CAR ACCIDENT? HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Question:I was in a car accident and the insurance company for the other driver has already contacted me. Is it okay for me to give them a statement?

Answer:No, not if you have been injured. If you have been injured in an automobile accident, you should first seek an experienced personal injury attorney before giving any statements to the insurance company.

Question:I was in a car accident two weeks ago and the insurance company for the other driver has already offered to pay me for my injuries. Is it okay for me to take the check?

Answer:It may be, but first you should consult with a personal injury attorney. It is possible that the insurance company is simply offering to assist you with your ongoing medical bills or make payment for your damage to your vehicle, but they may also be attempting to make an offer in settlement. Acceptance of that payment may require that you sign a release of all claims. Depending on the circumstances, especially if you have been injured, it would not be wise to sign any kind of release or accept payment without first consulting an attorney. Once you have released your claim, any additional treatment, injuries or loss wages will not be covered by the insurance company. So, while a quick payment may seem tempting, there may be huge consequences attached. That check today may leave you with huge bills to pay tomorrow. Be patient and be smart because if it seems to good to be true... it probably is

Question:I’ve Been Hurt in a Car Accident, How Do I Know if I Have a Case?

Answer:In legal terms you need to show 3 things: liability, causation and damages. In plain terms this means you have to show that the other party was at fault (liability) and that he or she caused the accident (causation). In addition, you have to show that you were injured as a result of the accident (damages). The more obvious the fault and the more serious the injury, the stronger your case.

Question:How much does it cost to hire an injury attorney?

Answer:Almost all injury attorneys work on what is called a "contingent fee basis." This means that the attorney gets paid only if they are able to obtain a money settlement or judgment for you. Of course, you are always entitled to hire an attorney at an hourly rate, but this kind of payment is usually cost prohibitive- most clients opt for the contingent fee agreement. In addition to your attorney fees, there are costs involved in your case for things such as doctors’ opinions, court fees, etc. which you will have to pay. Attorneys are permitted to advance these costs for you, recognizing when you are hurt and out of work, you don’t have the money to pay for attorneys and expensive litigation.