An accident, or personal injury lawyer, is a specialized practitioner in the area of tort law. This field of civil law specifies that when a person is injured or harmed through the wrongdoing or negligence of another person, then they are eligible to be compensated for their injury. The compensation can include an element for the injury itself, and elements for any costs incurred, such as medical bills and money lost due to time off work. Accident attorneys would normally recommend that the victim of any accident should contact them as soon as possible after the accident, after of course obtaining any medical treatment which may be necessary.
Tort law allows compensation to be paid to the victim of an accident which is the fault of another person, whether that is due to wrongdoing or carelessness. Note that in some cases the wrongdoing may be a breach of criminal law as well (for example driving under the influence of alcohol). In this case the police and criminal courts may also be involved, but that does not reduce the victim's right to pursue compensation in civil court.
The compensation which may be awarded for an injury can vary from country to country, or from state to state within a country. However, in general though may be an amount awarded for the injury itself, and additional elements for any financial loss suffered due to the injury. Financial loss could include costs such as medical expenses, and loss of wages due to being unable to work. Both previous and future financial losses would be considered.
Accident attorneys would normally recommend that the victim of an accident should contact their lawyer as soon as practically possible after the accident. They should of course obtain any necessary medical treatment first.
Other useful advice from accident attorneys includes collecting as much evidence as possible. It can be a good idea to take some photos of the scene of the accident, and to take details, such as the names and addresses of any witnesses.
Also keep a log of everything that has happened since the accident, such as the dates of medical appointments and any time taken off work due to the injury. Keep receipts and details of any costs incurred, such as medical bills, rental cars etc.
Personal injury lawyers would normally advise their clients not to make any statements, or admissions, to the other parties involved or to their insurance company or lawyers, without first discussing it with their own attorney.
Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency, or no win no fee basis. Quite a few will offer an initial consultation free of charge. This will assess the accident victims case, and will give the attorney a chance to explain his fees. In some countries the lawyer operating on contingency will take a percentage cut from any damages which are awarded. This may often be between 30 and 40% of the total award. In other countries the lawyers fees may be awarded against the defendant in the case, in which case the claimant will get to keep 100% of the damages awarded.
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