Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Asheville

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Asheville, North Carolina?

  The Asheville Police Department Communications Center takes non-emergency calls at 828-252-1110.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Asheville, North Carolina?

  Police records requests in Asheville may be made at https://ashevillepd.policetocitizen.com/Home. The station itself is at 100 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC 28801.

• Is a lawyer always needed for personal injury issues in Asheville?

  There are times in Asheville when a personal injury claimant doesn't need a lawyer, like when the stakes and sums involved are small and the insurer is cooperative. Complex issues however will involve intensive negotiations with assurance firms and potential litigation to compel payment, and in these matters a lawyer is indispensable.

• Does a personal injury claimant in Asheville who wished to conduct initial talks with a lawyer need to worry about private information leaking out before a formal contract is signed?

  No, while there is no formal attorney-client relationship yet between Asheville residents and lawyers who are on the initial consultation, talks are already conducted under strict confidentiality. Law firms will observe secrecy during the exploratory conversations since a claimant might wish to go to several attorneys to gather second and third opinions, and privacy encourages this practice.

• What kinds 'of evidence do personal injury lawyers in Asheville use in trucking accidents?

  Personal injury lawyers in Asheville who are faced with trucking accidents will scrutinize videos and photos of the incident to establish who were the parties at fault and if anyone was acting negligently. The truck's data recorder will be extracted and the information it has stored before the crash will be examined. Witness testimonies are also gathered and memorialized in deposition form.

• What are the common signs of nursing home abuse that give rise to personal injury suits in Asheville?

  Personal injury claimants in Asheville who wish to sue over nursing home negligence matters should look for untreated bed sores and signs of depression or unease when surrounded by the staff. Seek out welts or wounds that indicate the excessive use of restraints, and check if sheets are soiled. A general unhygienic and unwashed appearance is also an indicator of abuse.

• What is the impact of not wearing a helmet during a motorcycle crash on the personal injury claim of a rider in Asheville?

  Motorcycle riders in Asheville are required by law to wear a helmet and failing to wear one will be used by insurance companies to deny injury claims. Insurers will use the non-wearing of a DOR-approved headgear against the biker and claim that the injuries are the latter's fault. A good lawyer can still establish that it was another party and not the plaintiff who was at fault, but it will be harder.

• 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.