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859-353-0878 | 800-494-9916

Carrying On A Century-Old Tradition Of Hard Work And Client Dedication

Photo of Michael Eubanks & James W. Baechtold
Photo of Michael F. Eubanks and James W. Baechtold

Richmond Personal Injury Attorneys: Your Trusted Legal Partners

Last updated on December 18, 2024

When a person suffers an injury, the impact goes beyond physical pain. It can disrupt your life, causing emotional and financial turmoil. Having a compassionate personal injury attorney can make all the difference. At Shumate, Flaherty, Eubanks & Baechtold, we guide you through these moments with personalized attention and a commitment to achieving the best outcome. Established over a century ago, our firm carries forward a tradition of trust and excellence in Richmond, Virginia. With us, you benefit from our deep-rooted history of hard work and the dedicated legal services seasoned attorneys provide. We care about each client and fight for your rights.

Understanding Personal Injury Law In Kentucky

Navigating personal injury law in Kentucky requires understanding your rights and available legal pathways. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Statute of limitations: You typically have one year from the accident date to file a lawsuit.
  • Comparative fault rules: If you are partially responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
  • Types of damages: You can seek monetary damages for financial losses such as medical bills and lost income. Nonmonetary damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
  • Auto insurance laws: Kentucky is a choice no-fault state. You must exhaust personal injury protection benefits before pursuing a claim against another driver, except in severe injury cases.
  • Settlements and trials: Most personal injury cases settle out of court. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial.

Understanding these points can help you navigate your case more effectively, but experienced legal representation can significantly enhance your chances of a favorable outcome.

Richmond Personal Injury Attorneys Answering Your Questions

Most people who have never dealt with a personal injury claim before have a lot of questions about the law and the process of getting compensated. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive.

How does a car accident lawsuit work?

The process really starts with filing a claim with the insurance company. This is because insurers will often deny a valid claim or make an inadequate settlement offer. From there, you can appeal, but if that does not lead to a fair settlement, you have the option of suing, as long as the crash:

  • Caused at least $1,000 in medical expenses
  • Caused a broken bone, injury or permanent disfigurement
  • Fatal injuries

Most auto accident lawsuits settle out of court because insurers generally do not like the risk of going to trial. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company while also preparing for a possible trial.

Can you sue for pain and suffering in Kentucky?

Yes, you can sue for pain and suffering as part of a personal injury claim in Kentucky. These noneconomic damages cover the emotional and physical stress caused by the injury.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Kentucky?

For car accident cases, Kentucky’s statute of limitations law requires victims to file a claim within two years of the date they were injured.

How much does a Kentucky car accident lawyer cost?

Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency. Instead of charging clients by the hour or taking a flat fee upfront, contingency means the lawyer receives a percentage of whatever their client gets in compensation. This means if the attorney is not successful, the client owes them nothing. The percentage depends on factors like the type of case and the attorney’s experience. The attorney and client agree on the contingency percentage before the attorney begins working on the case.

What percentage do most personal injury attorneys make?

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, only getting paid if you win your case. The fee typically ranges from 33% to 40%, depending on the case’s complexity and resolution stage.

At our firm, we prioritize transparency and fairness. We discuss our fee structure upfront to ensure there are no surprises. Our goal is to make sure you feel supported and informed every step of the way.

Is it worth hiring an attorney after a car wreck?

In minor and fairly straightforward car accident cases, you might be able to deal with the insurance company on your own and receive a fair settlement. But if you or someone else in your family was seriously hurt, things can get complicated. The insurance company will probably demand a lot of paperwork and evidence and may try drawing out its investigation or making a lowball offer to avoid living up to its obligations.

Our experienced attorneys know the auto insurance industry’s tricks and how to hold them accountable. Our clients consistently receive more compensation than they would have had they tried to take care of it by themselves.

Richmond Car Accident Attorneys Fighting For You

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the challenges associated with these injuries. That’s why it’s important that you seek legal advice immediately. Lawyers at the well-established Kentucky law firm of Shumate, Flaherty, Eubanks & Baechtold have helped numerous clients recover personal injury compensation by holding negligent parties responsible for their irresponsible actions.

Toward the end, our firm should inspire confidence and optimism because our attorneys with decades of experience have helped numerous individuals recover compensation from cases involving:

With a proven track record in a wide range of personal injury cases, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to ensuring that justice is served and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Previous Successes

Personal injury settlements vary substantially from case to case depending upon a multitude of factors, including the type of injuries sustained, medical bills and lost wages. Unlike some firms that spend more money and time on flashy ads, we place an emphasis on professionalism and client experience – both particularly important qualities for victims dealing with debilitating injuries, mental anguish and soaring medical bills after an accident.

When you have been the victim of an unfortunate car, truck, motorcycle or pedestrian accident, it’s imperative that you seek the counsel of a skilled attorney who can competently represent you at all stages of your case. At our firm, you will be represented by an attorney with more than 30 years of experience helping clients like you.

Our achievements are much more than a few limited instances of success. Our firm has built a solid reputation in Richmond and across the state of Kentucky by being vociferous advocates for our clients.

Call To Get Started With A Free Consultation

If you need competent and experienced Kentucky personal injury lawyers, email us or call 859-353-0878 today. We offer free consultations.