Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Winston Salem

FAQs

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

  For non-emergency matters in Winston-Salem, call the city police at 336-773-7700.

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

  To obtain a copy of a Winston-Salem police report, file your request at http://www.wspdp2c.org/.

• What are the usual damages you can recover in a Winston-Salem personal injury claim?

  Generally speaking, the damages you are entitled to in a Winston-Salem personal injury claim largely depend on the extent of your injuries and the details of your case. In most cases, injury victims can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, including past and future medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

• Will you go to court for a personal injury case in Winston-Salem?

  Not necessarily. Most of the time, personal injury cases in Winston-Salem get resolved through settlement negotiations without even filing a lawsuit. If you do pursue a lawsuit, though, you should also know that many lawsuits also get settled without an actual court trial. However, if your case is not settled on all terms, it may be in your best interest to proceed to court so you can get the amount of compensation you truly deserve.

• How much will a Winston-Salem personal injury lawyer charge you?

  Winston-Salem personal injury lawyers do not have a fixed rate for their services since the cases they work on are all unique. However, many of them accept cases on a contingency fee basis. This means they don’t collect any upfront fees and will only charge you if they successfully recover damages for you. In short, if they don’t win your case, you don’t have to pay them anything.

• Can you seek punitive damages if you were injured by a drunk driver in Winston-Salem?

  Yes. It is possible for you to pursue punitive damages if you sustained injuries in a Winston-Salem accident caused by a drunk driver. This is because driving under the influence of intoxicating substances may be considered a reckless act that demonstrates indifference towards your and others’ safety. Punitive damages, however, are not meant to compensate you for your losses. They are awarded mainly to punish the defendant and to deter others from exhibiting similar conduct in the future.

• Is there a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Winston-Salem?

  Yes. There is a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Winston-Salem called the statute of limitations. According to North Carolina law, you must file your personal injury lawsuit within three years from the date of the accident that caused your injuries. If you are looking to pursue a wrongful death claim, you have two years to do so. If you allow these legal deadlines to pass without taking legal action, you may lose the opportunity to recover 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.