Frequently Asked Questions
What is one reason to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Higher Pain and Suffering Compensation
When someone is in a car accident, it can add a little or a lot of stress, hassle, anxiety, and pain to one’s life. For some, this is putting it lightly. Whether your “pain and suffering” is minimal or life changing, the law allows you to receive money to compensate you for that pain and suffering. You should take advantage of that law. An attorney can usually net you more money than if you handled the claim yourself. Even if you wanted and could represent yourself, those with an attorney typically net more money in pocket than those without an attorney.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Nothing, at least not until the case is resolved. The fee for almost all personal injury attorneys ranges from 1/3 to 40% of the total settlement. This arrangement ensures that legal help is accessible, even if you cannot afford to pay out of pocket. It also ensures that your lawyer has an incentive to get the highest settlement he or she reasonably can for your case. If your lawyer does not settle or win your case, you typically owe nothing.
Can you trust insurance companies?
Craig (that is not his real name) got hit from behind. The car that hit him took off. A witness was able to get the license plate number, and Craig saw that it was a male who was driving. The car though was registered to a woman. Police contacted the woman. She reported her car as stolen. The insurance company refused to pay for Craig’s injuries on the basis that the car was reported as stolen. I did not believe the woman. Based on our and police investigation, we believed the male driver was her boyfriend and that he did have permission to drive. We pushed back against the insurance. Eventually they paid the full policy limit to Craig.
Should you open a claim with your own car insurance?
We typically recommend that our clients open a claim with their own insurance company.
- You have been paying for insurance to help you in case you are injured in an accident, so you might as well take advantage of what you have been paying for.
- And, if the accident was not your fault, opening a UM, UIM, or PIP claim should not cause an increase in the amount you pay for insurance. If it does, you can always look for a new insurance company.
If you have specific questions about this, please call us.
What is one reason to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Options to Pay for Medical Treatment
Many people think they have to use health insurance or pay out of pocket for medical treatment. But if you are in an accident, there are other sources of money that can pay for your medical treatment. For example, the other person’s insurance or your own car insurance. Attorneys often know doctors who will treat you and not make you pay anything until the case settles. This means you won’t pay anything out of pocket. An attorney can help you determine the best way to pay for the treatment you need.
If I hire a personal injury lawyer, does that mean I have to sue someone?
Sometimes people do not want to “sue” the other driver. This is understandable. Yes, forgiveness is noble. But guess what, you don’t necessarily have to sue the other driver. Most of the time, all your attorney does is pursue a claim with their car insurance.
That is what personal injury attorneys are really good at. And this is the point of car insurance, to pay for injuries when they occur. We can file the claim for you and work with the adjuster on the other side.
Most of the time we never even talk to the other driver. Even if we do have to file a lawsuit to get the insurance company to play fair, it is the insurance company who will be paying the money, not the other driver.
Should I talk to a personal injury lawyer?
Why not? It’s free. Consultations with most personal injury attorneys are absolutely free. And most of us are really nice! If you decide you don’t want to hire one, you can always say no thank you. The attorney does not represent you unless you sign on the dotted line.
Injuries are tricky. Even if you think you are okay, symptoms from car accident injuries can rear their heads days, weeks, months, or even years after the accident. This is your body and your health we are talking about. You will want to think twice before forgoing a legal claim.
What is one reason to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Get the Insurance Adjuster to Respond
To get the insurance adjuster to actually respond!
We’ve all been there – unanswered phone calls, unanswered emails, and a lot of frustration. But insurance companies take lawyers seriously. And we know the laws that will hold them accountable.
Don’t let the insurance company give you the silent treatment. Get the response – and the compensation – you deserve!
What is one reason to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Simplify Your Life
Dealing with insurance adjusters and medical bills and the law can be complicated and stressful. Personal injury attorneys take all these things off of your plate. Delegation is magic. Focus your time and energy on getting better and on other things that you want to worry about, not on your injury claim. Let the attorney worry about that.
Should I talk to the insurance adjuster about my injuries?
Most people are kind and don’t want to sound like they’re complaining, so they often downplay what they are going through when talking to another person. This can work against you when talking to an insurance adjuster. If you say things like, “I am doing fine,” or “I am starting to feel better,” insurance will use those statements to argue that your injuries aren’t severe. While you might feel like you’re being polite or not wanting to make a big deal, it’s important to accurately describe your pain and medical treatment. You’ll want to make sure that your injuries are represented fairly and that you don’t unintentionally undervalue your claim by trying to be too nice. There are times when you don’t have to talk to insurance at all. If you hire a lawyer, the lawyer will handle the communications for you.
Your Personal Injury Law Questions, Answered.
At Salt Lake Injury Law, our clients are our priority. We understand the trust they place in us!
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
Here are some of the key tasks and responsibilities of a personal injury lawyer:
1. Consultation: Personal injury lawyers offer initial consultations to evaluate the merits of a potential case. They gather information about the incident, injuries sustained, and the impact on the client's life.
2. Legal Advice: They provide legal advice and guidance to their clients, explaining their rights and the legal options available to them. They assess the potential value of the claim based on factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
What makes a good personal injury lawyer? - Preparing Damages Witnesses
“Damages" in a court case means money. In a personal injury case, a damages witness is someone who can testify about how the accident has changed you. This will help determine the amount of money the jury awards you. You, of course, will be the most compelling witness for your own personal injury case. Other people who know you well, knew you before the accident, know you after the accident, and know what you have had to go through will also be important witnesses.
Video - How do you know who is at fault for an injury? - The Standard of Negligence
The law uses the standard of negligence to determine if someone is at fault for an injury. If someone is negligent, it means that they acted unreasonably. It means that they acted in a way that a normal, responsible person would not have acted in the same situation. It means, simply, that the negligent person was not being as careful as they should have been.
How Does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Work in Utah?
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is a type of auto insurance coverage that is required in Utah. PIP provides coverage for medical expenses and lost wages that result from injuries sustained in a car accident, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
In Utah, the minimum PIP coverage amount is $3,000 per person, per accident. However, drivers can opt for higher amounts of coverage if they choose.
How long does a personal injury case take?
From the time of the accident, to the time the case settles, the process usually takes many months. Smaller cases, where the injury is not as severe and takes a shorter time to heal, can be resolved within 3-9 months. Larger cases, where the injury is serious and takes a longer time to heal, can last a couple of years. Cases that go to trial can take even longer. In any event, a personal injury attorney should attempt to resolve the case as quickly as possible.
What is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are types of auto insurance coverage that protect you financially in case you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have enough insurance coverage, or no insurance coverage at all.
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) provides coverage for injuries, damages or losses sustained by you, your passengers, or your vehicle in an accident caused by a driver who doesn't have any insurance.
What types of compensation can I recover?
Personal injury victims are entitled to two categories of damages (money). The first is called "special" damages. This refers to all expenses and costs that can be calculated mathematically. Examples are medical expenses, actual loss of income, mileage to get to appointments, and any other actual loss of money that can be mathematically calculated that would not have occurred but for the injury.
How is Utah personal injury law different from other states?
Utah personal injury law has several unique features that differentiate it from other states. Here are a few key differences:
No-fault auto insurance: Utah is a "no-fault" auto insurance state, which means that drivers are required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other expenses regardless of who was at fault for the accident. In a no-fault state, it can be more difficult to bring a lawsuit against another driver for damages.
What is PIP?
Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is a type of car insurance that pays for medical expenses and lost wages in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. In Utah, all car insurance policies are required to have at least $10,000 in PIP coverage unless the policy holder (the individual who pays for the insurance) waives it in writing.
If a car accident was my fault, will my insurance pay for my damages?
If you are found to be at fault for a car accident, your insurance policy may cover the damages to the other driver's car and any injuries they sustained, up to the limits of your policy. This is called liability insurance.
However, your own damages may not be covered under your liability insurance. Liability insurance typically covers damages you cause to others, but not damages to you or your vehicle.
If you have “collision coverage” as part of your policy, your insurance may pay for repairs to your own vehicle, but you will be responsible for paying the deductible. Collision coverage is designed to cover damage to your vehicle from a collision, regardless of who is at fault.
What do I do if I am in a car accident? - Get Witness Info
What are the different types of auto insurance coverage?
2. Collision insurance: This coverage pays for damages to your own vehicle in the event of a collision, regardless of who is at fault.
3. Comprehensive insurance: This coverage pays for damages to your vehicle that are not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
What is a biomechanical failure?
How do car insurance companies determine how much to pay for a car after it has been totaled in an accident?
The insurance company will usually start by obtaining an estimate of the car's ACV from a third-party source such as Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides. These sources provide valuation data for different types of cars based on their make, model, year, mileage, and other factors.
What should you do if you are in a car accident?
Check for injuries: First and foremost, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, call for medical help immediately.
Move to safety: If the accident is minor and your car is drivable, move it to the side of the road or a safe place to avoid obstructing traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Video - Can I recover damages if the auto accident was my fault? - Comparative Negligence
The Building Blocks of Salt Lake Injury Law
At Salt Lake Injury Law, we believe in "Excellence in Every Case" and prioritize our clients' healing above all else. Our core principles guide our approach: prioritizing healing, ensuring constant accessibility, proactively building strong claims, being prepared for litigation, and providing unwavering support during challenging times. We employ a proven 12-phase system to optimize your claim, starting with establishing a barrier between you and the insurance company and diligently gathering evidence. We meticulously assess your medical records, evaluate your damages comprehensively, and prepare a strong demand package to initiate negotiations. We assertively negotiate with insurance companies, pursuing a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries. If necessary, we will file a lawsuit and vigorously represent you in court. Throughout the entire process, we collaborate closely with your medical providers and offer ongoing client support, ensuring a smooth and successful resolution to your claim. Read our full Building Blocks.