There are a different types of cases that are handled by personal injury law firms and the attorneys that work for them. While roughly four to five percent of personal injury cases will actually go to trial, the remainder will be settled outside of court.
The Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
An individual can be injured in a variety of situations. Depending on the situation, when someone sustains an injury, they may have grounds for a personal injury case. Some types of injuries may be more prevalent, however, On an annual basis, for example,the U.S. Department of Justice reports that these are among the most common types of personal injury cases:
- Motor vehicle accidents: 52%
- Medical malpractice:15%
- Product liability: 5%
The Incidence of Motor Vehicle Accidents
Recent data shows that roughly six million car accidents occur within the United States every year. As a result of these accidents, three million individuals sustain injuries. In some cases, these injuries may be minor, while in others they may be much more severe. Throughout the world, it is estimated that 1.2 million people die every year due to being in a car accident.
The Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents
There are multiple causes for car and other types of motor vehicle accidents. These include inclement weather, distracted driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances. Drunk drivers, however, are responsible for a large percentage of these car accidents. Data shows that someone is injured every two minutes due to being involved in a crash that involves a drunk driver.
The Importance of Seeking Legal Services
When someone has sustained an injury due to being in a car accident or motorcycle accident, it’s important to contact a personal injury law firm for a consultation. This is also the case if an individual was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street at a pedestrian cross-walk or while standing or walking along a sidewalk.
In order to prepare for a consultation, it’s important to have a list of questions to ask. An attorney will be able to conduct further research on their client’s behalf. This includes determining whether there are any witness reports, video footage, police reports, and other important information.
