Most people will get hurt at some point in their lives, but sometimes injuries happen because other people are negligent. In such cases, an attorney can help you seek fair compensation from those responsible for your injuries.
You may claim a wide variety of damages, and their exact nature and value will be based on your specific circumstances. Medical bills, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering are commonly claimed damages in personal injury cases. To begin your case, we need to gather information about how you were injured and evidence of the defendant’s fault. It is best to get started as soon as possible, as evidence may be lost if we do not gather it fast enough.
Ask our personal injury attorneys in Drexel Hill for a free, confidential case evaluation by calling The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
What Damages Can You Claim in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Your damages should accurately reflect your injuries, losses, and painful experiences that directly result from the accident.
Hospital Bills
Injuries require medical care, and medical care requires money. Hospital bills are famously expensive, and even minor injuries that require a single trip to the emergency room can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Keep track of all the medical bills you receive after being injured so that our personal injury lawyers can accurately account for them in your damages.
Property Destruction
It is common for accident victims to lose property during the accident. You might lose large pieces of property (e.g., your vehicle in a car accident) or numerous smaller personal items. Either way, the cost of replacing or repairing damaged property will quickly add up, and we should claim it among your damages.
Lost Earnings
Injuries often interfere with a person’s ability to work. You may need some time away from your job to recover. In serious cases, injured victims may need an extended leave of absence, or they may have to quit their jobs entirely.
If you cannot work, you cannot earn a living. You can and should claim the income you have lost and will likely continue to lose as part of your claim for damages.
Pain and Suffering
Not only might you endure intense physical pain, but you may experience serious psychological trauma and emotional distress from the accident. When accidents are severe or considered “near-death experiences,” victims often have a hard time emotionally and mentally processing what happened to them. Your painful experiences may warrant substantial compensation.
When Should You File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Plaintiffs filing personal injuries in Pennsylvania have only 2 years from the date of the accident to do so. If you do not file your case on time, you may be prohibited from ever filing your case, barring very special circumstances.
What Evidence is Important in Drexel Hill Personal Injury Cases?
Evidence is crucial to any personal injury lawsuit. We need as much evidence as we can get, and the evidence we need will vary depending on your claims.
Photos and Videos
Photos and videos of the accident scene can be very helpful. For example, if you were involved in a car accident, you might have taken photos of the vehicles and surrounding area to send to the insurance company. These photos can also be entered into evidence in a lawsuit.
We should also seek out video evidence. Nearby private security cameras and videos you or others recorded at the accident scene may be extremely powerful in the courtroom.
Testimony
Witnesses could include people who were also involved in the accident or only watched what happened from afar. The more witnesses who can back you up, the stronger your claims may be.
You may also testify. In some cases, the plaintiff’s testimony is crucial. If there are few or even no other witnesses, you will likely have to testify. You may also need to testify about non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, as these are experiences unique to you.
Medical Records
The key aspect of personal injury lawsuits is the plaintiff’s physical injuries. As such, we may need copies of your medical records from when you were treated for your injuries. If your injuries are severe or complex, we may also require a medical expert to review your records and testify about your injuries.
Business Records
If you sue a business, we may need copies of certain business records that we believe contain information relevant to the accident. For example, if you were injured in a truck accident, you might sue the trucking company, and we can demand access to the company’s records about how the truck was maintained or repaired and whether the driver had a history of accidents on the job.
Should You Call the Police if You Are Injured in an Accident?
Yes. If someone is injured, the police can provide emergency aid while waiting for medical personnel to arrive. They can also secure the accident scene and begin investigating. Remember, the information they uncover may be used as part of your civil lawsuit.
How Do You Begin a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Starting a lawsuit can be difficult. You must navigate very strict legal procedures, and errors in your initial filings could put your overall claims at risk.
Call an Attorney
Before trying to begin a personal injury lawsuit, call a lawyer for help. You should not attempt to handle a lawsuit on your own. You may be more likely to make procedural mistakes, misunderstand how the law applies to your case, or leave damages unclaimed if you do not have a lawyer.
Investigating the Accident
Most plaintiffs need more evidence and information than they already have, and their attorney can help them investigate. Investigations may involve locating and speaking to witnesses, hiring experts, reviewing police reports, and compiling evidence from various sources.
File a Formal Complaint
The complaint must explain how the accident occurred, who was involved, how you were injured, what your damages are, and why we believe the defendant should be held liable. If the complaint is lacking or overly vague, it could be rejected by the court or challenged by the defendant.
Do You Have to File an Insurance Claim for Personal Injuries?
No. While your insurance or the at-fault person’s insurance might provide coverage, you are not required to file a claim or accept an insurance settlement. You can take your claims to court and sue for the full extent of your damages. This may be necessary for those with large claims for damages that insurance companies refuse to pay.
Talk to Our Personal Injury Attorneys About Your Legal Claims
Ask our personal injury attorneys in Drexel Hill for a free, confidential case evaluation by calling The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
