Personal Injury FAQ
Call the Maine accident attorneys who never back down
Personal injury accidents are common and can leave people seriously injured. Medical expenses can add up quickly and you may be left unable to work. If your injuries were the result of negligent or reckless behavior by another, you deserve financial compensation. Recovering compensation can be complicated.
At Jabar LaLiberty, LLC, we know that the claims process can be confusing and frustrating. You probably have a lot of questions. Our personal injury attorneys can help you find answers. We build strong cases that insurance companies can’t ignore and are committed to helping you get the best outcome in your case.
Some frequently asked questions about personal injury accidents:
- What causes personal injury accidents?
- How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Maine?
- Should I talk to an insurance company if they call me about the accident?
- If I’m offered a settlement, can I ask for more money?
- What if I’ll need medical treatment in the future for my injury?
- Do I need a personal injury lawyer?
- How much will my personal injury claim be worth?
- Will my case be settled or will I have to go to court?
Since 1979, we’ve earned a reputation as lawyers that Mainers can trust. We are proud of the testimonials and the help we’ve been able to give to the injured. If you’ve been hurt in Waterville, Portland or anywhere in Maine, we are ready to help with your case. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys.
What causes personal injury accidents?
There are many specific actions or inactions that can cause personal injury accidents. In general, they are caused by reckless behavior or negligence. An example of reckless behavior could be a manufacturer knowingly releasing an unsafe product for sale. An example of negligence could be a hospital failing to properly sanitize medical instruments, leading to infection.
Proving reckless behavior or negligence can be complicated. That’s why you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. We know where to look for evidence and build strong cases that identify reckless or negligent parties and hold them accountable. Since 1979, we’ve recovered millions for the injured in Maine.
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Maine?
There are statutes of limitations that place a limit on the amount of time you can take legal action. In Maine, you have six years from the date of the accident to take legal action in most personal injury cases. The exception is in cases involving medical negligence, in which you have three years.
While this seems like plenty of time, there are some things to consider. It can take months to investigate your accident and build a case. Also, over time, evidence can be lost or destroyed and the memories of witnesses can fade. That’s why if you’ve been injured in a personal injury accident, we encourage you to get legal advice as soon as possible.
Should I talk to an insurance company if they call me about the accident?
No. The insurance company for the negligent party may contact you after the accident. They may say they only have a few questions. They may ask you to make a recorded statement. It all sounds reasonable. Just remember, the insurance company looks for ways to pay you as little as possible. They are not on your side.
What they really want is to try to trick you into saying something that can be used against you during the claims process. If you are contacted by anyone from the insurance company, politely decline to answer any questions. Explain that you need to speak to your attorney first. Then contact us.
If I’m offered a settlement, can I ask for more money?
Yes. Shortly after your personal injury accident, the insurance company may contact you with a settlement offer. They’ll promise quick payment if you agree to their terms. They may even say that it’s the best they can do. You may be worried about how you’re going to pay your bills, so accepting their offer may seem tempting.
Their offer will fall far short of covering all of the damages you have suffered. We recommend talking to a personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement offer from the insurance company. Our attorneys can determine your damages and let you know if the offer is fair, or if you deserve more.
What if I’ll need medical treatment in the future for my injury?
This is something our personal injury attorneys consider when determine the total damages you have suffered. We will add up the cost of all medical expenses for treatment you have received so far. We also talk to doctors about your future medical needs and include those estimates when we seek financial compensation.
In addition to medical expenses, we will also seek compensation for any lost wages if you were left unable to work, as well as loss of future earning capacity if you can’t return to work at all. We may also seek compensation for other damages you suffered as a result of the accident, such as pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.
Do I need a personal injury lawyer?
You do if you want to ensure getting the maximum compensation possible. Remember, insurance companies are not on your side. They have an advantage over you and they know it. They will challenge your claim for compensation by questioning your injuries, deny liability or even blaming you for the accident.
Our personal injury attorneys have the experience, legal knowledge and resources to fight back against the insurance companies and their attempts to limit your compensation. We build strong cases that they can’t ignore. When they see that we are prepared to fight for you, they often agree to a settlement that meets your needs.
How much will my personal injury claim be worth?
The amount of compensation you can receive depends on many different factors. These include the type of accident you were involved in, the extent of your injuries, the parties responsible for the accident, and the amount of insurance coverage. Other factors can also play a role, such as whether you are found partially responsible for the accident.
Also, the insurance company may be less willing to settle certain cases. Every case is different. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can give you an idea about what to expect in your case. We can review the details of your accident, go over your legal options and answer any questions you have.
Will my case be settled or will I have to go to court?
When we take your case, our personal injury lawyers will prepare your case as if we are going to court. Our legal team will investigate your accident to look for evidence that proves you were the victim of negligence. We build a strong case that makes it clear to the insurance company that we are ready to take them to court.
Most of the time, the insurance company agrees to talk about a settlement before things get that far. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators and can work out a settlement that meets your needs. If an insurance company is not willing to negotiate, our experienced attorneys will be ready to fight for you at trial.