Most individuals are eager to blame someone or something other than themselves after an accident. However, just because you believe someone else caused your accident does not mean they are legally responsible for your losses. So, before you start thinking about how you’re going to spend your personal injury settlement, ask yourself these three questions to see if you have legal grounds for a personal injury claim.
If you believe you do, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 to request a free legal consultation.
- Was there a case of negligence?
You must show that someone was careless in order to hold them responsible for an accident. In other words, you must show that they owed you a duty of care and that you breached that responsibility.
Drivers, for example, have a responsibility to observe the laws of the road and drive cautiously in order to avoid accidents. They can be held responsible if they fail to perform this responsibility, such as by running a stop sign or driving while inebriated, and an accident occurs.
Property owners, for example, have a responsibility to maintain their premises fairly safe. They can be held responsible if they fail to perform this duty—for example, by neglecting to post a wet floor notice after mopping—and someone is hurt as a result.
- Is it possible to prove that the accident caused your injury?
This may seem self-evident, but you must be able to demonstrate that the collision caused your injuries. Otherwise, the defendant may claim that your injuries are the result of a pre-existing ailment or that you are faking them. It is critical to consult a doctor as soon as possible following any type of personal injury event, since their diagnosis of your injuries will serve as crucial proof tying the injuries to the accident.
- What kinds of harm have you suffered?
The kind and quantity of your damages are another factor to consider when determining whether or not to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. It may not be worth pursuing a lawsuit if you had a small accident with low medical expenditures. However, if your injuries were severe enough to result in high medical expenses, leave you out of work for an extended period of time, or cause you agony and suffering, you should consider making a claim.
Request a free consultation
Of course, speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney is the best way to assess if you have legal basis for a personal injury claim—and if it is worth the effort to pursue one. You can request a free legal consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney by calling The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000.
