How does one know if they have suffered an unavoidable accident which can occur to anyone at anytime, or are suffering due to the negligence, recklessness or fraud of others? Ordinarily, this requires the advice of a professional: a qualified personal injury attorney. But one should first consider the three legs of the classic stool. In this circumstance, they are (1) liability, (2) damages caused by that liability and, (3) a source for recovery. This article delves into each leg of the stool and provides a roadmap for the reader.