Frequently Asked Questions

A personal injury claim is valued based on the following factors: (a) Liability - Who was at fault for the accident; (b) Causation: Did the accident cause the injuries alleged; and (c) Injuries: What are the injuries sustained. Injuries can be physical, psychological, and/or economic. Proving your injuries will require proof of medical treatment and/or economic loss. If needed, your lawyer will retain experts to help prove your damages.

Yes. In our collective experience, an insurance company will not pay the full claim value to someone who is not represented by an attorney.

We evaluate our Partner Firms for: communication, professionalism, availability, sincerity, approachability, and record of success. Only the firms that we feel are the best to handle your claim make the cut. Some of the metrics we look at to assess a firm's ability to handle your claim are: (a) average settlement value, (b) win rate, and (c) time from inquiry to settlement.

Each claim is different and needs to be assessed on the facts specific to your case. The value of your case will depend on whether the other party is 100% at fault (or not) and the extent of your injuries. Injuries are tough to value immediately following an accident, as we don't yet know whether the injury you sustained will be temporary (lower settlement value) or permanent (higher settlement value). Regardless, the value of your claim will be directly tied to the treatment you receive, as this is how a lawyer proves that you were actually injured. If you were injured, it's imperative you seek the treatment you need. \"Toughing it out\" will only diminish the value of your claim.

The statute of limitations for filing a motor vehicle accident claim varies by state. In most states, you have two to three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, deadlines may be shorter for claims involving government entities or insurance disputes. Speaking with a car accident attorney as soon as possible ensures you don’t miss critical deadlines.

A lawyer quickly gathers and preserves evidence to strengthen your case. They can secure traffic camera footage, subpoena phone records to prove distracted driving, and work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze the crash. They also obtain medical records to connect your injuries to the accident, interview witnesses, and review insurance policies to ensure you get the maximum compensation.

Insurance coverage plays a significant role in your accident claim. Depending on your policy and coverage types, different aspects of your damages may be covered. Lawfty's attorneys can review your insurance policy, guide you through the claims process, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you likely have a valid accident claim. Your eligibility depends on key factors such as liability, which requires proving that another driver was at fault, and the extent of your injuries and damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Insurance coverage also plays a role—whether the at-fault party has insurance or if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Even if you're uncertain about fault or the severity of your injuries, consulting a car accident lawyer can help. An attorney can assess your case, gather evidence, and explain your legal options. Don’t wait—deadlines apply, and acting quickly can strengthen your claim.

Most people will never need a personal injury lawyer. By advertising, personal injury lawyers hope that when you do need their services you remember them. This is why personal injury attorneys have created jingles and outlandish commercials. They hope is that by being memorable, you'll call them over their competition.

Determining fault in a car accident involves examining various factors such as traffic laws, evidence from the scene, witness statements, and analysis. Insurance companies, police reports, and legal professionals play a role in determining fault. If you're facing a dispute over fault or need assistance with the process, Lawfty's skilled lawyers can help navigate the complexities and protect your rights.

First, check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Move to safety if possible, but never leave the scene. Call the police and file an official accident report as it’s crucial for your claim. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, document the scene with photos and gather witness details. Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention because some injuries appear later. Before speaking to the insurance company, call a car accident lawyer. If you're unsure about the legal steps, reach out to Lawfty's experienced accident lawyers for guidance tailored to your situation, or read our guide on What to do immediately after a motor vehicle accident.

Yes, you may still be eligible for compensation even if the driver responsible fled the scene. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and damages. It’s important to report the accident to the police immediately and notify your insurer. Lawfty’s attorneys can help you understand your coverage and explore all legal options for securing compensation.

Insurance coverage plays a significant role in your accident claim. Depending on your policy and coverage types, different aspects of your damages may be covered. Lawfty's knowledgeable attorneys can review your insurance policy, guide you through the claims process, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

In our opinion, this is a bad idea. While the legal profession doesn't technically have specialties, you're better off with an attorney that exclusively practices personal injury. We think this is akin to seeking medical help --> You wouldn't have a podiatrist perform plastic surgery, or trust a dermatologist to deliver your baby. Likewise, we think you'd be best served seeking assistance from an attorney that focuses almost exclusively on personal injury-related cases.

You want a personal injury attorney that is going to be honest with you. It is a red flag if the attorney trying to sell you on their services promises a quick and/or large settlement. Neither of these can be promised with a great degree of certainty shortly following your accident.

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners to ensure a safe environment for visitors. If you're injured due to hazardous conditions like uneven walkways, poor lighting, or inadequate security, you may have a premises liability claim. Lawfty's experienced attorneys can assess your situation, gather evidence, and determine if you have a valid case.

Seek medical attention immediately, document the scene with photos, and report the incident to the property owner or manager. Obtain witness contacts if possible. If you're injured due to negligence, contact Lawfty's skilled premises liability lawyers. We can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and navigate the legal process.

Yes, you can file a claim if your slip and fall accident was caused by the property owner's negligence. Document the scene, seek medical attention, and preserve any evidence of hazardous conditions. Lawfty's legal team can assist you in determining liability, gathering evidence, and pursuing fair compensation for your injuries.

In our opinion, this is a bad idea. While the legal profession doesn't technically have specialties, you're better off with an attorney that exclusively practices personal injury. We think this is akin to seeking medical help --> You wouldn't have a podiatrist perform plastic surgery, or trust a dermatologist to deliver your baby. Likewise, we think you'd be best served seeking assistance from an attorney that focuses almost exclusively on personal injury-related cases.

You want a personal injury attorney that is going to be honest with you. It is a red flag if the attorney trying to sell you on their services promises a quick and/or large settlement. Neither of these can be promised with a great degree of certainty shortly following your accident.

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners to ensure a safe environment for visitors. If you're injured due to hazardous conditions like uneven walkways, poor lighting, or inadequate security, you may have a premises liability claim. Lawfty's experienced attorneys can assess your situation, gather evidence, and determine if you have a valid case.

Seek medical attention immediately, document the scene with photos, and report the incident to the property owner or manager. Obtain witness contacts if possible. If you're injured due to negligence, contact Lawfty's skilled premises liability lawyers. We can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, and navigate the legal process.

Yes, you can file a claim if your slip and fall accident was caused by the property owner's negligence. Document the scene, seek medical attention, and preserve any evidence of hazardous conditions. Lawfty's legal team can assist you in determining liability, gathering evidence, and pursuing fair compensation for your injuries.

A personal injury settlement is effectively a contract entered into between you and the defendant to settle the claims that you've brought against them. Per this contract, the defendant will pay you money in exchange for releasing them from any further lawsuits. When you enter a settlement agreement it's important you're comfortable with the amount recovered because in all likelihood this is the only opportunity you will have to bring your claim against the defendant. In other words, you will not be able to sue the defendant again for the same accident.

Too often attorneys will exclusively define a "serious personal injury" as a claim involving catastrophic injuries. While claims of this nature are most definitely serious, they are not the only type of serious claims. In our opinion, if your life has been negatively impacted by your accident, it is a serious personal injury claim that deserves the full-throated attention of a quality personal injury lawyer.

Assault involves intentionally causing fear of imminent harm or unwanted physical contact. It can be verbal threats or actual physical harm. If you've experienced assault, Lawfty's assault lawyers can help you understand your legal options for seeking justice.

Yes, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, pain and suffering, and more. It's important to gather evidence, such as witnesses and medical reports. Lawfty's legal experts can guide you through the process of building a strong case.

Yes, you can pursue a civil lawsuit for damages even if criminal charges are filed. The standards of proof differ between criminal and civil cases. Lawfty's assault attorneys can help you explore your options for seeking compensation.

Personal injury claims generally involve bodily harm to an individual caused by someone else's negligence. The most common types of claims are: Auto accidents, injuries sustained on someone else's property (premises liability/slip and falls), dog bites, medical malpractice, workman's compensation, injuries from faulty products, and assault.

Not every case goes to court. In fact, the majority of cases will settle prior to a lawsuit ever being filed. Nailing down the exact percent is difficult, but based on our data approximately 70% of cases will settle before a lawsuit is filed. Of the 30-40% that get filed in court, nearly all will settle before going to trial. People don't realize this, but less than 5% of cases actually go to trial. The actual percentages noted above will vary based on the state where your accident occurred and the firm that handles your case.

Seek medical attention immediately, even for seemingly minor bites. Gather information about the animal and its owner, if possible. Animal bite cases can involve medical bills, infections, and emotional distress. Lawfty's legal team can help you understand your rights.

Yes, if the animal's owner was negligent in controlling the animal, you may have a case for seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. Lawfty's animal bite attorneys can assist you in determining liability.

Not always. Liability depends on factors like the animal's history, the circumstances of the bite, and local laws. Lawfty's experienced legal team can evaluate your case and advise you on a better course of action.

In cases involving stray animals, liability can be more complex. Depending on the jurisdiction, you may still have options for seeking compensation. Lawfty's animal bite lawyers can help you navigate the legal landscape.

No. There are good attorneys and bad attorneys. There are attorneys that settle on the cheap and attorneys that look to get full value for every client. There are attorneys that like to handle a large volume of cases and attorneys that prefer only handling a few big cases.

Maybe. However, it will come at the expense of how much your lawyer can settle your case for. Insurance companies are always looking to settle cases on the cheap. If you have a good case, the insurance company will gladly settle for less than the case is worth. However, to get full settlement value your lawyer will need to gather all of the evidence and put every piece of your case together to get full value. This takes time and cannot be sped up. If you're in need of money, you should speak with your lawyer about the possibility of taking a loan against your case. This is very expensive money to borrow and should be considered carefully, but it may be better than settling your case for less than its worth.

The statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases varies by state and circumstance. Generally, you have a limited time to file a claim after discovering the injury. It's crucial to act quickly. Lawfty's legal team can advise you on the specific deadlines in your case.

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional's negligence leads to patient harm. This can include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, and more. Lawfty's medical malpractice lawyers can help you determine if you have a valid claim.

You may be eligible for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The exact damages depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life. Lawfty's medical malpractice attorneys will fight to secure the compensation you deserve.

To prove medical malpractice, you need to establish that the healthcare provider breached their duty of care, causing you harm. This often involves showing that their actions deviated from accepted medical standards. Lawfty's legal experts can help gather evidence and build a strong case.

Yes. You can switch lawyers. However, this becomes increasingly more difficult as your case gets older. If you're unhappy with your attorney, we suggest switching sooner rather than later. The reason it becomes more difficult is related to the fact personal injury attorneys work on contingency. If you switch attorneys, your prior attorney will have a lien against your case (which is for payment for services rendered). This means that the new attorney will have to pay them a piece of the legal fee if/when the case gets resolved. The more work an attorney puts in the greater the fee they will be entitled. The greater the fee your prior attorney is entitled to, the less money the new attorney can make. This will make a new attorney hesitant to take your case.

This is a possibility. Whether you can get a loan will depend on the facts of your case. Most law firms have relationships with a lender that will make this type of loan. That said, be careful. Most of these lending companies charge anywhere between 2% to 3% per month (24% to 36% per year). At 36% per year, this means that a $10,000 loan will accrue more than $3,600 of interest in the first year. If your case is outstanding for a long time, this loan could significantly reduce the amount of money you're entitled to at settlement, as the loan company will be entitled to payment out of your settlement proceeds.

SSDI is a federal program providing financial assistance to individuals who are disabled and unable to work. To qualify, you must have a sufficient work history and meet the Social Security Administration's disability criteria. Lawfty can assist you in navigating the application process.

Yes, but there are limitations. Social Security has specific rules for "substantial gainful activity" (SGA). Earning above this threshold can impact your SSDI eligibility. Lawfty can provide guidance on how to navigate work while receiving benefits.

SSDI is for individuals with a qualifying work history who become disabled. SSI is a need-based program for disabled individuals with limited income and resources. Both provide financial support, but eligibility criteria differ. Lawfty can help determine which program suits your situation.

Applying for SSDI involves completing an application and providing medical and work history records. The process can be complex, and many initial applications are denied. Lawfty's legal team can guide you through the application, appeals, and hearings process to improve your chances of success.

There's an old law school saying: If the facts are on your side argue the facts. If the law is on your side argue the law. If neither is on your side yell until you get your way. You want a lawyer that is smart, thoughtful, and aggressive when necessary. Bluster alone will not win your case.

Trial experience is important. There are a lot of attorneys that have never tried a case before a jury. The best firm for your claim will have attorneys that can argue your case before a jury if it becomes necessary.

Product liability involves holding manufacturers, distributors, and sellers accountable for dangerous or defective products that cause harm. If you've been injured by a faulty product, Lawfty's product liability attorneys can guide you in pursuing a claim.

Defects can be in design, manufacturing, or marketing. Examples include design flaws that make a product unsafe, manufacturing errors that cause defects, or inadequate warnings about potential risks. Lawfty can help you assess your situation.

Yes, you can pursue a claim even if the product has been recalled. Recalls indicate that the product is dangerous, which strengthens your case. Lawfty's product liability lawyers can assist you in seeking compensation for injuries caused by recalled products.

You'll need evidence of the defect, your injuries, and the product's connection to your injuries. This can include medical records, photos, the product itself, and any documentation. Lawfty's legal team can help you gather the necessary evidence for a strong case.

It's important to keep your expectations in check. Personal injury claims can take a long time to resolve. During the lifecycle of your case, there will be periods where you need to speak with your attorney often and there will be times when limited communication is enough. Regardless, your attorney should keep you updated as to what's happening with your case and whether increased or limited communication is necessary for the phase your case is currently in.

Personal injury claims vary greatly in how long they take to resolve. This will depend on the facts of your case. Based on our data, cases can take anywhere from one to five years to settle with the average being two years.

If you're facing harassment at work, document the incidents and report them to your employer's HR department. If the issue isn't resolved, you may have legal options. Lawfty's employment lawyers can help you navigate the steps to address workplace harassment.

Workplace discrimination involves treating employees unfairly due to factors like race, gender, religion, or disability. If you've experienced discrimination, Lawfty's employment attorneys can guide you through the process of addressing it legally.

You may have grounds for a wrongful termination lawsuit if your firing violated laws, employment contracts, or public policy. Lawfty's legal experts can help you evaluate your situation and determine if you have a valid claim.

Employment law covers legal rights and obligations in the workplace. It includes issues such as discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, wage disputes, and more. Lawfty's employment lawyers can assist you in understanding and protecting your rights.