Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Ogden

FAQs

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

  Call the Ogden police at (801) 395-8221 for non-emergencies.

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

  Submit a written request or a completed GRAMA Request Form to the Ogden City Police Department Records Bureau, which is located at 2186 Lincoln Avenue in Ogden. Additionally, a request can be submitted at the front desk of the Francom Public Safety Building, located at the same address. Requests can also be emailed to opdrecordsrequest@ogdencity.com. For any questions, call the records bureau at (801) 629-8098.

• How can a lawyer help you when you already started a personal injury claim in Ogden on your own?

  A lawyer can immediately start assessing the initiated personal injury claim in Ogden to check for negative actions and procedural errors and protect the client's interests. The law firm's team can gather pertinent information, collect evidence, and inform the insurance company to direct all communication to the law firm moving forward. The team can help the client focus on the road to recovery by handling the legal aspects of the claim.

• How do you pay for a rental car after an accident in Ogden?

  Check your insurance for any rental car coverage. If you do not have the coverage, you can talk to the insurance company of the at-fault driver about getting a rental car. However, the at-fault insurance cannot help you acquire a rental car until they have fully investigated their liability in the accident. Another option is to pay for the rental car out of your pocket and have it reimbursed to the at-fault insurance company later, subject to their approval.

• When a personal injury lawsuit has been filed in Ogden does it mean the case goes to trial?

  It depends. The filing of the personal injury lawsuit in Ogden indicates that the case will undergo litigation in court for some time. Many cases settle after the discovery period and some before trial. However, there is a small number of cases that go to trial primarily because they involve liability disputes, a high amount of damages, and the claimant trying to hold the defendant publicly liable.

• What are the things you should not say at an accident scene in Ogden?

  Do not apologize to anyone at the accident scene in Ogden because doing so could be interpreted as an admission of guilt. Do not try to give speculations that may compromise your car accident claim later. Do not say you are okay because the validity of your injuries might be challenged. Lastly, never admit fault to anyone because it could be used against you in court.

• What is modified comparative negligence in a personal injury case in Ogden?

  Modified comparative negligence means that if a person is determined at fault by 50% or more in an accident, they cannot recover compensation. A person who is less than 50% at fault in an accident in Ogden may recover compensation, which will then be reduced by how much fault they have. Personal injury cases that have a proportionate fault are hard to settle out of court.

• 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.