Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Cranston

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Cranston, Rhode Island?

  The non-emergency phone number of the Cranston police department is 401-942-2211.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Cranston, Rhode Island?

  To obtain a copy of a Cranston police report, download and fill out the Report and Records Request Form at https://cranstonpoliceri.com/Records/ and email it to recordsrequest@cranstonpoliceri.com. For further assistance, you may call the Records Division at 401-477-5020.

• Can you file another personal injury claim if you are not satisfied with the settlement money you received in Cranston?

  No. In Cranston, you can only settle your case once if you sustained injuries due to someone else’s negligence. Therefore, you must not rush your case and seek maximum compensation before signing any settlement documents. Once you have accepted the settlement money, you will be barred from re-filing the same claim.

• How can a Cranston personal injury lawyer help you prove your claim?

  Once you hire a Cranston personal injury lawyer, they will work closely with experts to help you prepare your case. These experts include trauma doctors, pharmacists, and other medical specialists to make you understand and assist you in communicating the medical facts of your case. Your lawyer may also work with forensic engineers, mechanics, and accident reconstruction analysts to establish that you are not at fault for your accident.

• Should you accept if an insurance company offers to settle your personal injury case in Cranston?

  While the idea of getting your injury case in Cranston settled early sounds convenient, it might not be in your best interest to accept a settlement offer from an insurance company too soon. This is a common tactic used by insurance companies to get cases over with as quickly or as cheaply as possible. Without knowing the entire extent of your situation and injuries, accepting the initial settlement could mean receiving insufficient funds to help you recover completely.

• What can you do if you can’t afford to hire a Cranston personal injury lawyer?

  If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Cranston, do not delay bringing a personal injury claim just because you think you can’t afford to hire an attorney. Many personal injury lawyers in the city offer their services on a contingency fee basis, meaning their payment largely depends on whether or not they secure an award or settlement for you. Under this arrangement, only after your lawyer wins your case will they deduct a fee from your settlement.

• How long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Cranston?

  If you wish to pursue a personal injury lawsuit in Cranston, you have up to three years from the date the injury occurred to bring suit against the negligent party. Once this time window, known as the statute of limitations, expires and you haven't taken legal action, you may lose your only 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.