Injured? Understand your personal injury claim

Using PersonalInjuryAttys.com is free. The attorney's own fee is a separate matter and is agreed between you and them. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning their fee is a percentage of any settlement or verdict rather than an upfront charge — but terms vary, court costs may still be payable, and you should get the arrangement in writing before you retain anyone.

Every state has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, typically ranging from 1 to 6 years depending on the state and type of injury. In most states, the deadline is 2-3 years from the date of the accident. It is critical to consult an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don't miss your deadline.

First, seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor. Call 911 if needed. Document the scene with photos if possible. Get contact and insurance information from other parties involved. Report the incident (police report, incident report to property owner, etc.). Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney. Keep all medical records and receipts.

The value of a personal injury case depends on many factors: the severity of your injuries, medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, and the degree of the other party's negligence. An experienced attorney can evaluate your specific circumstances and provide a realistic estimate during an initial consultation.

The vast majority of personal injury cases — the large majority — are settled before trial through negotiation with insurance companies. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney should be prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Depending on your case, you may be entitled to: economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, property damage, future medical costs), non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life), and in some cases punitive damages (designed to punish especially reckless or malicious behavior).