Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered by a Personal Injury Attorney

At The Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles, we have been handling personal injury cases for over 30 years. Whether it is a truck accident or a medical malpractice case, we understand accident victims’ most pressing questions and concerns. We believe the first step to getting your life back is to start answering whatever questions you may have. If you have been injured in an accident and have questions, do not hesitate to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney who can provide you with the answers you need. 

Should I Accept The Insurance Company’s Settlement Offer?

If you have been injured in an accident, you may be surprised by how quickly the insurance company offers to pay your claim. While this may be appreciated when you’re not sure what happens next, there are several potential issues associated with accepting their offer. 

First, be aware that they may not refer to it as a settlement offer. It may sound like they are just offering to cover whatever bills you have as a result of the accident. The problem is that if you accept their payment, you may be releasing the insurance company from any additional or future claims. 

This leads to the second point – accepting the insurance company’s settlement offer may leave you with uncovered losses. It doesn’t matter that you didn’t know the extent of your injuries, lost income, or other losses at the time they offered to settle your claim. 

We recommend that you do not accept any settlement offer until you have spoken with a personal injury attorney. They can assess your offer, explain your options, and generally help you make an informed decision. 

What Do I Have to Prove in My Personal Injury Case?

In every personal injury case, you have to prove three basic elements: 

1. That someone owed you a legal duty. For example, a retail store owner has a legal duty to ensure that the property is safe for their customers.  
2. They breached that duty. Most breaches are the result of negligence—using due care to avoid reasonably foreseeable accidents. For example, failing to put out “wet floor” signs after mopping could be considered negligence. 
3. That their breach of that duty caused the accident that resulted in your injuries. If you entered the store and were seriously injured when you slipped on the wet floor and fell, you could establish a causal connection between the store owner’s negligence and your injuries. 

In most cases, proving negligence is the most difficult part of the case. That said, proving each of those elements requires knowledge of the law and clear evidence. 

Can I Pursue a Claim if I Declined Medical Treatment at the Scene? 

It is not uncommon for injuries to manifest themselves until days or weeks following their accident. If you were diagnosed with an injury caused by your accident, you can still pursue a claim for compensation. A personal injury attorney can provide an estimate of what your claim may be worth. 

What Compensation Can I Recover as a Result of My Accident? 

In general, accident victims can seek compensation for the following: 

• Your medical bills
• Your lost wages
• Your pain and suffering

You may seek compensation for any losses that you have experienced as a result of your accident. A personal injury attorney can help ensure that you receive all of the compensation you deserve. 

How Long Do I Have to Pursue a Personal Injury Case?

You have three years from the date of your accident in order to file a lawsuit for your personal injury claim. If you are a medical malpractice victim, you have three years from the date that you discovered your injury. We urge you to seek legal counsel as soon as possible, however. The sooner you pursue a claim, the easier it will be to prove. 

How Will I Pay My Bills?

It can be overwhelming if your injuries leave you unable to work and pay your bills. One of the things that a personal injury attorney can do for you is to notify your creditors of your situation and work with them to ensure you don’t wind up in a financial crisis. 

Talk to Personal Injury Attorney Tom Pyles Today

Whether you have questions or don’t even know what questions to ask, we can provide you with the guidance you need. To discuss your case and how we can help, call us today at 301-705-5006 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.