There are a number of situations where determining liability for an injury or accident is important, and one good example is any case where you or a loved one has been attacked or bitten by someone else's dog. While most would naturally assume that the owner of the other dog will usually be liable in such cases, it's important to know the actual law when proceeding in any such situation.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're proud to offer quality attorney services for a variety of personal injury cases throughout Utah, including dog bite and animal attack attorney solutions. Luckily, Utah's liability laws in such cases are fairly straightforward -- and they're some of the most beneficial in the country to the victims of such attacks, ensuring they get the proper compensation for their injuries and hardship. Let's go over how these laws work and how liability is considered for any dog or animal attack, plus what you should be doing to ensure you get the right compensation if you're a victim in one of these.
Unlike some other states, which have a "One Bite Rule" that only holds the dog's owner liable for an attack if the dog has previously attacked someone or shown aggression, Utah operates on a strict liability standard, which means that the owner of the dog is held liable for an attack regardless of what their pet has done in the past. This makes it easier to hold owners accountable and get compensation for your injuries if you or someone you care about gets bit by another person's dog or other animal.
It's important to note that several forms of protection dog owners may try to use in such cases are not actually viable. For instance, a "Beware of Dog" sign is not a guarantee of protection from liability, and an owner cannot claim that you were trespassing on their property (or even in their yard) if it comes to a legal case.
Furthermore, your burden of proof is generally fairly low in these cases. You do not have to prove any negligence on the part of the dog owner, and you do not have to show that they were aware their dog was a danger to others. You simply need to prove that you or your loved one has been bitten by the other person's dog.
Now, it should be noted that there are some protections in place for dog owners here as well, especially in cases where attacks were specifically provoked. The key term here is "comparative negligence," which states that if the victim of the attack was more than 50% at fault for the attack and subsequent injuries, then they will not be eligible for any compensation.
Provocation here may include things like hitting, teasing or otherwise interfering with the dog. Petting a dog typically will not qualify, unless the dog's owner specifically warned the victim not to do so. Finally, in cases where the victim is a child, comparative negligence typically is not considered, as children often are not old enough to understand this concept.
They're somewhat rare, but Utah law does allow for criminal penalties (and fines) to be applied against a dog owner who is found liable for an attack or bite. The state also allows any victim of such an incident to file a civil lawsuit and seek damages from the other party in that situation as well.
In extreme cases, there may also be an order to put the dog down if it's shown extreme aggression in multiple situations. However, courts will typically only use this option as a last resort.
Now, these cases do come with limitations on how long after the incident a case can be filed. In Utah, you have four years from the date of the attack to file a civil lawsuit, meaning the courts will not consider any case after that. There are also statutory caps on non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in these cases as well.
This is one area where working with a quality personal injury attorney will be key, as they will know exactly how to build a strong case for you and help you understand your rights.
If you've been the victim of a dog bite attack and someone else is found liable, you may be eligible for several different kinds of compensation:
In any case involving a dog bite or an injury from one, getting the help of a personal injury attorney is a vital step in ensuring you get the right representation. For more on this, or to learn about any of our dog bite or other personal injury attorney services, speak to the staff at the offices of William Rawlings & Associates today.
Have you been seriously injured in a Utah truck accident? Lawyers know the ins and outs of personal injury cases, and turning to an experienced local attorney is the best way to get the information and advice you need.
That said, injuries like yours might have you worried about the costs of medical care and your inability to work – and learning about the damages you may be entitled to may help ease your mind. Here, the experienced legal team at William R. Rawlings & Associates explains the basics.
Personal injury lawyers use the term “damages” to refer to the monetary compensation an accident victim can pursue for their injuries and financial losses.
Personal injury cases are meant to hold a party or parties accountable for their actions, and to recover damages, you must be able to prove that someone else’s negligence directly led to the trucking accident and the injuries you suffered.
When more than one motorist is involved in an accident in Utah, the percentage of fault for each party affects the outcome of a personal injury case.
Utah has a comparative negligence law, which basically means that an assessment of a trucking accident is required to determine how much blame should be placed on each motorist. The amount of compensation you may receive from each party will be equivalent to their percentage of fault. And if you’re found to be at least 50 percent responsible for the accident, you may be barred from collecting any damages.
In Utah, truck accident victims have the legal right to pursue both economic and non-economic damages. In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded.
Economic damages, also known as special damages, are meant to provide compensation for actual, measurable financial losses related to the truck accident. A lawyer may recommend seeking these economic damages:
Non-economic or general damages in personal injury cases are meant to provide monetary compensation for intangible losses incurred in a truck accident. A lawyer can determine which of the following non-economic damages apply to your case:
Experienced truck accident lawyers know that punitive or exemplary damages are rarely awarded in the state of Utah. This is because punitive damages are intended to be a punishment for the at-fault party for gross negligence and to deter others from acting in the same manner.
Sometimes, the injured victim in a Utah truck accident and the at-fault party or parties come to an agreement in a timely manner – but that’s not the norm.
More often than not, people with serious injuries need to fight for the compensation they deserve. Many end up waiting far too long, and for some, filing a lawsuit is the only way to recover damages. Delays in the process are to be expected, yet you don’t have all the time in the world to resolve the situation.
In Utah, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is four years – and in your case, the clock started ticking on the day of your truck accident. Any lawsuit filed after that time won’t be legally valid. Be aware, too, that property damage claims have a three-year deadline. So, you have even less time to make a claim for compensation for your damaged vehicle and any other items in poor condition as a result of the accident.
To recover damages as quickly as possible – and to receive the maximum in compensation for your injuries and losses -- you need an experienced Utah truck accident lawyer, one who knows how to win. That’s what you’ll get with William R. Rawlings & Associates.
Our legal team will fight to ensure that you receive every dollar you’re owed, and while we’re able to settle most personal injury cases, we’re not afraid to go to trial. Our truck accident lawyers have been representing injured victims like you for more than 35 years, and no other Utah law firm is as dedicated to reaching the best possible case outcome.
Working with William R. Rawlings & Associates is risk-free, as we don’t charge legal fees unless we obtain damages in a personal injury case – and the initial consultation is always free. To meet with one of the best truck accident lawyers in Utah, contact us today.
Most people in Utah only call a personal injury lawyer when they need help getting started with an accident claim. That’s only to be expected, of course – attorneys are like plumbers, electricians and other service professionals in that clients contact us only when necessary.
But, this does lead many to wonder what to expect when contacting a personal injury lawyer for the first time. For an explanation, take a look at the following.
When you call a Utah law firm about an accident claim, you’ll want to have some info handy – a personal injury lawyer will need to get at least some of the facts to determine if and how they can help. You can generally expect to be asked 4 out of the 5 W’s:
As for the last of the 5 W’s, the why, that’s pretty obvious – the need for legal advice is why you’re calling a personal injury lawyer. And at this point, after you answer the questions above, the law firm representative you speak with should have a good idea as to whether they can assist with your accident claim. If so, you’ll be invited to the office for a free, no-obligation consultation.
During the initial phone call to a personal injury lawyer, you’ll only be providing basic information. For the full picture of what your accident claim may entail, the attorney will need to learn all about the facts and circumstances surrounding your case. They’ll get that info when you come into the law firm office for an in-person consultation.
You’ll sit down to chat one-on-one with the personal injury lawyer, and your first step will be to explain what happened and what damages you’ve sustained as a result of the accident. After sharing your story, the attorney may ask a few follow-up questions:
Personal injury cases hinge on the evidence. An attorney will need to be able to prove that someone else’s negligent or wrongful actions were the cause of your injuries and that you have suffered financial losses as a result. So, you’ll need to provide the personal injury lawyer with any documents you may have that pertain to these matters – if you have any of the following documents, you should bring them along to the consultation:
Depending on the number and nature of documents you provide, the personal injury lawyer may not thoroughly review everything right away. However, after taking a look at all of the paperwork, they’ll have a good idea as to the strengths and weaknesses of your accident claim.
While the primary purpose of a personal injury lawyer consultation is to find out if you have a case and how the attorney can help with your accident claim, you can and should ask your own questions. That way, you’ll be able to figure out if the lawyer you’re meeting with is the right one to hire.
What should you ask? Any question that can help you get a sense of whether or not you want to work with the lawyer is a smart one to ask – use these questions as a starting point for your list:
Keep in mind, any questions that are specific to your personal injury case may not be fully answered during the consultation. That being said, you should get enough information to decide if the attorney is a good fit for you – and if you don’t feel that happened, look for a different Utah law firm.
The legal team at William R. Rawlings & Associate has been protecting the rights and interests of accident victims for decades, and we’d love to have a chat about your case. We work with a limited number of clients so that we can provide each one with ample time and attention – and we’ll do whatever we can to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
For a free consultation to discuss your accident claim with an experienced Utah personal injury lawyer, contact our law firm office in Draper or West Valley, Utah, today.
Legal professionals aren’t always held in the highest regard by the public. Personal injury attorneys, in particular, are often viewed unfavorably – and while this area of the law may make for good joke material, the stigma surrounding accident lawyers keeps some injured victims from getting the help they need.
As a long-standing Utah law firm, we frequently hear about people who suffer serious injuries due to someone’s negligent or wrongful actions, yet decide not to get legal assistance. Their reasons for refraining from hiring a lawyer are varied, but many people have concerns that are based on misinformation and incorrect assumptions and about accident attorneys.
Here are some of the reasons people hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney – and why you shouldn’t let any of those reasons stop you from getting legal advice.
Like those with other areas of expertise, lawyers need clients – and the specific clients that personal injury attorneys need happen to be accident victims. However, the stereotypical image of a lawyer lurking around the hospital in hopes of getting a client is a false one.
Rule 7.3 of Utah’s Rules of Professional Conduct states that attorneys cannot solicit clients over the telephone, through the internet or via in-person contact. So, reputable accident attorneys don’t seek out injured victims at the hospital or anywhere else, as doing so would be violating ethics rules. Predatory lawyers are out there, but this type of behavior is far from the norm.
Many people think that the real winners in any sort of injury claim are money-grubbing lawyers, but that’s really not the case. Getting the largest possible settlement or jury verdict is certainly the goal of any Utah personal injury attorney – but that’s mutually beneficial.
It may appear as if an injury lawyer only cares about money, but seeking the maximum in damages for a client is the only way an accident attorney can hold the at-fault party accountable for the pain and suffering they’ve caused. Legal professionals fight for justice on behalf of their clients, and that justice just happens to be in the form of monetary compensation.
Insurance adjusters often tell people that a personal injury attorney is only going to take money out of their pocket, leading Utah accident victims to believe that hiring a lawyer is a steep and unnecessary expense. But adjusters advocate for insurance companies, not for the injured.
Accident attorneys don’t take money away from their clients – actually, people who have legal representation typically walk away with more money than those who don’t. Furthermore, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means clients don’t pay a dime in legal fees unless the attorney wins or settles their case. Clearly, no accident victim should worry about legal costs.
Serious injuries can turn a person’s life upside down, and accident victims often find that dealing with everything can be difficult. With the pain and suffering, the many medical appointments and the stress of dealing with insurance adjusters, who has the time or energy to talk to a personal injury lawyer?
Frankly, that’s exactly why people who suffer serious injuries in an accident should make a point of hiring an attorney. After someone hands their case off to a Utah law firm, the legal team takes over the insurance negotiations. With that, the injured victim is free to focus on recovering and all of their other priorities instead of having to spend time on their legal case.
Utah accident victims aren’t require to have legal representation. Anyone injured due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another can choose to handle their own case, and with all of the information available online, it’s possible to obtain a decent settlement without an attorney.
But, going that route is quite challenging. Insurance companies know that someone who isn’t working with a personal injury attorney are much less likely to file a lawsuit. As such, adjusters are much less likely to make reasonable offers. Going it alone rarely leads to the most favorable outcome – in most cases, accident victims who represent themselves don’t end up getting the fair value of their claim.
If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident, trucking collision, bike crash, animal attack or any other type of incident, you deserve to be fairly compensated for your losses – and the truth is, insurance companies don’t play fair. Turn to an experienced personal injury attorney, and you can get the help you need to maximize your claim.
At William R. Rawlings & Associates, a highly respected law firm located in northern Utah, we offer free consultations to accident victims. If you’re on the fence about hiring a lawyer, discussing your case with a member of our legal team may help. We’d love to answer your questions and address your concerns.
To make an appointment with a friendly, knowledgeable and compassionate personal injury attorney, contact our office in Draper, Utah, today.
Refraining from talking to a Utah auto accident attorney might just be the biggest mistake an injured victim can make. Research shows that those who work with an attorney tend to obtain much more money than victims who try to recover damages on their own. Going without legal assistance can put a personal injury claim in jeopardy, keeping victims from receiving the compensation they deserve.
But what about the cost? Could you even afford legal representation?
Actually, a lack of funds doesn’t have to be a problem. Choose a Utah auto accident attorney who works on a contingency fee basis – like the legal team at William R. Rawlings & Associates – and you won’t have to pay any upfront fees. Here’s what you need to know about contingency fees.
Basically, a contingency fee payment arrangement is one where an auto accident attorney represents a client for free until their claim is resolved. Payment of legal fees is contingent upon a successful case outcome – meaning that the client only has to pay the lawyer if they receive compensation.
What if no damages are awarded? In the event a case ends without a win, the client pays no legal fees. As such, experienced car accident attorneys make every effort to ensure that doesn’t happen.
When it comes to personal injury claims involving car wrecks, there is no standard contingency fee. However, the payment is typically between 25 and 40 percent of the damages awarded. The average rate is 33 percent.
The amount a Utah auto accident attorney charges depends upon several factors, but as a general rule, the more complicated a case, the greater the contingency fee. As an example, let’s say a lawyer is able to reach a fair settlement for a client, and the total is $100,000. In this situation, the legal fees may amount to $33,000 (33 percent). But if the case proceeds to trial instead and $100,000 in damages are awarded, the attorney may charge $40,000 (40 percent) of the recovery.
Whether a settlement is reached or a case ends with a jury award, a car accident attorney doesn’t send the client a bill. Instead, the legal fees and case expenses are taken directly from the winnings.
Car accident attorneys often offer a zero-fee guarantee or say that if they don’t win a case, the client doesn’t pay. This isn’t exactly accurate, however – what this really means is that the lawyer doesn’t collect any legal fees.
Other expenses associated with a personal injury claim – such as document fees, court filing fees and payment for expert witnesses -- may be initially covered by an accident attorney, though many ask the client to handle expenses as they arise. Either way, the client remains responsible for these costs, as they aren’t contingent upon of the outcome of their case.
When a lawyer wins compensation for a client, any case expenses incurred are deducted from the settlement or jury award along with the agreed-upon contingency fee. If the case doesn’t settle or succeed in court, the client can expect to receive a bill. That said, reading the fine print of a contingency fee agreement is the only way to know exactly how case expenses will be handled.
As we mentioned earlier, working with a car accident attorney tends to result in a higher payout. Having legal representation can make all the difference in whether or not an injured victim obtains a full financial recovery.
Some people say that with a minor car wreck that causes little or no injuries, hiring a lawyer isn’t necessary. That may be the case, but given that physical injuries and emotional trauma related to an accident may not be immediately apparent, scheduling a free attorney consultation is always worthwhile.
With a serious car wreck, one that results in injuries that require extensive medical treatment, the value of a claim is higher – and that makes hiring a Utah auto accident attorney well- worth the cost. The insurance adjusters involved will do everything they can to minimize the amount of compensation, and an experienced lawyer will know how to fight back and get every dollar an injured victim deserves.
If you’re ever in a car wreck in Utah and need legal advice, give William R. Rawlings & Associates a call. Discussing your case won’t cost you a dime, and you can count on us stand up for your rights.
After negotiating settlements and taking cases to court for decades, we’ve become a trusted Utah law firm, and we’re proud of our many client referrals. For more details on our legal team, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a highly skilled and knowledgeable Utah auto accident attorney, contact William R. Rawlings & Associates today.
After being seriously injured in a motor vehicle crash, hiring a Utah car accident lawyer may not be on your mind at all. The car wreck itself was likely quite startling, and since then, your life has likely turned upside down. You may be both in need of ongoing medical treatment and unable to work, and taking part in activities you once loved may no longer be possible.
However overwhelmed you’re feeling, you still need to pay the bills – but as you’ll soon learn, trying to put your life back together while recovering from your injuries isn’t easy.
In theory, anyone who is injured in an accident caused by someone else should get have a simple way to get compensated for their losses. In reality, Utah personal injury claims are surprisingly complicated, and you may need help from an experienced car accident lawyer to get every dollar you deserve. Here are a few of the ways the right car wreck attorney can guide your injury claim toward the most favorable outcome.
Finding out exactly what happened, how it happened and who was at fault is crucial for any Utah injury claim.
Your recollection of the events matters, of course, but after being in a crash with another motor vehicle, your memory may be a little fuzzy. Many factors and multiple parties may be involved, and you’ll need to paint a full picture of what caused the car wreck and what losses have been incurred as a result of the incident.
To accomplish that, you need information. A knowledgeable and experienced car accident lawyer will launch a thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned as they look to get to the bottom of what led to your motor vehicle crash.
Knowing what happened is one thing, but proof is essential for a favorable outcome to a Utah personal injury claim.
Collecting the necessary evidence is linked to the investigation process – and as with other legal matters, injury claims arising from car wrecks often involve many different types of evidence. Medical records, police reports, photographs and witness statements are among the forms of proof that can play a critical role in case outcome.
A seasoned personal injury lawyer can help you by gathering proof to support your injury claim – and by using the collected evidence to craft a sound legal strategy. As such, hiring an attorney means putting your best foot forward as you fight for compensation.
Personal injury claims related to Utah car wrecks frequently involve pushy insurance adjusters and other difficult defendants.
Communicating and negotiating with all of the parties involved can be a major burden when you’re trying to recover from serious injuries. And, if you happen to say the wrong thing to the wrong person, you could inadvertently undermine the value of your claim. Worse, your claim for compensation could be completely denied.
With the right Utah car accident lawyer on your side, you won’t have to worry about any of that happening. If you get a call from an insurance adjuster or another defendant, you can simply tell them to contact your attorney.
Insurance adjusters have one goal -- to minimize the amount of injury claim compensation or, better yet, eliminate it entirely.
For this reason, many insurance company representatives engage in underhanded tactics. When negotiating a fair settlement proves to be impossible, injured car wreck victims have one course of action – filing a lawsuit. Utah personal injury claims often settle after this, but there’s always the possibility of a case going to trial.
In any event, having a skilled and experienced Utah car accident lawyer can make a major difference in terms of case outcome. As research shows, car wreck victims who have attorneys receive much more money than those who represent themselves.
If someone’s reckless or careless behind-the-wheel conduct has caused you to be injured, the experienced car accident lawyers at William R. Rawlings & Associates in Draper, Utah, is ready to take the lead with your injury claim.
Our car accident lawyers have been helping others in your position for more than a decade, and you can rely on us to act as both your trusted legal advisor and a dedicated advocate -- and we’ll make every effort to ensure you’re fairly compensated for your injuries and losses. Our legal team handles injury claims on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t have to pay us a fee unless and until we win your case.
At William R. Rawlings & Associates, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to injured car wreck victims throughout northern Utah. To meet with a highly skilled and experienced Utah car accident lawyer, contact our Draper office today.
If you’ve suffered significant injuries in a car wreck, hiring an experienced Utah auto accident lawyer is in your best interests. However, with everything on your plate at the moment, you may not have had a chance to contact a local law firm yet – and you could get a call from the insurance company of the driver at fault for the crash at any point.
So, what should you do if that happens? What do auto accident lawyers in Utah say is the right way to respond? Read on for advice on how to approach your first post-accident phone call from an insurance adjuster.
The conversation might start off on a friendly note, and the adjuster you speak with may even seem empathetic. Don’t be fooled – this person is not on your side.
For the insurance company of the other driver involved in your car wreck, the number one goal is to figure out a way to pay you as little as possible or, better yet, nothing at all. Insurance adjusters will try to trick you, and anything you say could end up harming your case. Remember this, and refrain from getting chatty.
Auto accident lawyers in Utah say that the best way to handle a call from an insurance adjuster is to be courteous and speak in a professional manner.
You may be pretty upset about the car wreck and your injuries, but snapping at the adjuster won’t do any good – and that approach could be detrimental to your case, as your words could end up being used against you. Keep a cool head, and you’ll be better able to keep control over the conversation.
If the insurance adjuster asks whether it’s ok to record the conversation – and they very likely will -- politely decline, saying that you aren’t comfortable being recorded.
They may make the request in a way that makes it seem like giving a recorded statement is the standard procedure. Or, the adjuster might use phrasing that makes you feel as if you’re obligated to comply. Neither is true, and auto accident lawyers caution that a recorded statement could be used to undermine your claim.
The auto accident attorney you hire will want to know about your conversation with the insurance adjuster, so be sure to write down all of the key information as you talk.
Start by jotting down the name, address and phone number of the adjuster along with the name of the insurance company they’re with. As the conversation progresses, take notes on the information you provide and any you receive. Write down any requests that were made, too, and after the call ends, make sure your notes are complete.
The insurance adjuster will be trying to get you to talk about the auto accident, but attorneys say to politely refuse to provide anything but the most basic information.
Telling the adjuster your full name and address is fine, as is telling them the name of your employer. You can also disclose the vehicles involved and the identities of any witnesses. If pressed for details, auto accident lawyers suggest saying that your investigation is ongoing and you aren’t prepared to discuss more at this time.
You can expect questions about your injuries, but you don’t need to provide any health information – not even the name of your doctor or where you’re getting medical care.
Keeping the nature and extent of your injuries to yourself is the best course of action. You might become aware of a new injury related to the car wreck, or your injuries could worsen as time goes on. Anything you say now might be inaccurate, so auto accident lawyers say to tell the adjuster you’re still in treatment and waiting for more information.
When you don’t give the insurance adjuster much to work with, they’ll want to speak with you again, but ending the talk in a resolute manner can discourage repeat calls.
Auto accident lawyers in Utah recommend telling the adjuster that contacting you is unnecessary, as you have no other information to provide. Make it perfectly clear that you prefer limited contact in the future – and that you will never agree to settle without first discussing the matter with an experienced attorney.
Hiring a skilled auto accident lawyer is the best way to protect yourself after being seriously injured in a car wreck – and William R. Rawlings & Associates is here to meet your needs.
Insurance adjusters are tasked with the job of denying as many auto accident claims as they can. When they can’t deny a claim, their objective is to negotiate the lowest possible settlement. This is the type of work they do every day, and you need an attorney with just as much experience. You’ll find that at William R. Rawlings & Associates.
To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a highly qualified and experienced auto accident lawyer in Utah, contact us today.
Most people in Utah never think about talking to a car accident attorney until they need one. What’s more, many accident victims don’t know if they even need a lawyer.
If you’ve been injured in a fender bender that wasn’t your fault, should you make a point of consulting with a local legal professional? What can a lawyer do to help with the situation?
The truth is, a car accident attorney can play a vital role in the fight for fair compensation, protecting your rights and ensuring you get every dollar you deserve. Here, we discuss the primary reasons to hire an experienced Utah lawyer after suffering injuries in a motor vehicle collision.
Insurance adjusters aren’t on the side of car accident victims. The companies they represent want to make a profit, so adjusters are tasked with the goal of reducing the amount of money that must be paid out – and some even find ways to deny completely valid claims.
Turning to an experienced Utah car accident attorney can be to your benefit, as a lawyer will:
Make sure that the legal professional you choose specializes in accident claims. Every case is different, but experience matters when it comes to insurance negotiation. With a seasoned car accident attorney on your side, you stand a much stronger chance of reaching a favorable case outcome.
Anyone who is injured as a result of another person’s actions has the right to seek compensation. But because the other parties involved in a motor vehicle collision may try to shift the blame, proving who is liable for your injuries and losses may be rather challenging.
An experienced car accident attorney can help. The right legal professional will build a solid case by:
Collecting all of the available evidence and working with the right specialists – which may include medical and mental health experts, financial specialists and experts in accident reconstruction – is advantageous as far as case outcome is concerned. An accomplished car accident attorney will know what’s needed to forge a strong claim.
When you’re injured in a fender bender, your priority should be on getting better. But the reality is, if you intend to seek compensation from the at-fault party, you don’t have all the time in the world to do so. The accident claim process may not move all that quickly, and there are several deadlines you’ll need to meet.
Reach out to a qualified Utah car accident lawyer, and you won’t have to worry about missing the following:
Failing to meet all of the legal deadlines can be a major problem, as it could mean you no longer have the right to pursue compensation. And while we wish you had the option of waiting until you’re ready to face the situation, you’re better off calling a car accident attorney as soon as possible.
Recovering from a motor vehicle collision is physically, mentally and emotionally stressful. With all that’s going on in your life, you don’t need the added headaches and hassles that come with an accident claim. Your focus should be on getting well, gaining strength and figuring out how to move forward.
With an experienced car accident attorney, you’ll be in a better position to make progress on the road to recovery because:
In the wake of a fender bender, you really don’t need to be dealing with the difficulties of an accident claim on your own. Turning the matter over to a skilled and knowledgeable legal professional is in your best interests – both in terms of your recovery and the compensation you receive for your injuries and losses.
If you were recently injured in a motor vehicle collision in Utah, contact William R. Rawlings and Associates. Our legal team has handled thousands of accident claims, and we know how to help our clients get the maximum amount of monetary compensation for their losses. Plus, we never charge legal fees unless we’re successful in negotiating or litigating a claim.
For a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Utah car accident attorney, call William R. Rawlings and Associates today.
If you’ve been hit by a car while riding a bike, you suddenly face new challenges and concerns. The experienced Utah bicycle accident lawyers at William R. Rawlings & Associates are all too familiar with the devastating toll a bike crash can have – and you shouldn’t have to suffer due to the actions of a careless driver.
Dealing with the aftermath of a car-on-bike collision isn’t easy, particularly when you have serious injuries. To ease some of your worries, we’re sharing the answers to questions Utah cyclists commonly personal injury attorneys ask about bike crashes.
The steps you take after a car-on-bike collision can have a significant impact on the outcome of your accident case. To protect your rights, do the following:
While legal representation isn’t required in Utah, hiring a bicycle accident lawyer is in your best interests. In case you aren’t aware, injured bike crash victims who work with attorneys tend to receive quite a bit more in compensation than those who represent themselves. And, letting a lawyer take over your case will decrease your stress, allowing you to focus on recovering rather than your mounting medical expenses.
Anyone who is injured in a car-on-bike collision should get in touch with an experienced local lawyer as soon as possible. You do have a little leeway, as the statute of limitations in Utah for a bicycle accident case is four years from the date of the crash. However, working with an attorney early on is best, as they’ll be able to conduct an investigation while the evidence is fresh.
With most local legal professionals, your initial consultation is free of charge, with no obligation. If a Utah bicycle accident attorney takes your case, their legal fees will likely be contingent upon the outcome – and if they don’t recover any compensation, you won’t be charged for their services. If your lawyer wins or settles your case, you’ll pay for their work and the upfront expenses they covered out of the money you receive.
If you get hit by a car while cycling and you don’t have health insurance, you may be worried about getting slammed with medical bills. Bicycle accident lawyers suggest talking to your doctors, as they may be willing to provide treatment on a lien basis, meaning that they’ll wait to be paid out of your case proceeds. And if your medical providers aren’t agreeable, ask your attorney for help securing lien-based treatment.
Speaking with representatives from the insurance company of the careless driver who hit your bike isn’t required – there’s no law in the state of Utah that says you must have a conversation. And, don’t give in to the pressure to give a recorded statement, because anything you say could be twisted and used against you. Instead, tell any insurance adjusters who call that they need to contact your bicycle accident attorney.
In all honesty, this is a question that has no easy answer. Asking this is like asking how much money does it usually take to compensate an injured cyclist for their losses – and every case is unique. That said, an experienced bicycle accident attorney will pursue all possible damages, which may include:
If a car-on-bike collision has left you with injuries, you should get advice from an experienced Utah bicycle accident lawyer soon. The legal team at William R. Rawlings & Associates has been representing injured cyclists for over 35 years – and our expertise gives us the ability to secure the maximum in compensation for our clients. Turn to our law firm, and you’ll have the help you need to get through this difficult time.
Let us protect your rights and fight for every dollar you deserve. To schedule a free consultation with an accomplished Utah bicycle accident lawyer, contact William R. Rawlings & Associates today.
Whether you were hurt in an accident that happened a few hours ago one that occurred a few weeks ago, at some point you may wonder if contacting a Utah personal injury lawyer is a good idea.
While being on the fence about hiring an attorney is understandable, if you’re thinking about talking to a legal professional, the answer should always be yes. Most lawyers who specialize in personal injury law offer free consultations, giving you the opportunity to get answers and advice without any obligation. In our opinion, there’s really no downside to calling a Utah personal injury lawyer.
As for when to reach out to a local lawyer, sooner is better. Waiting could be problematic for your accident claim, decreasing your odds of obtaining the compensation you deserve.
If you’re like many of the Utah accident victims we’ve helped over the past 30 years, you may not have thought of calling a personal injury lawyer right away. In our experience, victims often only decide to contact a legal professional when faced with one of the following situations:
Serious Injuries
Many people don’t want to make a bigger deal out of their accident or their injuries than necessary. So, instead of calling a lawyer, they try to tough it out.
Whether you were hurt badly enough to require an ambulance ride to the emergency room or you’ve come to realize that your injuries are getting worse, medical professionals can guide you toward recovery. But to obtain the compensation you need to rebuild your life after an accident, you may need the help of an experienced Utah personal injury attorney.
Mounting Frustration
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be incredibly stressful. However, many victims attempt to shoulder the burdens on their own.
Being in an accident triggers a storm of phone calls from insurance companies, and everyone wants you to answer questions, fill out incident reports and give statements. The pressure can be overwhelming, particularly if you have serious injuries, and saying the wrong thing could compromise your accident claim. Working with a lawyer will make your life much easier, allowing you to focus on getting better.
Financial Troubles
Accidents can lead to major expenses. Some victims don’t really have a grasp of the costs involved, not until the bills start rolling in.
After an accident, you’ll likely be billed for thousands of dollars (or even tens of thousands) in medical expenses. Damage to your car and other property could also result in enormous costs, and if you’re unable to work, you may not have the funds to stay afloat. Your financial stability is too important to sacrifice, and a personal injury lawyer can help put an end to your worries about paying for accident-related expenses.
The moment you begin to suspect that you could really use legal assistance, you should pick up the phone. Every day you hold off on getting a personal injury attorney involved puts your claim at risk. Here’s why calling as soon as possible is in your best interests:
Deadlines
All legal proceedings have a statute of limitations. In Utah, you have just four years from the date of an accident to bring an injury claim to court. For a property damage claim, the time limit is three years. Settlement negotiations can take much of that time, and if you need to file a lawsuit to secure compensation, you’ll have to do so before the deadline passes. If you wait too long to seek out legal assistance, even the most experienced personal injury lawyer may not be able to help.
Evidence
To get the compensation you deserve after an accident, you’ll need to prove that the other individual involved is at fault. You also need evidence that clearly reveals the severity of your injuries. But certain types of proof that can be used to support your accident claim – like video surveillance footage or statements from witnesses who observed the incident – might not be around forever. If you don’t call a lawyer soon, you may be letting important evidence slip away.
Outcome
Every personal injury claim is unique. Here at William R. Rawlings & Associates, our legal team has decades of experience helping Utah accident victims. That means we have a vast pool of professional knowledge we can draw from, which is certainly beneficial. However, we still need to give each claim ample attention. For that, we need time. The earlier you contact our Utah personal injury law office, the earlier our attorneys can begin working to achieve a favorable case outcome.
If you were injured in a car wreck, motorcycle crash, semi-truck collision or any other type of accident, William R. Rawlings & Associates is here to fight for your right to compensation. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our immensely skilled personal injury lawyers, contact our law office in Draper, Utah, today.