Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Independence

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency matters in Independence, you may call the local police department at 816-325-7300.

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

  To obtain a copy of an Independence police report, complete the records request form at https://www.ci.independence.mo.us/CityClerk/RecordsRequest and email the completed form to cityclerk@indepmo.org. For further assistance, you may call the Records Unit at 816-325-7010.

• What can an Independence personal injury lawyer do for you?

  If you enlist the help of an Independence personal injury lawyer, they will take care of obtaining evidence to strengthen your case, work alongside professionals to establish the exact cause of your injuries, consult with medical experts to calculate the total value of your past and future medical expenses, and negotiate to secure you the compensation you deserve. They will also keep you up to date regarding the developments in your case while you focus on recovering from your injuries.

• Can you hire an Independence personal injury lawyer even if you’re short on finances?

  Definitely. If you are struggling with your finances and found yourself getting injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you can hire a personal injury lawyer who takes cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you wouldn’t have to pay them anything unless they successfully secure money from the other party on your behalf. Their fees, an agreed-upon percentage, will then be deducted from your total award.

• Can you sue a homeowner in Independence if you were injured in their house?

  Yes. It is possible for you to bring suit against the homeowner or renter of a house in Independence if you get hurt while visiting as a guest or a business visitor. Your odds of recovering compensation are higher if the homeowner or renter is insured for the injuries you sustain in their residence.

• Will you get awarded punitive damages if you were injured by a drunk driver in Independence?

  Possibly. If your lawyer is able to show clear and convincing evidence that the at-fault party in your Independence accident deliberately hurt you or exhibited behavior with deliberate and flagrant disregard for the safety of others, the court may award you punitive damages. This category of damages is not compensatory in nature but is meant to punish the at-fault party for demonstrating gross misconduct.

• When should you file your personal injury claim in Independence?

  If you are looking to pursue a personal injury claim in Independence, you must do so within five years from the date of your accident or the date when you discovered your injury or illness. This legal deadline is known as the statute of limitations and once it expires, you may be barred from recovering any compensation for your losses.

• 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.