Best Personal Injury Lawyers in West Jordan, UT

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in West Jordan, Utah?

  801-840-4000 is the non-emergency contact number for the West Jordan Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in West Jordan, Utah?

  You can request a copy of the police report that is related to your case from the West Jordan Police Department. You can fill out and submit the Government Records Access Management Act Form online here: https://services.westjordan.utah.gov/PoliceRecordsRequest. Your request will be processed within 10 business days from the date of submission.

• What damages can you recover in a personal injury claim in West Jordan?

  You can recover economic and non-economic damages in a personal injury lawsuit in West Jordan. Economic damages cover financial losses incurred during and after the accident, such as medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. Meanwhile, non-economic damages include physical and emotional pain, suffering, and mental distress.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury claim in West Jordan?

  The state of Utah, of which West Jordan is a part, implements various statutes of limitations for different personal injury cases. For instance, if you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, you have four years from the date of the incident to file a claim. If you wish to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of a defective product, you have to file a claim two years after the date of your injury. Meanwhile, if you wish to file a wrongful death lawsuit, you must bring a claim two years after your loved one's death.

• Do you have to go to court to settle a personal injury claim in West Jordan?

  Not necessarily. Some personal injury claims in West Jordan can be settled fairly through mediation, negotiation, or arbitration. However, your case may have to be settled in court if the at-fault party's insurance company declines to offer you fair compensation for your losses. Hiring a personal injury lawyer who can protect your rights and preserve evidence for your claim is important.

• Can you still receive compensation if you were partially at fault for an accident in West Jordan?

  You can still receive compensation even if you were partially at fault for a personal injury accident in West Jordan, as long as your percentage of fault is less than 50%. However, your total settlement award will be reduced by the percentage of your fault, as mandated by state law. For instance, if your total settlement award is $100,000 and you were deemed 30% at fault for your injuries, you can still recover $70,000.

• How can you prove the negligence of the party at fault in a personal injury claim in West Jordan?

  To prove the negligence of the at-fault party in a personal injury claim in West Jordan, you and your legal team must establish evidence that the defendant owed you a duty of care, that he or she breached that duty, that his or her negligence caused the accident that led to your injuries, and that you suffered economic and non-economic damages from those injuries.

• 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.