What a personal injury attorney handles
A personal injury attorney represents people who were hurt because someone else was careless. They gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, value the claim and, if needed, file a lawsuit. The most common cases are:
Car accidents
The most common injury claim in the US, from rear-end crashes to disputed-fault collisions.
Car accident attorney guide →Truck accidents
Crashes with commercial trucks involve federal trucking rules and often several liable companies.
Truck accident guide →Motorcycle accidents
Riders often face serious injuries and insurers who argue the rider was at fault.
Motorcycle accident guide →Uninsured drivers
When the at-fault driver has no insurance, your own uninsured motorist coverage may pay.
Uninsured motorist guide →Negligence claims
Every injury case rests on proving the other side was negligent and that it caused your harm.
What negligence means →Shared fault
In most states you can still recover if you were partly at fault, but your award may be reduced.
Comparative negligence →How to choose the right lawyer near you
- Check the license. Every state bar runs a free online lawyer lookup. Confirm the attorney is licensed and in good standing in the state where you were injured, and look for any public discipline.
- Look for real injury experience. Ask how many cases like yours they have handled, whether they take cases to trial, and who will actually work on your file day to day.
- Get the fee agreement in writing. Most injury lawyers work on contingency: no fee up front and a percentage of what they recover, often around one-third. Ask whether case costs come out before or after that percentage.
- Ask about timing. A realistic lawyer will explain the stages of your claim instead of promising a quick payout. See how long a personal injury settlement takes.
- Watch for red flags. Be wary of anyone who guarantees a result, pressures you to sign on the spot, or contacts you uninvited right after an accident.
Deadlines you should not miss
Each state sets its own statute of limitations, the deadline to file an injury lawsuit. It differs by state and by type of claim, and claims against a city, county or state agency often require a formal written notice much sooner.
Many states and insurance policies also expect an accident to be reported promptly. See how soon you have to report a car accident, and for Texas, the Texas car accident statute of limitations.
Because a missed deadline can end your claim completely, talk to a lawyer licensed in your state as early as you can.
What your claim may be worth
No honest lawyer can give an exact figure at the start. Value depends on your medical bills, lost income, how serious and lasting the injury is, the available insurance, and how fault is shared. Damages usually include medical costs, lost wages and pain and suffering. In rare cases of extreme misconduct, courts may also award punitive damages.
For car crashes specifically, see how much a car accident settlement is worth.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a personal injury attorney cost?
Most work on a contingency fee: nothing up front, and an agreed percentage of the money recovered, often around one-third. If there is no recovery, you usually owe no attorney fee. Ask whether case costs are taken out before or after the percentage, and get the agreement in writing.
How do I check that a lawyer is licensed?
Use your state bar's free online lookup. Search the lawyer's name to confirm they are licensed and in good standing, and check for any public discipline.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?
It depends on your state and the type of claim, and claims against government agencies often need written notice much sooner. Speak to a lawyer licensed in your state as early as possible.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?
Not always. If no one was hurt and the damage is small, many people settle directly with the insurer. A lawyer helps most when you were injured, fault is disputed, the insurer delays or denies your claim, or the other driver had no insurance. More here: do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident?
Ready to talk to a lawyer?
Browse licensed attorneys by state on LawMillion, the free U.S. lawyer directory, and compare them before you call.
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