Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Fall River

FAQs

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

  The easiest way to reach the non-emergency dispatch for the local police department in Fall River is by dialing 508-672-8511.

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

  There are three ways to obtain a police incident report in Fall River. You can do it online at the official state website, by calling the office at (508) 820-2300, or by mailing the request to their address at Massachusetts State Police, 470 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA 01702.

• What personal injury claims can you seek if you are involved in a bus accident in Fall River?

  If you are involved in a bus accident in Fall River, you can seek various personal injury claims. These claims may include compensation for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage, out-of-pocket expenses, and future medical costs. It's best to consult a lawyer to ask for legal advice on the legal details of your case.

• What kinds of injuries are compensable through a Fall River personal injury claim?

  You can collect compensation for many types of personal injuries in Fall River. These are connective tissue injuries from car accidents and burns from defective products. In addition, an accident victim may suffer psychological harm. Furthermore, the range of possible injuries is extensive, so it's best to contact a lawyer to discuss your situation and decide what to take.

• Can you provide a recorded statement to another party's insurance company after the accident in Fall River?

  It's important to understand that giving a recorded statement to the other party's insurance company after an accident can harm your personal injury case in Fall River. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions in a way that may weaken your case. Therefore, it's crucial to seek the guidance of an experienced lawyer before providing any statements or signing any documents so that your rights and interests are protected.

• What is the estimated timeline for settling your claim in Fall River?

  The estimated timeline for resolving a personal injury claim in Fall River differs depending on the circumstances. It's essential to wait until injuries have stabilized before starting settlement negotiations. Once a final medical report is issued, the insurance company may take 4 to 6 weeks to review a demand before talks can begin. Complicated cases may take longer to settle.

• What steps should you take following a car accident in Fall River?

  If you have been involved in a car accident in Fall River, take care of your health first and call for help. Refrain from talking about the accident with the other driver's insurance company. Take photos of the scene and damages and get witness statements. Tell the police how the accident happened and make sure they talk to witnesses. If the police can't come, exchange information with the other driver or meet at the police station later.

• 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.