It only takes a moment for someone else’s carelessness to completely change your life, leaving you unable to work and drowning in unpaid medical bills. While personal injury law gives accident victims the right to collect compensation for their losses, the process of filing a claim is often confusing and complex. Below are answers to some common questions you might have about pursuing a personal injury case.

What to Know About Personal Injury Law

How Can I Tell if I Have a Valid Case?

To collect damages in a personal injury case, victims have to show that the defendant’s negligence and/or recklessness caused an accident in which they were hurt. The rules vary among each situation, so speak to an attorney who has the expertise to evaluate the strength of your claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

Every state offers accident victims a narrow window to file a legal action, after which you will likely lose the right to compensation completely. Connecticut and many other states require you to bring the case to court within two years of the accident or the date you learned about your injury.

Are Car Accidents the Only Types of Personal Injury Claims?

While most personal injury claims begin with auto accidents, any situation where someone’s negligence or malice has caused an injury may provide grounds for a case. Some common examples include injuries caused by unsafe premises on someone else’s property, medical malpractice, or harm related to defective products.

Do I Need an Attorney?

The liable party’s insurer may offer a settlement before you’ve filed a claim, but these agreements are rarely in your best interest. A personal injury lawyer will have the investigative resources to prove liability, the expertise to calculate the full extent of your losses, and the skills to negotiate with the insurance company.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident, the personal injury attorney at the Law Office of Thomas L. Brayton III will provide the aggressive representation you deserve. With offices in Waterbury and Bethlehem, CT, he’s been serving clients throughout the area for 29 years. Visit their website to find out how they will help. Call (203) 591-8689 to schedule a consultation at their office in Waterbury. To speak with someone in Bethlehem, call (203) 266-7100.