Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Wichita

FAQs

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

  (316) 268-4221 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Wichita.

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

  To request a copy of a police report related to your case, you can send a request to the Wichita Police Department's Accident and Theft Unit 455 N. Main, Wichita, KS 67202. You can also call the Records Unit at (316) 268-4186 to request a copy over the phone. Lastly, you can pick up a copy of the report at the Police Record Unit on the fifth floor of the City Hall located at 455 N. MAIN.

• What is the leading cause of unintentional deaths from injuries in Wichita?

  The leading cause of unintentional deaths from injuries in Wichita is motor-vehicle accidents, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports. In addition, the report indicates that motor-vehicle accidents alone accounted for 25.2 percent of the 1,578 unintentional deaths from injuries in the state. To avoid motor-vehicle accidents, drivers should always wear seatbelts, obey traffic rules, avoid distractions while driving, and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• How do you prove liability in a Wichita personal injury case?

  In order to prove liability in a Wichita personal injury case, you must demonstrate that the other party acted negligently by not meeting the standard of care legally owed to others, such as not safely operating a motor vehicle. You must also prove that the other party's negligent actions caused your injuries and that they were aware their actions might be harmful. Additionally, you must show that you suffered losses, such as medical expenses or lost income, as a result of the injuries.

• What is the deadline to file a personal injury claim in Wichita?

  The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Wichita is two years, as per section 60-513 of the Kansas Statutes. Failing to file within this time frame will forfeit the opportunity to secure compensation. A lawyer should be consulted as soon as possible if you plan to appeal the deadline limitation since some exceptions may extend or shorten this time frame.

• How much can you receive for a Wichita personal injury claim?

  The amount of compensation that can be recovered varies depending on the specifics of a personal injury claim in Wichita. Generally, there are three types of damages that can be pursued: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. Medical expenses and lost wages are examples of economic damages. Pain and suffering are examples of non-economic damages. Punitive damages are awarded as a punishment to the negligent party.

• What is the expected timeframe for receiving PIP benefits in Wichita?

  Insurance companies are legally required to pay PIP benefits within 30 days of receiving written notice of loss. Disability benefits, on the other hand, must be paid every two weeks following written notice. Late payments incur interest at a rate of 18% per year. If an insurance company fails to pay personal injury benefits within the 30-day period, the claimant in Wichita may seek legal action to recover the overdue amount along with interest and attorney fees.

• 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.