Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Longview

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency contact number for the Longview Police Department is (903) 237-1199.

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

  To get a copy of a police report in Longview, go to https://longviewtx.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest. Then, under the "Police Records Request" box, click on the "Make a Request" link. You will then be brought to a new page, where you should see a form that you have to fill out. Once you have entered all the necessary details, click on the "Submit" button at the bottom of the page.

• Who is liable for ride-sharing car accidents in Longview?

  If you were in your vehicle and injured in a car accident in Longview caused by a ride-sharing driver, you have two options in pursuing compensation. You can either pursue compensation through the driver’s personal car insurance if he/she was off-duty or file a claim through the ride-sharing service’s insurance if he/she was logged on to the app at the time of the accident. If you were injured while riding a ride-sharing service, you can recover compensation from the ride-sharing company's insurance policy. But if the accident was caused by another driver, that driver should be responsible for the damages.

• How long is the statute of limitations in Longview when it comes to personal injury cases?

  In Longview, personal injury victims have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations may be extended if the victim was a minor at the time of the accident, and the deadline to file a lawsuit will only begin once they hit the age of 18. Additionally, if the person accused of the injuries leaves Texas after the accident but before the lawsuit can be filed, the statute of limitations may be paused.

• Who is responsible for the losses caused by a defective medical device in Longview?

  If you were hurt by a medical product that wasn't working right, you can file a defective medical device lawsuit in Longview against the person or company that designed, made, used, or sold it. Depending on the situation, a manufacturer, a store that sells the product, a doctor, a hospital, or a clinic could be held responsible. If the lawsuit is successful, the defective product will be recalled, preventing potential harm to others.

• Are you liable for a car accident in Longview caused by your teenage son or daughter?

  You will not be automatically liable for the car accident in Longview caused by your teenage son or daughter. But there are some exceptions to this rule. You may be held liable if you loan your car to your teenage child and they drive without a license. Also, you may be held liable if you loan your vehicle to your teenage child even though you know they have a bad history of driving.

• Can uninjured victims in Longview sue for property damage?

  Yes. Regardless of whether the victim was injured or not, if an accident in Longview results in damage to their property, they have the right to pursue compensation for property damage. A property damage claim can either be filed on its own or be included in a person's personal injury claim. Depending on the extent of the losses, the plaintiff may include in their property damage claim coverage for costs for property repairs or replacement.

• 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.