Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Somerville

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Somerville, Massachusetts?

  617-625-1600 is the hotline for non-emergency situations of the Somerville Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Somerville, Massachusetts?

  Requests for records can be submitted in person at the Somerville Police Records Bureau or via email at records@police.somerville.ma.us. The department is open from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Friday but is closed on Saturday, Sunday, and major holidays. The Records Bureau will take ten business days to comply with your request.

• Do you require the services of a personal injury lawyer in Somerville?

  Because you can submit a claim on your own in Somerville, there is no requirement that you must employ a personal injury attorney. Yet having a personal injury lawyer on your side provides you the ability to fight for the just compensation for your losses. Additionally, a lawyer has the means to secure expert testimony and urgent evidence and will expertly handle the challenging aspects of your case.

• How long do you have in Somerville to submit a personal injury claim?

  In Somerville, a personal injury claim must be filed within three years after the incident's date to be eligible for compensation. If you do not register your claim within three years, you will forfeit any right to financial compensation. That's why you must take action immediately.

• What kind of compensation may you get in a personal injury case in Somerville?

  In a personal injury case in Somerville, you may be able to recover economic losses, which include money to pay for previous costs like medical bills and missed income. The court may grant money to cover future medical costs, such as trips to the doctor, physical therapy, and required house modifications. In addition, the court may award damages for intangible and difficult-to-measure effects including loss of enjoyment, pain and suffering, and mental anguish.

• What is the average fee for a personal injury attorney in Somerville?

  Somerville personal injury lawyers normally operate on a contingency basis, which means they only get compensated if you win your case. Most attorneys demand between 25% and 40% of the settlement sum. The percentage charged is also based on how much time your attorney needs to spend on your claim. Your legal costs will be significantly reduced if you can come to a settlement with the insurance provider.

• In Somerville, who is responsible for bicycle accidents?

  In Somerville, various people could be held accountable for a bicycle accident. These scenarios include the following:

  • A claim against the insurance provider of the driver of a car may be made if they were at fault.
  • If the collision was caused by a poorly maintained road, the government agencies may be sued.
  • A claim against the bicycle manufacturer may be made if a bike component contributed to the collision.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.