The scope of personal injury law and the types of claims reported are constantly evolving, which is not surprising considering how dynamic human civilization is. Public perception of certain activities, the rapid advancements in technology, and ongoing changes to the legal system are some of the key factors that cause personal injury claims to evolve. In 2025, there are several emerging trends in the area of personal injury law worth looking out for. This article examines some of the major emerging trends in personal injury law and how they impact claims that can be initiated in court or settled out of court.
The Role Technology Is Playing in Personal Injury Cases
Technological advancement appears to be impacting all aspects of human endeavors, and personal injury cases are no exception. “In recent times, we have seen the rising adoption of technology in reviewing and deciding personal injury claims,” says Felix Gonzalez of Felix Gonzalez Accident and Injury Law Firm. “For instance, CCTV cameras have been called into action on several occasions to determine certain claims, especially those related to car accidents. Certain wearable devices have also been referenced to determine how the actions of one person affect another.” In more and more cases involving accidents, technology is being relied on to determine the extent of the damage. Interestingly, the technological cost of treatment is also now being factored in when deciding how much compensation is to be awarded.
Increasing Recognition of Mental Health Impact
When determining damages in a personal injury claim, it is always both economic and non-economic damages. For non-economic damages, the mental health of the victim is now becoming more notable. How much impact does the accident have on the mental health of the victim? The place of mental health in personal injury can be a bit tricky, especially because it can be difficult to quantify it when trying to arrive at compensation. This is why you may want to speak with a seasoned personal injury attorney so that you can try to make the most of your case.
Use of Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
Litigation, especially for personal injury claims, can sometimes get daunting and lengthy. For the at-fault party, it can have devastating effects on their reputation. For victims, the sometimes complex nature of these cases can take a toll on them. It gets worse when, after going through all of it, you do not get the compensation you deserve. There has been a notable increase in the adoption of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to address this challenge. Here, parties can appoint or subject themselves to a third party who either serves as an arbitrator or mediator. The goal is to help both parties reach a reasonable conclusion that is favorable to everyone involved.
Growing Concerns Around Distracted Driving
One of the most notable causes of road accidents is distracted driving. Getting lost in your thoughts, spending time on your phone, or being carried away by some activities happening on the roadside are some factors that can cause distracted driving. In recent times, there has been an increased number of accidents that have been attributed to distracted driving. It will not be surprising if laws are being reviewed to limit distracted driving. This could provide stiffer penalties for individuals who are found guilty of distracted driving.
Increasing Concern About Children’s Vulnerability
Every society agrees that children are some of the most vulnerable, and extra care needs to be exercised on issues relating to them. This trend is also beginning to extend to personal injury cases, with more concern expressed on claims involving children. Many people are advocating for greater compensation to be awarded when a personal injury case involves children. The rationale for this is that injuries suffered by children can have a long-term impact on them, and for some, it may be for life.
Conclusion
While these are the emerging trends to look out for in personal injury law, there is a possibility for more to arise. As society, technology, and law evolve, more trends will continue to emerge that will change how personal injury claims are approached.