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Dealing with
insurance companies and bureaucracies with their vast resources can be a
real challenge to injured individuals. Representing yourself can be
dangerous. My clients look to me to assure they maximize their
settlement.
Although most bodily
injury cases are settled prior to trial, significant recoveries are
often only achieved after an trial preparation and hard work. Insurance
companies and their attorneys know which attorneys are prepared to go to
trial and which are not. An insurance company that knows your attorney
is not prepared for trial has little incentive to offer full
compensation.
I will not hesitate
to fully prepare your case. If necessary I will file a lawsuit and
proceeding to a jury trial if it is in your best interest.
I am available to
travel to meet you at your convenience and if necessary I have met
injured clients at hospitals, nursing or convalescent facilities. I also
provide flexible in-office appointment, including evenings and
Saturdays.
Most cases can be
handled on a contingency basis and if there is no recovery, there are no
fees although there may be some costs, such as filing fees. Usually
these expenses are paid from your portion of the recovery. Any expenses
you advance may or may not be reimbursed. This needs to be discussed
with the attorney you hire and for my clients is the subject of a
written contract.
If You're In An Accident
If you or your
family has been in an accident you have many important decisions to
make.
1.
Make and keep records - If your
situation involves a motor vehicle crash, regardless of who may be at
fault, it is helpful to obtain a copy of the police report, learn the
identity of any witnesses, and obtain photographs of the scene,
vehicles, and any visible injuries. Keep copies of receipts of all your
expenses and medical care related to the incident.
2.
You do not have to sign anything? You
may not want to give an interview or recorded statement without first
consulting with an attorney, because the statement can be used against
you. If you may be at fault or have been charged with a traffic or other
offense, it may be advisable to consult an attorney right away. However,
if you have insurance, your insurance policy probably requires you to
cooperate with your insurance company and to provide a statement to the
company. If you fail to cooperate with your insurance company, it may
void your coverage.
3.
Insurance company Your interests and
those of the other persons insurance company are in conflict, your
interests may also be in conflict with your own insurance company. Even
if you are not sure who is at fault, you should contact your own
insurance company and advise the company of the incident to protect your
insurance coverage.
4.
Time limit to file an insurance claim
Legal rights, including filing a lawsuit, are subject to time limits.
You should act immediately to protect your rights.
5.
Get it in writing request that any
offer of settlement from anyone be put in writing, including a written
explanation of the type of damages which they are willing to cover. You
may consult with an attorney before you sign any document or release of
claims.
This information
is not intended as a complete description of your legal rights, but as a
checklist of some of the important issues you should consider. |
