When you think of personal injuries, you might think of injuries caused by accidents, such as car accidents or slip and falls. However, if you've been injured as the result of a crime, you may also have a personal injury case against the person who injured you. It's important to note that not all injuries result in physical injury.

In fact, some injuries can be emotional or psychological. In an assault, the victim reasonably believes they're in imminent danger and believe they're about to be harmed. If you've been the victim of an assault, you may be able to sue for damages. Here are three types of situations that could give you legal grounds to file a personal injury claim.

Verbal Threat

You're in an argument with someone but it has not become violent. As the argument escalates, the other party steps closer to you and exclaims that they're going to knock you out. The way they approached you and the tone of their voice leads you to believe that you're in danger of being harmed. You've just become the victim of an assault.

Threats Involving Words and Actions

During the same argument, the person steps away. You believe the situation has resolved itself so you remain in the area. The person returns carrying what appears to be a handgun. The person points the gun at you in a menacing manner and threatens to shoot you. You immediately fall to the ground in fear for your life. You then discover that the weapon was fake.

While the person couldn't have harmed you with the weapon, you had no way of knowing that at the time. As a result of their actions, you were in fear for your life. In addition to the criminal charges the person may face for threatening your life, they may also face civil charges if you decide to sue them for personal injuries.

Physical Actions 

You and your friends are crossing the street. A vehicle approaches and slows down. While you're crossing, the driver becomes impatient and begins to rev the engine at you. As you're about to approach the curb, the driver guns the engine and speeds past you – leaving you in fear of being run over. You've just been the victim of an assault. If you can get the license plate off the car, you may be able to sue the driver for assault.

Personal injury law doesn't just cover injuries caused by accidents. Personal injury law also provides protection if you're the victim of certain criminal actions, such as assault. If you've been the victim of an assault, you should speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You may have the right to seek legal action against the person who assaulted you. Contact a lawyer, such as Walsh Fewkes Sterba, for more information.