Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Richardson

FAQs

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

  Individuals can contact the Richardson Police Department at 972-744-4801 for non-emergency matters.

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

  The Records division of the Richardson Police Department manages police reports. To obtain crash reports, you can either visit the address 200 N Greenville Ave, Richardson, TX 75081, or access them online at https://www.richardsonpolice.net/i-want-to/find/accident-report. For all other reports, you must file an open records request at https://richardsontx.govqa.us/WEBAPP/_rs/(S(nmeoqtpy4npwad2nxs4rts5e))/supporthome.aspx.

• If you weren't wearing a helmet when you had a motorcycle accident in Richardson, could you still file a lawsuit?

  Helmets are not legally required in Richardson if you meet specific requirements. However, not wearing one may affect the compensation you get from the other driver's insurer. Your case may be impacted by your not wearing a helmet, depending on your injuries. For instance, it would be difficult to claim that a helmet would have been beneficial if you fractured your arm. If you suffered head or neck injuries, the defense could argue that not wearing a helmet played a role in the severity of your injuries. This can lower your compensation as the court may hold you partly accountable.

• How do you establish fault and negligence in a Richardson pedestrian accident?

  You can establish fault and obtain compensation in a Richardson pedestrian accident by proving that the defendant had a duty of care, broke it, and caused or added to the accident. A motorist who was texting while operating a vehicle, a company that produced a crossing signal that was flawed, and a city that neglected to include a safe area for pedestrians to cross are examples of a breach of duty of care. It is imperative to hire a qualified attorney who can help prove your case in court.

• How do you prove fault in a dog bite case in Richardson?

  In Richardson, the "one bite rule" applies to dog bite cases. The owner may be liable if he or she is aware that the dog has attacked before, the handler was negligent, there was a violation of leash or animal control laws, or the handler intentionally caused the attack. Negligence or "negligence per se" can also establish liability, depending on the situation, like if the dog was in an unsuitable environment or the handler breached regulations when the attack happened.

• How can you get compensated for a pedestrian accident in Richardson?

  Richardson pedestrian accident victims have several options for getting their damages paid for, including making a claim with their own insurance carrier, making a claim with the insurance provider of the party who caused the accident, or initiating a civil action. Filing an insurance claim can assist in obtaining compensation for losses such as medical costs, property damage, and lost wages. A lawsuit may be necessary to recover both economic and non-economic losses if the responsible party is not covered by insurance or if the settlement is insufficient.

• What are the different factors that could impact the value of your Richardson truck accident case?

  Several factors can determine the value of a truck accident settlement, including the severity of injuries, healthcare costs, projected recovery time, medical expenses, need for ongoing care, and permanent disabilities. Property damage value, the liable party's insurance policy limits, loss of income, and wrongful death claims can also affect the settlement amount. Additionally, the percentage of fault assigned to each driver can reduce the financial award.

• 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.