Getting hurt in an accident can change everything. One moment, life is moving forward. Next, you’re buried in medical bills, missing work, and waiting on insurance companies that seem more interested in protecting profits than helping people.
If you’re wondering what a personal injury lawyer does for victims, or more specifically, what a personal injury lawyer does for you? You’re not alone. Many accident victims feel overwhelmed, unsure of their legal rights, and afraid of being taken advantage of. That’s where legal professionals step in to protect, guide, and fight for those who can’t afford to go through it alone.
This article walks you through what personal injury lawyers do, how they help you understand the legal system, and why choosing an experienced personal injury attorney can lead to a fair settlement and peace of mind.
Handling the Legal Process with Clarity and Confidence
The legal system can intimidate personal injury victims, especially those dealing with physical pain, emotional distress, and financial strain. A personal injury lawyer becomes your guide and advocate throughout the legal process. They explain your rights, answer your questions, and help you make informed decisions from start to finish.
Here’s what injury lawyers do during this stage:
- Explain how tort law applies to your case (tort law is the part of civil law that deals with harm caused by others).
- Review the at-fault party’s responsibilities.
- Clarify the legal procedures and timelines you must follow.
- File documents on time and ensure compliance with state laws.
A personal injury lawyer takes the burden of the legal maze off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.
Understanding State-Specific Personal Injury Laws
Each state has its own personal injury laws, and understanding these differences can determine the success of your case. An experienced personal injury lawyer ensures that you meet critical deadlines, follow the right procedures, and understand how state laws affect your compensation.
Nevada
In Nevada, you must file most personal injury claims within two years from the date of the injury. Legal professionals refer to this time limit as the statute of limitations. If you miss this window, the court may dismiss your case.
Nevada Revised Statutes § 11.190(4)(e)
In medical malpractice cases, Nevada also restricts non-economic damages (like pain and suffering) to $350,000, regardless of the number of defendants.
Nevada Medical Malpractice Cap – NRS § 41A.035
Colorado
Colorado sets a two-year deadline for most personal injury lawsuits. Auto accident victims typically have up to three years to file a claim.
Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-80-102 and § 13-80-101(1)(n)
Colorado imposes a $300,000 cap on noneconomic damages in medical malpractice cases. Under certain circumstances, such as when economic damages exceed the limit, courts may allow higher compensation.
Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-64-302
Colorado House Bill 24-1472 (HB24-1472)
California
California requires you to file personal injury lawsuits within two years. For medical malpractice, the deadline is one year from when you discover the injury, or three years from the date of harm, whichever comes first.
California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1
California Code of Civil Procedure § 340.5
After the MICRA reform, California now limits noneconomic damages in medical malpractice to $500,000, with annual increases.
Building a Strong Case with Evidence and Strategy
The strength of most personal injury cases depends on the evidence presented. That’s why experienced personal injury lawyers work diligently to gather and organize critical details that support your personal injury claim.
They collect essential documents, speak with witnesses, and even hire experts when necessary.
This includes:
- Securing medical records and medical bills to prove your injuries.
- Documenting future medical costs and medical treatment plans.
- Gathering proof of lost wages and accident-related expenses. Your attorney also calculates every accident-related expense that adds to your financial burden, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
- Consulting with medical professionals to assess future medical expenses.
- Using accident reports and photos to establish the negligent party’s fault.
By investigating every angle, your personal injury attorney strengthens your case and prepares for negotiation or court if needed.
Dealing With Insurance Companies So You Don’t Have To
Let’s be honest: insurance carriers don’t always act in your best interest. They often propose lowball settlements or delay processing insurance claims, hoping victims will settle out of frustration or desperation.
That’s why having an experienced attorney makes all the difference.
What do injury lawyers do in these negotiations?
- Handle all communication with the insurance company.
- Push back against unfair tactics and demand fair compensation.
- Ensure the insurance adjuster considers emotional distress, severe injuries, and catastrophic injuries, not just immediate costs.
- Review offers and reject those that don’t reflect your total damages.
Your lawyer becomes your voice in these circumstances, one that the insurance companies can’t ignore.
Representing You in Court If Negotiations Fail
Although most personal injury lawyers strive to settle cases outside of court, sometimes, clients must pursue litigation. If the at-fault party refuses to offer a fair settlement, a skilled attorney will not hesitate to take your case to trial.
A personal injury law firm brings resources and experience to the courtroom:
- They present evidence clearly and persuasively.
- They call on experts and eyewitnesses when needed.
- They argue your case before a judge or jury for a favorable outcome.
A personal injury lawyer who handles personal injury cases regularly knows how to assess accident-related expenses and choose the right legal strategy to secure a favorable outcome.
Types of Cases Personal Injury Attorneys Handle
What do personal injury lawyers handle? You might be surprised at the range. These legal professionals aren’t just for car accident cases—they help across a wide spectrum of injury-related situations.
Personal injury attorneys handle:
- Motor vehicle accidents (cars, trucks, ridesharing)
- Fall accidents (including slip and fall premises liability claims where a property owner fails to maintain safe conditions)
- Medical malpractice (negligent doctors, hospitals, or medical providers)
- Catastrophic injuries (catastrophic or permanent damage, such as paralysis or traumatic brain injuries)
- Other serious injuries caused by negligence
In every case, personal injury lawyers understand what you’re going through and work hard to ensure you receive the support you need.
Working on a Contingency Fee Basis: No Upfront Costs
One of the biggest concerns injury victims have is cost. Here’s the good news: Most personal injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything unless they win your case.
Here’s what that means in practice:
- No legal fees up front.
- Your lawyer gets paid only if you receive a fair settlement or win in court.
- You get a free initial consultation to discuss your case and options.
With this system, you can access quality legal representation without financial risk, even if you’re dealing with mounting medical expenses and time off work.
Helping You Recover Maximum Compensation
Ultimately, the job of a personal injury lawyer is to help you recover the maximum compensation possible for your injuries. This includes both economic and non-economic damages.
Compensation may cover:
- Past and future medical expenses.
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential.
- Costs of ongoing care or therapy.
- Pain and emotional distress.
- All accident-related expenses.
They pursue maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress, ensuring that accident victims receive the fair settlement they deserve.
Let Bourassa Law Group Help You Reclaim Your Life
In the aftermath of an accident, time may not heal all wounds—especially the financial and emotional ones. But legal help can. Now that you understand what a personal injury lawyer does for victims, it’s clear how vital the right guidance can be during one of life’s most difficult moments.
At Bourassa Law Group, our legal team of experienced personal injury attorneys is here to advocate for your rights, ease your burden, and pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Whether you’re facing challenges with an insurance company, recovering from medical treatment, or dealing with a complex legal process, we’re ready to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us evaluate your case, listen to your story, and show you how we can make all the difference.
1-800-870-8910