nursing home abuse and neglect, elderly or disabled individuals in care facilities suffer harm due to the actions or inactions of staff members or administrators.
• Dog bites can cause severe injuries, infections, and emotional trauma, especially when the attacking animal is not properly restrained or trained.
• Wrongful death, where a person’s death is caused by the negligence or misconduct of another party, and the surviving family members seek compensation for their loss.
• Defective products, where injuries occur due to faulty design, manufacturing, or marketing of consumer products, resulting in harm to users.

Suppose you have suffered an injury in any of these incidents. In that case, an experienced personal injury attorney can provide the necessary guidance to navigate the legal process and pursue compensation for your sustained damages.

Personal Injury Lawyers Discuss the Accident With You and Advise You of Your Rights

One of the primary tasks a personal injury lawyer undertakes is discussing the specifics of your accident with you in-depth. They will attentively listen to your account of the incident, pose relevant questions, and collect information to ascertain the validity of your personal injury claim.

Once they possess a comprehensive understanding of the accident, they will inform you about your rights and the potential compensation you might be entitled to, providing you with the emotional support you need along the way.

Case Investigation and Discovery to Establish a Claim

A dedicated personal injury lawyer will meticulously investigate your claim by amassing evidence such as police reports, medical records, witness testimonies, and expert opinions.

They may also engage in the discovery process, which entails obtaining documents, conducting depositions, and requesting written answers to questions from the party at fault. This procedure aids in determining the strength and potential value of your case, ensuring a solid foundation for your claim.

Personal Injury Lawyers Handle the Insurance Company

Dealing with insurance companies can be a daunting and time-consuming endeavor. A personal injury lawyer will skillfully handle all interactions with the insurance company on your behalf, safeguarding your rights and representing your interests throughout the process.

We will care for you by freeing your time to focus on your medical recovery. Let us handle the insurance company.

Place Parties on Notice and Send Letters of Representation

A personal injury lawyer will inform the party at fault and their insurance company of your intent to pursue a claim. They will send a letter of representation, which notifies the insurance company of their involvement in your case and requests that all future communications be directed to them.

This crucial step establishes a professional boundary and ensures your case is taken seriously.

Personal Injury Lawyers Review Insurance Policies and Subrogation Rights

Your personal injury lawyer will thoroughly review all applicable insurance policies to identify the coverage available for your claim. This may encompass both your insurance policy and that of the at-fault party. In addition, they will evaluate any potential subrogation rights, which could influence the compensation you can ultimately receive.

This type of professional, compassionate care is essential during a difficult time.

Reviewing and Documenting Your Insurance Companies’ Subrogation Rights

Subrogation refers to the procedure through which an insurance company seeks to recuperate the funds it has disbursed for your claim from the party at fault or their insurer. Your personal injury lawyer will examine and document your insurance company’s subrogation rights to ensure that any potential recovery does not adversely affect your claim.

They will work tirelessly to maximize your compensation while minimizing any potential negative consequences arising from subrogation. This thorough approach will give you the best chance at obtaining the financial recovery you deserve after experiencing a personal injury.

Personal Injury Lawyers Pick Up and Arrange Testing for a Defective Product

When defective products are involved, your personal injury lawyer will play a crucial role in securing the product in question and organizing the necessary testing procedures. They will work to determine if the product was indeed defective and whether the defect directly contributed to your injuries. This process is essential for building a robust case and establishing the liability of the responsible parties.

To effectively carry out this task, your personal injury lawyer will collaborate with a network of skilled professionals specializing in product testing and analysis. They may consult materials scientists, mechanical engineers, or industry experts to gain valuable insights into the product’s design, manufacturing process, and potential flaws.

By doing so, they can identify the root cause of the defect and establish a strong connection between the defective product and the harm you suffered.

Let the Experts Handle Analyzing Potential Legal Issues

A personal injury lawyer understands the importance of working with a team of experts in various fields, such as engineering, accident reconstruction, and medical professionals, to meticulously analyze your case and identify any potential legal issues that could impact your claim. These experts can provide crucial evidence and testimony to support your case, making it more compelling and convincing in the eyes of the court or insurance companies.

For instance, an engineer may be able to pinpoint design flaws or manufacturing defects in the product. At the same time, an accident reconstructionist can recreate the incident to demonstrate how the defect led to your injuries. Medical professionals can provide a detailed assessment of your injuries, linking them to the defective product and establishing the extent of your damages.

By collaborating with these experts, your personal injury lawyer can address potential legal challenges during your claim. They can anticipate opposing arguments, prepare counterpoints, and ensure your case is as strong as possible. This comprehensive approach, backed by experts, significantly increases your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your defective product personal injury case.

Your injury attorney will be at the center of your case, handling various aspects, coordinating your team, and providing you with the care and compassion you need.

Personal Injury Lawyers Request Bills, Records, and Economic Projections

Your personal injury lawyer will gather all necessary bills, records, and economic projections for your injuries and losses. This includes medical bills, treatment records, lost wages, and future medical expenses or lost earning capacity. They will use this information to calculate the total value of your claim.

Locate Medical Experts and Request Evaluation

In many personal injury cases, it’s essential to have medical experts evaluate your injuries and provide opinions on the extent of your damages and their impact on your life.

Your personal injury lawyer will locate and work with medical experts to obtain these evaluations, which can be crucial in proving the severity of your injuries and the necessity of compensation.

Confirm PIP Tort Exceptions

In some states, personal injury protection (PIP) insurance may limit your ability to recover compensation from the at-fault party. Your personal injury lawyer will review your case and confirm if any PIP tort exceptions apply, which could allow you to seek additional compensation from the at-fault party.

Personal Injury Lawyers Prepare a Settlement Demand and Negotiate a Settlement Agreement

Once your personal injury lawyer has gathered all the necessary evidence and information, they will prepare a settlement demand. This demand outlines the damages you are seeking and the evidence supporting your claim. Your lawyer will then negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, attempting to reach a fair and reasonable settlement agreement.

Personal Injury Lawyers Protect Your Right to Recover Compensation

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or the statute of limitations for your claim is approaching, your personal injury lawyer will file a lawsuit to protect your right to recover compensation. They will represent you in court, presenting your case to a judge or jury and advocating for the compensation you deserve.

Personal Injury Lawyers File Lawsuits

Filing a lawsuit is a complex process requiring knowledge of the law and strict procedural rules. Your personal injury lawyer will handle the entire process, from drafting the complaint and serving the at-fault party to managing discovery and preparing for trial.

Participating in Alternative Dispute Resolution

In some cases, alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration, may be used to resolve your personal injury claim. Your lawyer will represent you in these proceedings, ensuring your interests are protected and working towards a favorable outcome.

Contact Our Personal Injury Attorney at Ward + White for Help With Your Injury Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you need an experienced and compassionate personal injury lawyer. At Ward + White, we are dedicated to helping our clients recover the compensation they deserve.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation. We will treat your case with compassion, supporting you as we defend your rights and provide you with the caring approach you need and deserve.