You may come across terms like accident lawyer or personal injury lawyer when seeking legal assistance after an accident. These terms can be used interchangeably but they may refer to different areas of the legal profession. Understanding the difference can help you select the best attorney for your situation.
What is a personal injury lawyer?
Personal injury lawyers focus on cases in which an individual has been injured or harmed due to negligence or other wrongdoing by another party. Personal injury law covers a broad range of situations in which someone is seeking compensation for damages.
Common Practice Areas for Personal Injury Attorneys
- Slip and fall accidents: Injuries caused by unsafe conditions on another’s property.
- Medical malpractice: Instances of medical mistakes or negligence on the part of healthcare professionals.
- Product Liability: Injury caused by dangerous or defective products.
- Workplace injuries: These are injuries sustained on the job, which include workers’ compensation claims.
- Wrongful death: Representing family members seeking compensation for a death caused by negligence.
Personal injury attorneys typically deal with a wider range of cases, including those that involve physical, emotional or financial harm. They do not only handle vehicle accident-related injuries.
What is an accident lawyer?
Accident lawyers are a subset within personal injury attorneys who specialize in cases that involve accidents. They are usually related to motor vehicle accidents, in which one or more parties were at fault.
Common areas of practice for accident lawyers:
- Representing injured clients in car accidents caused by negligent or reckless drivers.
- Motorcycle accidents: Injuries that are more severe because of a lack protection.
- Truck Accidents: These are cases involving large commercial trucks and other vehicles, where the liability issues can be complicated.
- Pedestrians and Bicycle Accidents – Legal assistance for those injured while cycling or walking.
Accident lawyers are specialized in motor vehicle accidents, but they also practice personal injury law.
The Differences between the Two
Both accident lawyers and personal injuries lawyers are concerned with securing compensation for their clientele. However, there are some differences:
| Aspect | Personal Injury Attorney | Accident Lawyer |
| The scope of practice | All types of personal injury are covered | Focuses on accidents and accident-related cases |
| Different types of cases | Included are medical malpractice, slip and fall, workplace injuries, etc. | Transport and motor vehicle accidents are the most common types of accidents |
| Specialization | Personal injury law: a broader focus | Accident-related claims: narrow focus |
Selecting the right lawyer for your case
Consider your specific situation when choosing between an accident lawyer and a personal injury attorney.
- If your case involves a vehicle accident: An accident attorney may be better suited to handle the complexity of motor vehicle cases such as insurance negotiation, liability disputes and accident investigation.
- If You Have Other Injuries – A personal injury attorney with experience in these areas is more suitable for cases involving medical malpractice, workplace accidents, or product liability.
- Specialized Knowledge: Personal injury lawyers are more experienced, but accident lawyers possess specialized knowledge in traffic laws, insurance policies for vehicles, and accident reconstruction.
Final Thoughts
The primary difference between accident attorneys and personal injury attorneys is their focus. Accident lawyers are specialized in motor vehicle accidents, while personal injury lawyers handle a broad range of injury claims. These distinctions will help you select the attorney with the expertise and experience needed to win your case.
This article was written by Jeanette Secor PA Attorney at Law.
Since over 20 years, Jeanette Secor’s law firm in St. Petersburg has been the first choice of those who are seeking justice following an injury. Jeanette Secor is a renowned Pinellas County personal injury attorney. She has successfully represented clients in car accidents and motorcycle accidents.
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