When Should I Hire An Auto Accident Attorney?

If you have been injured in an auto accident, your first priority should be getting medical treatment for your injuries. However, once your medical situation has stabilized, you should contact an Auto accident lawyer Memphis, TN from Patterson Bray PLLC as soon as possible. Injuries can have longer-term consequences such as pain and suffering that can last for months or even years after the accident. In order to get compensated for this pain and suffering, you’ll need to file a lawsuit against the driver responsible for the accident.

What is the first thing I should do after an auto accident?

The first thing you should do is call the police so they can make a report. This is important for two reasons: one, the police report will be used when filing an insurance claim, and two, it will ensure that both parties at fault for the crash take responsibility for their actions. You will also probably want to take pictures of the scene of the crash and write down all details about what happened as soon as possible.

What if I was partly at fault for my accident?

If another driver was also at fault for your crash, it may be possible to recover compensation through a an auto accident lawyer in Memphis, TN from Patterson Bray PLLC. But many states have “comparative negligence” laws that reduce or eliminate awards for those who are partly responsible for their own injuries.

What should I do before leaving the scene?

Exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident — including name, address, and phone number — as well as the name and badge number of any responding police officers. Also, get contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.

What Happens If the Other Driver Was At Fault?

There are two types of fault: comparative and contributory negligence. Comparative negligence means that both parties are at fault (even if only slightly) while contributory means that only one party is at fault.

Do I Need to Go to Court If I’m Involved in an Auto Accident?

Most of the time, you do not need to go to court if you are involved in an auto accident. However, it is possible that your case will go to trial if negotiations between parties fail or if a settlement cannot be reached.

What can I expect after being involved in a car accident?

Regardless of whether you were the driver or passenger, you likely felt shaken up immediately afterward. This is normal, but it’s important to seek medical care if you are seriously injured. Also, if it’s at all possible to take photos of the scene of the accident and your injuries, do so.

If there was any property damage in addition to your injuries, you should also file a property damage claim with the other driver’s insurance company. In many cases, this can be done through an online form on the insurer’s website.

Once you have sought medical help and filed property damage claims, if necessary, it may be time to contact an auto accident lawyer in Memphis, TN immediately to protect yourself. Contact Patterson Bray PLLC today!

What Damages Can I Recover In A Motorcycle Accident Case?

You can usually recover for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are those that have a specific dollar value, such as your medical bills, lost wages, and damage to your vehicle. Non-economic damages are those that don’t have a specific dollar value but compensate you for the pain and suffering you experienced as a result of the accident. A personal injury attorney can help you determine what damages you may be entitled to receive.

How long will it take to resolve my case?

The amount of time it takes to resolve a motorcycle accident claim can vary greatly depending on many factors including whether liability is disputed, how severe your injuries were, and whether the insurance company is willing to negotiate fairly. In some cases, claims may be resolved within a couple months while others may take over a year. If your case does go to trial, it could take another year or more to reach a resolution.

Do I really need a motorcycle accident lawyer?

Motorcycle accidents often involve serious injuries which can be very costly for victims. Insurance companies know this and may offer less than you deserve for your claim so they can save money. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer from Memphis, TN understands how these work and will help you every step of the way.

What is a contingency fee?

Under most circumstances, you pay your lawyer right away. But with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis, TN from the law office of Patterson Bray PLLC, the fee is determined after the case is over. The motorcycle accident attorney receives a percentage of any settlement or award that the client receives.

What Compensation Can I Recover for My Injuries?

You may recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other financial losses, as well as non-economic losses such as pain and suffering.

Motorcycle accidents often result in serious injuries. If you get into a motorcycle crash, you may need to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer Memphis, TN from the law office of Patterson Bray PLLC after a crash to help you recover compensation for your injuries.

Here are answers to some common questions about hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer.

What is a motorcycle accident lawyer?

A motorcycle accident lawyer is an attorney who specializes in representing individuals injured as a result of motorcycle accidents. Most motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligent actions of other motorists. Car and truck drivers often claim they never saw the motorcyclist before the collision. Motorcycle accident lawyers specialize in representing motorcyclists in personal injury cases and help to protect their legal rights.

Why should I hire a motorcycle accident lawyer?

Personal injury law is a complex area of legal practice which requires specialized training in order for lawyers to be successful at helping their clients recover damages from those who caused their injuries. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Memphis, TN will know how much compensation you should receive based on your particular circumstances, how long it should take before settlement payments begin arriving (or if they ever even do), and what kind of settlement offers are fair given what happened during the incident that led up to your current situation.

Call a Memphis motorcycle accident lawyer from Patterson Bray PLLC today to schedule your consultation!

Determining Causation and Fault In A Motorcycle Accident

It is rarely easy to determine exactly what caused an accident in its immediate aftermath. Instead, investigators work to reconstruct the moments leading up to the crash and the moment of impact in order to determine both causation and fault. Only when you know what caused your accident can you determine who or what may be “at fault” (in a legal sense) for the harm you have suffered.

Our firm has extensive experience representing the interests of injured motorcycle riders. After we understand the nuanced circumstances surrounding your crash, we can offer you objective legal guidance concerning both your rights under the law and any and all opportunities for compensation that may be available to you at this time. Then, you can make whatever informed decision concerning your options is right for you and your loved ones.

If you have been recently injured in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation as a result of your injuries. Many accident victims are unaware of the fact that, even if a collision is determined to be partially their fault, they may be in a strong position to file a personal injury lawsuit. Working with an experienced Memphis, TN motorcycle accident lawyer at Patterson Bray PLLC will help you to definitively determine whether filing a personal injury claim is in your best interests at this time.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer – Memphis, TN

It is rare that motorcycle accidents are solely the fault of the injured biker in question. Far more often, fellow motorists, government agencies in charge of road maintenance, and/or manufacturers of auto and motorcycle parts are partly or totally to blame when motorcycle riders crash. If it is possible that another’s actions or inactions directly contributed to the cause(s) of your crash, it is worth your time and energy to explore your legal options.

Legal Assistance Is Available

If you have not yet scheduled a risk-free consultation with our dedicated legal team, please do so today. Both the short-term and long-term consequences of motorcycle accidents cannot be overstated. Therefore, it is critically important that you work with an attorney committed to securing you any and all compensation that you may be entitled to under the circumstances. You have been through enough. You don’t need the financial consequences of medical bills and lost wages decimating your family’s budget on top of everything else.

If it is at all possible that your motorcycle accident was not entirely your fault, taking an hour or two to explore your rights and legal options is time that will be well spent. Even if it turns out that you do not have grounds upon which to file a civil claim, you will not be left wondering “What if?” as time goes by. Connect with the experienced Tennessee legal team at Patterson Bray PLLC today to clarify your legal situation and to learn more about our approach to representation; we look forward to speaking with you.

What should I do first after a motorcycle accident? 

After you have reported the accident and received treatment for your injuries, you should explore your legal options so that you can obtain rightful compensation. Even if you don’t think that you have a strong claim, you should consult with a lawyer so that you can understand your situation completely. They can explain your legal rights, options, and next steps that you can take. Before you decide that you do not want to file a claim, you should at least find out how a lawyer can help you and what they have to offer.  

What are common motorcycle accident injuries? 

Motorcycle riders are much more vulnerable to injury because of the lack of protection a motorcycle offers. Common injuries they often receive include head injuries, leg injuries, internal bleeding, and road rash. These are all injuries that require immediate medical attention, and often months of recovery and rehabilitation. In severe cases, motorcycle accident victims are unable to live life normally and require lifelong medical care. 

What should I do if the insurance company contacts me following the accident?

When you report the accident to the insurance company, be wary of any offer that they give you. Insurance companies are not incentivized to act in your best interest because they want to preserve their profits. They will likely offer you a lower settlement amount than what you are fully entitled to. Do not accept any offer until you have spoken with a lawyer. They will negotiate on your behalf if necessary so that you are given a fair offer. 

Is it worth hiring a lawyer? 

Many people who get into motorcycle accidents wonder if it is even worth hiring a lawyer. Some people want to just handle the claim on their own without the help and guidance of a legal professional. There are many drawbacks to trying to handle a case without a lawyer’s counsel. You are likely to get a lower compensation amount, you could make mistakes that can result in your claim getting rejected, and you may not get the results you want. It is worth getting a lawyer that you can trust to handle your case efficiently and skillfully, and you can have a much higher chance at getting an ideal case outcome.

Let a motorcycle accident lawyer provide you with personalized legal support to help you obtain the compensation that you deserve after going through a serious accident. Schedule a consultation now if you would like to learn what legal services a Memphis, TN-based motorcycle accident lawyer can offer you. 

As a trusted and qualified Memphis motorcycle accident lawyer like one at Patterson Bray PLLC knows, people who ride motorcycles are at much higher risk of becoming injured in an accident on major roads and streets. With no barriers to protect them, they are more prone to suffering a horrific injury. If you have been injured in an accident and would like to learn how you can recover compensation, you likely have many questions to ask a lawyer. 

3 Common Injuries In Car Accidents

Being in a car accident is serious and is so much more than just an inconvenience. People can get seriously hurt and may even lose their lives because of being part of a car accident. Vehicle collisions can happen almost anywhere and can involve various types of motor vehicles, such as trucks, passenger cars, motorcycles, and more. The injuries sustained during a car accident can range from minor to more severe injury that requires immediate medical attention. If you were just in a car accident and sustained an injury, then you need to get yourself to the nearest hospital for treatment. By hesitating in getting medical care, it not only affects your ability to recover quickly, but it can hinder your odds at receiving fair compensation. 

Concussion and Brain Injury

When a car accident happens, there is a rapid and sudden force being applied to the body. From that, a person may suffer a concussion or other head related injury. These injuries are sustained often due to a rapid forward and backward jerking motion of the neck, hitting the steering wheel or window, or otherwise being hit in the head by an object or the interior of the car. Symptoms of concussions and brain injuries can include nausea, vomiting, personality or mood changes, loss of consciousness, confusion, and more. Due to how severe a head injury can be, medical attention should not be delayed. 

Broken Bones, Wounds, and Burns

A person who was involved in an accident may sustain a broken bone due to the force of impact. Broken bones usually require medical intervention, surgery, a cast, pain medication, and a prolonged recovery period. Wounds can develop from shattered glass shards, being ejected from the vehicle and hitting the pavement, or burns due to contact with hot surfaces or fires. Someone with serious burns may also have to deal with scarring and disfigurement for the rest of their lives.

Mental Anguish and Fears

Anyone who has been in a car accident can probably attest to the fact that they are awful experiences to go through. In fact, car accidents cause major inconveniences to a person’s life, and can even cause them to suffer financially. Mental anguish and newly-developed fears surrounding driving or getting into a car again is normal for victims. Someone may need to see a therapist and receive mental health support in order to overcome the difficult emotions they are experiencing because of the accident. 

When consulting with your lawyer, like a car accident attorney. Your lawyer will use this information to calculate a monetary award for how much you should receive in your car accident case. The at-fault driver may owe you restitution for your physical injury, mental health, pain and suffering, property damage, and other ways you have suffered. 

Is It Preferable to Settle or Pursue Trial Proceedings?

When preparing to file a personal injury claim, you might wonder if you should settle your claim or move forward with going to trial. It is difficult to know which steps to take, which is why it is vital that you work with a lawyer throughout this process to help you every step of the way. In some instances, it may be more obvious that you should settle your case as opposed to moving forward with a trial. For example, if the insurance company you are working with is offering you a fair settlement and you and your lawyer believe that you can use this to pay for damages related to your personal injury accident, then moving forward with a trial may mean that you lose a solid opportunity in front of you. On the other hand, if the insurance company is being unreasonable or insisting that they do not owe you for the accident, your lawyer may encourage you to pursue going to trial. 

What should you look for when deciding to settle? 

When you are considering settling, there are a few things that your lawyer, like a personal injury lawyer may want you to think about. Going to trial can be daunting for most people, even with a lawyer who has trial experience. So while you want a lawyer who has litigation experience, you also want someone who is willing to settle if a good offer comes through. You may choose to settle your case if you:

• Would prefer a quicker, speedier case. 
• You prefer more control and would like the ability to accept or deny the offers in front of you. 
• You would rather not have the details of the case aired out to the public. A settlement can offer you more privacy. 
• You get a reasonable offer. If the insurance company offers you a reasonable settlement, your lawyer will likely encourage you to accept this. 

On the other hand, your lawyer may want you to consider going to trial if: 

• You are getting a lowball offer. 
• The insurance company is completely rejecting your claim and blames you for the accident. 
• You want the person who caused the accident to be held accountable in a more public manner. 
• You believe you should be getting a much higher settlement than you could possibly get if you did not pursue a trial. 

Trials are typically considered high-risk, high-reward. This means that you are at a greater risk of losing the compensation you are owed if you lose the trial. However, if you win the trial, you have the chance to get more compensation, especially for things like pain and suffering or emotional distress. 

If you are interested in learning more about the pros and cons of a settlement vs. a trial for your personal injury claim, please reach out to your local attorney’s office for more information. 

What To Do When You’re Charged With A Crime

Knowing how to handle a situation can help you get through it less stressfully. Being arrested or charged with a crime is going to be stressful, and, unfortunately, there’s no way around that, but if you know what to do to protect your rights, you may get a better outcome. A lawyer who works in the realms of criminal defense law can help you strategize a legal plan to find a good solution for your situation. Here are some things to consider.

When You’re Arrested

You can be arrested and taken into custody without a warrant if law enforcement believes you violated the law. A judge can also issue a warrant for your arrest. You can turn yourself in if you aren’t already in custody when you become aware of the warrant or you can wait for law enforcement to find you and take you into custody. It depends on the charges, but for lesser offenses, you may just be issued a citation to appear in court. If you are arrested, just know that what you say to the officers can be used in a court of law to convict you. You do not have to say anything without a lawyer present to protect your rights. It can be better to wait to say anything until after you’ve spoken to a lawyer. A lawyer understands what statements can be taken out of context and used against someone later in the court or case.

Going Through an Arraignment

The arraignment is the formal hearing in which you’ll be advised about the charges you’re facing. You will also be advised about your rights, such as the right to an attorney, the right to a speedy trial, and the right against self-incrimination. You will also be asked how you plead. This is not the time to tell your side of the story. Generally speaking, you either plead not guilty or guilty. At your arraignment, the judge may place you into custody pending bail. You could be released on your own recognizance. Your lawyer can help you understand the process based on the charges against you and the procedures in the local jurisdiction.

Does Getting a Lawyer Involved Delay Your Case?

If you’re in custody, you may not want to wait to get a lawyer involved in your case. The short time you spend waiting for your lawyer before you get released can be a huge time saver in the long run. Advice from an experienced lawyer can help you get through the system more effectively without incriminating yourself and help set you up for a more positive outcome. You don’t necessarily need a criminal defense lawyer on speed dial, but you should expect to contact one if you are arrested and facing criminal charges. Consider making an appointment to discuss your case today with a criminal defense lawyer in Des Moines, IA from an experienced law firm like the Law Group Of Iowa.

Will A Bond Motion Work For My Case?

Bond motions make the world go around if you’re in jail and cannot get out. A bond motion is that glimmer of hope that really could mean the difference between freedom and continuing to be incarcerated until your case is over. According to our friends at Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, Attorneys at Law, a bond motion lawyer will be able to argue the nuances of your case, who you are as a person and a number of other aspects of your case in order to find a way for you to be released.

BOND MOTION LAWYER

A bond motion lawyer will understand there are two prongs a judge will look at when it comes to setting a bond. The first is whether or not you’re a danger to the community and the second is whether or not you’re a flight risk.

A danger to the community is typically based on your current pending charges and your prior history. If you have a pending shooting case, they’re typically going to find that you’re a danger to the community and will probably set a higher bond than they would otherwise. If you have an assault on a female, or some other form of assaultive behavior on your record, they again may find you to be a danger to the community.

Whether or not you’re a flight risk looks at whether you have a history of failure to appear. Do you come to court or not? It’s tough, because as a bond motion attorney will tell you, we have no control over this aspect of your past history and all we can do is assure the court that with our involvement we will keep you informed of court dates so that you don’t miss them in the future.

BOND MOTION ATTORNEY

A lot of times our bond motion lawyers are asked the question as to just how low we think we can get your bond and it always depends. Remember, every judge is different and the bond that one judge sets may be night and day from the bond another judge sets. A bond motion lawyer will do their best to put your bond motion in front of the best judge possible, however, always remember, judges change just as courtrooms do. It could be we scheduled you for the best possible judge to hear your case and instead we end up with a judge who has no interest in helping to reduce your bond.

TOP RATED BOND MOTION LAWYER

If you or someone you know is in need of a bond motion, we recommend you speak with a top rated bond motion lawyer; their law firm continues to help people with bond motions and bond related issues.