It is not uncommon for victims of personal injury to have questions after suffering injuries in an accident. And it’s only reasonable because no one ever thinks about an injury case until they are faced with one. Here are some frequently asked questions in personal injury cases, and should serve as a guide to help you make an informed decision, should you find yourself in such a situation. Do I have a case? You have a case if you sustained injuries or loss due to someone else’s negligence. You also are entitled to compensation. However, since it can be hard for you to prove that the other party was at fault, it is always a good idea to consult with top lawyers in Anchorage. These professionals are trained to gather evidence that will help prove your claims. What is my case worth? It is hard to tell how much your case is worth from the onset. Compensation varies due to different factors including past and future: medical cost, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, therapy, as well as pain and suffering. Your attorney will need to dig into your case, consult with your doctors and employers and factor in all aspects before they will be able to tell you how much you’ll potentially receive. Will I have to go to trial? Most personal injury cases are settled out of court. However, if going to court is the only option, then you might have to go to trial. The latter might be influenced by: The defendant refusing to offer a fair settlement Disputed liability Disputed damages What kinds of questions will I be asked during a deposition? A deposition is the Q&A session between the plaintiff (you) and the defendant’s lawyer. This is often done in the presence of your attorney and a court reporter who captures everything that’s said. Some questions that you’ll be asked will revolve around: Your general background information, like your education, family and work history Your health condition before the accident The impact that the incident has had on your life Details of the accident The medical treatment you got for the injuries What’s the duration of the lawsuit? As with the value of your case, how long it takes to settle your claim will vary depending on a range of factors. For instance, your recovery may extend the process because your attorney will want to wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement so that they can be sure of what your total medical expenses are, or will be in the future. What’s the statute of limitation? The statute of limitation is the amount of time within which you are allowed to file a lawsuit. In Alaska, personal injury claims carry a two-year limit. Should I negotiate with an insurance company? No. insurance companies have well-trained lawyers and adjusters working on their behalf. These representatives are trained to minimize payouts so that their companies can optimize their profits. What this means is that insurance companies don’t have your best interest in mind. Get one of the best lawyers in Anchorage to help with the negotiations. They have the expertise and knowledge to help get you the best settlement.
