personal Archives - The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC. https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/tag/personal/ Law Firm Tue, 26 Oct 2021 02:11:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/cropped-Asset-1-32x32.png personal Archives - The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC. https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/tag/personal/ 32 32 5 Tips: How to Safely Ride a Bicycle at Night in Utah https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/5-tips-how-to-safely-ride-a-bicycle-at-night-in-utah/ Tue, 26 Oct 2021 02:11:46 +0000 https://roberto.awebdevz.com/?p=7979 Safety is not a guaranteed luxury when you’re riding a bicycle; it is a learned skill. If you are going to take your bike out for a ride after dusk, there are a couple of precautions you should be taking to ensure your safety.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a […]

The post 5 Tips: How to Safely Ride a Bicycle at Night in Utah appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> Safety is not a guaranteed luxury when you’re riding a bicycle; it is a learned skill. If you are going to take your bike out for a ride after dusk, there are a couple of precautions you should be taking to ensure your safety. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident after dark due to the negligence of others, contact an expert bicycle accident lawyer at Utah Personal Injury Attorneys. We offer free legal consultations when you call today. We also work on a contingency basis, which means there are no legal fees until your claim is resolved and you get the compensation you deserve.

 Below are some ways to learn to protect yourself best while riding a bicycle after dark in Utah.

Stay Visible

Please stick to the same route you take, as it’s important not to venture through unfamiliar roads at night. Please have a good understanding of your path’s terrain, as it can help you maneuver safely throughout your ride.

It’s imperative to always think about your safety while you are riding around at night. If you’re riding in well-lit areas, it increases your chances of being spotted, but this is not always the case. However, keeping an eye on what’s going on around you helps you stay on your toes and make any maneuvers possible to keep you safe. 

Avoid driving around in areas that are known for speeding, drunk driving, and high crime. 

Abide By The Law 

Expert bicycle riders suggest that you stick within the bicycle lanes whenever possible, riding in the direction of traffic. Avoid highways and refrain from drugs and alcohol when you are riding. 

All traffic laws are designed to protect you as well as others. Should you neglect to follow the law while riding your bike at night, it may lead to accidents, tickets, and more. 

Reflective Gear 

It has been proven that just adding reflective strips to your pedals is helpful to aid other vehicles in spotting you. As you are peddling your bicycle, these reflectors spin in such a manner that they can easily catch a motorist’s attention. Also, please invest in adding front and backlights. A reflective vest can add to your visibility; however, it is optional. 

 

Be Prepared At All Times

Imagine your chain becomes dislodged during your night ride. So, it is crucial to make sure that your bicycle has always received proper maintenance before you depart. In order to avoid having to fix something in the dark, try adding extra parts to your bicycle as a “fail-safe” plan. If you do this, throw in a few extra tools, backup parts, spare tires, lights, and maybe a new chain.

Buddy System

There truly is safety in numbers — so try to take your night rides with a group of friends. You all can help each other if there’s a mechanical issue. Also, riding a bicycle in a group increases the odds of other vehicle drivers seeing you. 

Contact Utah Personal Injury Attorneys Today

At Utah Personal Injury Attorneys, we know that a bicycle accident can happen even if you’re entirely prepared for a nighttime ride. So, if you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to negligence while driving your bicycle, we can help you get the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on recovery.

 

The post 5 Tips: How to Safely Ride a Bicycle at Night in Utah appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents? https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/what-are-common-causes-of-motorcycle-accidents/ Fri, 03 Sep 2021 21:20:15 +0000 https://roberto.awebdevz.com/?p=7941 A motorcycle offers a unique way to explore the road. One that has been celebrated in almost all American storytelling. However, this thrilling ride can come with its dangers. Motorcyclists are vulnerable to various accidents. To highlight the importance of safe motorcycle riding, we have compiled a list of the most common causes of motorcycle […]

The post What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents? appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]>

A motorcycle offers a unique way to explore the road. One that has been celebrated in almost all American storytelling. However, this thrilling ride can come with its dangers. Motorcyclists are vulnerable to various accidents. To highlight the importance of safe motorcycle riding, we have compiled a list of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents.

Low Visibility

Motorcycles are smaller than cars in build; they usually don’t get the same consideration on the road. Driving on the highway especially means having to navigate a space that’s mainly designed for full-size vehicles. Most cars are not looking out for motorcycles in the same way they would for other traffic. You can counteract this by being mindful and proactive when navigating around cars. When in doubt, assume other drivers can’t see you and drive defensively.

Dangerous Turn

Left-hand turns are notorious for causing accidents, with almost 40% of accidents involving a left turn. Whether the vehicle turns into an oncoming motorcycle or swipes into one that’s trying to pass, the results can be fatal. For the majority of cases, the left-turning vehicle is at fault for the accident.

Reckless Driving

Motorcycles are not the only vehicles in danger of other negligent, distracted, drunk, or impaired drivers. However, they are uniquely vulnerable to them. Motorcycles are already less visible than other vehicles to other motorists. In being so, they already increase their risk to distracted of impaired drivers.

Reckless operation of motorcycles can also pose a danger to motorists. We know it can be hard to suppress the adrenaline of blasting off on a high-end motorcycle. However, this is no reason to go crazy on the road, as you’re giving other vehicles even less time to react to a potential collision.

Driving Conditions

In Utah, we are all familiar with less than optimal driving conditions, to say the least. It can cause a significantly higher margin for something to go wrong during your casual ride. Be mindful of the condition of the road and your vehicle at all times, it would be a shame for you to sustain severe or even fatal injuries due to some ice. Also, maintaining your motorcycle to its proper efficiency can rule out mechanical issues from arising. The last thing you want is to be severely injured because your brake system failed at the wrong time. 

Getting injured in a motorcycle accident can lead to a long road to recovery. Since most motorcycle accidents are often severe, recovery can leave a nasty pile of hospital bills. That’s why we’re here to provide experienced motorcycle accident attorneys to help you get the compensation you truly deserve. Contact us online or call our office during regular office hours to see how our expert attorneys can help your case.

 

The post What Are Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents? appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> Conclusion of 100 Deadly Days of Summer https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/conclusion-of-100-deadly-days-of-summer/ Fri, 30 Jul 2021 04:25:13 +0000 https://roberto.awebdevz.com/?p=7948 Reading recent headlines has been somewhat abysmal, especially as of late.  I often find it hard to pay attention to the headlines as I am at a point in my life where I need uplifting news, the spreading of love and compassion, and stories that build my faith in humanity.  That said, I wanted to […]

The post Conclusion of 100 Deadly Days of Summer appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> Reading recent headlines has been somewhat abysmal, especially as of late.  I often find it hard to pay attention to the headlines as I am at a point in my life where I need uplifting news, the spreading of love and compassion, and stories that build my faith in humanity.  That said, I wanted to discuss some sobering statistics that were shared at the conclusion of Utah’s 100 Deadliest Days of Summer campaign.  My hope is that through awareness and education we can eradicate or greatly reduce these deadly statistics. If this blog makes even one person stop and reconsider their actions, then I consider that a success.
The 100 Deadliest Days campaign runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year.  During that time frame for the past two years, it was reported that on average one person lost their lives each day on Utah’s road.   Officials went on to report that approximately 94% of the accidents were directly attributable to human error.  These errors cost the lives of loved ones, parents, children, friends, and family members.  I do find it noteworthy to point out that there was a significant dust storm that did account for the largest deadly crash experienced on the highways over the summer – a tragedy caused by Mother Nature that is out of our control.  That said, the other 94% of fatal crashes were caused by human error and actions. Of these, 76 drivers or cars and trucks lost their lives, 12 motorcyclists, 12 pedestrians, and 1 cyclist.  10 of these fatalities took the lives of teenagers.
Officials are urging drivers to maintain a calm and collected composure behind the wheel.  Two different State Departments have reported an increase in aggressive driving, speeding, running red lights, and road rage incidents.  Quite frankly, there is no excuse for this type of behavior.  Nearly everyone is feeling the pressure and frustrations of the past year and a half.  Let’s work together as a whole to try and heal rather than continue to perpetuate problems and the loss of life.
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle crash and would like to discuss your case with one of our experienced professionals, feel free to contact our office today.

The post Conclusion of 100 Deadly Days of Summer appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> Tips to Reduce Distracted Driving https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/tips-to-reduce-distracted-driving/ Wed, 14 Jul 2021 10:46:03 +0000 https://roberto.awebdevz.com/?p=7945 Tips to Reduce Distracted Driving Taking your eyes off the road to reach for your phone and read a text while driving is all the time it takes to find yourself in a car crash. According to the National Safety Council, as many as 42,060 people are estimated to have died in motor vehicle crashes […]

The post Tips to Reduce Distracted Driving appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> Tips to Reduce Distracted Driving

Taking your eyes off the road to reach for your phone and read a text while driving is all the time it takes to find yourself in a car crash. According to the National Safety Council, as many as 42,060 people are estimated to have died in motor vehicle crashes in 2020. 

Texting and driving is one of the most common and dangerous distracted driving habits, though there are many other ways you could be putting yourself and others at risk. Here are some tips that you can use to reduce driving distractions and keep yourself and the ones you love safe. 

No Electronics

Please stow away all of your electronics. Yes, including your cell phone. Most cars are now equipped with hand-free phone pairing that allows drivers to answer emergency calls while they drive. Try placing your electronic devices in the middle console or glove box. You could also utilize the “do not disturb” feature in your phone, which stops incoming texts from notifying your phone. Our experienced car accident attorneys recommend only using phones for emergency purposes, such as calling for the police or ambulance. 

Adjust Before Driving

Before hitting the road, make all the adjustments needed to your mirrors, seat position, sound system, etc. Driving is not the time to be multitasking. Also, if you need to use a navigation system to chart your travels, enter the directions to your GPS device before you start driving.

Efficient Snacking

Eating while driving is not a habit you should make, as you can take your hands off the wheel or spill your food and get distracted. If you absolutely need to eat on the road to save time, bring items that are not messy and are easy to hold with one hand, like a granola bar.

Buckled Up!

Make sure that any passenger, including children, is wearing a seatbelt at all times. You should confine your pets in some way if they are also along for the ride. The last thing you want is to worry about reaching toward a passenger while you’re losing control of your vehicle. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, Hernandez Law is here to help you get the compensation you deserve and the most effortless recovery possible. Call our offices during regular business hours to get a free consultation today!

The post Tips to Reduce Distracted Driving appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> Utah Motorcycle Safety Tips https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/utah-motorcycle-safety-tips/ Tue, 04 May 2021 05:12:54 +0000 https://roberto.awebdevz.com/?p=7922 I can hardly wait for those long summer days to be here – bringing with it the sights, sounds, and smells of happiness, laughter, family, and fond memories.  Thankfully, that wait is almost over.  Of course, a  favorite of summer is to enjoy the open road on a motorcycle.  While I certainly don’t want to […]

The post Utah Motorcycle Safety Tips appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> I can hardly wait for those long summer days to be here – bringing with it the sights, sounds, and smells of happiness, laughter, family, and fond memories.  Thankfully, that wait is almost over.  Of course, a  favorite of summer is to enjoy the open road on a motorcycle.  While I certainly don’t want to put a damper on any enjoyable summer activities, I do implore everyone to be cautious and safety-minded if operating a motorcycle or riding on one.
According to the Utah Department of Transportation, motorcycle accidents have increased since the 1990s.  Despite, this they go on to state that approximately only 61% of riders wear a helmet.  Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle can be the single most important thing you can do to prevent serious injury or even death.  Under Utah law, anyone riding on a motorcycle who is under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.
The Utah Department of Transportation went on to cite the following as the highest contributors to motorcycle crashes:  (1) speed; (2) following too close; (3) failing to keep in proper lane; (4) ran off-road; and (5) evasive action or swerving.  Do not be one of these statistics – be safety-minded and use care and caution when operating a motorcycle.
Not only must care and caution is applied but extra attention must be utilized when operating a motorcycle.  Drivers of cars tend to overlook or not see motorcycles. The Utah Department of Transportation cites the statistic that roughly one-third of 28% of drivers who hit motorcyclists were turning left and failed to see the motorcycle.
In 2016 a study was done in the US  which arrived at the consensus that wearing a helmet cut the risk of suffering from a traumatic brain injury in half when a rider wore a helmet.  The American Journal of Surgery published the report and quoted that those injured were 44% less likely to suffer a fatal injury when compared to those who were not wearing a helmet.  Likewise, the CDC has estimated that helmets saved 1,859 lives in 2016.  Furthermore, helmets reduce the risk of death by 37% and head injury by 69%.
I sincerely hope you enjoy all that summer has to bring with it with absent any accidents or injuries.  That said, should you suffer a motorcycle injury, or have questions or concerns regarding a motorcycle accident, contact one of our legal professionals today to discuss your rights.

The post Utah Motorcycle Safety Tips appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> 5 Safety Tips for Pedestrians in Utah https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/5-safety-tips-for-pedestrians-in-utah/ Mon, 03 May 2021 23:11:03 +0000 https://roberto.awebdevz.com/?p=7919 Walking close to a road or intersection can be scary and dangerous. Pedestrians are vulnerable and susceptible to an injury from an accident, especially with the lack of protection between you and the road. However, pedestrians also have a shared responsibility to maintain their safety while walking next to a road. Pedestrians must follow a […]

The post 5 Safety Tips for Pedestrians in Utah appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> Walking close to a road or intersection can be scary and dangerous. Pedestrians are vulnerable and susceptible to an injury from an accident, especially with the lack of protection between you and the road. However, pedestrians also have a shared responsibility to maintain their safety while walking next to a road. Pedestrians must follow a set of rules to keep themselves and other pedestrians/vehicle drivers safe. Our attorneys at Hernandez Law have compiled a list of rules you should keep in mind so you can commute and enjoy the fresh air while you walk. 

Safe Walking Location

Pedestrians should only find themselves walking in designated safe walking sections along the road, such as sidewalks, crosswalks, bridges, and any other safe walkways. If at any point you find that there is not a crosswalk, cross the road in a well-lit area and make sure you have a lot of room to ensure you are 100% safe to cross. This is not the time to get impatient; most high-speed collisions are fatal. Various roads prohibit pedestrian use, such as highways. Keep in mind where you’re walking.

Visibility

Vehicles are passing you at high speed, and they don’t have enough time to react if they can’t see you. It’s extremely effective that you make yourself as visible as possible if you’re walking during nighttime hours. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 30 percent of pedestrian-auto accident fatalities occur between 8 pm and 11:59 pm. 

Pedestrians can make themselves more visible to motorists by:

  • Making eye contact with an approaching motorist as often as possible
  • Wearing light and bright-colored clothing at night
  • Travel in well-lit areas to increase visibility

Remain Alert

Every pedestrian should pay attention to their surroundings, nearby roadways, and the behavior of approaching vehicles at all times. It’s safe to assume that every driver is distracted and unaware of pedestrians near the road. If you see a motorist that is driving recklessly, try avoiding the path to the approaching vehicle.

Resist Temptation

Pedestrians should resist the temptation to use items that could cause them to become distracted when walking next to a high-traffic road. Should a pedestrian become distracted, they could unknowingly walk into the road or fail to follow traffic laws.  

Common ways pedestrians can become distracted:

  • Listening to music with headphones
  • Texting/Talking on the phone
  • Reading while walking

Avoid Consuming Alcohol

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, nearly half of all pedestrian-auto accidents involve alcohol consumption. Just as drivers are not to drink and drive, pedestrians should avoid roadways when consumed alcohol. It is indeed better to stay safe than to take the risk when you are impaired. 

 

Best Pedestrian Personal Injury Attorney in Utah

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible; there is a chance that you have injuries that are unknown to you. Then contact an attorney to help you recover compensation for your damages. Call our attorneys here at Hernandez Law for a free consultation.

The post 5 Safety Tips for Pedestrians in Utah appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> Whiplash can Cause Lasting Trauma & Pain https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/whiplash-can-cause-lasting-trauma-pain/ Wed, 31 Mar 2021 20:21:06 +0000 https://roberto.awebdevz.com/?p=7899 The most common injury people suffer from a rear-end car accident is whiplash. Being a common injury does not mean that it’s not a serious one. The injury could start with neck pain symptoms, but sometimes it worsens and can become a problem, leading to lasting pain and trauma.  What is Whiplash? As the name […]

The post Whiplash can Cause Lasting Trauma & Pain appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> The most common injury people suffer from a rear-end car accident is whiplash. Being a common injury does not mean that it’s not a serious one. The injury could start with neck pain symptoms, but sometimes it worsens and can become a problem, leading to lasting pain and trauma. 

What is Whiplash?

As the name of the injury suggests, whiplash happens when your neck is forcefully whipped back and forth. The muscles, tendons, and spinal discs in the neck are susceptible to injury from this sudden jolt and violent motion. Something to keep in mind is that even at a low-speed collision, it could still cause you to whip your neck and trigger whiplash. Headrests and seatbelts can mitigate the severity of whiplash injuries; however, not by much.

Can Whiplash Cause Lasting Trauma?

Most whiplash cases develop within a couple of days after the accident; some of the less severe symptoms include:

  • Neck pain and stiffness
  • Worsening of pain with movement
  • Loss of range of motion
  • Headaches
  • Tenderness or pain in the shoulder, upper back, or arms
  • Tingling or numbness in the arms
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness

If the victim lets his whiplash go undiagnosed and untreated, it will only get worse. Other symptoms of whiplash will start to manifest after a few more days. Some severe whiplash symptoms include:

  • Nausea
  • Insomnia
  • Amnesia
  • Migraines
  • Extreme loss of mobility
  • Vision or hearing loss

Treatment

A doctor will try to prescribe whiplash treatment therapies that will help minimize pain and restore your loss of mobility. Various different treatment methods could help you. Among them are:

  • Bedrest
  • Hot and cold compresses
  • Painkillers
  • Exercise
  • Physical therapy
  • Protective collars

In extremely severe whiplash cases, a doctor might recommend for surgery or injections to help alleviate the worst symptoms. These treatments cost a lot and most times exceed healthcare insurance coverage. However, we do not wish for you to pay for this necessary treatment on your own. We recommend you hire an experienced personal injury attorney to help you file a claim against the driver that caused the accident. Call our office here at Hernandez Personal Injury Law to get a free consultation today.

The post Whiplash can Cause Lasting Trauma & Pain appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> 5 Reasons Why a Personal Injury Lawyer Could Reject your Case https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/reasons-why-personal-injury-lawyer-reject-case/ Sat, 15 Aug 2020 15:52:44 +0000 https://roberto.awebdevz.com/what-happens-if-i-deny-a-settlement-offer-copy/ After you’ve been involved in an accident, contacting Utah personal injury attorneys should be your number one priority. When looking for the correct personal injury lawyer, you begin by doing your research to find the attorney, you believe best suits your case. After scheduling a meeting with your Utah personal injury lawyer, you see the […]

The post 5 Reasons Why a Personal Injury Lawyer Could Reject your Case appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> After you’ve been involved in an accident, contacting Utah personal injury attorneys should be your number one priority. When looking for the correct personal injury lawyer, you begin by doing your research to find the attorney, you believe best suits your case. After scheduling a meeting with your Utah personal injury lawyer, you see the attorney kindly declining to take on the case even after it seems to go well. Well, how come? Although a personal injury attorney may want to help you, there are various factors as to why they could have rejected your case. Here are five reasons why a Utah personal injury attorney can decline to take on your case.

 

Statute of Limitations

Even though you may have an outstanding claim, you may have waited too long to contact an attorney to take on your case. A statute of limitations is the legal timer someone has to file a claim. When the clock runs out, there’s little to nothing an attorney can do for your case. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Utah is four years for personal injury, three for property damages, and uninsured motorists. The clock starts ticking on the day of the incident. To avoid running out of time, it’s paramount to contact a Utah experienced personal injury attorney as soon as the accident happens.

Insufficient Injury

Nobody wants to sustain injuries; however, proof of injuries can strengthen your injury case. Due to the work a personal injury case takes, it may not be in the attorney’s best interest to take on too simple a case as compensation would be too small anyway.

Responsibility

Although you are confident that the other party is at fault for an accident, evidence could prove that you were partially at fault. In a case like this, you may have contributed to the cause of the accident, called “contributory negligence”. If an attorney suspects that you were at fault, they may reject your case.

 

Not on the Same Page

After you have presented all available facts of the case to an experienced personal injury attorney, they will analyze the case closely and give you an idea of what you can expect on the outcome of your case. If your expectations do not match your attorney’s best analysis, you may find that it becomes increasingly difficult to work towards a common goal. If your attorney feels that there’s too much tension and you both are not on the same page, they may think it best not to take on your case.

 

Too Expensive

Most personal injury lawyers work for a contingency fee, meaning no upfront cost to you. The attorney only receives payment when you can successfully obtain compensation for your claim.

If, at any point, your attorney begins to feel that your case has little chance for claim recovery, they may not want to take the risk of taking on your case. 

 

Even though there are various reasons why your case could be rejected, it shouldn’t stop you from finding the legal help you need. Contact us today so that we can give you the help you need.  

The post 5 Reasons Why a Personal Injury Lawyer Could Reject your Case appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> How Long Will My Utah Personal Injury Case Take? https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/how-long-will-my-utah-personal-injury-case-take/ Thu, 27 Feb 2020 17:24:51 +0000 https://roberto.awebdevz.com/?p=7409 One of the most common questions those new to the world of personal injury litigation has to do with time and money. Many people mistakenly think that it always costs them money to have an attorney on their side. Although this is true with many legal services, it is not necessarily how many personal injury […]

The post How Long Will My Utah Personal Injury Case Take? appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> One of the most common questions those new to the world of personal injury litigation has to do with time and money. Many people mistakenly think that it always costs them money to have an attorney on their side. Although this is true with many legal services, it is not necessarily how many personal injury attorneys in Utah represent their clients. Perhaps you have heard of a contingency fee basis. This is when injury lawyers will say, “we don’t get paid unless you do.” Another way of looking at this is that the law firm will not collect their legal fees unless their client gets a settlement offer. This will result from negotiations, but it is necessary to go to mediation or even a jury trial in some cases. The second most common concern has to do with the length of time it will take to settle a claim.

Factors that determine how long a case will take to settle

Time for treatment after an accident

The number one factor that determines how long a case will take is not something that the law firm can directly control. Seeking proper medical treatment and ensuring that a client’s medical needs are taken care of is the number one priority. It takes time for people to heal from their wounds and for doctors to treat and diagnose both short-term and long-term medical needs. Typically, the more damage that has been sustained, the longer the case will take because treatment and rehabilitation can take months or even a few years. In some cases, for example, a large car accident, people find themselves having life-long ailments that need to be adequately addressed.

Gathering evidence

Another factor determining the turn-around time of a case has to do with the evidence necessary and how this evidence is obtained. One of the most compelling reasons to speak with an attorney quickly after an accident or injury has occurred is because it helps establish and preserve necessary evidence in your case. This, like medical records, pictures, video, police reports, and even expert reports, takes time to develop and obtain.

How the at-fault part handles the case

Your personal injury attorney is placed with the task of seeking justice for your injuries, pain and suffering, time lost from work, and out of pocket expenses. Some insurance companies see the total damage of what has happened and are more reasonable and willing to make a fair offer after a few demand letters. In other cases, insurance companies fail to see the injured party as anything more than a file on their desk. This can result in unfair offers that do not even come close to providing compensation for all the damages in the case. Only after following negotiations, mediations, and even a jury trial can a fair settlement be achieved. Every case is different, and the path to justice is not the same for everyone. If you have been injured in Utah and would like to see how an injury lawyer can help your case, consider calling The Law Offices of Roberto Hernadez today.

The post How Long Will My Utah Personal Injury Case Take? appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> Common Terms Used in Personal Injury Cases https://hernandezinjurylaw.com/common-terms-used-in-personal-injury-cases/ Thu, 12 Dec 2019 20:57:26 +0000 https://roberto.awebdevz.com/?p=7346 It can be easy for legal professionals to forget that the average person does not deal with standard terms daily. For many clients, an injury case can be the first time they have dealt with attorneys, insurance companies, and the court system in a significant way. The entire process can seem long, confusing, and intimidating […]

The post Common Terms Used in Personal Injury Cases appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]> It can be easy for legal professionals to forget that the average person does not deal with standard terms daily. For many clients, an injury case can be the first time they have dealt with attorneys, insurance companies, and the court system in a significant way. The entire process can seem long, confusing, and intimidating to people who have been injured due to negligence or poor judgment. If you are currently being represented, your legal representative should be able and happy to answer any questions and provide clarity if you are confused. We hope that this article can give more information to help understand standard legal terms for those who are doing online research.

Legal terms used in personal injury cases

Plaintiff: This is the person or entity filing a lawsuit in response to an accident or injury that has occurred.

Defendant: The person, entity, or party that is being sued by the Plaintiff.

Liability: The legal obligation that one party has about another party. For example, the person that caused or was deemed at fault in a car accident is liable for compensating Plaintiff for damages.

Damages: This is the legal term for the compensation that one part seeks from another as part of the personal injury civil case. Various kinds of damages can be pursued. Economic damages are financial compensations that have a direct number associated with their value. An example would be medical bills or quotes from autobody shops to repair a damaged vehicle. Non-economic damages do not have a direct number associated with them. They are damages that can be sought to compensate for things like pain and suffering associated with the injuries sustained from an accident. Finally, punitive damages are fines meant to punish a particular party for unacceptable behavior. An example could be wanton negligence and can only be sought after in certain situations.

Statute of Limitations: This is the length of time that someone can file a case. If the Statute of Limitations has passed, it is typically no longer possible to file a claim associated with that incident. Every state has different submissions lengths. You can find most civil statutes for Utah here.

Speak with an attorney

Please remember that these are not definitions taken directly out of a dictionary as you look at the terms above. If you have any questions about your case, it is best to contact the law firm representing you. If you or a loved one has been injured in Utah and is considering working with an attorney, consider calling The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. This website contains general information relating to areas of law familiar to our firm. The information should not be construed as legal advice or other professional advice. You should not rely on the contents of this website as such. Participation on this website does not create any kind of attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice or representation, please contact my office, and I would be pleased to discuss your case with you and see if my firm can help.  

The post Common Terms Used in Personal Injury Cases appeared first on The Law Offices of Roberto Hernandez, PLLC..

]]>