A Utah personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation for your injuries after an accident caused by someone else’s negligent behaviors or actions. Although you don’t need an attorney for every accident, it can be helpful in situations involving multiple parties or severe injuries. Find out how a Utah personal injury attorney from Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help you navigate a personal injury claim.
Discussing the Statute of Limitations
Every state including Utah has a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. That means you may file a lawsuit for damages in the time period established by Utah state law. It is best to act quickly rather than wait until the time is about to expire. Depending on the accident, this time frame may vary.
Defining Personal Injury
A personal injury describes any injury to your body, emotional well-being, and even your reputation. There are three instances in which you may seek a claim for personal injury:
- In cases of negligence
- Where your injury was the result of a defective product (strict liability)
- Where the injury was intentional
Negligence cases must show that the defendant was responsible, such as in a vehicle accident. Drivers should follow traffic laws and drive responsibly. If a driver is speeding and an accident occurs because of their speed, they can be liable for damages resulting from that accident.
The manufacturer may be held responsible in liability cases where a defective product caused the injury. Intentional wrongs happen in cases such as assault and battery when the defendant acts in a manner that intentionally causes an injury to the plaintiff.
What That Means for You
If the actions of another injured you, you might pursue a damage claim against that person. In the case of auto accidents, you will probably be seeking compensation from the insurance company of the other driver. You may be against a major corporation with a sizeable legal representation in product defect cases.
Can a Law Firm Help You?
Yes, a law firm can assist you with a personal injury claim in almost every instance. We offer free consultations so that we can discuss your case details and if our firm is the right fit for your needs.
If you suffered extensive injuries that resulted in medical expenses, lost wages, or other expenses, you may have a viable personal injury claim. A law firm can be beneficial in assisting you in recovering damages, including:
- Costs for medical expenses
- Lost wages (or the ability to work)
- Pain and suffering from mental and emotional distress
- Costs for household expenses incurred due to the injury
- Travel expenditures for medical care
Our lawyers are determined to help you recover, so do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Navigating a Claim Without an Attorney
Suppose you have injuries from a traffic accident. The other driver did have insurance coverage. You suffered only a broken arm and bruises, which healed without incident. But the medical care for your arm wasn’t free, and you could not work for two months.
Utah has a no-fault auto insurance system. In cases with only minor injuries and property damage, the liability for compensation is the injured party’s insurance responsibility. You can seek compensation from your insurance company no matter who was at fault for the original accident.
In cases where your injuries are determined to be more serious, you may be able to file outside of the no-fault system. A Utah personal injury attorney with our firm can evaluate your case to see if your losses qualify you for additional damages.
Navigating a Claim With an Attorney
After an injury, navigating the claims process can be confusing, especially with Utah’s no-fault auto accident laws. Depending on the seriousness of your injury, you may find it easier to navigate through the process with the assistance of a Utah personal injury attorney. They can help in many injury cases, including:
- Auto accidents
- Defective product injuries
- Medical malpractice cases
When handling your injury claim, an attorney can:
- Investigate and collect supporting evidence and find witnesses
- Help organize your claim to show the depth of your injury
- List possible damages you can collect to ensure your claim is complete
Knowing that an attorney can work on your behalf can offer peace of mind. You will be able to concentrate on healing while they work to compile your claim.
Helping an Attorney Help You
Suppose you decide to hire a Utah personal injury attorney. In that case, there are several things that you can do to help them as they work to compile and present your claim.
What to Do Right After Your Accident
The most important thing to do after an accident is to seek medical treatment. Even in cases where you feel your injuries are minor. Some injuries do not show immediate effects, such as whiplash and concussion.
If you were involved in an auto accident, you don’t have to take the ambulance ride from the scene. Just make sure to see your doctor as soon as possible after the accident. With more severe injuries, you will likely have medical follow-up appointments. Be sure to continue with all physical therapy and ongoing treatment until your doctor releases you.
Keep all of your medical documentation. Bills, statements of procedures, and even notes from your doctor can help your attorney file your injury claim. Include travel expenses and any costs you incur that are directly related to your injury. It is also a great time to write down the details about what happened while they are fresh in your memory.
Your Utah Personal Injury Attorney Is Ready to Help You Now
The attorneys at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, are familiar with the personal injury laws in Utah. Their experience allows them to navigate through the claim process for you. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.