What does a personal injury lawyer do?
A personal injury lawyer represents people who've been hurt due to someone else's negligence or wrongdoing. They handle everything from investigating your accident and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and representing you in court if needed.
Their main responsibilities include:
- Evaluating your case to determine if you have a valid claim
- Calculating damages including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
- Filing legal documents within Kansas statute of limitations deadlines
- Negotiating settlements with insurance adjusters
- Taking cases to trial when fair settlements can't be reached
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in Wichita?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. They typically take 33-40% of your settlement or court award as their fee.
You only pay if they win your case. This arrangement lets injured people get legal help regardless of their financial situation. Some firms may charge for case expenses like filing fees or expert witnesses, so always clarify fee structures during your initial consultation.
When should I hire a personal injury lawyer?
Contact a lawyer as soon as possible after your injury, ideally within the first week. Kansas has a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, but evidence disappears quickly and insurance companies start building their defense immediately.
You should definitely hire a lawyer if:
- You suffered serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment
- The insurance company denies your claim or offers an unfair settlement
- Multiple parties might be liable
- Your injuries will affect your ability to work long-term
What types of cases do personal injury lawyers handle?
Personal injury attorneys handle a wide range of accident and injury cases. The most common include:
- Car and motorcycle accidents
- Truck accidents involving commercial vehicles
- Slip and fall injuries on unsafe property
- Medical malpractice claims
- Workplace accidents not covered by workers' comp
- Product liability cases involving defective products
- Wrongful death claims for families who've lost loved ones
How do I choose between different personal injury lawyers?
Start by looking at their track record with cases similar to yours. Check their settlement amounts, trial experience, and client reviews on multiple platforms.
Compare these key factors:
- Experience level - How many years practicing personal injury law specifically
- Case results - Actual settlements and verdicts they've secured
- Resources - Larger firms often have more resources for complex cases
- Communication style - Choose someone who explains things clearly and returns calls promptly
- Local knowledge - Familiarity with Wichita courts and judges can be advantageous
Schedule consultations with 2-3 attorneys before deciding. Most offer free initial meetings where you can assess their approach to your case.
How long does a personal injury case take?
Simple cases with clear liability might settle in 3-6 months. Complex cases involving severe injuries or disputed fault can take 1-3 years, especially if they go to trial.
The timeline depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, whether liability is disputed, and how reasonable the insurance company is during negotiations. Your lawyer should give you a realistic timeline based on your specific circumstances during your initial consultation.
What's my personal injury case worth?
Case values vary dramatically based on your specific injuries and circumstances. Compensation typically includes medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Severe injuries with long-term effects naturally result in higher settlements. A broken bone that heals completely might settle for $50,000-$100,000, while a traumatic brain injury could be worth millions. Your attorney will calculate damages based on your medical records, expert testimony, and similar case precedents.
Do I have to go to court for my personal injury case?
About 95% of personal injury cases settle without going to trial. Insurance companies often prefer settling to avoid unpredictable jury verdicts and legal costs.
Your lawyer will try to negotiate a fair settlement first. If the insurance company won't offer reasonable compensation, your attorney should be prepared to take your case to court. Having a lawyer with strong trial experience often leads to better settlement offers because insurers know they're willing to fight for you.
What if I was partially at fault for my accident?
Kansas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover damages as long as you're less than 50% at fault, but your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you're found 20% at fault for a car accident with $100,000 in damages, you'd receive $80,000. An experienced lawyer can help minimize your assigned fault percentage and maximize your recovery.
How quickly do I need to act after an injury?
Take these steps immediately: seek medical treatment, document everything, and contact a lawyer within the first week. While Kansas allows two years to file most personal injury lawsuits, waiting hurts your case.
Evidence like surveillance footage gets deleted, witnesses forget details, and injuries become harder to link to the accident. Insurance companies also view delays skeptically, assuming your injuries aren't serious if you waited to act.
