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Why Are Drowsy and Distracted Driving Dangerous?
You have probably seen campaigns warning about the risks of distracted and drowsy driving. While these conditions might seem harmless, they all too often cause wrecks that injure or kill. Have you ever wondered why driver fatigue and distractions are dangerous? At James Kennedy, P.L.L.C., we want you to be safe during your travels. If you are injured due to another driver’s negligent behavior, our El Paso lawyers are ready to assist you recover the compensation you deserve.
Distracted Driving and Its Risks
To drive safely, motorists should keep their eyes on the road, mind focused on driving, hands on the wheel, and ears open to traffic sounds. Anything that prevents those requirements is considered a distraction, such as:
How Long After a Truck Crash Can You File a Lawsuit?
Because of their monstrous size and weight, large trucks often cause catastrophic injuries and property damage when they collide with passenger cars. If you are injured in a truck accident or a loved one lost their life, you may qualify for compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim. However, there are time limits for filing these claims. If you miss the applicable deadline, you usually cannot recover any damages.
Is filing an insurance claim the same as filing a lawsuit? How long do you have to file a truck accident lawsuit? A knowledgeable lawyer from James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. can help.
Are Insurance Claims and Civil Lawsuits the Same?
Most personal injury claims, including truck accident cases, begin by filing an insurance claim against the at-fault party’s insurance policy. You need evidence proving the policyholder was at least partially responsible for causing your crash, so you may need to investigate the wreck to find supporting evidence.
Why Having a Personal Injury Lawyer Is Worth It
People are injured daily through no fault of their own in a wide variety of incidents, and many of them can obtain compensation through a personal injury claim. Some people wonder if hiring a lawyer is worth it; the answer is yes, it is.
Many challenges can accompany your claim, and a single mistake can be costly. Once we explain some of the benefits of working with an experienced El Paso, TX lawyer from James Kennedy, P.L.L.C., we hope you will call us to schedule your free consultation.
Legal Knowledge
Various laws apply to personal injury and wrongful death cases, differing from state to state. Whether you were injured in a car crash, truck collision, slip and fall accident, or other incidents caused by negligence or an intentional act, you likely do not know the applicable laws and how they apply to your case. Your attorney from James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. does, and we will use that knowledge to build your case, advise you, and protect your best interests.
Do You Have to Pay Taxes on a Personal Injury Settlement?
After sustaining injuries in an accident caused by someone’s negligence or an incident involving an intentional act, you may qualify for compensation through a personal injury claim. These claims can often be settled through negotiations, but some are decided in court. Either way, a favorable settlement or verdict can bring much-needed and well-deserved funds.
Almost everything Americans buy or receive is subject to taxation. Are personal injury settlements taxed? How can you find out if you qualify for compensation? A knowledgeable attorney from James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. can answer your questions and help you determine your next steps. Call now for your free consultation.
What Damages Could Your Texas Personal Injury Settlement Include?
In Texas, you likely qualify for compensation after an injury accident or incident if you are less than 50 percent at fault. Laws differ by state, so it is vital to understand the form of negligence used in the state where your accident occurred. For example, New Mexico uses pure comparative negligence. These cases may stem from:
Who Pays a Car Crash Injury Settlement?
If you were injured in a car accident, you likely have several questions about filing a claim to receive compensation. Who will pay you, and how much can you receive? The answers to those questions: it depends. Every case is different, and a one-size-fits-all answer does not exist. Unique case-specific criteria determine liability and potential settlement amounts.
If that sounds confusing to you, you are not alone. Many injured car accident victims rely on an experienced lawyer from James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. to handle their cases and protect their best interests. Call now to discuss your case and learn how we can help.
How Do You Establish Liability?
The first step in determining who will pay your settlement is to investigate your accident. Your attorney needs to find out why and how your wreck happened, and the results should point to one or more at-fault parties. They, along with their auto insurance companies, may be responsible for paying your settlement. For example, many car crashes happen due to:
How Do I Know If a Personal Injury Lawyer Is Good?
If you are injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation, and an attorney can help. You have probably heard that statement before, and it is true. However, choosing the wrong lawyer can harm your case.
What should you look for in a personal injury lawyer? How can you choose the right attorney? James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. explains.
What To Look for in Your Personal Injury Lawyer
Although any lawyer could technically handle your claim, not just any attorney is the right fit. You have a better chance of a successful resolution if you understand how to evaluate legal professionals.
A Focus on Personal Injury Law
Would you visit a neurosurgeon for a heart condition? Why not? Physicians, like attorneys, often have areas of focus. A lawyer whose focus is on personal injury cases:
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Understands the details of all applicable laws, including statutes of limitations
What Can People Use Their Personal Injury Lawsuit Money For?
If someone’s negligence causes you injuries and other eligible losses, you can often receive compensation. Your payout may be in the form of a negotiated settlement or a verdict from a personal injury lawsuit. Either way, you may wonder about any restrictions placed on the money you receive. What can you use it for? How much will you get? Our Board Certified personal injury trial lawyer at James Kennedy, P.L.L.C. can answer your questions, calculate your potential damages, and help you get the highest possible amount of compensation.
How Much Is Your Case Worth?
As much as we would like to tell you how much an average settlement is, we cannot. The value of your case depends on several unique factors. If you have a valid personal injury claim, you may receive compensation for various damages, including:
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Medical bills
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Property damage
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Lost wages
5 Things Your Personal Injury Lawyer Should Never Do
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, you should not have to pay for all the resulting expenses. You can submit a personal injury claim to try to hold the other person accountable and make them compensate you for the damage they caused. A lawyer with training and experience in this field can help you gather evidence to prove your claims and deal with all the bureaucracy involved. However, there are some red flags to look out for as you begin working with a new lawyer. This article will describe some of the things a personal injury attorney should never do. If you need a lawyer to guide you through the process, speak with an El Paso, TX personal injury attorney who has experience fighting for maximum compensation in these types of cases.
Red Flag #1: Making Promises They Cannot Keep
Lawyers should avoid promising a specific outcome or guaranteeing a specific amount of compensation. There is no way to predict exactly how a legal case will end. If an attorney tells you they can, they may not be as professional and trustworthy as you deserve. You should work with a lawyer who can give you a realistic assessment of your case and explain various options for how it might end.
3 Reasons to Let Your Lawyer Talk to the Insurance Company
Suppose you have been involved in an accident caused by the negligence of another. You may be surprised to receive a call from the insurance company representing the negligent party. Even more surprising, this call may have come within a few days of the accident, possibly even before you have had a chance to fully consider your options.
There is one thing you should always remember about insurance companies. The primary concern of all insurance companies is not your health, it is the company’s financial bottom line. Like most of us, you have likely seen many heartwarming insurance commercials on television. The insurance companies reassure you that they are your "friend" and will be there when you need them.
Finding out the truth of the matter the hard way probably means you end up with a quick settlement that will not even begin to cover all the damages associated with the accident. Not only are you injured and perhaps unable to work and make a living, but you also have no idea how to pay your medical expenses or your regular monthly expenses. This does not have to be your scenario.
Should I Use a Personal Injury Lawyer Who Contacts Me First?
Getting injured because of someone else’s negligence can be very distressing. You are worried about recovering and getting the medical care you need, but it can be hard to cover these unexpected costs. You are probably aware that you can get some of those costs covered as part of the compensation you can get in a personal injury claim, but you might not know exactly what to ask for. If a lawyer suddenly shows up and offers to represent you, you might feel relieved that there is one less thing you need to worry about. However, this should raise a red flag. The state of Texas has specific rules against a lawyer soliciting potential clients. This article will explain those rules and why you should be wary of lawyers who contact you trying to get you to hire them. If you need help seeking compensation for injuries, contact a qualified Sierra Blanca, TX personal injury attorney.
Ambulance Chasers and Barratry Law in Texas
Lawyers are often necessary during times of suffering and distress. There are rules in place about how lawyers can advertise their services, to protect potential clients from being taken advantage of when they are distracted by their stressful circumstances. If a lawyer has a website that you end up on after searching online for a specific area of law you are interested in, that is not problematic. If a law firm advertises its services in the newspaper, that is also fine.