The following are some of the questions most frequently asked by our clients.
Q: If I was injured in an accident and can't afford medical treatment, can you help?
A: Yes. Our firm has a network of doctors we work with on a regular basis who have agreed to treat our clients on a lien basis. This means they will treat you now and wait for payment after your case is resolved.
Q: How long will it take to resolve my case?
A: How long it takes to resolve your case depends on many factors, but typically, we have two years from the date of the accident to negotiate a settlement with the defendant's insurance company before we are required by law to file a law suit on your behalf. Of course we can not negotiate a settlement before you have completed your medical treatment and we receive a medical report and cost of medical treatment from the doctor, and the damage to your vehicle has been established. These are all factors we rely upon in determining the actual value of your case. If the case is not complex, we can typically negotiate a settlement within 3-6 months.
Q: If I decide to take my case to court, can your firm handle the trial?
A: Yes. Our attorneys are seasoned trial lawyers with many years of experience in court.
Q: What are your fees?
A: Our fees are typically lower than most personal injury firms' fees. We only charge 30% if we settle your case without having to file a law suit and only 35% if litigation is necessary.
Q: Can I call you or consult with your firm free of charge if you are handling my case?
A: Yes. You may call us or consult with us in person about your case any time you like, at no cost to you.
Q: Can your firm handle my case if another lawyer is already handling it?
A: Yes. If another lawyer or law firm is presently handling your case, we simply have to write them a letter to transfer your case to our office.
Q: Will you be able to evaluate my case in the beginning?
A: Yes. Our managing attorney was a police officer and traffic investigator for 14 years and has the expertise to effectively evaluate your case from the beginning. Unlike other firms who have to hire accident investigators (which will eventually be paid for by you!) to evaluate your case to determine who was at fault, our office is able to provide an evaluation in the beginning, at no cost to you.
Q: If we go to court, what is the process like?
A: If litigation is necessary, the process will typically take about one year to get to a trial. However, approximately 95% of all cases settle without having to go to trial. The court system will typically require the parties to attend mediation and settlement sessions before a trial to attempt to resolve your case.
Q: Are there any up-front costs or fees I have to pay?
A: No. We advance all costs and will only be paid a fee when we resolve your case.
Q: What if I have been charged criminally in connection with my case?
A: We have attorneys in our office who are experienced in handling criminal matters and will be able to represent you in connection with any criminal matter as well.
Q: If my car was damaged, how will it get fixed?
A: Our firm has a network of body shops we deal with on a regular basis, you may have your car repaired at any body shop you choose, or you may have it repaired by the body shop the other party's insurance carrier provides.
Q: If I didn't have automobile insurance at the time of the accident, does that change anything?
A: Yes. If you were not insured at the time of your accident, you will not be compensated for your "pain and suffering." However, you can still recover for medical treatment and any damage to your vehicle.
Q: What if I was driving someone else's car when I was involved in an accident?
A: As long as that person had automobile insurance for the vehicle you were driving and you had permission to drive that vehicle, you will be covered under that vehicle's insurance.
Q: What if the other vehicle was not insured?
A: If the other vehicle involved in the accident was not insured, you may still be covered under your own vehicle's uninsured motorist coverage.
Q: What kind of damages can I expect to be compensated for?
A: You can be compensated for medical expenses, the cost of repairing your vehicle, pain and suffering and any earnings or wages you may have lost because of the accident if you were not at fault for the accident.
Q: If my vehicle was pushed into another vehicle, am I at fault in any way?
A: If you were not at fault in the initial collision, you are not at fault for another vehicle you might collide with.
Q: What if my passengers were injured?
A: If you were not at fault for the accident, you passengers may also be compensated by the other party.
Q: What if I need a rental car?
A: If the other party was at fault, their insurance company will typically pay for a rental car for you to drive while your vehicle is being repaired.
Q: What if my car was completely destroyed?
A: If your vehicle was "totaled," (the cost of repairing it exceeds its market value), then you may be compensated for the fair market value of your vehicle.
Q: Am I responsible for making my car payments while my car is being repaired?
A: Yes. Because you are contractually obligated to make your car payments, you must continue to make the payments. However, you may be entitled to reimbursement for those payments by the other party.
