Best Personal Injury Lawyers in San Angelo

FAQs

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

  To reach the San Angelo Police Department, you may call 325-657-4315.

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

  To obtain a police report from the San Angelo Police Department, you can come in person to the Records Division or send them a mail request at 401 East Beauregard Ave, San Angelo, TX 76903.

• Can you force an insurance company in San Angelo to pay you the settlement you are entitled to receive for an injury?

  There should not be a need to force them in the first place, but if they take a lot of time to award you the settlement you are entitled to, it may be best to consult an attorney in San Angelo to pressure them into legally complying. Some insurance companies display dishonest behavior by delaying claimants' damages. This is called "bad faith" and comes in the form of false financial statements and misrepresentation of insurance policies.

• Can you sue a tire manufacturer in San Angelo who sold you defective wheels that caused you to have an accident?

  Yes, you can. To be specific, however, it is the manufacturer or the company in San Angelo who designed the tires that should be held liable, unlike in cases where the defect is in the manufacturing of the item where people in the assembly or distribution line can be held accountable. Design defects are inherently more dangerous since the product was initially unsafe.

• Do all personal injury cases involving pedestrians in San Angelo immediately go to court?

  Not all the time. When you hire a personal injury attorney in San Angelo to represent you, they can negotiate with the other party/insurance company first to try to arrive at a settlement amount that is reasonable to cover all of your damages. In the event that the other party disputes your claim, that is when the case goes to trial.

• Can you sue a nursing home if you notice your elderly loved one slowly losing weight?

  Yes, you can. However, hiring a personal injury attorney in San Angelo who has handled nursing home abuse cases would be good. They would know how to conduct a thorough investigation on whether or not the weight loss was the result of negligence and not an underlying medical condition.

• How is a party determined to be at fault for a personal injury in San Angelo?

  For a personal injury claim to exist and be filed against another party in San Angelo, it must meet three requirements:

  • The "at-fault" party owed the victim a duty of care;
  • The "at-fault" party failed to fulfill this duty through negligence;
  • This act of negligence caused the victim to suffer injuries

  Once these have been established, you are encouraged to hire a personal injury attorney who can help you get compensated for your medical bills and suffering.

• 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.