If you've been awarded a personal injury settlement in a recent case, or are expecting such a settlement sum in the near future, you may already be thinking about important areas like taxes and tax returns with regard to this sum of money. In particular, a common question is regularly asked in these scenarios: Is a personal injury settlement considered income that's then taxable on your yearly tax return?
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we happily assist clients around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and surrounding areas of Utah with all their personal injury attorney needs, from auto accident lawyer services and motorcycle accident attorneys to areas like dog bite claims, wrongful death and more. Here are some of the elements of a typical personal injury settlement, plus some of the ins and outs of whether they will be considered taxable income.
One of the more nuanced areas when it comes to personal injury settlements and taxation relates to medical bills. A couple relatively consistent tenets of IRS qualification to keep an eye on here:
Also known as mental anguish, this is another area that's somewhat nuanced. Generally, whether emotional distress portions of a personal injury settlement will be considered income will depend largely on whether these sums relate to the subject of the settlement itself.
That is, if you undergo emotional distress as the direct result of a physical injury like those mentioned above, it's unlikely the IRS will consider this taxable income. But if a settlement is based purely on emotional distress with no physical element involved, it may be considered income and taxed as such.
In most cases, any portion of your personal injury settlement that's specifically designated to replace lost wages from missed work as a result of the injury will be considered taxable income. In these cases, your employer may also be required to report this income and issue you a W-2 form at the end of the year.
However, if you are receiving disability payments for lost wages through an insurance policy, these generally will not be considered taxable income. This is because they are meant to compensate for lost wages and do not represent income.
For those unfamiliar with them, punitive damages refer to those set aside in cases where the defendant is found to have acted with gross negligence or malicious intent. These are meant as a punishment for such actions, rather than to compensate victims for specific losses.
The IRS considers punitive damages to be taxable income in most cases. This applies even if they're part of a personal injury settlement that also includes non-punitive sums – only the punitive portion will be taxed, while the others may not be if they meet the criteria outlined above.
In fact, punitive damage taxation tends to override some of the other basics we've gone over here. For instance, even if the punitive damages are directly related to physical injury or illness, they will not receive the same tax exemption that other portions of a settlement might.
In some cases, particularly if a large punitive damage payment was part of your settlement, you may consider investing some or all of the sum. In these cases, it's important to remember that any interest you receive from this investment will be considered taxable income – even if other portions of your settlement may not be.
In addition to these factors, there are some special considerations for certain types of personal injury settlements. For example, if your settlement includes reimbursement for attorney fees or legal costs, these may be considered tax-deductible. Additionally, if your settlement is paid out over multiple years, this could potentially impact the way it's taxed each year.
Ultimately, the specifics of your personal injury settlement will dictate its taxation – for these and any other relevant areas or questions, our experienced attorneys are here to provide guidance and expertise. Contact our team at the offices of William Rawlings & Associates to learn more about any of our personal injury attorney services around SLC, Provo, Draper or nearby areas of Utah.
Insurance coverage can be confusing at times, particularly when it's possibly necessary for a personal injury situation or certain similar settings. A common question asked of personal injury attorneys within this vein: Does renter's insurance cover personal injury issues that take place on the rented property in question?
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we proudly offer the very best personal injury attorney services you'll find in Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo or any nearby part of Utah, handling cases ranging from car and truck accident injuries to personal injury types like dog bite injuries, property liability and much more. The short answer to the question above: Usually yes, at least to some degree. Let's dive a bit further, however, into the key factors at play in whether a personal injury you or someone close to you sustained might be covered by renter's insurance.
Firstly, for those who aren't familiar with the concept, what exactly is renter's insurance? It's a specific type of insurance coverage that tenants, or renters, take out on their rented homes or apartments. This coverage provides financial protection against losses due to several basic events such as thefts and fires.
Precisely what is covered by a given renter's insurance policy will depend on the specifics of the policy itself, including its terms and coverage limits.
While this will again depend on the specific policy, most renter's insurance policies cover the following kinds of accidents or injuries:
However, it's important to note that each insurance policy is different and may have varying coverage limits. It's always best to carefully review your own policy and speak with your insurance provider for specific information on your coverage. Additionally, if you are injured in a
While most common accidents and personal injuries sustained on rented properties are often covered by renter's insurance, there are some notable exceptions. These include:
As always, it's crucial to carefully review your own renter's insurance policy and speak with your provider for specific details on coverage. In addition, if you sustain a personal injury on a rented property, it's important to consult with a personal injury attorney to determine your legal options and potential for compensation. Don't hesitate to contact the team at William Rawlings & Associates for experienced and knowledgeable representation today, whether you're in SLC, Provo, Draper or any nearby area of Utah!
There are certain kinds of accidents or injuries that can take place in ways or settings where injury seems entirely unlikely, and a common example here is the slip and fall accident. While some slip and fall accidents do happen in likely places like wet surfaces or those being cleaned, they can also take place in totally unexpected situations - and knowing what to do if this happens to you is important.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to help clients around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and surrounding areas of Utah with all their personal injury lawyer needs, ranging from car and truck accident attorney services to distinct injury types like slip and fall cases, trampoline injuries, dog bite cases and more. Like many other personal injury situations, knowing what to do in the aftermath of a slip and fall accident where you feel another party may be liable for your injuries is important - here are some of the basic steps to follow.
Before we dig into the specific approach you should take after a slip and fall accident, let's briefly touch on some of the most common settings and injuries that may result from this type of situation. As we noted earlier, slips or falls on wet surfaces or while cleaning are relatively common - but so too are those that happen in grocery stores due to spills or tripping hazards, accidents at work due to unsafe conditions, and even slip and falls on items like broken escalators or elevators.
Injuries that may result from these accidents can range from minor scrapes and bruises to serious issues like head trauma, spinal cord injuries or broken bones. And in cases where these injuries were caused by another party's negligence, you may be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury case.
So what should you do in the aftermath of a slip and fall accident? Here are some key steps to follow in our next few sections.
Just like in a car accident or any other situation where you or someone close to you has been injured, the very first step to take after a slip and fall accident is ensuring that everyone involved receives proper medical attention. Even if you don't feel like you've been seriously hurt, it's important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible, both for your own health and to document any potential injuries for the purposes of future legal action.
This includes not only getting immediate medical attention, but also following up with any recommended treatments or appointments to ensure that you make a full recovery. Failure to do so may hurt your case if you decide to pursue legal action for your injuries.
In addition to obtaining medical care, another important step after a slip and fall accident is gathering evidence at the scene. This can include taking pictures of the area where the accident occurred, documenting any hazards or conditions that may have contributed to your fall, and getting contact information from any witnesses who may have seen what happened.
This evidence can be crucial in proving liability for your injuries and building a strong case in your favor. It's important to do this as soon as possible after the accident, as conditions may change or evidence may be removed over time.
Depending on the severity of your injuries and where the accident took place, you may also need to file a report with the proper authorities. This could include an incident report with the property owner or manager, a police report if necessary, and even an incident report with your employer if you were injured at work.
Having these reports on file can help to establish a timeline of events and provide additional documentation to support your case.
One of the most important steps you can take after a slip and fall accident is to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, gather evidence on your behalf, and help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other damages. They can also handle communication and negotiations with insurance companies or other parties on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
At William Rawlings & Associates, we have a team of dedicated personal injury lawyers who are ready to help you navigate the aftermath of a slip and fall accident. We want all prospective clients to know that there is no obligation to hire us after an initial consultation - we just want to make sure you understand your rights and options in the aftermath of this type of injury.
At this point, it's important to remember that any communication about your case should be kept private and only shared with your personal injury lawyer. This includes discussions with insurance companies or other parties who may try to contact you - always refer them to your attorney for any questions or requests for information.
This also includes social media - try to avoid posting about your accident or injuries on social media, as it may be used against you in your case.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to help you with every step of the slip and fall accident process. Contact us today for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been injured in this type of accident, or for any personal injury attorney need around SLC, Provo, Draper or 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.
While the vast majority of personal injury claims and cases that are brought will be resolved via a settlement between the two parties involved, there are definitely some exceptions to this. In cases where the parties simply cannot agree on liability or other key parts of a settlement, a jury trial may be required to ultimately settle the matter.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're here to offer the very best personal injury attorney services you'll find around Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo and other parts of Utah. Our attorneys assist with a huge range of cases, from car and truck accident liability to wrongful death, dog bite cases and many others. While most of our cases do end up settled outside of court, as is common in this industry, we're also experienced in handling cases that proceed all the way to jury trial as well. Here's a breakdown of the general stages and process of a jury trial for a personal injury case, plus what to be thinking about if you're part of a case that has made it to trial.
Before we get started, a quick word on bench trials - that is, trials that do not involve a jury, and are overseen only by a judge. These are significantly less common than jury trials in personal injury cases, but they do happen.
In most bench trials, the judge will be responsible for making all decisions and rulings related to the case, while also determining relevant facts and evidence. Bench trials can sometimes lead to quicker resolutions than jury trials, but not always - it depends on how much evidence is available and how much is being disputed.
Our subsequent sections will cover the typical stages of a jury trial - many of these will be similar to parts of bench trials, but some will be different.
Assuming your case has required a jury trial, the first step will be to select jurors for the trial. This process takes place in court, and is referred to as "voir dire" - a French term meaning "to speak the truth." The goal of this process is for each side to determine who they believe would be a good juror for the case, then filter out any who may have biases or prejudices.
Jurors will be asked questions by both sides and must answer truthfully - this often includes questions about their backgrounds, beliefs and other relevant information that could impact the outcome of the case. Ultimately, a pool of jurors is chosen from these initial questioning rounds - usually around 12 or so for a civil case.
Once the jury is selected, both sides will have the opportunity to give opening statements that outline their position and what they plan to prove during the trial. These statements are not meant as evidence themselves, but more of a roadmap for how each side views the case and its key points.
As we get into the meat of the trial, each side will present their evidence and testimony from relevant witnesses. This can include expert opinions, eyewitness accounts, and more - all meant to support or refute claims made by either side. Each witness will also be subject to cross-examination by the opposing attorney.
Witnesses for a personal injury case can vary widely, from medical professionals to accident reconstruction experts and more. They will also commonly include the plaintiff themselves, and may include friends or family members who can speak to the impact of the injury on their loved one.
Once all evidence and testimony has been presented, both sides will have the opportunity to make closing arguments - a final attempt to sway the jury in their favor. This is often where attorneys will summarize key points of evidence or highlight specific inconsistencies in the opposing side's story.
The plaintiff's attorney will typically make the first closing argument, followed by the defendant's attorney. Typically, the plaintiff will get the "last word" via a short rebuttal to the defense's closing argument.
Now that both sides have made their case, the judge will instruct the jury on what they are to consider when making their decision. This can include specific laws, relevant evidence and other considerations that may impact the outcome of the case.
Once instructed by the judge, jurors will retreat to a private room where they will discuss the case amongst themselves and come to a decision. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the complexity of the case. Once they have reached a verdict, it will be delivered in open court and read aloud by the judge.
It's important to note that either side has the right to appeal a jury's decision if they feel there were errors made during the trial. This can lead to a higher court reviewing all evidence and potentially overturning or changing the original decision.
If you have any further questions about jury trials in personal injury cases, our experienced attorneys at William Rawlings & Associates are always here to help. We're happy to walk you through this process and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way for any personal injury case across SLC, Draper, Provo or any other part of Utah.
While it's somewhat common (and understandable) to hear people complain about the areas of their lives that insurance doesn't cover, there's actually a flip side to this as well. There are a number of injury types that you may not have ever thought would be covered by insurance, but actually are - including several common injury types that often result in personal injury claims.
At William Rawlings & Associates, we have decades of experience dealing with insurance companies as we strive for just compensation for our personal injury clients around Salt Lake City, Draper, Provo and other parts of Utah. While many of our cases are in more well-known areas like car accidents or child injuries, we also help with lesser-known case types like passenger claims, malpractice suits and more. Whether it's your insurance or the insurance of a different liable party that's providing the compensation, here are several examples of surprising injury types you may not have realized are often covered by insurance.
As we alluded to above, a great example here is passenger claims. What happens if you're not the driver in a car accident, but rather are just an innocent passenger – perhaps even with no control over the vehicle at all?
In these cases, insurance companies will often provide coverage for personal injuries that occur to passengers, as long as they were not behaving negligently themselves. In cases where it's determined that a separate party in a different vehicle caused the accident, they may be responsible for your compensation via their insurance even if you were a passenger in a car that wasn't theirs.
Many people don't realize this, but dog bites are actually covered by homeowner's insurance in most cases. This includes both incidents that occur on the owner's property and those where the dog is taken off-site, such as to a park. Dog bite claims often include not just physical injuries, but also property damage or trauma compensation as well.
Once again, it's important to note that in some cases, the owner's insurance may not cover bites if they occur due to negligence or intentional harm. But more often than not, dog bite claims are eligible for compensation from insurance providers.
There are a few parties that may be considered at fault for injuries that occur due to a defective product: The manufacturer, the distributor or the seller of the product. In many cases, these parties will have some form of insurance coverage that can provide compensation for any resulting personal injuries.
This is especially important to note if you've been injured by a defective product and are considering filing a lawsuit – even if it's not clear at first who the liable party is, it's often possible to receive compensation from some form of insurance coverage. Make sure to discuss this with your personal injury attorney as you consider your options for seeking compensation.
Another common area where people may not realize insurance is often involved: Medical malpractice. In many states, doctors and medical professionals are required to carry malpractice insurance as a form of financial protection for those who may be injured in their care.
This means that if you suffer an injury or illness due to negligence or error by your doctor, you may be eligible for compensation from their insurance company. This also includes professionals like dentists, therapists, and nurses.
Depending on the circumstances, injuries that occur due to slip and fall accidents may also be covered by insurance. For example, if a business owner is found negligent in maintaining safe conditions on their property and you suffer an injury as a result, their liability insurance may cover your medical expenses or other damages.
While we've spent most of this blog going over injuries that are often covered by insurance in some way, here are some examples of those on the flip side - that will almost never be covered:
It's important to understand the extent of insurance coverage when it comes to personal injury claims. While there are many common injury types that are often covered, there are also several that typically are not.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we are dedicated to helping our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their personal injuries. Our experienced team is well-versed in dealing with insurance companies and will work tirelessly to fight for your rights and just compensation. If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury around SLC, Draper, Provo or any other part of Utah, contact us today for a free consultation.
There are several kinds of compensation that you may be eligible for if you've been injured in a car accident through the fault of another party, and some of these are more nuanced than others. A good example here is the realm of "pain and suffering" damages, which are possible in a number of different personal injury cases, vehicle accidents often chief among them.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we offer experienced attorney services for car accidents, truck accidents and any other vehicle accident around Salt Lake City, Provo, Draper and other parts of Utah. Let's look at what pain and suffering damages are, some methods by which they may be calculated, and some of the ways plaintiffs can go about proving their claims for these sorts of damages.
In most car accident cases, and even within many other types of personal injury cases, there are two different types of damages that may be available to the plaintiff: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages refer directly to things like medical bills or repair expenses, as these can be easily calculated by looking at invoices and receipts. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are more subjective in nature.
"Pain and suffering" damages are an example of the latter, as it's hard to put a dollar value on the victim's physical and emotional distress.
There are several ways that pain and suffering damages may be classified, including:
Because pain and suffering damages are nuanced by nature, their calculation methods can be as well. There are two primary such methods generally used:
Per diem method: The more common method today is the per diem method, which involves assessing a set daily rate for pain and suffering damages. This daily rate is calculated by estimating the amount of money the plaintiff is losing daily due to the effects of the accident - some of this may be determined by the plaintiff's income, though other factors can be present as well.
Multiplier method: In this method, plaintiffs determine their economic damages first - and then multiply this by a given number for additional pain and suffering damages. This multiplier will often be three, but can also be different numbers. However, insurers today are becoming more and more reluctant to accept this model, and the per diem model is more often used.
Finally, it's important for plaintiffs to be able to prove that any pain and suffering damages they are claiming are legitimate. There are several ways they can do so, most involving documentation:
At William Rawlings & Associates, our experienced attorneys are well-versed in all types of damages related to car accidents, and can help you secure the compensation you need for your recovery. Contact us today for more information on any of our services around SLC, Draper, Provo and other parts of Utah.
There are a few kinds of injuries that tend to be more common than others in public settings, and one of these is the slip and fall injury. A variety of issues can cause people to slip on certain surfaces, and a number of different specific injuries may be sustained by those who are the victims of such accidents.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we provide detailed personal injury attorney services to clients around Provo, Salt Lake City and nearby areas of Utah. We cover every injury type you could think of, including car accident injuries, child injuries, trampoline park injuries and more. Here are some of the most common injuries we see from clients in slip and fall cases, plus how they may play into your liability claim if you believe your injuries were caused by negligence or similar issues on the part of another party.
Some of the most common types of slip and fall injuries are soft tissue injuries such as muscle sprains or strains. These usually involve a tearing or stretching of the tendons, ligaments, muscles, or other related tissues after sudden tension is applied to them. Soft tissue injuries can be particularly painful and may take longer to heal than many other kinds of injuries.
Soft tissue injuries can also include fall injury symptoms like swelling, bruising, or pain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a medical professional as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
Particularly in areas like the wrists or ankles, which people sometimes use to try and support themselves as they're falling or to break the fall, sprains are another common injury. Usually a sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn beyond its normal range of motion. Sprains can be quite painful and, depending on their severity, may require physical therapy or other treatment in order to make sure they heal properly.
More serious slip and fall injuries involve broken bones or fractures. Broken bones are usually caused by a large force applied to one area of the body, such as when someone falls from a great height or lands awkwardly. Fractures can be particularly painful and may take months or even longer to heal properly.
Some of the most common here are hip fractures, spine fractures, and wrist fractures. Depending on the severity of the fracture, surgery may be necessary to ensure it heals properly and that additional pain is minimized.
Another common slip and fall injury is knee damage. This includes things like ACL tears, meniscus tears, or general ligament sprains in the knee. These can be particularly problematic for those who are physically active, as it may take quite a bit of time for them to fully heal and regain their agility.
In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended to help strengthen the muscles around the knee and increase flexibility. If this is the case, it's possible the costs of physical therapy could be included in your eventual settlement or judgement if you've filed a personal injury claim.
Usually in areas like the shoulder or finger, dislocations may also be a possible outcome of a slip and fall incident. A dislocation occurs when two bones are forcibly separated, causing extreme pain and swelling. Depending on the severity of the injury, medical professionals may need to realign the bone in order to restore proper function.
Another of the more serious slip and fall injuries, damage to the spine or nerves may occur after a severe fall. This includes anything from herniated discs to nerve impingement. Depending on where the injury occurs, it can cause extreme pain and interfere with normal bodily functions like feeling and movement.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary in order to repair any damage or relieve pressure on the affected nerves. This can be quite costly, and depending on your individual situation, could be something you'd want to include in your personal injury claim if applicable.
Finally, another very serious injury that can result from a slip and fall is traumatic brain injury. This kind of injury usually occurs when the head or face are hit hard enough to cause trauma to the brain. Depending on the severity of the incident, this can range from a mild concussion to more serious and long-lasting damage.
If you believe you may have suffered any kind of brain injury, it is necessary to seek medical attention right away. If you decide to pursue a personal injury claim, the costs associated with treating this kind of injury may be included in your settlement or judgement.
For more here, or to learn about our personal injury attorneys and how we serve clients around Provo, SLC and other parts of Utah, speak to our team at the offices of William Rawlings & Associates today.
There are a few themes that are vital for almost any personal injury claim being filed, and documentation is one of these. Being able to provide detailed, accurate documentation of the incident will often play a huge role in the success of your claim, and one such form of documentation that's regularly considered and utilized here is a police report.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're proud to assist with numerous personal injury cases for clients around Draper, Provo, Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah, from car and truck accidents to dog bite injuries, child injuries and more. In many such settings, a police report will serve as valuable documentation that may help with your claim and eventually receiving compensation. Here are some basics on what police reports are, the kinds of information typically found on them, and the important roles they often play in personal injury cases.
For those who have never been involved in a situation that included a police report before, it can be helpful to understand the basics of what these documents include. Generally speaking, a police report is documentation that's made by officers who are responding to an incident or crime scene. It's created as part of their investigation into the matter and will often provide key details on how they determined what happened, who was involved and more.
Police reports also often contain additional information that may be detailed, such as statements from witnesses (if applicable) and other key facts about the incident. This kind of documentation is essential for personal injury cases in particular, since it can provide a comprehensive overview of what happened and who was involved.
What kinds of information will be used by police in their reports of various incidents? Let's use a car accident as our hypothetical example here, as it's one of the most common scenarios where police reports are filled out - but if your case is something different, just adjust the particulars a bit. Some common pieces of info:
Essentially, police reports serve as key pieces of evidence in personal injury cases and should not be overlooked. They can provide a wealth of information that may help to determine who was at fault, whether you have a strong case or not and more. As such, it's important to obtain copies of the report (if possible) related to your incident before filing a claim with an attorney.
One area where police reports can carry particular weight is when dealing with insurance companies. These companies are always looking for ways to deny or reduce personal injury claims, but if you have a police report on your side that accurately reflects the incident and your involvement, it can be enough to tip the scales in your favor.
How you obtain a police report in your case will vary based on a few factors, such as your location and the type of incident. Generally speaking, though, you should be able to obtain a copy of any report from the police department that responded to the incident or from one of their local divisions; these requests are typically free when it comes to personal injury cases.
In some cases, you may be able to request a copy of the report from your attorney and they may be able to get it for you. Depending on how far along your case is, this can be one of the most expedient ways to get a police report.
No matter what kind of personal injury claim you may have, documentation plays an important role in its success. Police reports are often a major part of this, and knowing how they work can be vital.
For more here, or to learn about any of our personal injury attorney services for clients in Provo, Draper, SLC or other parts of Utah, speak to our team at the offices of William Rawlings & Associates today.
There are a few common questions that clients in personal injury cases often have for their attorneys or other professionals, and some of these tend to revolve around timelines. Clients naturally want do know how long a personal injury case will take to settle or otherwise be completed, and this is a realm that will depend on several specific factors.
At the offices of William Rawlings & Associates, we're happy to assist with any personal injury case you're involved in, providing high-quality attorney services for cases ranging from car and truck accidents to dog bite incidents, child injuries, malpractice suits and more. What are the key variables that will typically determine how long it takes to settle or otherwise resolve a given personal injury case? Here are several to be aware of.
One of the first and most important factors that will often determine how long it takes to settle a personal injury case is the type of case in question. Certain cases may involve more complexity and/or require longer processes before they can be resolved, such as those involving medical malpractice or product liability issues.
For instance, if a medical malpractice case requires the examination of several documents, or if product liability needs to be proven by demonstrating a manufacturer's defective product, these may take longer to resolve than cases that involve more straightforward matters. On the flip side, certain cases are relatively more straightforward and can often be resolved quite quickly.
Another element that can influence how long it takes to settle a given personal injury case is whether or not the case will actually be settled. If both sides are able to agree on an out-of-court settlement, this could take anywhere from one to two months. However, if the parties decide against a settlement and the matter goes to court, then this process can take anywhere from one to three years, depending on the complexity of the case and several other factors.
Now, it's not always in a client's best interest to take a settlement - but the competition between wanting your just compensation and wanting the case to finish as quickly as possible can be tricky to navigate. For instance, many insurance companies will offer settlements early in the process, knowing that clients often have pressing bills that they need to pay.
However, it is important for clients to remember that an early settlement could be far less than what their case may actually be worth. Settling too quickly could also mean sacrificing certain rights or privileges that you would otherwise receive from pursuing the matter in court. This is where experienced legal counsel can play a major role in assisting clients with their cases.
For many personal injury cases, the severity of an individual's injuries can also be a major factor in determining how long it takes to settle a case. Cases involving serious injuries will often require more extensive types of care and therapy - plus, they may involve longer recovery times. As such, these cases must be dealt with greater care and caution, which could lead to longer settlement times.
In addition, the types of injuries can also influence how long it takes to settle a case. For instance, if an injury is classified as “permanent” or “catastrophic” then this could lengthen the process considerably as these cases may require more extensive compensation and/or greater legal aid.
Liability is another key factor to consider when it comes to how long it takes to resolve a personal injury case. If the defendant is able to prove that they are not at fault for the accident, then this could significantly delay the settlement process. On the other hand, if liability can be established quickly and without dispute, then this could help speed up the process.
For instance, many motor vehicle accidents involve two drivers, each of whom may be partially at fault for the accident. In such cases, liability must be established before any settlement can take place - which could delay the process if both parties are unwilling to admit fault or accept responsibility.
Overall, there is no “one size fits all” answer when it comes to how long it takes to settle a personal injury case. The timeline for each case is highly dependent on several specific factors and should be discussed with experienced legal counsel before any decisions are made. Ultimately, the settlement process can often be lengthy - but working with the right professionals can ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
For more on this, or to learn about any of our personal injury attorney services, speak to our team at the offices of William Rawlings & Associates today.