Common Personal Injury Questions

If I get injured in an accident, how long do I have to make a claim?

The time you have to file a lawsuit will vary from state to state depending on their statute of limitations. Most states allow for claims to be made within 2 years of the injury, however, you should be sure to check your individual states rule or consult with a local attorney. If you’re debating whether or not to pursue a claim now or later down the road it will generally be to your benefit to file sooner than later as it’s typically easier to collect evidence and prove damages before too much time has passed.

What do I need to start the personal injury claim process?

Whether you’ve been in an accident or if you’ve slipped and fell, you need to take care of yourself; but if you’re considering filing a claim there are some steps you can take to simplify the process. First, save all your documents and keep records of your own because you’ll need evidence if you ever file suit. Everything from doctor’s bills, lost wages, contact information of witnesses, and pictures or descriptions of the scene can help you argue your case. Once you have everything gathered you’ll need to decide whether to hire an attorney or to proceed ahead on your own—either way, having all your documents in order beforehand will help you as you move forward.

How can I protect myself from personal injury suits?

No one wants to get sued for something that isn’t their fault; fortunately there are some easy ways to protect yourself or your business from personal injury lawsuits. One of the most direct ways is to use a hold harmless agreement or a waiver. Both these documents can limit liability claims to injuries that are directly your fault.

When does a personal injury case become a criminal case?

The law is society’s attempt to right wrongs in an orderly manner; civil suits seek remedies for crimes against individuals, criminal cases address crimes against society as a whole and can only be prosecuted by the state. Despite this general distinction there is nothing that prevents overlap in many instances—for example: civil charges can be filed against a drunk driver for causing an injury and the DWI can be prosecuted by the state.

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