Our Most Frequently Asked Questions in 2025
After an injury, it’s normal to have more questions than answers. Between medical care, missed work, insurance adjusters calling nonstop, and uncertainty about what to do next, the process can feel overwhelming. Below are the questions that come up again and again, whether someone is dealing with a car accident claim, a slip and fall, a dog bite, or a workplace injury. These answers will give you a clearer picture of your options and when it’s time to reach out to a personal injury attorney for help.
What types of personal injury cases can you help with?
A personal injury lawyer handles far more than just car accidents. At Jane Gordon Law, we help clients with car crash injuries, trucking collisions, motorcycle injuries, slip and fall claims, dog bites and animal attacks, workplace injuries, accidental shootings, and wrongful death cases. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, a personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and next steps.
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Most personal injury attorneys — including our firm — work on a contingency fee. That means you don’t pay anything upfront. You only pay if your case settles or you win in court. The fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict, and all costs are explained clearly before you move forward. This structure allows people to hire a personal injury lawyer to pursue a claim without worrying about hourly bills or financial barriers.
How long do personal injury cases take to settle?
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for a car accident settlement or any injury claim. Some straightforward cases resolve within a few months. More complex cases — especially those involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or multiple insurance policies — can take longer. Treatment length also plays a major role; your personal injury lawyer cannot accurately value a claim until your medical picture is clear. While most cases settle without going to court, patience is often required to reach a fair outcome.
How much is my personal injury claim worth?
Compensation depends on several factors: the severity of your injuries, medical bills, future treatment needs, pain and suffering, lost wages, missed work opportunities, and any long-term impact on your life. There is no accurate way to estimate a claim’s value immediately after an injury. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate your damages once your treatment plan is established and the full extent of your injuries is documented.
Can I recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Idaho follows a comparative negligence system, meaning you can still recover compensation as long as you were not more at fault than the other party. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your compensation is reduced by 20%. Even when people believe they were partly responsible, insurance companies often assign more blame than is fair — which is why speaking with a personal injury attorney early is important.
Do I really need to see a doctor after a crash or injury, even if I feel fine?
Absolutely. Many injuries take hours or even days to show symptoms — especially whiplash, concussions, soft tissue injuries, and internal injuries. Seeing a doctor protects both your health and your personal injury claim. Insurance companies frequently deny claims when there are gaps in treatment or delayed medical care. Getting checked out immediately creates a clear medical record that supports your case.
What should I do if the insurance company denies my claim?
Don’t panic — and don’t assume the denial is final. Car accident claims and other injury cases are denied every day for reasons that can be challenged: disputed fault, pre-existing conditions, delayed treatment, or alleged lack of evidence. A personal injury lawyer can review the denial, gather additional documentation, consult experts if needed, and appeal or re-open the claim.
Should I talk to the insurance adjuster without a lawyer?
Not before you understand your rights. Insurance adjusters are trained to limit payouts, and recorded statements can be used against you later. Even innocent comments like “I’m feeling better” or “I didn’t see the other driver” can harm your claim. Before answering detailed questions, speak with a personal injury attorney who can guide you on what to say — and what not to say.
What if I was bitten or attacked by a dog? Do I have a claim?
Often, yes. Idaho law allows victims of dog bites and animal attacks to seek compensation when the owner failed to control or restrain the animal. Evidence such as medical records, photos, witness statements, and prior complaints about the dog can strengthen your claim. Dog bite cases often involve significant medical care, scarring, and emotional trauma, which makes early legal guidance especially important.
What if I was hurt at work? Should I file a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim?
Workers’ comp covers most on-the-job injuries, but it does not pay for pain and suffering or full wage loss. If someone outside your employer contributed to your injury — a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, property owner, or negligent driver — you may have a separate personal injury claim. These third-party claims often result in far greater compensation than workers’ comp alone.
What if my injury involved a motorcycle, semi-truck, or commercial vehicle?
These cases are far more complex than standard car crashes. Trucking and motorcycle injuries often involve severe injuries, multiple insurance layers, commercial policies, and extensive evidence requirements. A car accident attorney experienced in trucking and motorcycle claims can investigate black box data, maintenance records, driver logs, and other crucial evidence to build a strong case.
Will my personal injury case go to court?
Most personal injury cases settle long before they ever reach a courtroom. However, if an insurance company refuses to negotiate fairly — or liability is strongly disputed — litigation may be necessary to protect your rights. If your case does go to court, your personal injury attorney will guide you through every step, explain what to expect, and represent you at trial.
Do I really need a personal injury lawyer, or can I handle this on my own?
For very minor claims with no injury and minimal property damage, you may be able to handle things independently. But when injuries, medical bills, or insurance disputes are involved, working with a personal injury attorney typically results in significantly better outcomes. An attorney protects your claim, handles negotiations, and ensures you aren’t pressured into a low settlement. Be sure to ask the right questions to select the best attorney for you during the process.
Move Forward with Confidence in 2026
No two injury claims look exactly alike, but the questions people ask often come from the same place — wanting clarity, protection, and a path forward that feels manageable. Whether you were hurt in a car crash, bitten by a dog, injured at work, or dealing with a slip and fall, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. A personal injury attorney can help you understand your options, avoid common mistakes that damage your claim, and make decisions that protect your health and your future.
If you have questions about your situation — even if you’re not sure you have a case — reaching out early can make a meaningful difference in the outcome. Jane Gordon Law is here to listen, guide, and help you move forward with confidence in 2026. Contact us for a free case review.