Taking the right actions after sustaining an injury that you believe is the fault of another party is very important, and slip and fall accidents are a good example. Like many other kinds of injuries, a few simple actions will help you not only recover ideally from any injuries sustained, but also receive just compensation from another party if they were liable.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to offer the best personal injury attorney services available around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and nearby parts of Utah, with personal injury lawyers who handle numerous case types - slip and fall injuries among them. Here are some basic tips from our personal injury attorneys on the right steps to take if you've been in a slip and fall accident and believe another party is liable.
Before we get into the steps you should take after a slip and fall accident, it's important to understand that not all of these accidents are equal in terms of liability. Here are some common types of slip and fall accidents:
Like many other injuries, the first step to take after a slip and fall accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine initially, it's important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Injuries sustained in accidents can sometimes take time to manifest, and getting prompt medical care can improve your chances of a full recovery.
For instance, you may have sustained a concussion or internal injuries that aren't immediately apparent. A medical professional will be able to diagnose and treat these injuries before they become worse.
It's important to document as much information about the slip and fall accident as possible, as this can help your personal injury attorney build a strong case for liability. Some essential pieces of documentation include:
If you believe another party is responsible for your slip and fall accident, it's important to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. They will be able to review your case and advise you on the best course of action. In addition, they can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
At William Rawlings & Associates, we have experienced personal injury attorneys who are dedicated to helping our clients get the justice they deserve after sustaining injuries in slip and fall accidents.
While it may be tempting to post about your slip and fall accident on social media, it's important to avoid doing so. Insurance companies can use these posts against you to try and devalue or deny your claim. It's best to refrain from posting anything about the accident until your case has been resolved.
Keep track of all expenses related to your slip and fall accident, including medical bills, lost wages, and any other costs incurred as a result of the injury. This information will be useful for determining the amount of compensation you are entitled to.
If you've been in a slip and fall accident that you believe was the fault of another party, it's important to take the right steps to protect yourself and your rights. By seeking medical attention, documenting the accident, and working with a personal injury attorney, you can increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries.
Don't hesitate to contact William Rawlings & Associates today to discuss your case and receive expert legal guidance. Our personal injury attorneys are here to help with a huge range of personal injury cases, from slip and fall injuries to auto accidents, child injuries, dog bite cases and more. Contact us today for help with any such case around SLC, Provo, Draper or nearby parts of Utah.
There are a few different stages or elements that you may go through during a personal injury case, and one of these that's very common is a deposition. What exactly happens during a deposition, and just as vitally, what happens after a deposition in a personal injury case?
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're proud to offer a wide range of personal injury attorney services to clients around Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo and nearby parts of Utah. We cover any kind of personal injury claim you need to make, from dog bite injuries to dental malpractice, child injuries and many others. We regularly walk clients through depositions and all the important steps that follow them, ensuring you know how to proceed at all times. What is a deposition and why is it important, and what is the next step after deposition for your case? Here's a breakdown.
For those who have never been through a legal case before, the term deposition may be unfamiliar. A deposition is essentially an interview or questioning session that takes place outside of court. It's conducted under oath and recorded by a court reporter, but does not involve a judge or jury like a trial would.
The purpose of a deposition is for attorneys to gather information from witnesses or involved parties in the case, which can then be used as evidence during the trial. For instance, if you were injured in a car accident, the opposing attorney may depose you to get your version of events and any details that may help their case.
Depositions are often a key piece of what's known as the "discovery" phase of a personal injury case. This is where each side gathers evidence and information to build their arguments for the trial.
During a deposition, the witness will be asked questions by both their own attorney and the opposing attorney. The questions can vary widely depending on the case and what information is needed. Witnesses are expected to answer honestly and to the best of their ability, as they are under oath.
Depositions can also involve presenting documents or other evidence for review or questioning. This can include medical records, police reports, or any other relevant materials.
What is the next step after deposition? We'll go over this and some other possible directions your case may go in our upcoming sections.
In the majority of cases, what happens after a deposition in a personal injury case is a debriefing with your attorney. This is where you'll go over the deposition and discuss any potential strengths or weaknesses that were revealed.
If you and your attorney believe you performed well in the deposition, the next step may be to prepare for trial. If not, you may work on strategies to strengthen your case or gather additional evidence.
In addition, both sides of the case will receive a copy of the deposition transcript, which is a written record of everything that was said during the deposition. This can be used to review and prepare for trial, or to potentially impeach a witness if their story changes during the trial.
In many personal injury cases, the next step after deposition is not a trial, but mediation. This is where both parties come together with a neutral third party to try and reach a settlement. If this is successful, the case may end here and no trial will be necessary.
If mediation is unsuccessful, then the case will proceed to trial. Your attorney will use all the information gathered during the discovery phase, including the deposition transcripts, to build your case and present it in court.
It's important to note that only a small percentage of personal injury cases actually go to trial - most are settled through mediation or negotiation. However, it's still crucial to be prepared for the possibility of a trial and have a strong legal team on your side.
Depositions are an important step in the discovery phase of a personal injury case. They allow both sides to gather information and evidence that will be used during trial or potential settlement negotiations. After a deposition, your attorney will debrief with you and potentially prepare for trial or mediation depending on how the deposition went. It's important to have an experienced personal injury attorney by your side throughout this process to ensure you receive the best possible outcome for your case.
At William Rawlings & Associates, we have a team of dedicated personal injury attorneys ready to help you with any type of 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.
There are several concepts that are important to consider if you've been in a car accident, and one of the most notable from a legal and financial standpoint is that of fault. Who is at fault in a car accident, and how do you prove that fault if you believe it lies in another party?
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we offer the very best auto accident attorney services across Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo and nearby areas of Utah. We regularly assist clients with important themes like determining and proving fault. Here are some basics on how the state of Utah manages fault for vehicle accidents, how to determine who is at fault in a car accident, and how to prove fault.
The state of Utah follows what's known as a comparative fault (or comparative negligence) system, meaning that multiple parties can share fault for the same accident and compensation for liability will depend on these percentages. Utah is also a "51% fault state" - this means that if you are at least 50% at fault in a given accident, you cannot recover any damages from it.
That said, many accidents will involve one party or another being assigned most or even all of the fault. For instance, if you were hit by a drunk driver in Utah, it's very likely that driver will be assigned almost all or even all of the fault for damages to your vehicle and any injuries you've sustained.
Some basic steps to take if you believe another party is at fault for an accident:
Once these steps are complete, you can begin to build your case for fault against the other party. Keep in mind that Utah follows modified comparative fault rules - this means that if you are found partially at fault for an accident, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage for which you're deemed responsible. For instance, if you were found 20% at fault and awarded $10,000 in damages, your final settlement would be $8,000.
To prove fault in a car accident case, it's important to have evidence backing up your claims. This could include things like:
An experienced auto accident attorney will be able to guide you through the process of gathering evidence and building your case for fault. They can also help negotiate with insurance companies and fight for the best possible outcome for your particular situation.
Here are a few additional tips when it comes to fault:
If you're unsure who is at fault in a car accident you’ve been in, don't hesitate to reach out to William Rawlings & Associates today for a free consultation. We'll help you understand your legal options and work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve, whether you're in SLC, Draper, Provo or any nearby area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are a few things that are absolutely vital if you've been in a motorcycle accident involving other parties, and one of the single most important is protecting your rights throughout any resulting processes. There are several resources at your disposal for doing so, and one that's especially beneficial for many people is the use of a motorcycle accident attorney.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to offer a wide range of motorcycle accident attorney services for clients around Utah, including Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo, and nearby areas - this in addition to various other car accident and auto accident attorney solutions. Our motorcycle injury lawyers work tirelessly to fight for your rights and ensure you are never taken advantage of, whether by an insurance company, another party in the accident, or any other entity. Here are some of the specific ways in which our attorneys help protect your rights.
Within any kind of auto accident case, including motorcycle accidents, gathering and preserving evidence is absolutely vital to the process. This is especially true in cases where you are not at fault for the accident - if this is the case, you may need to build a strong case against an insurance company that's trying to deny or reduce your payment.
Our attorneys will work with you to identify key pieces of evidence within the accident scenario and ensure they are properly collected and maintained. This includes not only initial evidence like police reports, but also medical records, witness statements, or any other pieces of information that could be important down the line.
Ensuring that your case is filed within the appropriate statutes of limitations is another important step in protecting your rights. If you wait too long after an accident, you may lose out on the ability to seek any kind of compensation - and unfortunately, insurance companies are well aware of this fact.
This is why it's important to work with a skilled motorcycle accident attorney who will help you file your case in a timely manner and ensure you are not taken advantage of. Our team at William Rawlings & Associates is well-versed in all relevant laws and will make sure your case is filed within the appropriate time period.
One of the biggest ways our motorcycle accident attorneys protect your rights is by negotiating fair settlements on your behalf. Insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements to victims of accidents, but our attorneys will fight aggressively for your rights and make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Even if it means going to court, we will be with you every step of the way and ensure your voice is heard in any settlement negotiations. Our goal is always to get you the best possible outcome so you can focus on recovering and moving forward from your accident.
During the course of any motorcycle accident case, there are many dangers and pitfalls that could potentially arise. Our attorneys have seen it all and know what to look out for, including tactics from insurance companies or other parties designed to trick you into agreeing to a settlement that is not in your best interests.
Our team will always be honest with you about potential risks and make sure you understand your rights throughout the entire process. We will advocate for your best interests and provide you with the guidance you need to navigate any challenges that may come your way.
When searching for a motorcycle accident attorney, one of the key factors to consider is experience. The field of motorcycle law is complex and nuanced, so it's important to work with an attorney who has a deep understanding of the subject matter.
At William Rawlings & Associates, our attorneys have years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases and are well-equipped to handle any challenges that may arise. We understand the unique dynamics of these types of accidents and will use our knowledge and skills to protect your rights and get you the best possible outcome.
In addition to our experience with motorcycle accidents, we also have a strong track record of success with other types of auto accident cases. Whether you've been involved in a car accident, trucking accident, or any other type of vehicle-related incident, we have the knowledge and expertise to fight for your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Don't let an accident derail your life - contact William Rawlings & Associates today to learn more about how a motorcycle accident attorney can help protect your rights and get you the justice you deserve. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch legal representation for clients throughout SLC, Draper, Provo, and other parts of Utah.
While most people are aware that they should be hiring an attorney for any major car accident in which they were injured by the fault of another party and are seeking just compensation, some have understandable questions about whether this is necessary for a more minor accident. And while we understand this question, the reality is that it's actually often framed in the wrong way.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we proudly provide the very best auto accident lawyer, truck accident attorney and related vehicle accident services around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper or any nearby part of Utah. We serve clients across all types of vehicle accidents, even including many that some would consider "minor" in nature - and we're here to tell you that the severity of the accident itself actually isn't the largest factor in whether you should hire an attorney. Here are some basics on why this is the case, some misconceptions about "minor" accidents, and when it makes sense to call a car accident attorney.
You may have noticed that we keep putting the word "minor" in quotation marks, and there's a reason for that - because many accidents that are labeled as "minor" by those involved can actually cause significant injuries. In fact, it's not uncommon for someone to walk away from an accident thinking they're fine, only to find out later that they have whiplash, soft tissue damage or other similar issues.
Furthermore, even supposedly minor accidents can cause immediate, severe injuries. These include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and other problems that require immediate medical care and can lead to long-term effects. So even if your accident seems minor, it's always best to get checked out by a doctor just in case - and this is especially true if you're hoping to seek any type of financial compensation for the damages caused.
Another misconception about "minor" accidents is that they don't cause significant damage to vehicles. In reality, even low-speed collisions can result in expensive repairs or even total losses for your vehicle. And if the accident was caused by someone else's negligence, you shouldn't be responsible for paying these costs out of pocket.
Moreover, even if the damage to your vehicle is minimal, it's important to remember that it's not just about the physical damage. The emotional stress and inconvenience caused by a car accident can be significant, and you shouldn't have to shoulder these burdens alone.
Down somewhat related lines, it's vital to remember that "minor" accidents still need to be reported to the authorities and your insurance company, just like any other accident. Failure to do so can lead to legal complications and jeopardize any potential claims you may have for compensation.
Even if your accident is considered "minor", it's still a good idea to consult with a reputable car accident attorney. They can help you navigate the legal process, handle negotiations with insurance companies and ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you're entitled to.
Additionally, they can provide valuable insight into the true extent of your injuries and damages, helping you accurately assess the value of any potential settlement offers. And in the event that a settlement can't be reached, having an experienced car accident attorney on your side can greatly improve your chances of success if you need to take the case to court.
When you contact our office, our team of experienced attorneys will immediately begin working on your case. We'll gather all the necessary information and evidence, handle communication with insurance companies, and fight for your rights every step of the way. We handle everything from liability and injury assessment to negotiating settlements and representing you in court, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Don't let the term "minor" accident fool you - if you've been injured in any type of vehicle accident, it's always best to consult with a car accident attorney to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Don't hesitate to reach out to William Rawlings & Associates 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. We also assist with numerous other personal injury lawyer needs and case types.
There are a few cases of personal injury situations where some people wonder if they're legally allowed to seek compensation from another party, and one good example here is when the party involved is a government employee or entity of any kind. Some good news right off the top: It's absolutely possible and legal to seek such compensation if you're injured in this way - there just may be a few additional nuances involved.
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 or any other part of Utah, from car and truck accident cases to numerous others. It's absolutely within your rights to file a claim and seek compensation for injuries you believe were caused by a government employee or entity - here are some basics on how our attorneys will help you through this process and some of the particular details that may come up along the way.
Firstly, one of the areas that can be a bit more complex when dealing with government-related injury cases is determining the proper defendant. In most personal injury cases, this is a fairly straightforward process - it's whoever was responsible for your injuries.
However, in government scenarios, there may be multiple layers or parties involved that could be held liable for your damages. For example, if you were injured by a government employee while they were on the job, they may be the defendant in your case. But if the injury occurred due to a faulty government-owned property or equipment, it may actually be the government entity itself that is responsible. Our experienced attorneys will help you navigate these complexities and ensure the proper parties are held accountable for your injuries.
Also at play here is whether you're filing a claim against a city or town, a state, or a federal entity - each one has different laws and procedures that must be followed, which our attorneys are well-versed in.
When considering filing a suit against a government employee or entity, one of the key factors our attorneys will help you evaluate is whether there was a duty of care owed to you by the government in this situation. If the employee or entity did not owe you a duty of care, then it may be difficult to prove they were responsible for your injuries.
However, if they did owe you a duty of care, our attorneys will work tirelessly to show how that duty was breached and resulted in your injuries. For instance, if a government entity failed to properly maintain their property and it led to your injury, they may be held liable for not upholding their duty of care.
From a details perspective, two areas our attorneys will be highly knowledgeable about are tort claims acts and statutes of limitation.
A tort claim is a legal proceeding against the government for damages caused by its employees or entities, and each state has specific guidelines for how these must be filed. Our attorneys will make sure your case follows all necessary procedures to avoid any potential roadblocks.
Statutes of limitation refer to the time limits you have to file a claim against the government. These can vary significantly from state to state and depend on several factors, such as whether the case is being filed under federal or state law. Our attorneys will ensure your case is filed within the appropriate timeframe to avoid any consequences.
In many cases, government entities or employees may try to claim immunity from liability for your injuries. This is when they argue that they cannot be held responsible for certain actions due to their role as a government entity. This can be a complex defense to navigate, but our attorneys have the experience and knowledge necessary to counter these claims and fight for your rights.
Seeking compensation for personal injuries caused by a government employee or entity can be overwhelming, but our experienced attorneys at the offices of William Rawlings & Associates are here to guide you through the process and fight for your rights. Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you find yourself in this situation - we're ready to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve, whether you're in SLC, Draper, Provo or any nearby part of Utah.