We all know that accidents happen; most are just that - accidents, totally random and no one to blame. But in some cases, accidents and personal injury caused as a result of someone else's actions (or lack thereof) may warrant legal action by the injured party.

What exactly is personal injury?

Personal injury refers to the areas of the law that cover any wrong or damage done to someone's person, property, rights or reputation. There are many circumstances in which personal injury can occur - while getting medical treatment, as a result of a traffic accident, by using a faulty product or as a result of a slip and fall. But to warrant legal action, it must be the result of some else's negligence or unreasonably unsafe actions, whether it's your employer, a manufacturer, your doctor, or your landlord.

What types of accidents typically lead to personal injuries in Philadelphia?

When you have an accident, you need to ask yourself if you have grounds for a personal injury case. You must have suffered an injury to your person or property, and that injury must be someone else's fault.

You don't necessarily need to have a physical injury to bring a personal injury lawsuit. Some personal injury legal claims can be based on harm or losses that aren't physical. A few examples include an attack to your reputation, an invasion of your privacy or inflicted emotional distress.

When should you file a personal injury lawsuit in Philadelphia?

In Pennsylvania, you should file a lawsuit as quickly as possible. If you miss the deadline for filing your case, you can lose your legal right to damages. So it's important to talk with a personal injury lawyer soon after you've been injured.

How do you find a personal injury lawyer in Philadelphia?

The two best ways to hire an attorney who practices in personal injury law are to ask for a referral from friends, acquaintances, or another lawyer, or to use a trusted resource. The important thing is to find an attorney who has experience handling cases like yours and who is someone with whom you are comfortable.

Once you find a lawyer, you should be prepared to provide him or her with any documents that might be relevant to your case. Police reports, copies of medical reports and bills from doctors and hospitals, and information about the insurer of the person who caused your injury are all helpful, as are any photographs you have of the accident scene, your property damage, and your injury.

What's the best way to work with an insurance company on my personal injury claim?

One valuable service your attorney can offer is helping deal with insurance companies. Because insurance companies have an interest in settling injury claims as quickly and as economically as possible, an experienced lawyer can help you determine if a settlement offer is fair or if further negotiations or lawsuits are necessary. A qualified accident attorney can help you navigate the entire process without losing money to which you might be entitled.

About Author / Additional Info:
Rob Sink is a http://www.sinklawoffices.com Philadelphia Personal Injury Attorney that works with residents of Philadelphia that have been injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another person or business. Call 215-729-3333 today. http://hg.org/attorney/Law-Offices-of-Robert-W-Sink/79221