A victim of an accident caused by negligence needs to consult with a personal injury attorney in Poughkeepsie to find out if it is possible to sue the negligent party. For the average person who is not trained in legal matters, it is not always easy to define negligence. When a passenger is injured in an automobile accident because the driver is driving too fast, the motorist is liable in negligence. The law is quite specific about negligent acts. Anyone who experiences physical or emotional problems because of negligence has the right to sue the culpable party. But even though every person has specific legal rights, the actual process may require the services of an experienced lawyer specializing in personal injury cases.