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There are a few forms of terminology that may cause slight confusion in the world of personal injury claims, and one relates to the actual term "personal injury" itself. Specifically, some who are unfamiliar with personal injury cases assume that these can only be brought when at least one party is injured physically - but this is not always the case.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we've spent years assisting clients around Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo and nearby parts of Utah with all their personal injury claim needs, from car and truck accidents to dog bite injuries, bicycle accidents, wrongful death and more. Whether for car accidents or any other kind of personal injury case, here are some examples of non-injury areas where personal injury claims can still be filed.

Personal Injury Claims if You Aren't Hurt

Lost Wages

One of the most common examples of a non-injury personal injury case is when an accident or other incident causes you to miss work and lose wages. In many cases, this will be due to physical injuries sustained during the incident - but not always.

For instance, say you're in a car accident and suffer no physical injuries, but your vehicle is totaled and you need several days off work while arranging a new one. You can still file a personal injury claim here due to the lost wages you experienced during this time.

Property Damage

Another area that falls under personal injury is property damage, which can occur in many different incidents. For instance, if you're a homeowner who suffers flooding due to a nearby construction project - and this flooding causes thousands of dollars in damages - the responsible party may be liable for these costs.

Another common example of property damage that typically falls under personal injury claims is vehicle damage from car accidents. Most personal injury claims resulting from vehicle damage are limited to the cost of repairs or replacement, but they can also cover other costs like rental cars or towing services.

In some cases, personal injury claims will cover not just the repairs for the vehicle, but also any personal items that were damaged in the accident. This could include things like electronics, clothing, or even recreational equipment.

Emotional Distress

Even if you suffer no physical injuries whatsoever during an accident, you may still be eligible for a personal injury claim due to emotional distress. This generally relates to extreme or severe accidents, such as a car or truck accident that causes significant trauma or fear for your life. In these cases, you may be awarded damages based on the severity of your emotional distress.

Now, this is one area where nuance and expertise are very important. It's often difficult to prove emotional distress in a court of law, so you'll need a skilled personal injury attorney to help gather evidence and build your case.

Pets or Other Personal Property

Another area that may fall under personal injury is damage to pets or other personal property during an incident. For instance, say you're in a car accident and your beloved dog suffers injuries as a result - even if you suffered no physical injuries yourself, you can still file a personal injury claim for the damages incurred by your pet.

Similarly, if someone else's negligence causes damage to your personal property, such as a valuable piece of jewelry or collectible item, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover the cost of repairs or replacement.

PTSD or Sleep Issues

While these technically fit under our emotional distress section as well, we wanted to call them out specifically due to how common they are. Issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or sleep disturbances can result from a traumatic event like a car accident, even if no physical injuries were sustained.

If you experience ongoing mental health issues after an accident, it's important to seek help and consider filing a personal injury claim - not only for potential damages, but also to hold the responsible party accountable for their actions. So remember that personal injury claims are not limited to just physical injuries, and if you have suffered any form of harm or losses as a result of someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim.

Contact our experienced attorneys at William Rawlings & Associates today for help with your personal injury claim, and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. We serve clients around SLC, Draper, Provo and other parts of Utah.

While important concepts like physical injuries and pain levels are naturally some of the most important to consider during any kind of personal injury claim, they are not the only ones that often play a role in the outcomes of these cases. There are also non-physical impacts that can take place as a result of various forms of personal injury, and the realm of emotional trauma is one that cannot be overlooked here.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to provide the very best personal injury attorney services available to clients around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and other parts of Utah - from car and truck accident cases to wrongful death, child injuries, dog bite injuries and more. Emotional trauma is a regular consideration within many of our cases, and we're here to ensure our clients are compensated for these kinds of concerns as well as physical ailments that rise from their injuries. Here are some basics on how emotional trauma is defined legally, how emotional trauma can factor into your personal injury claim, and how our personal injury attorneys will assist you in this vital area if applicable to your case.

Emotional Trauma in Personal Injury Cases

Defining Emotional Trauma

Also sometimes called emotional distress, emotional trauma is an issue that refers to any kind of mental or psychological injuries or consequences that come from a particular event. While not as tangible as physical injuries, emotional trauma can have just as significant an impact on a person's life. In some cases, emotional trauma may also have physical elements tied to it as well.

There are several symptoms or visible signs of emotional trauma that may be present in personal injury cases, including:

You Deserve Compensation for Emotional Trauma

It's vital to remember that if you're dealing with emotional trauma following a personal injury event, you deserve compensation just as much as someone who has suffered physical pain. Our team of experienced attorneys will work alongside you to make sure this happens, including several elements which we'll go over in our next section.

How a Personal Injury Attorney Assists With Emotional Trauma

When it comes to emotional trauma and your personal injury claim, the primary method of gaining compensation will be showing how this trauma has impacted your quality of life and wellbeing. This means providing documentation and evidence that backs up any claims you make in this area.

There are several potential areas where a personal injury attorney might assist you here:

Furthermore, a personal injury attorney will handle all the important details of including emotional trauma in your claim. They will file the required paperwork and speak to insurance companies on your behalf, taking the burden off of you during this difficult time.

If you're dealing with emotional trauma following a personal injury event, don't wait another day to reach out to William Rawlings & Associates for assistance. Our experienced attorneys will help you get the compensation you deserve for all impacts related to your injuries. Contact us today to learn about our personal injury attorney services for clients around SLC, Provo, Draper and other parts of Utah.

Not all kinds of vehicle accidents and resulting liability cases are created equal, and one of the simplest examples here is a comparison between car and truck accidents. There are many ways that car and truck accidents can vary, from the scope and size of damage to the kinds of resulting actions that take place.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're happy to offer quality personal injury attorney services for any kind of vehicle accident, including car accidents, truck accidents and more. While the specifics of each individual case will obviously vary, let's look at some of the typical differences between car and truck accidents - from vehicle differences to accident scopes, injury and damage types, and more.

Comparing Car and Truck Accident Liability Cases

Size Differences

As you may have already assumed, perhaps the single largest difference between car and truck accidents is the size difference of the vehicles involved. Cars are generally much smaller than trucks, meaning that a truck accident can create much more serious damage and injuries to those involved.

This can trickle down to several other differences between car and truck accidents, such as the scope of the accident, the kinds of damage or injury types that are likely to be involved, and even insurance coverage.

Trucks Are Harder to Operate

When it comes to accident liability, the nature of the vehicle itself can play a role. Trucks are generally more difficult to operate than cars, and this can come into play if negligence is alleged in a truck accident case.

For example, if an inexperienced driver was behind the wheel of a truck at the time of an accident, this fact could be used as evidence that they were negligent or not taking the proper precautions. In other cases, an inexperienced driver may not be aware of the size differences between their vehicle and smaller cars, or other vehicles on the road, which could also come into play.

More Significant Injuries Are Possible

Due to the size and weight difference between cars and trucks, truck accident injuries can be much more serious than those sustained in car accidents. This is especially true when it comes to other vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists being involved in a truck accident. For this reason, liability cases involving truck accidents will often require a higher level of proof to determine negligence on behalf of one party or another.

However, it's important to note that this is not always the case. Car accidents can be extremely serious, and proof of liability can be equally difficult to produce. It's important to consult an experienced attorney no matter the kind of accident you are involved in.

Routine Maintenance and Liability

One area that is sometimes included in accident liability cases is the maintenance of the vehicle itself - and this is another area where car and truck accidents can differ.

Trucks are often subject to severe maintenance requirements, especially if they are used for commercial purposes. Therefore, in a truck accident case, it may be possible to introduce evidence that either the driver or the company failed to meet these requirements - such as regular oil changes or brake inspections - which could have contributed to or caused an accident.

On the other hand, while cars may also require regular maintenance and inspections, these are usually not as stringent - meaning that it's more difficult to argue that a car was negligently maintained in an accident case.

More Parties Possibly at Fault

With most car accident cases, at-fault parties will generally be limited to the drivers of each vehicle. However, with truck accident cases, there are often more parties that could be at fault - such as the owner of the truck, a load carrier or cargo company and other involved parties.

This means that when it comes to assigning blame in a truck accident case, more witnesses may need to be interviewed and evidence must be thoroughly examined to determine the cause of the accident.

At William Rawlings & Associates, our experienced personal injury attorneys are well-versed in a variety of different kinds of vehicle accidents - including those involving cars and trucks. We can help you understand your case, introduce evidence and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for any injuries or damage sustained. Contact us today for help with any car accident or truck accident case, or for any other personal injury attorney need around SLC, Provo, Draper and the rest of Utah.

There are a few key parts of many personal injury cases that involve gathering information and testimony from various witnesses or participants, and one of the most notable in many such cases is a deposition. And because a deposition is also often one of the most "official" early parts of the process, involving testimony given under oath in a courtroom setting, many clients naturally wonder what happens after a deposition in a personal injury case. 

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're proud to provide the very best personal injury attorney services available around Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo and nearby parts of Utah. Our experienced team handles needs ranging from auto accident lawyer services to child injuries, dog bites and numerous other injury types, and we walk clients through the entire process - including depositions and everything that comes after them. Here are some basics on what happens at the deposition itself, plus the important next steps after the deposition and what you should be thinking about. 

Personal Injury Case

What Happens During Deposition?

For those who are approaching their first deposition, it's normal to be a bit nervous about the process. It's important to remember that this is simply a discussion between you and the other parties involved in the case, including both attorneys and possibly an official court reporter. The purpose of this discussion is to get a better understanding of what happened leading up to your injury, as well as any relevant details about the accident itself.

During deposition, you will begin by taking an oath to tell the truth. Then, both sides will have a chance to ask you questions regarding your case. These questions are typically open-ended and can cover various aspects of your life, such as your background, employment history, medical history, and more. You should answer all questions truthfully and to the best of your ability. Your attorney will be present to object to any irrelevant or improper questions.

Furthermore, the deposition will cover the actual events of the accident in question. This may involve questions about how it occurred, any factors that contributed to it, and your overall understanding of what happened. The opposing attorney may also ask you to describe your injuries and provide information about medical treatment you have received.

It's of paramount importance to be completely honest during the deposition. Lying or providing false information can have serious consequences, including potential perjury charges.

Our next several sections will go over the important steps that are taken after all or most depositions in personal injury cases. 

Transcript and Submission

During the deposition, a court reporter will be recording everything that's said so an official transcript can be created afterward. This transcript will include all questions and responses given during the deposition. After the deposition is completed, this transcript may be used in court or for further evidence gathering.

Once it has been completed, your attorney will review the transcript to ensure its accuracy. Any necessary corrections or changes can be made at this time before submission to the court. This process may take a few weeks in some cases. 

Medical Examination

In some cases, the defendant's insurance company may request that you undergo a medical examination by a doctor of their choosing. This is known as an Independent Medical Examination (IME) and is used to assess the extent of your injuries and any potential pre-existing conditions.

Your attorney can help you prepare for this examination and may also request that a medical professional of your choosing is present as well. It's important to remember that the doctor performing the IME is not your treating physician and their report may be used against you in court.

Negotiations

After depositions have been completed and all evidence has been gathered, both sides will usually enter into negotiations in an attempt to reach a settlement. This involves discussing the case with each other and trying to come to an agreement on a fair compensation amount.

Your attorney will play a crucial role during this process, advocating for your best interests and fighting for the compensation you deserve. In some cases, mediation or arbitration may be necessary if negotiations fail.

Mediation or Arbitration

As noted, if negotiations are unsuccessful, the next step may be mediation or arbitration. These involve bringing in a neutral third party to help facilitate discussions and potentially come to a resolution.

In mediation, both parties will work together with the mediator to find common ground and come to an agreement. In arbitration, however, the neutral party acts as a judge and makes a final decision on the case after hearing all arguments from both sides.

Settlement or Trial

If the parties are able to reach a settlement through negotiations, mediation or arbitration, then the case will be resolved without going to trial. However, if no agreement can be reached, then the case will proceed to trial where a judge or jury will make a decision on the matter.

Depositions are an important part of any personal injury case and should be taken seriously. It's important to work closely with your attorney and follow their advice during this process. And remember - even after the deposition is complete, there are still important steps to take before your case is resolved. 

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we are committed to providing personalized and comprehensive legal services for our clients in Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo, and nearby parts of Utah. If you have been injured due to the negligence of another party, contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Let us fight for your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve. 

Tax implications are commonly a topic that must be considered in various settings, and any kind of personal injury settlement you're receiving is a good example. Are personal injury settlements tax deductible? The answer is often yes, but there are some important nuances to be aware of. 

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to offer the very best personal injury attorney services you'll find in Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo and nearby areas of Utah, from top car accident injury attorneys to various other case types. Here are some basics on whether personal injury settlement funds are taxable or not, both at the federal level and within the state of Utah.

Personal Injury Settlements 

What is a Personal Injury Settlement?

Firstly, for those who are involved in their first personal injury case, it's important to understand just what a personal injury settlement entails. This refers to any funds that are paid out in an agreement between two parties when one has been injured due to the fault of another person; for instance, in a car accident, medical malpractice situation or slip and fall incident. 

These settlements are usually negotiated as part of avoiding a trial, which can be both time-consuming and costly for all involved. During these negotiations, a number of different factors might be considered, such as pain and suffering, medical expenses and various others. 

Personal Injury Taxation at Federal Level

We'll start off with some good news: For the most part, personal injury settlements are not taxable at the federal level. This is because they're considered to be compensation for physical injuries or illnesses, rather than income. 

There are a couple notable exceptions here, however:

Outside these and certain other extremely nuanced exceptions, though, personal injury settlements are generally not taxable at the federal level. 

Personal Injury Taxation in Utah

At the state level, things tend to get a bit more nuanced. Settlements for personal injury in Utah can contain several components. Here are some basics on each, plus a breakdown of the likelihood of tax deductible status for each of them - though as we'll note in a few of these areas, there aren't always hard and fast answers here:

It's important to understand the tax implications of any personal injury settlement you may receive. While most settlements are not taxable at the federal level, there are certain exceptions that could result in taxation - such as punitive damages or settlements for emotional distress without a physical component. At the state level in Utah, things can get even more nuanced with different components of a settlement potentially being taxed differently. 

It's always best to consult with a trusted personal injury attorney like those at William Rawlings & Associates to ensure you are properly informed and prepared for any potential tax implications related to your personal injury settlement. Our experienced team is always ready to help you navigate the complex legal landscape and provide you with the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve, whether you're in SLC, Draper, Provo or any nearby part of Utah. 

If you've recently been involved in a car accident you believe another party is liable for, it's possible and even likely that you'll be dealing with insurance companies as part of the aftermath here. As many people are well aware, however, insurance companies will often fight tooth and nail to avoid paying out claims wherever possible - and there are a few different tactics they may take to avoid paying your claim.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're proud to assist clients around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and nearby parts of Utah with numerous personal injury attorney services, including for any car accident or other vehicle accident you're involved in. We provide assistance with every part of your case, including dealing with insurance companies in any way necessary. Let's take a look at some of the most common reasons insurers will often attempt to use as justification for not paying out a car accident claim, plus how you can be sure to avoid them through diligent actions and the help of our attorneys.

Insurance Company Denials for Accident Claims

Issues With Police Report

Police reports are often a key part of a car accident claim, as they can help provide proof of what happened and who was liable for the incident. Insurance companies may try to use any inconsistencies in the report or even failure to file one to claim that the whole case is uncertain - and therefore no payment should be made.

For instance, perhaps the police report for your case has a few discrepancies - such as one party's vehicle being listed incorrectly in the report. In this situation, your insurance company may claim that since the information isn't accurate, they cannot be sure who caused the accident and refuse to pay out for it.

To avoid this, it's important to always make sure you have an up-to-date copy of the police report you filed following your accident, and to take all measures necessary to make sure it is accurate. The attorneys at William Rawlings & Associates can help with this as well, ensuring everything in the report is correct and that any discrepancies can be remedied or addressed quickly.

Failure to Seek Medical Attention

If you or anyone in your vehicle sustains injuries in an accident that you believe another party is liable for, your insurance company may demand medical proof of the injury - such as a doctor's visit to verify it. But if they find out you failed to seek medical attention right away or took too long before doing so, they may use this as evidence that the injuries were not very severe and deny the claim.

Now, this can be a nuanced situation, as some minor injuries may not require medical attention - and it's important to be aware of this. However, if you or anyone else in the car have sustained any serious injuries, then you will need to seek medical help right away. This is also where a lawyer can be helpful. At William Rawlings & Associates we can provide guidance on when you should seek medical assistance and how to provide the appropriate evidence of injuries in your car accident claim.

Improper Proof of Fault

In other cases, an insurance company may refuse to pay out a claim because they don't believe there is enough proof that the other party was at fault. This is another situation where having legal help can be invaluable - as we can assist you in gathering all the evidence necessary to prove liability and make sure your claim is paid out.

From photographic evidence of the accident scene to witness statements and more, we will work hard to make sure the insurance company has enough evidence that the other party was liable for the car accident in question.

Plaintiff Errors

Now, while the issues we've gone over to this point are often debatable in nature - and insurance companies will often try to stretch them as far as they can, even sometimes to unrealistic places - there are also some mistakes plaintiffs can make that may complicate things with insurers. A couple examples:

At William Rawlings & Associates, we understand how important it is for victims of car accidents in Utah to have their claims paid out by insurance companies so they can get back on track. That's why we work hard to make sure everything is done correctly and that all evidence is presented in a timely manner, ensuring insurance companies have no choice but to pay out your claim. Contact us today for more information on how our attorneys can help with any car accident claim you may be dealing with.

If you've been injured in any kind of accident or event where another party may be liable, it may be hugely beneficial for you to utilize the services of a personal injury lawyer to help you obtain just compensation. If you decide to go this route, there are several factors to consider when it comes to how to pick a personal injury lawyer.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're proud to offer the very best personal injury attorney services you'll find around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and nearby areas of Utah, including everything from car accident injury lawyer services to other vehicle accidents and various other kinds of injuries like dog bites, brain injuries, trampoline injuries and more. Here are some important areas to be considering as you search for the ideal personal injury lawyer to help you obtain fair compensation from an insurance company or another party for your injuries.

Choosing a Personal Injury Lawyer

Full Licensure

First and foremost, you should only be considering personal injury lawyers who are fully licensed to practice in the area where your accident occurred. This may seem obvious, but it's important to verify that the lawyer you choose is legally able to represent you in court.

You might be surprised at the number of unlicensed or disbarred lawyers who continue to practice in certain areas, so it's always a good idea to do your due diligence and research the lawyer's credentials before moving forward with them.

Experience and Expertise

Another important factor to consider when choosing a personal injury lawyer is their experience and expertise in handling cases similar to yours. Every case is unique, but having a lawyer who has successfully handled cases similar to yours can give you confidence in their abilities.

You may also want to ask about their success rate in obtaining fair compensation for their clients. A reputable personal injury lawyer should be transparent about their past cases and outcomes.

Reputation

A well-regarded reputation is essential in a field like personal injury law. It's important to look for a lawyer with a strong track record, which you can do in a few basic ways:

Communication and Personal Attention

In any legal case, communication is key. When choosing a personal injury lawyer, make sure to consider their communication style and how accessible they are to clients. You want a lawyer who will keep you informed throughout the entire process and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Additionally, it's important to choose a lawyer who will give your case personal attention and not treat you as just another number or paycheck. A good personal injury lawyer should prioritize their clients' needs and be dedicated to getting them the best possible outcome.

Cost and Payment Structure

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you receive a settlement or win your case in court. However, it's important to clarify their payment structure before moving forward with hiring them.

Make sure to discuss any potential fees or expenses that may come up during the legal process so there are no surprises later on. It's also important to have a clear understanding of what percentage of the settlement or award the lawyer will take as their fee.

Avoiding Red Flags

In addition to our note at the start of this blog about ensuring full bar licensure, there are a couple other red flags to watch out for when choosing a personal injury lawyer:

At William Rawlings & Associates, we pride ourselves on our dedication to our clients and our track record of success in obtaining fair compensation. We understand that choosing a personal injury lawyer can be overwhelming, but we hope this guide has provided some helpful tips for you. If you have been injured in an accident around SLC, Provo, Draper or any nearby part of Utah, don't hesitate to contact us for a free consultation!

There may be a lot you're trying to understand if you're part of a personal injury lawsuit, and one major element here is the expected or likely timeline of your case. How long does a personal injury lawsuit take? There are several factors that go into answering this question.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to help with a wide range of personal injury attorney services, from car and truck accident lawyer services to other forms of personal injury like slip and fall cases, dog bite injuries and many more to clients around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and nearby areas of Utah. Here's a rundown of what you can expect in terms of typical steps for a personal injury case, plus some of the key factors that influence your expected timeline and what to know about each of them.

Timeline of a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Common Steps to Personal Injury Cases

While these may vary somewhat between individual cases, here's a basic rundown of how a personal injury situation and case will typically unfold:

Which additional factors tend to influence how long these basic steps will take? Our next few sections will dig into this.

Severity of Injuries

One key factor here is how severe your injuries are. If you have minor injuries that heal quickly, the timeline of your personal injury case will likely be shorter than one where you suffer major or even lifelong disabilities as a result of the injury. In these latter cases, there may be additional medical treatments and evaluations required before a final settlement or trial can occur.

For instance, if you've suffered major head trauma in a car accident, your personal injury case may need to wait until doctors can determine the full extent of any lasting brain damage before it can move forward. If this process takes several months or even years, so too will your case.

Complexity of Case

Another factor here is the overall complexity of your case. In some situations, a personal injury case may be straightforward and fairly simple to resolve. However, in others, there may be multiple parties involved or difficult legal questions that require extensive research and investigation to answer. This could lead to a much longer timeline for your case.

For example, disputes regarding liability may arise in cases where more than one party is deemed responsible for your injuries. This can lead to lengthy negotiations and even further delays if the case needs to go to trial.

Availability of Evidence

As mentioned, gathering evidence is a key step in any personal injury case. However, certain types of evidence may be harder to obtain than others, leading to delays in the timeline. For instance, security footage from a store or restaurant that captures your slip and fall accident may have been erased by the time your attorney requests it. In these cases, alternative methods of proving liability will need to be explored which can prolong the case.

Furthermore, some cases may require expert testimony or evaluations which can also take time to schedule and obtain. These factors can all play a role in extending the timeline of a personal injury case.

Insurance Companies

In many personal injury cases, insurance companies are involved in some capacity. Whether it's your own insurance or that of the defendant, dealing with insurance companies can add significant time to your case. These companies may delay settlement negotiations or use other tactics to prolong the process and avoid paying out large sums of money.

Court System Backlog

Lastly, it's important to consider the current backlog within the court system. Depending on where you live, there may be a high volume of cases being heard at any given time, which could lead to delays in scheduling your trial. This is another factor that can be out of your control and may add time to the overall timeline of your personal injury case.

While every personal injury case is unique, there are common steps and factors that influence the length of these cases. It's important to work closely with a trusted attorney who can guide you through the process and advocate on your behalf for a timely resolution. At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we have years of experience handling personal injury cases and will work tirelessly to ensure your case is resolved as quickly and fairly as possible. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve, whether you're in SLC, Provo, Draper or any nearby area of Utah.

In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, you may be stressed and dealing with several different needs, including the possibility of receiving compensation if you believe the accident was the fault of another party. A motorcycle accident attorney may be just the person to assist you with this and several other vital parts of this process.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to offer the best motorcycle attorney and other auto accident injury lawyer services you'll find across Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and nearby areas of Utah. We're often asked a simple question: What does a motorcycle accident lawyer do? Here are some of the basic and most important roles our attorneys serve for motorcycle accident victims, from initial investigation of the incident to a possible settlement or even trial situation.

Investigation to Settlement

Detailing Your Rights

In many cases, the very first step our motorcycle accident attorneys take is explaining your rights as an injured party. You are entitled to several potential forms of compensation from another party if they were at fault for the accident, ranging from medical bills and lost wages to pain and suffering damages. Our attorneys will inform you about these rights and make sure you're aware of any time restrictions involved in filing a claim or lawsuit.

We're often contacted in the immediate aftermath of an accident, and we're happy to take your call and begin the process of evaluating your case right away. We'll ask several questions about the accident and the parties involved - information that will be vital in determining whether you have a legitimate claim.

Investigation

From here, our attorneys will go to work investigating the details of your accident. This includes gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and any relevant medical records or bills. We may also consult with experts in motorcycle crashes to evaluate factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, and other potential contributing factors.

This investigation is crucial for building a strong case in your favor and determining the full extent of damages you may be entitled to. We leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice for our clients.

Building Your Case

Utilizing both our investigation and our experience with similar cases, our attorneys will develop a strong and strategic case on your behalf. We'll gather all the necessary evidence and documentation to support your claim for compensation.

We'll also handle all communication with insurance companies or any other parties involved in the accident. Our goal is to take the burden off of you during this difficult time, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.

Providing Regular, Simple Advice

Throughout the entire process, our attorneys will keep you informed and provide clear, straightforward advice. We'll explain your options and work with you to make the best decisions for your case.

Whether that involves negotiating a settlement or taking the case to trial, we have the knowledge and experience to guide you through each step of the legal process.

Negotiating

In the vast majority of cases, our attorneys are able to negotiate a fair settlement with insurance companies or other parties involved in the accident. We'll use our skills and experience to advocate for your best interests and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

During this negotiation process, we'll keep you updated and consult with you before making any decisions. Ultimately, our goal is to reach a settlement that fully covers your damages and allows you to move forward from the accident.

Going to Trial

In rare cases where a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are ready and willing to take your case to trial. We have extensive experience in the courtroom and will use all of our resources and knowledge to fight for a successful outcome on your behalf.

Our attorneys understand how intimidating trials can be, which is why we'll work closely with you every step of the way. You can trust us to handle your case with professionalism, dedication, and a commitment to achieving justice for you.

Continued Support

Even after the legal process is over, our attorneys will continue to support you. We'll answer any questions or concerns you have and provide resources and referrals if needed.

At William Rawlings & Associates, we care about our clients and are dedicated to helping them through difficult times. Contact us today for a free consultation, whether you're in SLC, Provo, Draper or any nearby area of Utah - we're here to fight for your rights as a motorcycle accident victim.

There are a few forms of insurance that may be required as the driver of a vehicle in Utah, and one that should not be ignored is known as PIP insurance. Generally included as part of your broad car insurance plan, PIP insurance stands for personal injury protection - what is this form of insurance, and what does personal injury protection cover for drivers around the state?

At William Rawlings & Associates, we're happy to help clients around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and nearby areas of Utah with all their auto accident injury lawyer needs, plus varying other personal injury attorney services for any kind of injury or hardship you or someone close to you has undergone. Here are some basics on how PIP works, its requirements for Utah drivers, and some of the key areas it covers for any accident you're involved in.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Covers

What is Personal Injury Protection?

For those just learning about personal injury protection in Utah, it's important to understand that this is a form of insurance that's specifically designed to cover any medical expenses or lost wages you may incur as the result of a car accident. PIP coverage can also include additional costs such as childcare and household services if needed due to injuries sustained in an accident.

Also known as no-fault insurance, PIP coverage is meant to provide quick and easy access to funds for immediate expenses following an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This helps alleviate financial stress and allows drivers to focus on their recovery.

Requirements for Utah Drivers

In the state of Utah, personal injury protection is required as part of every car insurance policy. The minimum coverage amounts are $3,000 for medical expenses and $250 per week for lost wages. However, it's recommended that drivers opt for higher coverage limits in order to fully protect themselves in the event of a serious accident.

It's important to note that PIP insurance extends not just to the driver, but also to any passengers in the vehicle at the time of the accident. This allows for coverage of medical expenses and lost wages for all parties involved.

As mentioned previously, personal injury protection covers a variety of expenses related to car accidents. Here are some key areas that may be covered by your PIP insurance:

Medical Expenses

The most significant expense that PIP insurance covers is medical expenses related to a car accident. This can include hospital visits, doctor's appointments, surgeries, and any necessary medical treatments.

There may also be several associated medical expenses that will be covered by personal injury protection. Things like ambulance rides, X-rays, physical therapy and rehabilitation costs may all be included in your PIP coverage.

Lost Wages

If you're unable to work due to injuries sustained in a car accident, PIP insurance can help cover lost wages. This includes both the time you miss from work immediately following the accident as well as any future lost earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to work.

As we noted above, the limit here for Utah drivers is $250 per week or 85% of your lost income, whichever is lower. This compensation can extend for up to one full year after the accident.

Other Expenses

In addition to medical expenses and lost wages, PIP insurance can also cover other related costs such as childcare or household services that may be needed due to your injuries. These additional expenses are meant to help you maintain your normal way of life while recovering from an accident.

It's important to review your policy carefully and understand exactly what is covered by personal injury protection in order to make sure you have adequate coverage for any potential expenses.

Tort Threshold

To limit the number of minor lawsuits filed over car accidents, Utah has a tort threshold in place. This means that if your injuries are minor enough to fall below a certain threshold, you cannot sue the at-fault driver for additional damages beyond what is covered by your PIP insurance.

However, if your injuries exceed this threshold or meet certain criteria such as permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This is one of several areas where working with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. If you're unsure about your rights or how to navigate the complex legal process, don't hesitate to reach out to an experienced lawyer for guidance and representation.

At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we have a team of dedicated and experienced lawyers who are committed to helping you receive the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay anything unless we win your case. Contact us for help with auto accident injury or any other personal injury lawyer needs you may have around SLC, Provo, Draper and nearby areas of Utah!

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