Question 1

Is the AI case evaluation really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely free. There are no hidden fees, no credit card required, and no obligation. You can use our AI assistant to evaluate your personal injury case at no cost.

Question 2

Is my information confidential?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. All conversations with our AI are private and encrypted. We do not share your personal details with attorneys unless you explicitly request a connection.

Question 3

Does the AI replace a lawyer?

Accepted Answer

No. Our AI provides a preliminary case evaluation to help you understand your situation. It is not a substitute for professional legal advice. When you're ready, we can connect you with a licensed personal injury attorney in your area.

Question 4

What types of cases can the AI evaluate?

Accepted Answer

Our AI evaluates personal injury claims including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, slip and fall injuries, dog bites, workplace injuries, wrongful death, and more.

Question 5

How long does the evaluation take?

Accepted Answer

Most evaluations are completed in under 10 minutes. Simply chat with our AI assistant about what happened, and you'll receive an analysis right away.

Question 6

Do I need to create an account?

Accepted Answer

No account is required to start a case evaluation. You can optionally sign in to save your progress and access your case details later.

Question 7

How do I connect with a personal injury lawyer?

Accepted Answer

After your AI evaluation, you'll have the option to request a free consultation with a personal injury attorney. We'll match you with an experienced lawyer who handles cases like yours in your state.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Every state sets its own statute of limitations for personal injury claims, typically ranging from 1 to 6 years from the date of injury. For example, Kentucky and Louisiana allow just 1 year, California and Texas allow 2 years, New York allows 3 years, and Maine allows 6 years. Claims against government entities often have much shorter notice deadlines — sometimes as little as 30 to 180 days. Missing these deadlines almost always means losing your right to compensation, so it is critical to check your state's specific time limit as soon as possible after an injury.

Question 9

What is comparative negligence and how does it affect my claim?

Accepted Answer

States use one of three systems to handle situations where the injured person shares some fault. Under "pure comparative negligence" (used in states like California, New York, and Florida), you can recover damages even if you are 99% at fault — your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. Under "modified comparative negligence" (used in most states including Texas, Georgia, and Illinois), you can recover only if your fault is below a threshold — either 50% or 51% depending on the state. A small number of states like Virginia, Maryland, and Alabama use "contributory negligence," where any fault on your part — even 1% — bars you from recovering anything. Understanding which system your state uses is essential because insurance companies will try to assign you as much fault as possible.

Question 10

What is the difference between at-fault and no-fault insurance states?

Accepted Answer

In "at-fault" (tort) states — the majority of states — the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for the other party's injuries and damages. You file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance and have the right to sue if the offer is inadequate. In "no-fault" states, each driver's own insurance (called Personal Injury Protection or PIP) pays for their medical bills and lost wages regardless of who caused the accident. No-fault states include Florida, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Utah. In no-fault states, you can only sue the at-fault driver if your injuries exceed a certain severity or cost threshold defined by state law. Some states like Kentucky and Pennsylvania let drivers choose between at-fault and no-fault coverage.

Question 11

What are the minimum car insurance requirements?

Accepted Answer

Every state except New Hampshire requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but the amounts vary significantly. Minimums for bodily injury range from $15,000 per person in some states to $50,000 per person in others. For example, California requires 15/30/5 (meaning $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $5,000 for property damage), while Alaska requires 50/100/25. Many states also require or offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. These minimums are often far too low to cover serious injuries, which is why it is important to carry higher limits and understand your own policy.

Question 12

Are there caps on personal injury damages?

Accepted Answer

Damage caps vary widely by state and by type of damage. Most states do not cap economic damages (medical bills, lost wages), but many cap non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in certain case types — particularly medical malpractice. For example, California caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases at $350,000 for cases not involving wrongful death, while Texas caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice at $250,000 per provider. Punitive damages are capped in many states — for instance, Georgia generally caps punitive damages at $250,000 (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1), while some states tie the cap to a multiple of compensatory damages. A few states like Illinois and Oregon have no caps on most personal injury damages. Check your state's specific rules, as caps can significantly affect the value of your case.

Question 13

Should I file a police report after an accident?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most states require you to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage above a certain threshold (often $500 to $2,500). Even when not legally required, always get a police report — it is one of the most important documents for your insurance claim and any potential lawsuit. The report creates an official record of the accident, documents the responding officer's observations, and often includes a preliminary fault determination. If police don't respond to the scene, you can usually file a report at the station or online within a few days.

Question 14

Who pays my medical bills after a car accident?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your state and your insurance coverage. In no-fault states, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays your medical bills up to the policy limit regardless of fault. In at-fault states, your health insurance or MedPay coverage typically pays medical bills first, and you seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver's insurance through your claim. The at-fault driver's insurance generally does not pay until the claim is settled, which could be months or years. When you do settle, your health insurer may seek reimbursement (subrogation) from the settlement. MedPay, available in most states, is especially valuable because it pays immediately with no deductible.

Question 15

What should I say to the other driver's insurance adjuster?

Accepted Answer

Be very careful. Confirm basic facts (your name, the date and location of the accident) but do not give a recorded statement, do not admit fault, and do not say "I'm fine" or discuss the specifics of your injuries. You are generally not legally required to give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. Anything you say can be used to minimize or deny your claim. It is often best to let an attorney handle communications with the other driver's insurer.

Question 16

What is uninsured motorist (UM) coverage?

Accepted Answer

UM coverage pays for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Many states require auto policies to include UM coverage or to offer it, though the rules vary. Some states require it by default unless you specifically reject it in writing, while others make it optional. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage fills the gap when the at-fault driver's insurance is not enough to cover your damages. Given that roughly 1 in 8 drivers nationally is uninsured, UM/UIM coverage is one of the most important protections you can have on your auto policy.

Question 17

Should I accept the insurance company's first settlement offer?

Accepted Answer

Almost certainly not. The first offer is designed to close your claim quickly and cheaply. It rarely accounts for future medical costs, lost earning capacity, or the full value of your pain and suffering. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot go back for more money — even if your injuries turn out worse than expected. This is true in every state. Before accepting any offer, make sure you have reached maximum medical improvement so you understand the full extent of your injuries.

Question 18

What is a medical lien and how does it affect my settlement?

Accepted Answer

Many states allow hospitals and medical providers to file a lien on your personal injury settlement for the cost of your treatment. Some medical providers also treat on a "lien basis," meaning they wait for payment until your case settles. These liens are paid from your settlement proceeds, which reduces your net recovery. The rules governing medical liens, including whether they can be negotiated or reduced, vary by state. Understand all liens on your case before accepting any settlement offer.

Question 19

Can I recover lost wages if I missed work after my accident?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In every state, you can recover past lost wages and future lost earning capacity as part of your personal injury claim. You will need documentation including pay stubs, employer verification letters, and a doctor's note confirming you were unable to work. Self-employed and gig workers can also claim lost income with proper records such as tax returns, invoices, and bank statements showing income history.

Question 20

How long does a personal injury settlement take?

Accepted Answer

Most personal injury claims settle in 6 months to 2 years. The timeline depends on the severity of your injuries (you should reach maximum medical improvement before settling), whether liability is disputed, the number of parties involved, and whether a lawsuit is needed. More serious cases generally take longer but result in higher settlements. Cases involving government entities or commercial vehicles may also take longer due to additional procedural requirements.

Question 21

When should I talk to a personal injury lawyer?

Accepted Answer

Consider talking to an attorney if you have significant injuries requiring ongoing treatment, if the insurance company is disputing fault or offering a low settlement, if a commercial truck or government vehicle is involved, if you are in a contributory negligence state where any fault could bar your claim, or if the at-fault driver is uninsured. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on contingency — you don't pay unless they win.

Question 22

What's the difference between settling and going to trial?

Accepted Answer

A settlement is a negotiated agreement where the insurance company pays you an agreed amount. The vast majority of personal injury cases — roughly 95% — settle without going to trial. Going to trial means a judge or jury decides fault and damages. Trial can result in a higher award, but also carries risk — the jury could award less or nothing. Most cases settle during the negotiation or mediation phase. Your attorney can help you evaluate whether a settlement offer is fair or whether trial is worth the additional time and risk.

Question 23

What are contingency fees and how do they work?

Accepted Answer

Most personal injury attorneys work on contingency — you pay nothing upfront, and the attorney receives a percentage of your settlement or verdict (typically 33.3% before a lawsuit is filed, 40% after). If you don't win, you don't owe attorney fees. Case expenses (filing fees, expert witnesses, medical records) are usually advanced by the firm and deducted from the settlement. Contingency fee percentages and rules vary by state, so ask your attorney to explain their fee structure in detail before signing a retainer.

Question 24

What does the AI evaluation do that a lawyer doesn't?

Accepted Answer

Our AI gives you an immediate, confidential preliminary assessment — available 24/7, no appointment needed, no pressure. It helps you understand the basic strength of your claim before you decide whether to speak with an attorney. A lawyer provides in-depth legal strategy, negotiation, and representation that AI cannot replace. Think of it as a helpful first step that prepares you to have a more informed conversation with a lawyer.

Question 25

What if I was partially at fault for my accident?

Accepted Answer

You may still recover compensation in most states, but the rules depend on where you live. In pure comparative negligence states, you can recover even if you are mostly at fault — your award is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. In modified comparative negligence states (the majority), you can recover as long as your fault is below 50% or 51% depending on the state. In the few contributory negligence states (Virginia, Maryland, Alabama, North Carolina, and Washington D.C.), any fault on your part bars recovery entirely. Insurance companies will always try to inflate your fault percentage, so documenting the accident thoroughly is critical regardless of which state you are in.

Question 26

Does personal injury law differ by state?

Accepted Answer

Yes, significantly. Each state has its own statutes and court decisions that shape personal injury law. Key differences include the statute of limitations (ranging from 1 to 6 years), the negligence system used (pure comparative, modified comparative, or contributory), whether the state is at-fault or no-fault for auto insurance, caps on damages (especially in medical malpractice), minimum insurance requirements, and rules around medical liens and subrogation. Even seemingly universal concepts like "pain and suffering" are calculated differently across states. This is why it is important to understand the specific rules in the state where your accident occurred.

Question 27

How do I find the statute of limitations for my state?

Accepted Answer

The fastest way is to search for "[your state] personal injury statute of limitations" or consult with an attorney in your state. You can also look up your state's civil code or revised statutes on your state legislature's website or through free legal resources like Justia, FindLaw, or Nolo. Keep in mind that different types of injuries may have different deadlines — for example, medical malpractice, product liability, and claims against government entities often have separate (and shorter) time limits. Our AI case evaluation can also help you identify relevant deadlines based on the details of your situation.

Question 28

What if my accident happened in a different state than where I live?

Accepted Answer

Generally, the law of the state where the accident occurred governs your personal injury claim, not the state where you live. This means the statute of limitations, negligence rules, damage caps, and insurance requirements of the accident state will apply. However, there are exceptions — for example, if a defective product was manufactured in one state and caused injury in another, multiple states' laws could be relevant. You may also have the option to file suit in either state under certain circumstances. If your accident crossed state lines (such as a crash near a border) or involved parties from multiple states, consulting with an attorney who handles multi-state or interstate cases is especially important.

Question 29

Can I file a claim if I was injured while visiting another state?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your right to file a personal injury claim does not depend on being a resident of the state where the accident happened. You have the same right to seek compensation as a resident would. However, you will need to follow that state's laws and procedures, which may differ from your home state. Practical considerations include finding an attorney licensed in the state where the accident occurred, potentially traveling for depositions or court appearances, and managing medical treatment across state lines. Many attorneys handle out-of-state client cases routinely and can manage most of the process remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Personal Injury Law Basics

Insurance & Medical Bills

The Legal Process

State-Specific Resources

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