Personal injury laws are the laws that protect the victims of the negligence of others – car wrecks, slips, dog bites, medical errors etc. – and hold those who have wronged them accountable through these tort claims. No crime needed, focus proves “duty, breach, causation, damages.” Drivers owe “reasonable care” – texting rear ends means liability.
Fault Proves Compensation: Courts award medical bills, lost wages, pain multiples (1-5x for scars, PTSD). Rear-end collisions assume guilt, comparative fault reduces payouts 20% for every 10% of blame (e.g. jaywalking).
Claims Timeline: Give notice to insurers 24-48 hours; expiry of statutes 1-3 years after the incident. Settlements come to resolution 95% pre-trial – insurers lowball 70%, demand documented therapies first.
Key Players: Plaintiffs (charge); Defendants (counter with experts) Lawyers are working contingency (33-40% cut). Juries deliberate “preponderance” (51% proof).
No-Fault Exceptions: Auto policies cover your injuries either way; sue only for fractures, surgery.
Workers Comp Bypass: Employer insurance: they have to pay whether it’s their fault or not – no lawsuits unless third-party.
Document crash photos, ER visits, wage stubs. Free consultations open the door to leverage – ignorance costs millions of dollars each year. Justice favors the prepared.
