Questions about Personal Injury
Mobile, Alabama, Pensacola, Florida & Mississippi
How do I know if I need a personal injury lawyer?
If you or a loved one has been injured through the negligence of another, you should get a personal injury lawyer. You should do this prior to giving any official statement or signing any documents. You should also speak to a lawyer as soon as possible since many claims may hinge on a statute of limitations. However, only by having a consultation with a personal injury lawyer will you be able to find out if you truly need one.
What is a statute of limitations?
This is the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. Every state has its own law governing the time limit you have. In Alabama, the statute of limitations for personal injury is two years from the date of the injury; for product liability, the statute is one year from the date of injury. However, in Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury is four years, as is product liability. After this period of time has passed, you will lose the right to file a lawsuit seeking damages.
What areas of practice does injury law cover?
This depends on the law firm, but there are many lawyers that cover the same areas. At Taylor Martino Zarzaur, the practice areas covered are:
- Auto accidents
- Truck accidents
- Train accidents
- Industrial accidents
- Dangerous and defective products
- Nursing home and hospital negligence
- Business litigation
- Class action litigation
- Wrongful death
If you are the victim of any of these, please contact us as soon as possible.
How is negligence proven?
It comes down to the burden of proof. Tort cases and civil law cases require a lower level of proof than does a criminal case where the guilt needs to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Personal injury lawsuits are based on tort, and the evidence need only show that a majority of the case was caused by the negligence of the defending party. This is called "the preponderance of the evidence."
What should I do if an insurance company offers me a settlement I feel is too low?
If the statute of limitations has not expired and you have not accepted the insurance company’s check, we will be able to help. Insurance companies generally try to delay payment and try to pay out as little money as they think you will accept. They do this because their money is usually made through investment. The longer they keep their money invested, the more they will make. If you have been offered a payment by an insurance company, speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer before signing anything. It may turn out that you are entitled to much more money than they are offering.
If you feel you are in need of a personal injury lawyer, and are in the Mobile, Alabama or Pensacola, Florida area, please contact Taylor Martino Zarzaur. We will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding your claim.
