If someone injures you in an accident or through carelessness, you could face medical bills, lost time at work, and other effects on your life and well-being. These all result in damages our lawyers can help you seek compensation for.
In the beginning of your case, you might not know who to call or what evidence you need. Our lawyers can walk you through everything, keep you informed of your case status, and fight insurance companies and at-fault parties for the damages you deserve.
For a free initial case review with the personal injury lawyers at The Reiff Law Firm, call (215) 709-6940.
Can I Sue for My Injury Case in Nazareth, PA?
In most injury cases, lawsuits are available. In fact, this will be the best way to vindicate your rights and get your damages paid in many cases.
To bring a lawsuit, you need proof that the defendant violated a legal duty they owed you, resulting in your injuries. This is the basic setup of a “negligence” claim, which is the basis of most injury cases.
Whether you were hurt in a car accident, slip and fall, workplace injury, or other accident, our personal injury lawyers can typically find grounds for your lawsuit and file it against the proper parties.
There are, however, a few situations where a lawsuit is not always available:
- In car accident cases, “limited tort” policies limit your right to sue unless you meet certain thresholds. This restriction does not apply to “full tort” policies.
- Work injury cases cannot be filed against your employer, but you can sue other responsible parties. This restriction does not apply to independent contractors.
- Lawsuits against government entities have additional filing restrictions but are not barred in most negligence cases.
You can also sue for intentional injuries, such as assault and battery.
What Records and Evidence Do I Need to Collect?
In most injury cases, you are in the best position to collect evidence at the scene of the accident. However, if you need to go to the hospital and get medical treatment, focus on doing that before collecting evidence.
We can follow up with additional evidence gathering and research.
At the Scene
Immediately after the accident, you might be able to take photos, get contact info for witnesses and defendants, and take notes on the weather, lighting, and other relevant factors. You can also take notes on where the accident happened, what EMTs and police responded to the accident, and whether any nearby cameras might have caught the accident on video.
The most important things you should try to get pictures of are the things that will move or change after the accident is cleared away. For example, in a car crash, get pictures of the vehicles and their damage. In a slip and fall, get pictures of the wet or dangerous flooring before it is cleaned or replaced.
Other Evidence
Our lawyers can then follow up to collect other records.
For example, we can talk to the witnesses and defendants and see what video or statements they might have. For an accident in a business or outside a home or business with security cameras, we can request that they preserve the video and give us a copy.
We can also seek copies of medical records, get appraisals and accident reports, and build on the evidence you were able to gather.
The main things we might not be able to collect are things sent directly to you. Save any letters, notices, bills, or communications you receive and give them to your lawyer.
When to Call a Lawyer After an Accident
Our attorneys can listen to what happened to you in a free phone call, helping you understand whether you might have a case and how to proceed. Calling us is free and has no obligations. You should not hesitate; call us as soon as you can.
If you wait too long, we might lose the opportunity to collect evidence. For example, many security systems overwrite or erase footage after a few days or a week, and witnesses might forget what happened.
Most injury victims only get 2 years to file their cases. However, preparing the case and collecting evidence can take a while, so it is vital to give us as much time as you can to prepare before filing.
Can I Settle My Injury Case with Insurance in Nazareth?
Many injury cases are settled, meaning the victim agrees to stop pursuing the case in exchange for payment. However, this is not always possible if the defendant refuses to settle for a fair value.
Trials
In that case, we can take the case to trial. There are typically many chances to negotiate a fair settlement before trial, but we cannot always come to terms. When that happens, we will press on to trial and get a judge and jury to decide your case.
Insurance Claims
Insurance claims are often a part of these cases because the defendant has an insurance policy to cover the accident. Even before filing a lawsuit, you might file an insurance claim first – but again, the settlement might be far too low.
Insurance companies also represent their policyholders in court, meaning the defense lawyer and the money to pay for your damages likely come from the defendant’s insurance company.
Which is Best?
Whether we are dealing with the defendant’s insurance company or their private lawyers, we always seek to resolve cases in the best way for our clients. This often means taking the case to trial, where we can use our extensive experience as litigators to fight for you.
However, each case is unique and requires individualized care.
What is My Case Worth?
After analyzing your medical bills, lost earnings, and other damages, we can calculate the “economic” damages in your case. From there, we can also look at the “non-economic” damages – pain, suffering, mental anguish, emotional damage, and more.
Our valuation of the case might be different than the insurance company’s, and we can work to get the full value paid instead of seeing you settle for what they claim it is worth.
Call Our Personal Injury Attorneys in Nazareth Today
Call (215) 709-6940 for a free case review with the personal injury attorneys at The Reiff Law Firm today.
