Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Durham

FAQs

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

  919-560-4600 is the non-emergency line of the Durham Police Department.

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

  To obtain a police report in Durham, you can contact the Durham Police Department Records Division at 919-560-4423 by phone, or fax your request to (919) 560-4987. To make a request via mail or in person, send a letter to or visit the Durham Police Department, Records Division, 505 W. Chapel Hill Street, Durham 27701.

• What happens if the defendant accuses you of being responsible for your own injuries in Durham?

  If the defendant accuses you of contributing to your own injuries in Durham, North Carolina's contributory negligence law may prevent you from receiving compensation for your losses. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as if the defendant was blatantly negligent or had the last opportunity to prevent the injuries. Personal injury cases in North Carolina are subject to a strict contributory negligence standard, which is one of the few states that still applies it.

• How does a Durham injury attorney get ready for trial?

  In preparation for a trial, a Durham injury attorney can conduct settlement discussions and simultaneously work on building a robust case. This may involve gathering evidence by subpoenaing documents and attending court hearings, as well as taking depositions. The primary objective is to fortify your case in case it goes to trial, so your attorney will put in their best efforts to achieve this outcome.

• What are the common types of injury cases in Durham?

  Car crashes and motorcycle collisions are the most common types of personal injury cases in Durham, but injury lawyers also handle claims related to trucking wrecks, DWI accidents, dog bites, and defective drugs and products. If you've been involved in any type of accident, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial to ensure your health and well-being.

• What types of compensation are available in a Durham personal injury claim?

  Durham injury claims can provide compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include lost wages and medical expenses, while non-economic damages can cover emotional distress, pain and suffering, physical disability, and property damage. A Durham personal injury lawyer can help determine the amount of compensation and assist in claiming the damages.

• What is the deadline to file a Durham personal injury case?

  The statute of limitations for a negligence case in Durham is typically three years from the date of the incident, while wrongful death cases have a two-year statute of limitations. Note, however, that the statute of limitations may vary in accordance with the particular case and jurisdiction. As it takes time to investigate and prepare a complaint, it is essential that you discuss your case with a lawyer and not wait until the statute of limitations expires before seeking legal assistance.

• 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.