Frequently Asked Questions

Personal injuries resulting from auto accidents can vary significantly in severity and nature. Here are some common types that individuals may suffer:

1. Soft Tissue Injuries: These include strains and sprains of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Whiplash, commonly associated with rear-end collisions, falls under this category and can lead to chronic pain and mobility issues.

2. Fractures and Broken Bones: Accidents can lead to various fractures, ranging from simple bone breaks to complex fractures requiring surgical intervention. These injuries often require prolonged recovery and can result in permanent physical limitations.

3. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A significant concern in auto accidents, TBIs can result from sudden blows to the head or violent shaking. Symptoms may range from mild concussions to severe cognitive impairment or loss of consciousness.

4. Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, or chronic pain. These injuries often require specialized medical treatment and long-term care.

5. Internal Injuries: Accidents can cause damage to internal organs such as the lungs, liver, or spleen. These injuries may not be immediately evident, making prompt medical attention crucial.

6. Psychological Injuries: Beyond physical injuries, many accident victims suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychological recovery is as important as physical recovery.

Understanding these injuries can help you grasp the potential complexities of your case, and knowing what types of medical treatments you might need can be vital for recovery.

Choosing the right attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Tien Law Firm stands out for numerous reasons:

1. Experience in Personal Injury Law

With a focus on personal injury cases, Tien Law Firm’s award-winning personal injury lawyer is adept at navigating the intricacies of this field. Their specialized knowledge equips them with the skills needed to effectively advocate for your rights.

2. Proven Track Record

The firm’s history of successful outcomes for clients speaks volumes. Their commitment to pursuing justice for injured individuals has resulted in many settlements and verdicts over the past decade.

3. Personalized Approach

Every case is unique, and Tien Law Firm understands the importance of treating clients with individual care. They take the time to understand your specific situation, committed to securing the best possible outcome.

4. Compassionate Support

In addition to legal expertise, Tien Law Firm offers compassionate support throughout the process. They recognize how challenging and emotional these circumstances can be, striving to provide encouragement and assistance every step of the way.

5. Dedication

We love helping our clients and we are dedicated to go the extra mile. Whether working with a network of expert witnesses, investigators, and medical professionals, Tien Law Firm is prepared to build a robust case on your behalf to ensure no stone is left unturned in pursuit of the full  compensation you may deserve.

How Much Does an Injury Attorney Cost?

One of the primary concerns for those considering hiring an injury attorney is the cost. The expenses associated with legal representation can vary significantly based on several factors, including the lawyer’s experience, the complexity of your case, and the geographical location. However, our personal injury attorney accepts cases on a contingency fee basis.

Contingency Fee Basics

A contingency fee structure means that you only pay the attorney if you win your case. Typically, the attorney’s fee will be a percentage of the settlement or judgment amount. This arrangement can alleviate the financial burden of upfront legal costs, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the stress of hourly billing. 

Determining the value of a personal injury case is complex and varies from situation to situation. Several factors will influence the potential worth of your case, including:

1. Medical Expenses

Your current and future medical expenses resulting from the injury will significantly impact your case’s value. This includes hospital bills, medication costs, rehabilitation expenses, and any other related medical treatments.

2. Lost Wages

If the injury has caused you to miss work, the wages lost during that time, as well as potential future earning capacity, will be considered when assessing the overall worth of your claim.

3. Pain and Suffering

Compensation for pain and suffering is often a critical aspect of personal injury claims. This intangible damage accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress you have experienced as a result of the injury. The calculation for these damages can vary widely, typically ranging from a few multiple times of your economic losses.

4. Negligence Contributions

In cases where the victim is partially at fault for the injuries, their injury claim may be barred in contributory negligence states such as North Carolina, or reduced in comparative negligence states such as California. Understanding how this applies to your specific situation is essential for accurate valuation.

5. Insurance Policy Limits

The available insurance coverage of the parties involved will also affect the potential settlement you can receive. Ultimately, our personal injury attorney at Tien Law Firm is well-versed in evaluating the worth of cases similar to yours. They will perform a thorough analysis of the specifics surrounding your case to arrive at a realistic valuation.

Experiencing an accident and injury can be disorienting, but taking the right steps immediately afterward can significantly impact your well-being and any potential legal claims:

1. Ensure Safety: First and foremost, check for injuries. Call 911 if anyone requires medical attention. If it is safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further accidents.

2. Report the Accident: Contact local law enforcement to report the accident, especially if there are injuries. A police report is integral to any potential claims process.

3. Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s). For auto accidents, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damages, and any visible injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses as well.

4. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not manifest immediately. A medical evaluation is essential to rule out serious conditions.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company: Report auto accidents to your insurer promptly but avoid discussing details that could complicate your case.

6. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all expenses, medical treatments, and communications regarding the accident.

7. Consult Our Personal Injury Attorney: If you suspect negligence or meaningful injury, consulting our Raleigh personal injury lawyer can provide clarity on your next steps.

By following these steps, you can safeguard your health and protect your legal rights.

Determining fault after an accident is a crucial step in establishing whether you have a valid personal injury case. Under North Carolina law, the state follows the “contributory negligence” standard, which means if you are found to be at all at fault for the accident, you may not be able to recover damages.

Factors to Consider When Determining Fault:

1. Traffic Laws: Review whether any traffic laws were violated during the accident. This includes speeding, running red lights, or failing to yield.

2. Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts can provide valuable insights into the events leading up to the accident.

3. Police Report: The findings documented by law enforcement can significantly influence fault determination.

4. Evidence: Photographs of the accident scene, vehicle positions, skid marks, and damages can help establish the sequence of events.

5. Insurance Investigations: Insurance companies often conduct their own investigations and may assign fault percentages, which can impact any compensation claims.

If you believe another party was negligent and that their actions caused the accident, you likely have a case worth pursuing. Our Raleigh personal injury attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence and advocate on your behalf.

The timeframe for resolving a personal injury case can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

1. Severity of Injuries: More severe injuries may require longer recovery times, which can extend the duration of the case.

2. Complexity of the Case: Cases involving multiple parties, disputed fault, or significant damages can take longer to resolve.

3. Negotiations: The negotiation process with insurance companies can be lengthy, especially if they dispute liability or the extent of damages.

4. Court Proceedings: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to litigation, which can prolong the resolution process.

On average, personal injury cases can take several months to to more than a year to resolve. Consulting with our Raleigh personal injury attorney can provide a clearer timeframe based on your specific situation.

The process of obtaining compensation for personal injuries generally follows these steps:

1. Medical Treatment: Seek immediate medical assistance to document all injuries and treatments.

2. Consultation with an Attorney: An experienced personal injury attorney can provide you with crucial legal guidance and help you understand your rights and potential compensation.

3. Investigation: Your attorney will investigate the accident, collect evidence, and establish fault.

4. Demand for Compensation: Your attorney will compile medical records, bills, and evidence of lost wages to present a demand for compensation to the insurance company.

5. Negotiation: Engage in negotiations with the insurance company. This may involve several counteroffers before reaching a settlement.

6. Filing a Lawsuit: If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney may file a formal lawsuit, starting the litigation process.

7. Trial or Settlement: The case may ultimately resolve through a settlement agreement or proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome.

Taking the first step towards securing legal representation after an injury may seem stressful, but it doesn’t need to be. Here’s how to get started:

1. Consultation

Our personal injury lawyer at Tien Law Firm offers free initial consultations. During this question and answer session, you can discuss the details of your case, ask questions, and gauge whether the attorney is the right fit for you.

2. Gathering Documentation

To facilitate the attorney’s understanding of your claim, gather all pertinent documentation, including:

• Medical records
• Accident reports
• Witness statements
• Photographs of the scene and injuries
• Correspondence with insurance companies

3. Signing a Retainer Agreement

Once you decide to hire an attorney, you’ll sign a retainer agreement outlining the terms of your partnership. This document will detail how fees are structured, provide clarity on responsibilities, and establish expectations for your working relationship.

4. Building Your Case

After the retainer is signed, your attorney will begin gathering evidence, communicate with insurance companies, and start building your case for compensation. They will keep you informed throughout the process, providing guidance and updates on the progress of your claim.