How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve
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An accident can devastate your life. You may not be able to continue living your usual life, and medical bills can take a huge toll on your finances. Insurance companies are unlikely to be forthcoming with information during this critical time. Hiring a Chicago personal injury attorney can make all the difference when filing an accident claim. Read on to find out how an experienced personal injury attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Liability is a legal term for fault in an accident
When two drivers are involved in a collision, both parties may be considered at fault. However, the extent of each driver’s fault will affect how much compensation is awarded to the other driver. In states that recognize comparative negligence, each driver’s degree of fault will be considered. However, if neither driver is entirely to blame for the accident, each may pursue compensation if the other driver is partly to blame.
Another important concept in determining liability and fault in an auto accident is the principle of presumed negligence. Generally, a motorist who fails to wear a seatbelt is presumed negligent if he caused the accident. The law also states that a motorist must maintain a safe distance between the two cars, but this doesn’t always work. In a case like this, the injured driver may be able to argue that he assumed the risk of harm if he didn’t wear a seatbelt.
Damages are compensation for injuries caused by another person’s negligence
Damages are the compensation you receive when a person causes an injury or death due to their negligence. They can include medical expenses, property damage, and related expenses. The goal of these damages is to restore the victim to a state of health that they were in prior to the accident. Damages are also calculated according to tangible and intangible losses. Let’s look at some of the most common types of compensation.
Compensatory damages are awarded for injuries, while punitive damages are awarded for reckless and wanton actions. Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer by deterring them from doing the same thing again. The amount of punitive damages awarded depends on the legal doctrine used, but many states have a guideline that helps determine these damages. The jury will evaluate the damages based on factors such as the degree of culpability, severity of the injury, and the amount of profit the defendant stands to make from the conduct in question. They will also consider the amount of punitive damages awarded in similar cases to determine the amount of money they should award.
Mediation is a process by which personal injury attorneys negotiate settlements with insurance companies
Although most personal injury claims settle during informal negotiations, there are times when a settlement is still not possible. Whether a lawsuit is the best option or mediation is an effective option for you depends on your case. It is important to remember that both sides typically start out with a low offer. But this should not discourage you. This process is designed to help both sides reach an acceptable settlement.
During the mediation process, attorneys work to educate both parties about the insurance company’s defenses and concerns. They also seek to gain a more neutral evaluation of the case. A mediator can also offer insight on how a jury will view the case, which may be helpful for a successful settlement. After mediation, the cases are typically settled. In many cases, the parties involved must compromise.
Interviewing a personal injury attorney
Before you interview any personal injury lawyer, you should know what you are looking for in an attorney. Make a list of questions you want answered by your attorney and be prepared to ask them. If possible, you can get information online, and fill out a web form to discuss your case. When interviewing a Chicago personal injury attorney, keep in mind that you’re not the only person he or she will meet.
Listed below are a few personal injury attorneys in the Chicago area. Many of them will represent the same type of case as you. For example, one attorney may specialize in auto accidents, while another may specialize in medical malpractice. Other types of personal injury cases that an attorney may handle include medical malpractice, defective products, automobile accidents, dog bites, premises liability, and workers’ compensation. Some of these attorneys also speak Spanish and Polish.
