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Common Causes of Personal Injury Accidents

  • On Behalf Of Colton Holm
  • Published: April 1, 2025

Personal injury accidents can occur in various situations and can have devastating consequences for those involved. From slip and fall incidents to car crashes, there are common causes that are often responsible for these accidents. For example, negligent behavior such as distracted driving, failure to maintain a property or medical malpractice can lead to personal injury cases. These accidents can result in severe physical and emotional harm, impacting one’s quality of life and ability to work. If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, seek medical attention first, then contact a car accident lawyer near you to fight for the compensation you deserve

A personal injury attorney can review the circumstances of your accident and help determine the cause. After they have helped you determine who was to blame for the accident, they can take legal action on your behalf. At that point, your personal injury lawyer will file either a claim or lawsuit. They will either negotiate compensation in a settlement agreement or take your case all the way to a jury trial.

If you have not already contacted a personal injury attorney, now is the time to do so. The more time that passes without you obtaining legal help, the harder your case may become. A personal injury attorney charges you nothing for an initial consultation, where they will learn more about your case and explain your legal options. They also do not charge you anything until you receive money in connection with your case. Based on the contingency fee system, if you do not win, you do not pay.

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Motor Vehicle Accidents

Man suffering car back pain after auto accidentMotor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of personal injury cases. Reckless driving, speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving are some common factors contributing to these accidents. Whether it’s a car, motorcycle, or truck accident, the result can be catastrophic. Severe injuries like broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and even death can occur. No matter what type of motor vehicle accident caused your injuries, the legal obligation to receive compensation is to prove that the driver was negligent. You will need to demonstrate that they did something that would be considered unreasonable under the circumstances, such as speeding or making an illegal turn.

Premises Liability Claims

Premises liability claims arise when an individual suffers an injury on someone else’s property due to hazardous conditions. Slip and fall accidents, dog bites, inadequate security, and unsafe structures or equipment can lead to premises liability cases. Property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors any time they hold their premises open to them. If they fail to do so and someone gets injured as a result, they may be held liable for the damages. Premises liability cases are often difficult types of lawsuits because you may need to prove what the property owner knew or should have known at the time of the accident.

Dog Bite Attacks

A male German shepherd bites a man by the hand.Dog bites can cause serious injuries, both physically and emotionally. These attacks can result in deep wounds, infections, scarring, and permanent disfigurement. In some cases, victims may develop a fear of dogs or experience long-term psychological trauma. Dog owners are responsible for ensuring the safety of others and preventing their dogs from causing harm. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

In some states, the owner will be strictly liable for the injuries that their dog causes. In other states, you will need to prove that the animal had dangerous propensities, and the owner did not take reasonable steps to prevent the attack.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals fail to provide an acceptable standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. This can include surgical errors, misdiagnoses, medication errors, birth injuries, and more. Victims of medical malpractice may suffer from additional health complications, prolonged recovery, or even permanent disabilities. Proving medical malpractice can be complex, as it requires analysis of medical records and testimony from qualified professionals.

Because they are scientifically and technically complex, medical malpractice cases may take longer to resolve than other types of personal injury actions. At the same time, these cases can also result in larger settlements, both due to the severity of your injuries and the presence of a large malpractice insurance policy.

Product Liability Injuries

Shopping basket, shopping boxes with judge gavel, balance sale of justice and bookshelf behind.Product liability claims arise when a consumer is injured by a defective or dangerous product. Manufacturers, distributors, and sellers have a responsibility to ensure that the products they put on the market are safe for consumer use. Defective design, manufacturing defects, and failure to provide adequate warnings or instructions can lead to product-related injuries.

Common examples include faulty car parts, defective medical devices, dangerous medications, and malfunctioning electronic devices. Product liability lawsuits are complex cases, and sometimes, they involve large corporate defendants who are willing to spend whatever is necessary to defeat your claim. These cases may be resolved in a jury trial or through a large global settlement.

Workplace Accidents

Workplace accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of the type of job they have. From construction site mishaps to slip and falls in an office, these accidents can result in significant injuries. Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe working environment and comply with workplace health and safety regulations. However, it is not always possible to sue your employer in a personal injury case because workers’ compensation is often the exclusive remedy.

You can file a lawsuit against your employer in certain extreme circumstances, such as when they knowingly exposed you to harm on the job. You can file a lawsuit against a third party who was responsible for your injuries on the job because you have no legal relationship with them, other than the fact that they owe you a duty of care.

Determining the Cause of Your Personal Injury

You may not immediately know the cause of the accident which caused your personal injury. Even if you have an idea of what happened, you may not yet have the evidence that you need to win your case. If you file a claim without sufficient proof, it will be denied by the insurance company.

A personal injury lawyer will conduct a full investigation of your accident to both determine the cause and gather evidence. The goal is to prove that someone else’s negligence was the cause of your personal injury because you are the one who carries the burden of proof. Negligence means that another party owed you a duty of care and acted unreasonably under the circumstances. If their actions were the cause of your injury, they will owe you financial compensation.

How to Receive Compensation for a Personal Injury

Seeking compensation for a personal injury can be a complex process. It involves gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and navigating the legal system. Here are some steps to help you receive the compensation you deserve:

  • Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being should be the top priority. Get medical attention for your injuries and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations. Your medical records, usually the largest financial loss, will be used as the basis for the damages calculation and the insurance claim.
  • Document Evidence: Gather all necessary evidence related to your accident, such as photographs, witness statements, medical records, and any other documentation that supports your claim. In many cases, you do not have the capacity to collect evidence on your own because you are not an investigator and you are dealing with personal injuries.
  • Consult with an Attorney: Contact a personal injury attorney who is experienced in your type of case. They can evaluate the strength of your claim, guide you through the legal process, and fight for your rights.
  • Quantify the Value of Your Claim: Your attorney will assess all possible avenues for compensation, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other damages you may be entitled to. A personal injury lawyer knows how to value both the objective and subjective parts of your claim to arrive at the amount that you will seek from the insurance company.
  • File an Insurance Claim: Your attorney will assist you in filing an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. They will handle communication and negotiations on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation. You may need to reject settlement offers the insurance company makes to you that are too low.
  • Negotiate a Settlement: Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries. If a reasonable agreement cannot be reached, they may advise pursuing a lawsuit.
  • Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit and represent your interests in court.

Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Experienced Sidney, MT Personal Injury LawyerNavigating the legal system after a personal injury accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and emotional distress. You do not have the legal experience or the capacity to take on the insurance company on your own. Since your aim is getting top dollar for your personal injury, you should hire an attorney.

A lawyer has in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations surrounding personal injury claims. They understand the complexities of the legal system and can navigate it on your behalf. They have dealt with insurance companies on a regular basis and know how to handle them.

A personal injury lawyer will provide you with an objective view of your case. You may be certain about what happened in the accident. There is a long way to go from having your side of the story to receiving compensation for your injuries. An attorney can provide objective advice and represent your best interests throughout the process. Your personal injury lawyer can explain the strengths of your case and advise you about any possible weaknesses so you know what to expect in the legal process.

An attorney will evaluate the strength of your case, gathering relevant evidence, analyzing medical records, and consulting with experts if necessary. They can determine the potential value of your claim and advise you on the best course of action. Being able to quantify your damages is critical in a personal injury case. The insurance company knows the exact value of your claim, and they will try to reach a settlement agreement for a number that is under that amount. If you know how much your case is worth, there is less of a chance of this happening.

A personal injury attorney has negotiation skills that they can use on your behalf. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. An attorney will skillfully negotiate with insurance adjusters to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Negotiations may require that you reject one or more offers before you get into a range where a settlement can become more likely.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial. Your personal injury attorney will present the evidence that they gathered, both through investigation and the lawsuit process, to the jury in a trial. They will be there to defend you when the insurance company’s lawyer cross-examines you under oath.

Finally, hiring a personal injury lawyer can increase your peace of mind. You are already dealing with enough things that may unsettle you without having to worry about the insurance company and their tactics. By hiring a personal injury attorney, you can focus on your recovery and well-being, knowing that your legal matters are in capable hands.

Let A Personal Injury Attorney Get the Result You Need

Personal injury accidents can occur in various situations and have severe consequences. Whether it’s a motor vehicle accident, premises liability claim, dog bite attack, or medical malpractice, it is important to seek legal assistance to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact a Billings personal injury & auto accident attorney for experienced guidance and representation throughout the legal process.

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Colton Holm

At Colton Holm Law Firm, we look forward to learning
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