Not all personal injuries in Dubuque lead to civil action. But if your injuries resulted from the negligence of another person, you may take legal action against this party to get compensation for your losses. A personal injury lawyer near me can help settle your claim with the at-fault party. However, you should explore your recovery options first and some related laws in your specific situation.
Kinds of Incidents that Lead to Personal Injuries
Personal injury cases can arise out of different incidents of negligence and various parties can face liability for the damages they caused. For example, if you were hit by a motorist in a pedestrian accident, car insurance, traffic, and negligence laws would be in effect. Personal injury attorneys study the different statutes that impact your injury settlement. They can investigate the incident to know which law applies to your particular case.
How to Get a Settlement for Your Personal Injury Claim
Typically, there are three options you can explore to get compensated for your injuries and losses. Your attorney can assess your situation first before they recommend an appropriate option. Also, they will help collect evidence to support your claim.
- File an insurance claim. You can get compensation for your injuries and damages through the at-fault party’s liability coverage. Depending on the insurance policy of the other party, you could bring a claim with their insurer. You might want to recover damages from this party’s homeowners’ insurance, business insurance, car insurance, or professional liability coverage. Your attorney can handle the insurer of the at-fault party and discuss a reasonable amount.
- Sue the negligent party. If the outcome of the outcome of the insurance claim is not satisfactory, you can take your case to court. This can occur if the liability coverage of the defendant is not enough to cover your expenses. If you file a personal injury lawsuit, a judge or jury will decide your settlement. Your injury lawyer can advocate for you and your right to compensation.
- Discuss settlement amounts. The party responsible for your injuries may propose a claim settlement to avoid a trial. This can be the case if they want to avoid the cost and stress associated with litigation. Your attorney can help negotiate with this party to reach a settlement amount you both can agree on.
The Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases
In Iowa, a personal injury attorney should help you comply with the filing requirements of your lawsuit. One requirement is to file the lawsuit within two years of the accident date. The statute of limitations can vary depending on the kind of accident you were in. Thus, even if you still have years to work on your case, you should start as early as possible.
