Accident Lawyer Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Accident Lawyer facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. In a wrongful death case involving a product defect, under which legal theory might the manufacturer be held strictly liable? → Products liability / strict liability
2. When obtaining a witness's statement, we should → All of the above
3. In a rear-end collision, who is typically presumed at fault under US traffic law? → The rear driver for following too closely or failing to stop in time
4. What is 'loss of consortium' in the context of a wrongful death claim? → A surviving spouse's loss of companionship, affection, and support
5. Does the insurance provider have to immediately cover my medical expenses and lost wages? → Not necessarily
6. When you're done shooting pictures, you should? → Make a hard copy and attach to the project accident files.
7. What is a 'structured settlement' in personal injury cases? → Periodic payments made to the plaintiff over time instead of a lump sum
8. It's important to when gathering physical evidence to → All of the above
9. What does 'first-party' coverage mean in accident insurance? → Coverage that pays the insured for their own losses regardless of fault
10. What factor most significantly increases the settlement value of a personal injury claim? → Clear liability combined with documented serious injuries and high medical bills
11. Which of the following is NOT typically included in a personal injury demand letter? → Criminal history of the plaintiff
12. Your safety is being impacted by the work of a different contractor. You ought to halt your work and → Speak to your supervisor
13. What is 'comparative negligence' in US personal injury law? → A system that reduces the plaintiff's damages based on their share of fault
14. Should I contact a lawyer to discuss my claim? → Yes
15. In most U.S. states, what is the typical statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim? → 1 to 3 years from the date of death
16. Can a wrongful death claim and a criminal prosecution for the same death proceed simultaneously? → Yes, civil and criminal cases are independent proceedings with different standards
17. What is 'subrogation waiver' in an insurance settlement? → The insurer agrees not to seek reimbursement from the settlement proceeds
18. If the deceased was partially at fault for the accident that caused their death, which legal doctrine may reduce the wrongful death damages awarded? → Comparative negligence
19. Why is it important for accident victims to avoid recorded statements to the other driver's insurer without an attorney? → Because adjusters may use the statement to minimize or deny the claim
20. Who typically has the legal standing to file a wrongful death lawsuit in most U.S. states? → Immediate family members such as spouses and children
21. What is the primary purpose of 'interrogatories' in personal injury litigation? → To obtain written answers to questions from the opposing party under oath
22. What must a plaintiff prove to establish liability in a wrongful death claim? → That the defendant's negligence or wrongful act caused the death
23. What percentage of personal injury cases in the US are resolved through settlement rather than trial? → Around 95%
24. Will filing a claim increase the cost of my own insurance? → No
25. What three categories of visitors does premises liability law traditionally use to determine duty of care? → Invitees, licensees, and trespassers
26. What types of damages are typically recoverable in a slip and fall personal injury case? → Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care costs
27. What is 'diminished value' in an auto accident property damage claim? → The reduced market value of a vehicle after it has been repaired following an accident
28. What should we do if we arrive at an accident and see a man on the ground? → Stop and verify that there are no other hazards
29. Which factor most directly affects the calculation of lost future income in a wrongful death claim? → The deceased's age, occupation, and projected life expectancy
30. What evidence is typically most valuable in proving liability in a car accident case? → The police report, witness statements, and traffic camera or dashcam footage