World

$1.5 Million Case Victory for This Man Following a Car Crash

Published

2 years ago

August 26, 2022

After a rear-end collision in September 2018, one man sought compensation for his extensive, permanent injuries. He took it to court. After four years, he’s finally won his settlement: $1.5 Million. Though the path he took to his win was treacherous, and the road to recovery he’ll have to face afterwards won’t be a simple walk in the park—it is safe to say he has gotten his justice.

The accident occurred on freeway 80 in Valero, CA. The victim was driving down the road, which a traffic jam had slightly blocked. So naturally, he slowed to a stop. He likely reasoned that everybody else would have the same common courtesy, not realizing until it was too late that a car behind him had not only failed to break but was flying at him full speed.

The aggressor’s car swerved into the left shoulder, failing to merge and smashing into the victim’s car with a severity only possible on a highway. The subsequent rear-end collision not only claimed the victim’s vehicle but catapulted it into yet another car on the road. While the victim didn’t succumb to his injuries, he didn’t get out of the wreckage Scott-free.

The crash left the man with several spinal injuries he’ll carry with him for the rest of his life. He reported pain in his head, back, lower back, neck, and right shoulder and weakness in his right arm that actively impaired day-to-day activities. Luckily, we live in the modern age, and there are therapy and surgeries that can at least partially alleviate his suffering. The victim received an anterior cervical discectomy, lap band surgery, fusion, and an anterior lumbar discectomy. While helpful, these procedures can be immensely taxing and pricey.

Represented by attorney Ani Megerdichian with JT legal group, he managed to claim a lot in the subsequent litigation. The $1.5 million settlement represented not only justice for the victim but hope for many other victims (and their families) looking for compensation after similar tragedies.

With an estimated 500,000 people injured yearly in rear-end collisions, and far fewer cases ending in a celebratory million-dollar settlement, it’s safe to say that access to resources like those provided to this man isn’t available to everybody. So it pays to know your rights and the typical procedure for seeking justice. If you’re unlucky enough to be in a horrible car accident, you still want to be lucky enough to win a million dollars from it.

World

A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Published

6 days ago

April 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Are you dealing with injuries, loss of income, and hefty medical bills because of an accident that was not your fault? If yes, you need the services of an excellent personal injury lawyer. But how do you determine if a lawyer is a perfect match for your personal injury case when you have so many options? This step-by-step guide aims to teach you the critical steps to hiring the best personal injury lawyer in your state.

1. Know Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Typically, you must hire the right personal injury lawyer if you are pursuing a lawsuit for personal injury. As defined on Forbes, a personal injury lawsuit is a civil action that an injured person takes against a person or company responsible for an accident that resulted in injuries.

For instance, you get into a car crash or slip and fall incident in the workplace because of someone else’s fault. You can sue the party responsible for injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and mental anguish.

But there are instances you may not need a personal injury attorney despite being in an accident. For example, a minor fender bender where no one sustained injuries or had their property damaged is easy to resolve without involving lawyers. So, after an accident, evaluate the damages incurred. If they are severe, search for a personal injury attorney.

2. Do Extensive Research

Where do I begin my search? Referrals are valuable because you can ask specific questions regarding the lawyer’s communication style, availability, litigation experience, and fee structure. So, ask family and friends to recommend someone they have worked with. Search for attorneys in your area online if you need referrals. You can type a simple search query like ‘personal injury attorney near me’ on Google. Alternatively, look for a lawyer through online directories.

3. Schedule Free Consultations

You want to know what a personal injury lawyer will do for you. Therefore, schedule a free consultation meeting and ask questions like:

What will you prioritize in my case?

The right attorney will focus on getting justice and fair compensation to ensure your stress-free recovery. Communication should also be a top priority. The lawyer should communicate with you using simple terms to help you understand your legal rights. More importantly, they should update you about the case progress on time.

Do you have experience handling cases like mine?

As lawyers at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo law firm mention, experienced personal injury attorneys will guide you through the legal process. Even more interesting, they will handle negotiations on your behalf to safeguard your rights. So, make sure your lawyer has experience in personal injury law.

It would be better if they had specialized experience handling cases like yours. For example, if you are pursuing a truck accident lawsuit, you will want a personal injury lawyer with expertise in dealing with trucking accident claims.

What is the value of my personal injury claim?

After evaluating your case, a skilled attorney should tell you the worth of your personal injury claim. What you should be cautious of are unrealistic estimates and guarantees. There are no assurances in personal injury claims. If a lawyer promises a higher settlement that sounds too good to be true, do not fall for it because they are lying.

How much are your legal fees?

Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement. Based on Cornell Law School, a contingent fee structure allows lawyers to receive a certain percentage of the total settlement value a client wins. As a result, you do not pay your legal representative any upfront fee.

4. Check Testimonials

Aside from experience, work with a trustworthy and reputable attorney. You can quickly determine a lawyer has an outstanding reputation by reading testimonials from past clients.

Find out if the clients feel happy about the outcomes of their case. How about the style of communication? Does the lawyer explain legal terms in simple language?

A reputable lawyer will receive positive feedback from clients and respect from peers. Also, check with your local bar association to ensure your preferred lawyer doesn’t have disciplinary actions against them.

5. Select Your Lawyer

At this point, comfort matters a lot. Do not choose a lawyer you feel uncomfortable discussing your legal issues with. Also, ensure they have the experience and resources to win your personal injury claim. Equally important, they should have an excellent reputation.

Conclusion

When you are a victim of an accident that someone else caused out of negligence, you need to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. There is only one way to achieve these goals. You must work with the best lawyer to pursue a personal injury claim. True, choosing the right one can be challenging. But you can make an informed decision if you follow this step-by-step guide to hiring the right personal injury lawyer.