Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Montgomery

FAQs

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

  The residents of Montgomery can contact the local police by dialing 334-241-2651 for non-emergency cases and to report suspicious activities and people, accidents, or break-ins.

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

  People who need to obtain a police report copy in Montgomery may request the document online through LexisNexis by visiting this link https://secure.coplogic.com/rar/startrequest/. Email requests for police reports will not be entertained.

• Do personal injury claims in Montgomery have to go to court?

  As with divorce cases, most personal injury cases in Montgomery settle before going to court. It happens when both parties amicably discuss related matters and agree to a settlement. Negotiations between both parties may take some time and can cause stress and frustration, but this generally avoids going to trial and its costs.

• Is there an advantage to hiring a personal injury lawyer in Montgomery?

  Retaining the services of a personal injury lawyer in Montgomery is crucial, but you are free to go to court without one. However, having a lawyer at your side would help you remember due dates, processes, and regulations that must be followed to keep your case moving forward. Attorneys can also help with witness and expert interviews and evidence gathering to build a stronger case.

• Can the worth of a personal injury case in Montgomery be determined?

  Determining the worth of a personal injury case in Montgomery is close to impossible, but estimates can be provided by a lawyer based on their experience. Every personal injury case is unique, and the factors involved vary, like the seriousness of the injuries and insurance limitations. Other areas to determine how much the case is worth are the past and future medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and loss of earning capacity.

• In Montgomery, can a personal injury claim be filed if someone is partially at fault?

  Montgomery follows a pure contributory negligence rule, which means even if the plaintiff is 1 percent at fault in the accident, the court will not let them file a personal injury claim. In this case, the other party's insurance company will take advantage of this law and will look for any evidence to show that you are partially at fault.

• Is it okay to seek a second opinion from a different attorney for a personal injury case in Montgomery?

  Yes. It is okay to seek another attorney's opinion about your case. Lawyers have various skills and experiences which may provide you with a different point of view. This should be done carefully, and once you have hired a lawyer to represent you, asking for another attorney's advice would be considered unethical.

• 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.