How does a personal injury case work?

If you have been injured in an accident, you may have questions about what a personal injury case is like and how it works. Due to the high prevalence of these cases, the legal system has worked out a system to handle the matters in the most efficient way possible. Therefore, although these cases can take many different forms, the basics of each case generally remains similar.

Personal injury matter all begin when an individual is injured in an accident. This can be from a car collision, a slip and fall or another serious type of accident. After an injury, you should meet with an attorney as soon as possible. During this meeting, the attorney will want to know what happened during the accident, insurance coverage, whether you have met with or talked to insurance adjustors and anyone else who may have information about the accident. He will also want to know about current treatment plans and whether you have any medical bills that need to be paid.

After your doctors have determined that treatment for your injuries has concluded, your attorney will likely send the insurance providers a demand letter. This letter states that you want them to pay a certain amount for your injuries. This usually includes an amount for medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering. In most cases, the insurance company decides to settle these claims. Some negotiations are usually involved, but they may refuse to pay anything at all.

If you and your attorney are not happy with the offer from the insurance company, you may choose to file a court case against them. Each case proceeds through the court in the same fashion beginning with filing of the complaint and answer, then discovery and motions. If necessary, the case can proceed all the way to a trial. However, most insurance companies and attorneys try to avoid this because of the costs. Once a judgment has been made, you may have to do some work to actually get the money you have legally won. Settlement negotiations may continue throughout this court case process as well. The entire case from complaint to trial and judgement may last one or more years.

If you lost your trial, you may appeal the decision by filing certain documents with the court. This is also a costly process, but may be worth it in many cases.

It is important to remember that each personal injury case is unique and may face individual circumstances. Visit this website to learn more about these matters from a personal injury lawyer in Jacksonville.

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Top Three Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Motorcycle enthusiasts love the freeing feeling that a ride on a motorcycle provides, but it is important to review the basics of motorcycle safety before you get on the road. Keeping safety at the forefront of your mind will help to ensure that you do not fall victim to the top three injuries caused by motorcycle accidents.

1. Head Injuries

The most common injury caused from a motorcycle accident is an injury to the head. Such an injury can result in a concussion or even brain damage. A concussion can be mild or severe, but brain damage can be debilitating and even fatal.

2. Road Rash

Road rash is sustained when a rider slides across the pavement after the crash impact. The concrete or pavement rubs across the skin as the body skids across it. This can lead to severe skin irritations and infections and can cause surface nerve damage.

3. Muscle Damage

After an accident, it is important to be checked by a doctor to evaluate muscle damage. Muscle damage can become permanent, and paralysis can result.

The keys to protecting yourself are defensive driving and wearing appropriate safety gear every time you ride. If an accident does occur, you will be thankful that you chose to wear protective gear including a helmet, motorcycle pants, kneepads, a jacket and gloves. That choice will likely save you from a head injury, road rash or muscle damage. Motorcycle accident representation in Wilmington is available if the accident was caused by negligence. Visit this website for more information.

Surviving an Accident as a Pedestrian

Getting hit by a car can be a terrifying experience. However, if you remember to cover your head, roll into a ball and aim your body for the safety glass on the windshield, you may be able to protect yourself.

ABA considers proposal for more transparency with law school finances, other changes

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Three Common Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents can happen in a variety of ways, but slips and falls, motor vehicles and falling debris are three of the most common.

1. Slips and Falls

Uneven sidewalks, potholes, and other hazardous conditions on walkways are the major things that cause pedestrians to fall. Falling injuries can also be sustained due to cracks in sidewalks and broken steps.

Walking in public areas that are not properly lighted can cause pedestrians to slip and fall, and many of these types of accidents result in serious injuries.

2. Falling Debris

Construction zones can be especially dangerous for pedestrians. If the attention of the pedestrian is diverted or no warning signs are provided, falling debris can strike when it is least expected. It is always a good idea to use caution when walking through any type of construction area.

3. Motor Vehicle Accidents

The vast majority of accidents involving pedestrians are caused when a motorcycle, truck, car or bus hits a pedestrian. Most of these accidents happen at intersections where drivers fail to stop or even yield when pedestrians have the legal right to walk through a crosswalk. Additional accidents occur when drivers ignore traffic signals, are driving impaired or are distracted.

Accidents caused by the negligence of others are always unfortunate. However, if you or a loved one is involved in a pedestrian accident where injury is incurred, the use of a pedestrian accident lawyer in Jacksonville could help you determine if you have a viable claim against the responsible party. Visit this website for more information.

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How To Choose A Good Personal Injury Attorney

Selecting a personal injury attorney who is willing to actively investigate and preserve your rights and claim is essential if you are to obtain the compensation entitled to you. Here are some tips on how to choose a good lawyer.

Experience

The value of an attorney’s experience cannot be overrated. Before you hire an attorney, ask about similar cases he has handled, his success rates and whether or not he is willing to take the case to trial if necessary.

Focus

The focus of the law firm’s practice can make a big difference in the outcome of the case. A good personal injury lawyer will have important skills and abilities that will allow him to determine issues of liability including negligence and causation. Those skills will help him value the compensation you are entitled to. Knowing how to negotiate a reasonable and fair settlement is essential, as almost 95% of personal injury lawsuits are settled before trial.

Reputation

An attorney’s reputation puts the client in the best situation to claim as much money as he deserves. If an attorney has been around for a while, his reputation is already known by the court, insurance companies, and opposing counsel.

Personality

Someone who is willing to answer your phone calls, emails and questions and basically be there for you is likely a good choice.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer in Jacksonville to help you with a lawsuit or insurance claim can go a long way towards receiving the compensation you rightfully deserve. Visit this website for more information.

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Boating Navigation Tips

When exploring the open waters, make sure to look for boater navigation signs to keep you headed in the right direction. Color-coded red and green markers are your keys for safe navigation, no matter where your adventure takes you.

Top 5 Causes for Boating Accidents

Accidents can happen anywhere, and boats are a common locale for injuries to occur. The fun of the warmer months often leads people to make poor decisions, leading to injuries of many kinds. Consider the following top five causes for boating accidents all over the U.S.:

1. Alcohol

Alcohol use is the number one cause of accidents on boats nationwide. This is because alcohol lowers inhibition and leads to poor choices. Unfortunately, boats are often in dangerous situations, so people are more likely to be injured when on a boat than when facing the same situation on dry land. Crashing a boat has all of the same implications as crashing a car, except the added danger of drowning is also there.

2. Inattention

Not paying attention to the water is incredibly dangerous. With fewer vehicles on the water than on roadways, many people think it is ok to be lax, but that could lead to serious accidents.

3. Inexperience

Just as is seen with cars, new boaters are more likely than their experienced counterparts to cause an accident.

4. Speeding

Speeding can make it incredibly difficult for even experienced boaters to safely maneuver waves and rocks. Learning how fast boaters can go in certain situations can save lives.

5. Weather

Boaters should always consider the weather when preparing for a day on the water. The force of waves or wakes can cause boats to tip and injuries to occur. Knowing when to get off the water is key to remaining safe.

Many other situations can lead to injury on the water. To learn more about this topic from a boating accident attorney in Wilmington, visit this website.

Chicago lawyer Bruce Pfaff to receive Pursuit

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3 Tips for Maintaining ATV Safety

All-Terrain Vehicles are known for the fun they allow many people to have in exotic locations, but they are also known for their potential dangers. You can take some simple steps to help them stay as safe as possible while still enjoying yourself on a ride.

1. Wear Protective Gear

You should always take the time to strap on safety gear before getting on an ATV. This should include the following items:

• Helmet
• Goggles
• Gloves
• Boots

No rider should ever be without these basic safety items. However, you should add to the list depending on your location and needs.

2. Never Ride Alone

ATVs are much easier to flip than many riders believe. Getting pinned under a huge piece of equipment can do more than ruin your day, it could end your life. Riding alone makes it even more likely that you will not come out of the experience alive. Always ride with a friend, and stay within radio range or earshot to increase safety.

3. Take Time for Inspection

Taking just a few minutes of your day to inspect your ATV could make a world of difference. You should look at the tires and rims for wear and damage, and examine connections and cables to ensure they are working properly. Make sure this inspection occurs prior to every single ride, or you may miss something. If there is something wrong, it is better to know beforehand and fix it than to risk your life and the lives of those riding with you.

Many safety situations may be difficult to see ahead of time. Visit this website to get more information on ATV safety from an ATV accident lawyer in Wilmington.