When dealing with a serious situation, you need advice from someone who knows how to help. In the event you’ve been injured in an accident, a personal injury lawyer is the professional to call.
Many people associate injury attorneys with car accidents, but lawyers who specialize in this area of the law also help victims of truck crashes, pedestrian accidents, motorcycle wrecks, bus collisions and other types of accidents. Wrongful death claims are also in their wheelhouse. If you’ve experienced harm as a result of another party’s negligence or wrongful actions, consulting with an attorney is a good idea. Here’s what an experienced personal injury lawyer can do for you.
A personal injury attorney can determine if you have a valid claim for compensation. They’ll listen to your description of the accident and ask pointed questions, as your case needs certain elements to succeed. After talking with a lawyer, you’ll know if you can take legal action.
State laws vary, and an injury attorney can review the applicable statues and procedures with you, explaining everything you need to know about the legal process. One important note – if another party is to blame for your injuries, you have the right to seek compensation.
Experienced personal injury attorneys understand how to build a successful case, and your lawyer can gather proof to support your claim. A skilled legal professional will be able to conduct an investigation and identify the party at fault for the accident, tasks which aren’t easy on your own.
An injury attorney can act as your advocate in negotiating with the insurance company of the at-fault party, putting their legal expertise to work in securing you a favorable settlement. If the insurance adjuster refuses to make a fair offer, a lawyer can take your case to court.
You want to get every dollar you deserve, and an injury attorney has the knowledge and resources to ensure that happens. After analyzing your injuries and the losses you’ve suffered as a result of the accident, a lawyer can pursue the maximum compensation allowable under the law.
If you need assistance from an experienced injury attorney in Utah, Idaho or California, call on the legal team at William R. Rawlings & Associates.
A highly respected law firm located in northern Utah, William R. Rawlings & Associates has more than 35 years of experience helping accident victims and their families obtain compensation for medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering and other losses. We’d love to do the same for you – and we’ll work hard to get top dollar for your case.
For a free, no-obligation consultation with a friendly and knowledgeable Utah personal injury lawyer, contact William R. Rawlings today.
If you were injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your financial, economic and emotional damages. But figuring out how to get every dollar you deserve may not be easy on your own, particularly if you haven’t dealt with this type of legal situation before.
The personal injury lawyers at William R. Rawlings & Associates can walk you through the entire process, taking the weight off of your shoulders and working hard to ensure that your car accident case has a favorable outcome. Here’s a look at how your personal injury claim will proceed.
When an attorney agrees to take on your car accident case, they’ll begin an investigation to uncover evidence that supports your personal injury claim. Your lawyer will also put the insurance companies on notice, handling all communications on your behalf. At this stage, you may still be in treatment – and it’s crucial that you keep all appointments and follow all doctors’ orders.
Once you are no longer in treatment – or once the future impact of your injuries becomes clear – your lawyer will assist you in making a claim under your own insurance company through your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, if necessary. Then, your attorney will begin settlement negotiations with the insurance company of the driver at fault for the car accident.
At William R. Rawlings & Associates, our personal injury lawyers are able to negotiate favorable settlements in over 98 percent of our cases. If settling your car accident case isn’t possible, discovery will take place – meaning that both sides will exchange evidence. A trial follows, either in front of a judge or a jury, and your attorney will do whatever they can to support your claim in court.
After all of the evidence has been presented, the judge or jury will render its decision. At this point, lawyers from either side can opt to appeal a non-favorable judgment. Or, depending upon the circumstances, the losing party may file a motion for a new trial. If no appeal or post-judgment motions are filed, the final judgment is entered with the court and the case is complete
The team of personal injury lawyers at William R. Rawlings & Associates has one goal – to protect the rights of injured victims and help them pursue justice. Our law firm has more than 35 years of experience providing personalized legal representation to clients in Utah, California and Idaho – and we’re ready to assist with every aspect of your car accident claim.
You need a skilled, compassionate and capable personal injury lawyer, one who has what it takes to help you obtain the maximum in compensation. That’s what you’ll find with William R. Rawlings & Associates – contact us and schedule a free consultation to discuss your Utah car accident case today.
Whether you walk to work or like strolling through town for exercise or pleasure, you need to know what to if you’re hit by a car.
Walking may be statistically safer than driving, but vehicle-pedestrian accidents happen quite frequently. In Utah alone, there were 774 car crashes involving pedestrians in 2020 – and in roughly 95 percent of these collisions, the people on foot suffered injuries.
Clearly, being a pedestrian isn’t without danger. If you happen to get hit by a car when you’re out walking in Draper or anywhere in northern Utah, here’s how to handle the situation.
Slowly and carefully move to a safe area -- if you’re physically able to do so -- then call 911 to ensure that the police and an ambulance are on the way. You’ll need the responding officer to file an official report, and you may need to take a trip to the emergency room.
Whether or not you’re experiencing any pain from getting hit by a car, you should get an immediate medical assessment. Adrenaline can mask pain, and you might not even realize you’re injured. If you don’t need an ambulance ride, be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible.
While you’re at the accident scene, gather information. Use your phone to take photos of the vehicle that hit you and the surrounding area – including any intersections, crosswalks, skid marks and nearby visual distractions. If you can, photograph your injuries, too.
In many vehicle-pedestrian accidents, the car drivers are liable. All motorists in Utah have a duty to act in a safe manner -- and anyone behind the wheel must remain alert to their surroundings. If driver negligence played a role in your accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
That said, pedestrians in Utah also have the responsibility to follow local traffic laws and exercise caution when out walking. If you were behaving carelessly when you were hit by a car, you may be held liable for the accident and any resulting damages.
For some Utah pedestrian accidents, liability doesn’t lie with the motorist or the person on foot – it lies with the municipality. In cases of faulty traffic lights, poorly placed crosswalks and roadway safety hazards, both drivers and pedestrians may have claims for negligence against the municipality.
At William R. Rawlings & Associates, we frequently provide legal assistance to victims in Utah vehicle-pedestrian accidents. If you were hit by a car, you’ll need to make sure that your losses are covered – and with decades of experience, our Utah pedestrian accident attorneys know how to fight for the maximum in compensation.
Put your case in our hands, and we won’t charge you a fee unless we’re able to negotiate a settlement or win an award in court. For more information on the legal services we provide at William R. Rawlings & Associates, or to consult with a highly skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer in Draper, Utah, contact us today.
If you were involved in a crash while riding a bike, you may need to seek out help from an experienced Utah personal injury attorney.
As the victim of a cycling accident, you have the right to pursue financial compensation for the costs you’ve incurred as a result of the collision. Recovery should be your primary concern, and while hiring a bicycle accident attorney isn’t required, representing yourself may not be in your best interests. Below, we share a few reasons to consider leaving your case in the hands of a lawyer.
Because bicycles offer little protection, many cyclists who are involved in accidents sustain major injuries. Crashes can result in spinal cord injuries, concussions, bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries and other serious impairments – and in any case, the pile of medical bills can become quite high.
With a good bicycle accident attorney on your side, you won’t have to worry about the expense. You can focus on healing, knowing that your lawyer will work to make sure that you aren’t the one who has to pay for your medical treatment.
The success of your bicycle accident claim will hinge upon proof that another party was responsible for the incident. And while the way the event unfolded may seem completely obvious to you, you’ll need evidence – and getting it may not be that easy on your own.
Hire an experienced bicycle accident attorney, and they’ll thoroughly investigate the accident, ascertaining what the traffic and the weather was like at the time, details about the vehicle and driver involved and any other pertinent information. With that in hand, a lawyer can build a strong case for full compensation.
Insurance adjusters may act friendly and sympathetic to your needs, but don’t expect that to translate into a fair settlement offer. Insurance companies are out to make a profit, and they’ll be looking for grounds to devalue your or deny your bicycle accident claim.
Fighting the strong-arm tactics insurance companies use and coming out on top is a challenge without expert legal help. A skilled accident attorney can provide that, keeping the insurance company from taking advantage of you or convincing you to accept less money than you deserve.
At William R. Rawlings & Associates, our legal team has been advocating for the rights of injured cyclists in Utah, California and Idaho for more than 35 years. We not only understand the laws that protect bike riders, but many of our attorneys also enjoy the sport of cycling themselves – and that, along with our history as former insurance adjusters and lawyers for insurance companies, gives us a unique and valuable perspective.
You can count on William R. Rawlings & Associates to see your case through, making every effort to recover the maximum in monetary compensation. For a free, no-obligation consultation with a highly skilled bicycle accident personal injury attorney in Utah, contact us today.
Millions of people sustain injuries in car accidents every year, and many who are seriously injured are forced to stop working as a result. The situation is incredibly stressful, as not earning a paycheck can wreak havoc on anyone’s budget.
If you were in a car crash in or near Salt Lake City, and your injuries prevent you from returning to work, an experienced auto accident attorney can work to hold the at-fault driver responsible for all of your financial losses. Below are the types of damages you may be entitled to if a motor vehicle collision impedes your ability to work.
In a car accident case, lost income refers to the wages you would have earned had you not suffered serious injuries. For instance, if a broken hip keeps you from being able to go back to work for four months, you can seek compensation for four months’ worth of income.
After a car accident, injuries can impact your future income, making it impossible to bring home as much money as you did prior to the collision. If you can only return to work if you accept a lower wage, you can pursue compensation for your loss in earning capacity.
Serious injuries sustained in a car crash can also cost you by keeping you from additional sources of income. If an accident causes you to miss out on bonuses, commissions or other prospects for payment, you may be able to get reimbursed for the potential earnings.
Being unable to work because of injuries incurred in a car crash can put you in financial hot water – but an experienced car accident lawyer will know what to do to ease your concerns about your money.
Here at William R. Rawlings & Associates, serving Utah, Idaho and California, our attorneys will work hard to help you recover compensation for all of your losses. When we consider the impact of a car crash on your finances, we not only look at lost income, lost earning capacity and lost work opportunities – we also consider property damage, medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment and more.
Our highly experienced team understands how to maximize the compensation in accident claims, and as many of our lawyers formerly worked as insurance company representatives, we have the skills to negotiate a favorable settlement. But we’re also prepared to defend you in court if a settlement cannot be reached. If you were hurt in a car crash and your injuries are keeping you from earning money, William R. Rawlings & Associates can help. Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation Salt Lake City auto accident attorney consultation today.
If you’re a Utah motorcyclist who has been injured in a crash, you can file a motorcycle accident claim to seek out financial compensation for your losses. Your decision to ride without a helmet doesn’t take away that right.
Given the circumstances, however, recovering the amount of money to which you are legally entitled may be a challenge on your own. To understand why, take a look at the following.
Riding without a helmet is permitted for some motorcyclists in Utah. Helmet use is only mandated for those under the age of 21.
In addition, the Utah motorcycle helmet statute maintains that the choice to not wear protective headgear isn’t considered to be contributory or comparative negligence on the part of a motorcyclist seeking damages. The law also asserts that the failure to wear a helmet isn’t valid evidence in a civil case.
All of the above seems to suggest that helmet use won’t be a factor in a Utah motorcycle accident claim. However, the situation isn’t really that simple.
Insurance adjusters know that only motorcyclists under the age of 21 are required to wear a helmet in Utah. They are also well aware that they aren’t legally allowed to use failure to wear protective headgear against a rider in an accident claim. Despite this, injured motorcyclists typically receive low settlement offers.
Why is this? Motorcyclists are less likely to win large verdicts in court, as many people have the false impression that riders are less careful than drivers of passenger cars and other vehicles. Most motorcycle accident claims don’t end up going to court, but insurance adjusters know about the stigma against motorcyclists and are therefore comfortable in offering smaller settlements.
A skilled motorcycle accident attorney can negotiate a fair settlement or, if necessary, bring the case to court. And since most Utah lawyers who specialize in this area of the law work on a contingency fee basis – providing legal representation at no upfront cost – accident attorneys fight hard to get their clients the maximum in financial compensation.
At William R. Rawlings & Associates, we offer full-service legal counsel to injured motorcyclists in Utah, Idaho and California. Our clients benefit from our 35 years of experience, and we’re proud to have a long history of successful case results.
As former insurance adjusters and insurance lawyers, we understand the tactics they use in cases involving riders not wearing helmets – and we’re ready to make the most of your motorcycle accident claim. To learn more about our law firm, or to schedule a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Utah, contact us today.
If you recently lost a loved one due to someone’s negligent or careless actions, turn to an experienced wrongful death attorney. While nothing will fill the void left in your life, holding the responsible party accountable may provide you with some relief.
When the cause of your grief is an accidental or wrongful death, getting legal representation can help ensure that you get justice for your loved one. Furthermore, a skilled lawyer can aggressively pursue financial compensation to provide you with the support you need to move forward.
The process of choosing a wrongful death attorney can be challenging, as countless law firms represent clients in accidental death claims. To narrow down your options and find the right lawyer for your case, try these strategies.
A simple internet search can provide you with names of local wrongful death lawyers, but keep in mind that a high ranking doesn’t mean an attorney is more qualified for the job. You can also find a legal professional with the skills to take on your case by:
Legal expertise matters a great deal, and you’ll want to choose an attorney who has ample experience with the areas of law relevant to your case. To figure out if a lawyer might be qualified to handle your accidental death claim:
Once you have taken the steps listed above, you should have a few wrongful death attorneys at the top of your list. Now, it’s time to schedule a meeting with each of those lawyers.
Most legal professionals offer free initial consultations, which allow you the opportunity to interview the lawyer. When you meet with a wrongful death attorney, ask questions about your case and how they would proceed. After you have consulted with all the law firms you’re considering, think about how the appointments went and trust your gut in making your choice on who to hire.
The legal team at William R. Rawlings & Associates has over 35 years of experience helping clients in Utah, Idaho and California with wrongful death claims. We have a history of proven results and a strong reputation within the legal community – and you can count on us to protect your rights and fight for the maximum in financial compensation.
For more information on our legal qualifications, or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a highly skilled Utah personal injury attorney, contact William R. Rawlings & Associates today.
If a car accident leaves you with severe injuries, you likely won’t be given the choice of whether or not to take an ambulance to the hospital. But if you’re still conscious, the paramedics might ask you if you require emergency transportation.
The decision isn’t one you should make lightly, as it could affect both your health and your personal injury claim. Don’t let concerns over the cost prevent you from taking an ambulance ride -- here’s what experienced car accident attorneys recommend considering as you weigh your options.
After a car accident, your injuries may not appear to be all that serious. That could change, however – some victims feel fairly good at first, then experience a seizure or become unconscious moments later.
Taking an ambulance ride from the crash scene may be in your best interests, as you’ll have medical professionals there to help if your situation worsens on the way to the hospital. And if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, car accident attorneys strongly suggest accepting emergency transportation:
All too often, accident victims refuse to take an ambulance because of the cost – and yes, emergency transportation can be rather expensive.
This shouldn’t scare you into driving yourself to the hospital. If you didn’t cause the crash, you won’t be liable for the ambulance bill. That expense, like all of your other medical treatment, can be included in your personal injury claim.
What if you get billed for the ambulance ride anyway? Contact the company that issued the bill to let them know you’re working with a car accident attorney to settle a claim, and that should buy you enough time to avoid being sent to collections.
Insurance adjusters have been known to deny personal injury claims when they believe that emergency transportation wasn’t required. A highly skilled accident attorney can turn that around and use the fact that you took an ambulance ride as proof of the severity of your injuries.
While you can represent yourself in a personal injury claim, you may need expert assistance to hold the liable party responsible for your losses. Turn to William R. Rawlings & Associates, and our legal team will fight to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Accident victims in Utah, California and Idaho have relied on William R. Rawlings & Associates for over 35 years, and you can, too. For more information about our law firm, or to discuss how our Salt Lake City car accident injury attorneys can help with your personal injury claim, contact us today.
If a collision involving a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler or other big rig has left you with serious injuries, you can file a truck accident claim. Doing so may provide you with compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, emotional distress and other losses resulting from the crash.
In a truck accident case, the likelihood of a successful outcome is directly related to the quality of the evidence. Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer in Salt Lake City can provide the advantage you need to maximize your award.
Read on to learn about the types of evidence that can be crucial to receiving the financial compensation you deserve.
The investigating police officer who responds to the scene of a collision will create an official report. A certified truck inspector may also come out to examine the big rig before it’s towed away. The information in both reports can be used as evidence in a truck accident claim.
If able, victims injured in a truck collision should take photos of the accident scene, including shots of the road and all of the vehicles involved from various angles. Getting the names and contact information for any eyewitnesses is also beneficial, as their testimony can lend credibility to the victim’s version of events.
Federal law requires commercial truck drivers to follow specific regulations, and big rigs are outfitted with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track their hours of service. If a truck collision occurs due to a violation, such as too much time driving without a break, this log can provide the necessary evidence for an acciden-t claim.
Some commercial trucks have in-cab cameras that face both the driver and the road. In the event of an accident, the footage captured can provide clear evidence of exactly what the driver was doing and how the vehicle’s mechanical systems were operating at the time of the collision.
When someone is seriously injured in a truck accident, federal regulations often require that the driver of the big rig undergo a drug and alcohol test. Driving while impaired is known to reduce concentration and reaction time, and if the use of some sort of substance contributed to the collision, the test results can be valuable evidence.
While you may be able to obtain some of the items we listed above on your own, getting your hands on other crucial evidence – namely the ELD data, in-cab videos and driver drug and alcohol testing -- may require the assistance of an experienced truck accident lawyer.
In addition, an attorney can send out a document called a spoliation letter, requesting that all evidence related to the collision be preserved. If negligence or wrongful action on the part of the truck driver caused your accident, the trucking company won’t be able to legally destroy the evidence.
At William R. Rawlings & Associates, we know what it takes to achieve a successful outcome in a truck accident claim. If you’ve been injured in a big rig collision in Salt Lake City or anywhere in Utah, contact us and schedule a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer today.
Were you recently injured in a car crash? The auto accident claims process can be confusing, and virtually every victim has questions.
While consulting with a personal injury attorney is the best way to get answers, you may want to know certain information right away. Below, the legal team at William R. Rawlings & Associates addresses several of the most pressing questions you may have regarding auto accident claims.
Having legal representation isn’t a requirement, but working with an experienced personal injury attorney may be to your benefit. Many car crash victims have difficulty obtaining the compensation they deserve on their own, and you can count on a lawyer to fight hard on your behalf.
The value of an auto accident claim depends upon multiple elements – the severity of your injuries and damages, the available sources of compensation and insurance policy limitations are just a few of the factors that must be considered. For an estimate of how much your case may be worth, you’ll need to speak with an experienced attorney.
If you were involved in a serious auto accident, an insurance adjuster will determine if your car is a total loss. Generally speaking, if the cost to repair your car exceeds its worth, you can expect it to be totaled. In that case, you’ll be reimbursed for the actual cash value of the vehicle, up to the insurance policy limits.
Let’s say your car isn’t totaled, that the damage caused during the auto accident can be safely repaired. If you own the vehicle outright, the decision on whether or not to put the cash you receive toward repair is yours. If, however, you have a loan on the vehicle or want to maintain full coverage, you’ll need to get the car repaired.
If the car crash wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to worry about it affecting your premiums. With that being said, some insurance carriers view any auto accident as a reason to consider a rate increase. To find out if your premium is going to rise and, if so, by how much, you’ll need to contact your insurer.
When it comes to auto accident claims, the more complicated the case, the longer it typically takes to reach a resolution. Some victims are able to obtain a fair settlement in a matter of weeks, but if your injuries are severe or the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer, resolving your claim could take a few months or even a few years.
We know you likely have more questions, and we’d be more than happy to provide expert answers. Contact William R. Rawlings & Associates and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your auto accident claim with an experienced Utah car accident lawyer today.