When we are injured due to our own careless actions, we may reluctantly accept responsibility for our mistakes and strive to move forward. However, when the injury is caused by someone else’s actions, moving on can feel daunting. Dealing with physical and emotional pain, coupled with the burden of expensive medical costs, can make coping extremely challenging. Fortunately for injury victims, they don’t have to bear these burdens alone. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, seeking assistance is important.
Personal injury claims stem from a wide array of accidents and incidents, ranging from car crashes to slip-and-fall accidents in local establishments. Whether you’re considering a lawsuit or negotiating with an insurance company, having a dedicated law firm by your side is essential.
At The Law Offices of Samuel Fishman, we are committed to advocating for victims of serious accidents caused by others’ negligence. We understand the profound impact such accidents can have on your life, and our goal is to help you regain control. To arrange a free legal consultation with a Bucks County personal injury Attorney, reach out to The Law Offices of Samuel Fishman today and discuss your accident.
Handling a Range of Personal Injury Cases
We specialize in a wide range of personal injury cases, including but not limited to:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Uber & Lyft accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Workplace sexual harassment
- Construction accidents
- Workers’ compensation
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Product liability
- Mass Torts
- Medical malpractice
- Birth injury
- Brain Injury
- Reading personal injury
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Wrongful death, and more.
No matter the nature of your injury, our team at The Law Offices of Samuel Fishman is equipped to provide you with the legal support and guidance you need to pursue justice and recover financial compensation.
Causes of Personal Injuries in Bucks County, PA
There are numerous scenarios in which personal injuries may occur, many of which stem from another person’s negligence or irresponsible actions. Some of the most common accidents causing injury in Bucks County include:
- Auto accidents, Truck Accidents, and Motorcycle accidents: Collisions involving large vehicles such as cars and semi-trucks pose significant dangers due to their size and weight, often resulting in severe damage. Motorcyclists face increased risks of personal injury due to their limited protection. It’s crucial for other motorists to be vigilant and watch out for motorcycles on the road, as failure to do so may lead to liability. Victims of such accidents and passengers may pursue legal action against vehicle drivers, truck drivers, motorcyclists, trucking companies, and their insurance providers to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Medical malpractice: Healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, are expected to adhere to specific standards when providing care. Errors such as misdiagnosis, prescription mistakes, surgical errors, and nursing home neglect can result in serious injury or death. In such cases, victims may need to pursue medical malpractice claims to seek justice and compensation.
- Defective products: Some companies release inherently dangerous products to the public due to design flaws or defective manufacturing processes. Failing to warn consumers or recall these products puts individuals at risk. Victims of injuries caused by defective products may take legal action against the responsible companies to hold them accountable and obtain compensation.
- Dangerous premises: Property owners, especially commercial establishments, have a duty to maintain safe premises for visitors. Neglecting this duty can lead to slip-and-fall accidents, resulting in serious personal injuries. In such instances, victims may pursue legal recourse against the property owners to seek compensation for their injuries.
If you’ve been injured due to any of these circumstances, it’s essential to seek legal guidance to understand your rights and options for pursuing compensation.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Regardless of the severity of the injury, there are a few basic guidelines to keep in mind if you have been involved in an accident caused by another:
- Seek medical attention – The first thing you should do immediately after an injury is to seek medical attention. Motor vehicle and other accidents often lead to severe injuries such as back or neck injuries. Therefore, it is critical to your health and well-being to seek treatment by licensed medical professionals. Many injuries are not readily visible, but it is necessary to get them diagnosed. Seeking medical attention will also establish a record of the injury that can be used to prove damages in later legal action.
- File a police report- Call 911 whether you have sustained minor or major injuries, and you should cooperate with the police if they are involved. Depending on the circumstances, in some motor vehicle accidents, you may be required to file a report with the police. Provide only factual information, avoiding opinion or admissions of fault. Remember, whatever you report to the police will become a crucial part of the legal record.
- Start gathering evidence– Without proper evidence, it will be difficult to establish entitlement to compensation. Therefore, it is advisable to start gathering evidence immediately at the scene of the accident. Speak to any eyewitnesses who may be willing to corroborate important details. Record names and contact information whenever possible. Some injuries, like Spinal Cord Injury, may not be detectable until several days or months after the accident. Gathering evidence of medical records will help you to establish a claim of personal injury, even if some time has elapsed and will make your case stronger.
- Do not make any statements of admission– In injury cases, you must avoid communicating with the at-fault parties . When you admit fault or wrongdoing, you could wind up reducing or barring recovery of any potential compensation that you may be awarded. Therefore, it is suggested that you avoid communicating with the opposing party.
- Contact an experienced personal injury attorney– A personal injury attorney has access to the best testimony and evidence immediately following an accident. This helps in building a strong claim for your recovery. Therefore it is best to contact them immediately. Hire a lawyer quickly after a car accident.
Time Limit for Filing a Bucks County Personal Injury Claim
Every state has different laws and statutes of limitations governing personal injury insurance claims and lawsuits. For example, Bucks County, Pennsylvania has a two-year statute of limitations and is a “no-fault” state. “No-fault” insurance means that losses caused by an accident will be indemnified by the insured’s own insurance company as opposed to the opposing party’s, regardless of who was at fault for your injury.
Reasons to Seek a Personal Injury Lawyer After an Accident in Bucks County
An experienced and knowledgeable attorney knows how to negotiate with insurance companies. No two personal injury cases are the same, but there are general rules and procedures that all civil suits must follow. Here is a look at the general process followed by legal professionals.
- Investigating the Claims– Many personal injury lawyers in Bucks County, PA work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only charge after a successful settlement or court decision is reached. Therefore, attorneys take special care to investigate potential claims very carefully to determine whether there are solid legal grounds to seek compensation. They will analyze every aspect of the case. A Bucks County personal injury attorney will provide an honest assessment of your case and will not waste your time pursuing the claim if the law does not support it.
- Collecting Data– The attorney will gather evidence in support of the claim being made. As stated, the police or incident report will be an important piece of evidence. They will collect photos of property damage, camera footage, and witness statements. Other important forms of evidence are:
- Medical reports
- Other accident-related expenses
- Employment documents
- Property damage assessments
- Insurance policies
- Dealing with Insurance Companies- Handling insurance companies can be an intimidating task for an accident victim. Our attorneys understand the policy language, terms, and conditions. The attorney will represent you in all communications with the insurance company. This has the added benefit of preventing the victim from saying anything that may jeopardize their claim.
- Sending Demand Letters– Your injury lawyer in Bucks County may send a demand letter to the insurance company or the opposing party, as appropriate. It will state the facts of the victim’s accident and the amount of damages required to compensate the victim for their injury and other losses.
- Preparing Pleadings– A legal professional will prepare a complaint if the insurance company rejects the claim. The complaint sets forth the legal arguments for why the defendant is responsible for the accident. The complaint will also state the amount of damages that their client is seeking. The defendant will typically be provided 30 days to respond with an answer to the complaint.
It is helpful to conduct thorough research. You should ask for a detailed fee structure from the attorney. You should also be familiar with the attorney’s terms and conditions. If an attorney is not following correct court procedure, you have a right to hire another professional who is better equipped to handle your case. We’re dedicated to providing injury victims and grieving families like you in Bucks County with the level of service and legal representation you and your family deserve after a life-changing accident. When you hire us, we strive to be the injury attorney in Bucks County, who can get right to work on your case.
The Importance of a Bucks County Personal Injury Attorney on Your Case
Hiring a Bucks County personal injury lawyer to represent you after an unexpected accident can significantly benefit your case. Here’s why:
- Time to recover: Entrusting your case to a lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of dealing with powerful insurance companies. Experienced legal representation ensures your case is in capable hands, giving you the space to heal.
- Leveling the playing field: Insurance companies and defendants often have extensive resources and legal teams at their disposal. By hiring a lawyer, you equalize the playing field and demonstrate your commitment to receiving fair compensation for your injury.
- Access to resources: A reputable law firm brings valuable resources to your case, including access to experts who can strengthen your claim. These resources enhance your chances of securing maximum compensation for your damages.
- Protecting your rights: It’s essential to avoid accepting less than your case is worth. Your attorney will diligently assess all damages and work with injury specialists to ensure your claim is accurately valued, protecting your rights against insurance companies and defendants seeking to minimize payouts.
In summary, partnering with a skilled personal injury attorney in Bucks County ensures that your legal rights are protected, maximizing your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries and losses. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in Bucks County, don’t hesitate to call our personal injury attorneys for help.
Dealing with an Injury Claim Denial by the Insurance Company
Dealing with an injury claim denial by your insurance company can be frustrating, but understanding your policy is key. When you receive a denial, review your insurance policy for any exclusions that may apply to your injury. If you believe your claim should have been covered, send a dispute letter to your insurer outlining the discrepancies between your policy and the denial. If your insurer doesn’t respond satisfactorily or requests arbitration, seek guidance from a Bucks County injury lawyer before proceeding. This ensures you’re not bullied into accepting less than your claim is worth during arbitration.
If necessary, and your insurer remains unresponsive or unsatisfactory, consider pursuing a lawsuit. In such cases, hiring a Bucks County Personal Injury Lawyer is crucial to navigate the legal complexities and advocate for your rights effectively with their advocacy skills and civil litigation experience.
Our Bucks County Personal Injury Lawyers at The Law Offices of Samuel Fishman Can Help
The Law Offices of Samuel Fishman has experienced legal professionals on the team ready to assist you with your personal injury claim. We have years of experience helping many people obtain compensation for their losses due to personal injuries. Feel free to consult our legal team to find out all possible legal options for your situation. Call us ot email us today for a free consultation and case evaluation.