Personal injury law is an area of the law that deals with injuries sustained by people due to negligence. This includes accidents caused by car crashes, slip and falls, and other types of personal injuries.
Personal injury claims can be complicated because they involve many different parties. There are insurance companies involved, doctors, lawyers, and more.
As a result, choosing a personal injury attorney can be difficult. You may not know where to start looking and you may make mistakes along the way. This article will discuss some mistakes in choosing a personal injury lawyer you should avoid.
Many people think that if their injuries are minor, then they don’t need a lawyer. However, this is not always true. You could still make costly mistakes involving your medical bills and other expenses if you don’t hire a lawyer.
If your injuries are severe or you have lost income as a result of the accident, it is best to consult a lawyer.
This is probably the biggest mistake people make when hiring a personal injury lawyer. There are plenty of bad lawyers out there, but there are also plenty of good ones too. So how do you know which is which?
The answer is simple: ask around. Ask friends, family members, colleagues, and anyone else you know. They may have had experience with a particular lawyer, and can tell you whether they were satisfied with the results. Look at reviews online and discover the basic steps of a personal injury case for added insight.
Just do not forget to investigate his or her background thoroughly. You need to make sure that they have no prior criminal convictions. In addition, you should look into their disciplinary records. This will give you a good idea of how honest and trustworthy they are.
It sounds like common sense but many people hire the first person who offers them money. It is not wise to choose someone based solely on monetary incentives, especially when they are just promised. Some unscrupulous lawyers will take advantage of injured victims and charge them exorbitant rates. Others will simply disappear after taking your money.
To help prevent mistakes in choosing a personal injury lawyer, you should always look for a reputable personal injury lawyer who has a proven track record. Do not hesitate to ask for references from previous clients. Also, try to find a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law. This way, you know he or she has extensive knowledge about the field and will not be simply using you.
When you are looking for a personal injury lawyer, you want to focus on finding someone who knows what they are doing. But you shouldn’t just settle for any lawyer. You should ensure that they are qualified and experienced enough to handle your case.
For example, you should look for a lawyer who has handled similar cases before. This will allow him or her to understand what you are going through and advise you accordingly.
It is important to understand what to expect from a personal injury lawyer before hiring him or her. Some lawyers charge hourly rates while others bill their clients per case. Some lawyers only accept certain types of cases while others specialize in specific areas such as car accidents.
Before you make any decisions, you should research all these aspects so that you don’t end up with a bad experience.
If you decide to hire a personal injury lawyer, do not hand over your entire life savings right away. Instead, there are many attorneys that will charge you a percentage of your final settlement. If you do not receive payment for your injuries, you may only be required to pay minimal expenses the attorney incurred while working on your case, such as fees for obtaining medical records.
Personal injury claims come in all shapes and sizes. For example, some involve car accidents while others concern slip-and-fall incidents. If you are unsure what type of accident you are dealing with, it is important to consult with a professional immediately.
You should also always have a plan B when choosing a personal injury lawyer. This means that you should have another option in mind if your first choice turns out to be unsuitable.
Additionally, you should also consider carefully all options before even deciding whether or not to sue. For example, you may want to try mediation instead of going through litigation. Mediation involves two sides talking to each other. Both sides agree to settle out of court.
You should know exactly what questions to ask a potential attorney. Here are some things you should ask:
How much does the lawyer charge?
What types of cases does the lawyer handle?
Have you handled a case like this in the past?
Can I talk to the attorney if I have questions during the process?
You should not be afraid to ask these questions. In fact, you should find out everything you need to know about a particular lawyer before making any decision.
When you choose a personal injury lawyer, you should immediately discuss a timeline for your case. An attorney that tells you they can quickly put cash in your hand, is probably being untruthful. You want a lawyer that will be honest with you, and set appropriate expectations for your case. While they may not be able to give you an exact timeline, they will be able to estimate a range, so you are aware of the time needed to appropriately handle your case upfront.
Unfortunately, there are unlicensed attorneys out there who claim to be able to help you. However, these individuals lack the necessary qualifications to represent you in court.
It is illegal for anyone other than a licensed attorney to practice law in most states. Therefore, you should avoid hiring an unlicensed individual. The consequences could be severe.
It’s important to know that choosing a personal injury lawyer is a big decision.
The right lawyer can make all the difference between getting a fair settlement and having to go through the entire process again. Make sure you do your research and pick someone who has experience handling similar cases before you hire them.
Do not rush the process. Call Oxner + Permar, pllc at 1.800.319.9000 to speak confidentially with a personal injury attorney today.
Even the most experienced drivers can find car accidents to be stressful and hard to understand situations. From medical issues to insurance fees, there are countless questions that are put in your hands when you’re the victim of a car accident. Here at Oxner + Permar, PLLC our attorneys have been working for decades to make sure that accident victims like you keep their rights protected and get compensated fairly, even if it all can seem a bit overwhelming.
Here are a few helpful tips on what you can do if you’re a victim of a car accident.
1. Be informed: One of the most important things to do right after a car accident is to make sure you know as much as you can about the incident. Don’t just leave it up to your memory. At the scene of the accident have someone else, preferably a bystander, take pictures of what happened. This should include the scene and any cars involved. Also get the phone numbers of any witnesses, as they might be able to help support you. A few days after the car accident, you should get a copy of the police officer’s report, which should be made available online. It will have any statements you, the other person, or bystanders made. It will also have photos of where each vehicle was.
2. Document injuries: If you go to the hospital, don’t be afraid to ask your doctors questions and tell them everywhere that you hurt. You may even wonder if a doctor can force you to go back to work. You want them to understand the full situation. Unfortunately, the other driver’s insurance company won’t cover any medical costs until your case is settled, so you should make sure to use health insurance if you have it. Health insurance will let you get the medical attention you need while keeping any bill collectors off your back as much as possible.
3. Be ready for a phone call: Within the next day or two after a car accident, you might get a phone call from the other driver’s insurance adjuster. They will usually ask questions about how and why the accident happened and will want to know if you were injured or any damages to your vehicle. However, the insurance adjuster could be using questions designed to figure out whether you did anything to cause the accident. Any of what you say to the adjuster could be used against you in a case, so it could be a good decision to not tell the adjuster anything more than the basics. We recommend telling them that you were injured if this is a case, you need a rental vehicle, and/or you need repairs done on your car. Once you speak with an attorney, they can advise you on how to work with the adjuster best.
4. Call your insurance company: Check in with your insurance company to see if you have coverage on your policy towards “Medical Payments.” This could cover thousands of dollars towards your medical bills, to help you pay for the deductibles and co-pays that might come after an accident.
If you’re in the unfortunate situation where this does happen to you, reach out to Oxner + Permar, PLLC for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
I often hear potential clients say their supervisor told them they do not carry workers’ compensation insurance or that there is no way to file a worker’s comp claim. Is my employer required carry workers comp insurance? Although there are a few exceptions, in North Carolina employers who employ three or more people are generally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
This appears to be a tactic that employers use to try and decrease the number of claims that are filed in an effort to keep their insurance rates from rising. Unfortunately, a lot of people will take their supervisor’s word for it and not file a claim.
The longer someone waits to file a claim, the more damaging it may be to their claim or benefits. If your employer ever tells you that they do not have workers’ compensation insurance, it is best to consult with an attorney to determine if this is true as you may still be entitled to benefits in the event that your employer does not carry the required workers’ compensation insurance.
Understanding your rights under workers’ compensation law is crucial, especially when you’re asking, “Is my employer required carry workers comp insurance?” In North Carolina, workers’ comp laws are designed to protect employees who suffer injuries on the job by ensuring they receive the necessary medical care and compensation for lost wages. However, some employees may be unsure and wonder, “Is my employer required carry workers comp insurance?” Employers may attempt to mislead their employees about their eligibility or the existence of workers’ compensation insurance to avoid potential costs. Knowing the answer to “Is my employer required carry workers comp insurance?” can empower you to take the right steps if you get injured at work.
It’s also important to note that even if you’re questioning, “Is my employer required carry workers comp insurance?” and discover your employer is not required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, you might still have options. Certain exceptions and specific industries might be exempt from this requirement, but that doesn’t mean you’re left without recourse. Depending on the circumstances of your injury, and knowing whether “Is my employer required carry workers comp insurance?” you might be able to file a claim under a different insurance policy or, in some cases, pursue a personal injury lawsuit against your employer.
Workers’ compensation insurance not only protects employees but also benefits employers by shielding them from potential lawsuits. When an employer fails to carry the required insurance, those asking, “Is my employer required carry workers comp insurance?” should know that the employer opens themselves up to significant legal and financial risks. If you suspect that your employer is avoiding their legal obligations and wonder, “Is my employer required carry workers comp insurance?” it’s critical to seek legal advice. An experienced attorney can investigate the situation, ensure that your rights are protected, and guide you through the claims process.
Lastly, if you’re ever in doubt about “Is my employer required carry workers comp insurance?” and your employer’s compliance with workers’ compensation laws, take action immediately. Don’t rely solely on what your supervisor or employer tells you—verify the information with a qualified legal professional. Acting promptly can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim, ensuring you receive the benefits and compensation you deserve for your injuries. At Oxner + Permar, we’re committed to helping injured workers navigate these complexities and secure the best possible outcome for their case, especially for those asking, “Is my employer required carry workers comp insurance?”
We are living in a time where technology is advancing quickly and in ways our great grandparents probably would not have predicted. As impressive as a self-driving cars are, there are also questions about how safe they are and on what happens when a self-driving car causes a wreck.
Self-driving cars will become commonplace within the next few years. As they do, questions about who is responsible for accidents involving them will arise. Who is at fault when a self-driving car causes a wreck? What are the legal implications? How does liability work in a self-driving vehicle accident? These are just some of the many questions that come up when considering how liability works in a self-driving car causes a wreck.
To help you understand these issues, we have put together an overview of what happens when a self-driving vehicle crashes. We hope that this information helps you better prepare for your future with autonomous vehicles.
As self-driving technology becomes more prevalent, there are concerns about safety and liability. In fact, some people believe that self-driving technologies pose a greater threat to society than traditional automobiles.
For example, some people fear that self-driving cars will cause more accidents because they will be programmed to drive faster. Others worry that self-driving cars may be programmed to ignore pedestrians. Still others think that self-driving cars could be used by terrorists to carry out attacks.
However, there are also benefits associated with self-driving vehicles. They could reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, and make travel easier.
When two cars collide under normal circumstances, North Carolina law holds the at-fault party responsible for all damages and losses that he or she caused. But in the age of self-driving cars, the question of responsibility must be determined. In general, liability depends on one or more of these options:
Human error is still the first place an injured victim should look. Even the best technology cannot protect the public from negligent human operators, if the human driver has ultimate control of the vehicle. If a driver fails to remain alert while at the wheel or misuses the technology, then the driver may be responsible for a crash.
Sometimes technology simply fails. If a driverless vehicle is being operated properly and as designed but somehow fails, then the manufacturer may be the appropriate party to hold responsible for any injuries that the faulty machine caused.
A government regulatory agency that permits self-driving vehicles to be tested on public roads may potentially be responsible for allowing experimental vehicle testing on public roadways if the testing exposes the public to unreasonable risk of harm.
In some cases, the design of the vehicle is defective, and it must be considered whether this is something that the manufacturer should have recognized.
The answer to who is at fault when a self-driving car causes a wreck can depend on several factors. The first thing to consider is whether the person operating the vehicle was negligent. For example, did the operator fail to maintain proper lookout, use reasonable care, or follow traffic laws? If so, then the operator could be held liable for any injuries that resulted from his or her negligence.
If the operator was not negligent, then the next consideration is whether the vehicle itself was defective. This includes issues such as whether the vehicle’s software malfunctioned, whether the vehicle was improperly manufactured, or whether the vehicle was negligently designed. If the vehicle was defective, then the manufacturer may bear some responsibility for the accident.
Another factor to consider when a self-driving car causes a wreck is whether the operator was using the vehicle according to its intended purpose. For example, if the operator was driving the vehicle for purposes other than those for which it was designed, then the operator may be found to be negligent.
Finally, the state of the art of self-driving vehicles may play a role in determining who is at fault. For instance, if the state of the art allowed only certain types of vehicles to operate on public roads, then the state might be responsible for permitting unsafe.
Ask an attorney. We are here to help you understand your rights and responsibilities after a self-driving car accident.
Si su empleador no tiene seguro de lesiones laborales, usted todavía puede proceder con un reclamo si eres lesionado en el trabajo? Si su empleador no tiene seguro, tienes la opción de proceder en contra de ellos directamente, o, si su empleador era un subcontratista de un contratista general, puedes proceder en contra del seguro del contratista general. Antes de empezar un reclamo sin seguro, debes saber que el proceso será un poco más complicado – esto es porque tendrás que estar directamente en contacto con su empleador.
Es por esto que es importante que usted se ponga en contacto con abogados con experiencia si eres lesionado en el trabajo. Nosotros aquí en Oxner + Permar tenemos bastante experiencia con estas situaciones, y podemos ayudarle en español. ¡Llamenos!
