Motor vehicle collisions and premises accidents typically occur when other motorists and premises owners behave in a negligent, reckless, or unreasonable manner under the circumstances. If you recently suffered injuries in an auto accident or premises accident that a negligent individual or entity caused, you need to consult with a personal injury lawyer in your area right away. Ideally, you want a lawyer who routinely handles personal injury cases and takes them to litigation proceedings, like trials and binding arbitration hearings, on a regular basis. You also want a lawyer who has a strong track record of success and who is ethical.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can handle every step of the settlement negotiation or litigation processes for you, better enabling you to maximize your total compensation award and become whole again after your accident.
You can begin your search online or through recommendations from trusted people who have used personal injury lawyers in Edmonton. Schedule free consultations to get to know lawyers and determine who will be the best fit for your case.
Qualities of a Good Personal Injury Lawyer
In general, a good personal injury lawyer needs specific qualities to help individuals who have suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence. When searching for a good personal injury lawyer, you can look to various sources, including online reviews, family members or friends, or a local bar association. Some of the most important qualities to look for during your search include the following:
- First, empathy is crucial. A personal injury lawyer must understand and feel for the pain and suffering of their clients. This helps them to build a strong connection and work passionately to get the best outcomes for individuals who have suffered harm at the hands of others.
- Secondly, good communication skills are essential. Lawyers need to explain complex legal matters in a way that their clients can understand. This includes keeping clients informed about their cases, explaining legal jargon, and making sure everyone is on the same page.
- Thirdly, a personal injury lawyer must be knowledgeable about the law. They need to understand the intricacies of personal injury cases, including the relevant rules and regulations. This experience allows them to navigate the legal system efficiently and advocate effectively for their clients.
- Being organized is another important quality. Personal injury cases involve a significant amount of paperwork, deadlines, and details. A lawyer who is well-organized can keep track of all the necessary information, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks and jeopardizes the case.
- Negotiation skills are also vital. Many personal injury cases are settled through negotiations outside of court. A skilled lawyer can advocate for their client’s best interests, negotiating with insurance companies or opposing parties to secure fair compensation without going through a lengthy trial.
- Persistence is another important quality. Personal injury cases can take significant time, and challenges may arise along the way. A persistent lawyer won’t give up easily and will continue to work hard for their clients despite the obstacles that may arise.
- Finally, integrity is essential. A trustworthy personal injury lawyer acts with honesty and transparency. They provide realistic expectations, avoid making false promises, and prioritize their clients’ best interests over their own.
In general, a good personal injury lawyer combines empathy, communication skills, legal knowledge, organization, negotiation skills, persistence, and integrity. These qualities help them effectively represent and support individuals who have suffered injuries due to others’ negligence.
How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Assist with My Case?
A personal injury lawyer can be a crucial ally when you’re making a claim or filing a lawsuit due to someone else’s negligence. Some of the most important ways that they can help include:
- First, a personal injury lawyer will listen to your story and assess the details of your case. They can then gather information about the accident, your injuries, and any related medical treatments. This thorough understanding allows them to determine if you have a valid claim and how strong it may be.
- Once your lawyer establishes that you have a case, they will navigate the legal process. This involves filing necessary paperwork, meeting deadlines, and ensuring that all documentation is in order. Legal procedures can be complex, but a personal injury lawyer is there to guide you through each step, making sure you don’t miss any crucial details or deadlines.
- One of the essential roles of a good personal injury lawyer is negotiating with insurance companies. Throughout the proceedings, your lawyer can aggressively advocate for fair compensation on your behalf. Insurance companies may try to offer you less money than you deserve, but a skilled lawyer will know how to assess the true value of your claim and push for a settlement that adequately covers your losses.
- If settlement negotiations don’t lead to a satisfactory resolution, your lawyer can take your case to court. They will prepare a strong legal strategy, present evidence, and argue your case in front of a judge and jury. Going to court is a significant step, but having a knowledgeable lawyer by your side ensures that you are well-represented – and increases your chances of a favourable trial outcome.
- Throughout the process, your personal injury lawyer will keep you informed about the progress of your case. They can explain confusing legal jargon, answer your questions, and provide you with guidance on the best course of action for proceeding forward.
In essence, a personal injury lawyer acts as your legal advocate, helping you navigate the complexities of a claim or lawsuit resulting from someone else’s negligence. Their experience ensures that you have the best possible chance of receiving fair compensation for your accident-related injuries and losses.
How do Car Crashes and Premises Accidents Usually Happen?
Car accidents and premises accidents often occur because of someone else’s negligence. Negligence means not being careful or responsible, and when people don’t use the proper amount of care, accidents can happen.
Many times, drivers don’t pay sufficient attention while operating their vehicles on area roadways. They may be texting, talking on the phone, listening to loud music, or daydreaming. When drivers do not focus their full attention on the road, they can miss important signs, signals, or other vehicles, leading to accidents. Speeding is another serious problem since driving too fast makes it harder to react quickly if something unexpected occurs on the road.
At other times, car accidents happen because of mechanical issues that were preventable with regular maintenance. If a driver neglects to check their brakes, tires, or other essential parts, it increases the chances of a breakdown or accident.
On the other hand, premises accidents occur when an individual suffers injuries on someone else’s property. Property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe for visitors. In this context, negligence can mean not fixing hazards like slippery floors, broken stairs, or uneven walkways. When property owners fail to address these issues, visitors are at risk of tripping, slipping, or falling.
In some cases, premises accidents happen because of poor lighting or lack of proper warning signs. When visitors cannot see potential dangers, they are more likely to suffer injuries. Therefore, property owners should make sure that their spaces are well-lit and that any potential risks are clearly marked.
Overall, negligence is a significant factor in both car crashes and premises accidents. If you recently suffered injuries in a car accident or premises accident that resulted from someone else’s negligence, an experienced personal injury lawyer can investigate the circumstances of your accident and pursue the appropriate legal action on your behalf.
Common Injuries in Auto Accidents and Premises Accidents
In auto accidents and premises accidents resulting from someone else’s negligence, various injuries can occur, affecting people’s lives in different ways.
In car accidents, one common injury is whiplash. This happens when the accident victim’s head jerks forward and then backward suddenly, often during a rear-end collision. Whiplash can cause neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. Another common injury is broken bones, which can result from the force of the collision. Broken arms, legs, ankles, wrists, or ribs are frequent outcomes in car accidents – both for drivers and passengers.
Head injuries are also a serious concern in car accidents. If a person hits their head on the steering wheel, window, or dashboard, it can lead to concussions or more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). These injuries may not be immediately obvious, so seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident is crucial.
When it comes to premises accidents, slips and falls are a common source of injuries. Wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained walkways can cause people to lose their footing, resulting in broken bones, sprains, or other injuries. Negligence by property owners in addressing these hazards significantly contributes to the occurrence of such accidents.
In both car accidents and premises accidents, soft tissue injuries are prevalent. These injuries affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons, causing pain, swelling, and restricted range of motion. They may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time if the accident victim fails to seek proper treatment.
If you suffered any of these injuries in a recent auto accident or premises accident, your most important task should be seeking the ongoing medical care that you need. In the meantime, a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can investigate your accident circumstances, gather documents, and handle the other legal components of your case.
Monetary Damages in a Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit
Accident victims who suffer harm due to someone else’s negligence may be entitled to recover various damages. Some losses they may receive compensation for include:
- Compensation for Mental Distress – This covers the emotional and psychological effects of the accident. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues as a result of the traumatic event.
- Pain and Suffering – This involves compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the victim’s injuries. It acknowledges the overall suffering a victim endures due to the accident.
- Lost Wages – If injuries lead to missed work time, victims can seek compensation for the income they would have earned during that period. This includes income lost during recovery and potential future income losses.
- Loss of Earning Capacity – In cases where the victim’s ability to earn a living is permanently affected, compensation may be awarded to account for the reduced earning potential.
- Loss of the Ability to Use a Body Part – If an accident results in the loss or impairment of a body part or body function, victims may receive compensation for the effect on their daily life and abilities.
- Permanent Disfigurement or Disability – Compensation may be awarded for any lasting physical changes or disabilities resulting from the accident, acknowledging the effect on the victim’s lifestyle and appearance.
- Loss of Consortium – This type of damage compensates the victim’s family members for the loss of companionship, care, and support resulting from injuries the victim suffered in the accident.
- Lost Quality of Life – Victims may also be entitled to compensation for the overall reduction in their quality of life due to their injuries. This includes the inability to enjoy hobbies, activities, or relationships as before.
A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer will work hard to maximize the financial compensation you recover by highlighting the strengths of your case while downplaying any weaknesses.
Call an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Your Area Right Away for More Information
If you sustained injuries in a motor vehicle accident or premises accident due to someone else’s negligent or reckless behaviour, time is of the essence. This is because, in almost all situations, accident victims have only two years – beginning on their accident date – in which to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking damages for their losses. Therefore, you need to retain a personal injury lawyer who can represent you as quickly as possible in your case.
A qualified personal injury lawyer can be invaluable throughout the entire process. First, your lawyer can swiftly investigate the circumstances of your accident and gather important documents. Then, they can aggressively represent you during settlement negotiations or litigation proceedings and pursue the compensation you deserve for your losses.
