FAQ

1) What is the first thing I should do if I've been injured in an accident?

Answer: Consult an attorney: As soon as you have been injured, you should consult a personal injury attorney to find out if you have a case worth pursuing. Another reason for talking to an attorney right away is so that he or she can help you document facts and preserve evidence - critical steps in preparing your case. The longer you wait to speak with a personal injury attorney, the greater the chance that you won't be able to locate witnesses, prove chain of evidence, and remember clearly the facts of the accident.

2) Do I need to keep records?

Answer: Keep detailed records: Start a journal of your accident. Begin with a detailed description of your accident, including when it happened, where it happened, how it happened, who saw it, and how you can contact them. List as many details as you possibly can. Even if you think something isn't important write it down anyway. Also describe the details of your injury, including doctor appointments, diagnosis, and prognosis. Record your condition on a regular basis with details about how the injury affects your daily life.

3) Why should I hire an attorney?

Answer: Chances are you'll get a better settlement: Many people assume they don't need a personal injury attorney to get fair compensation for their injuries. The fact is, a recent insurance industry study found that car accident victims, on the average, received three times more in compensation when they were represented by an attorney for the very same injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.

Many insurance companies advise you not to hire a lawyer. Meet with one anyway. Initial consultations are typically free of charge, and a good personal injury attorney can tell you whether or not you have a case.

4) How soon after the accident do I need to hire an attorney?

Answer: Consult an attorney immediately: You may not need to hire an attorney right away, but you should talk to one immediately to find out whether you have a case worth pursuing. If you do, you should consider hiring an attorney right away, in order to document facts and preserve evidence which might otherwise be lost overtime.

5) What should I bring to my initial consultation with an attorney?

Answer: Bring as much information as possible: At first the only information your attorney will have to work with is what you provide, so bring as much information as you can. It's the lawyer's responsibility to sort out what is important and what is not.

• Detailed notes about the accident

• Police reports, doctor reports and medical records

• Name, Addresses, and phone numbers of party responsible for your injury

• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of witnesses

• Pictures of your injuries, and damage to your vehicle, if applicable

• Receipts for all expenses incurred as a result of your accident

6) Why do I have to prove the accident was someone else's fault?

Answer: It's the basis of personal injury law: In order to receive compensation, you have the burden of proving that your injuries are someone else's fault. If you cannot show that another party's negligence, carelessness, or disregard directly resulted in injury to you, you cannot make a recovery  under personal injury law.

7) What will a personal injury attorney do for me?

Answer: A good attorney will case your mind: For most people who are injured in an accident, personal injury law is completely new territory. Therefore, it's extremely important to find an experienced, reliable, professional attorney who will help you feel confident that your case is being handled in the best way possible.

Personal Injury Attorneys are responsible for:

• Investigating your case

• Dealing with insurance companies

• Interviewing witnesses

• Collecting information, including police reports and medical bills

• Researching current law

8) What is the value of my claim?

Answer: The amount you are awarded will depend on several factors. Your lawyer will explain to you, in detail, everything that can influence your case.  In short these include:

• The type and severity of the injury you sustainedHow deliberating the injury is, both now and in the future

• The extent to which the injury will affect your ability to work in your profession

• Recent jury verdicts in similar cases

• The total amount of your medical bills, both now and in the future

• The legal liability of the responsible party

• How reliable and accessible witnesses are

• The extent of lost wages and reduction in your claiming capacity

 

9) What kind of factors will influence the settlement amount?

Answer: Reputation matters.  The nature, extent, and permanence of your injuries are fundamental to the amount you are compensated.  But the reputation of the professionals handling your case is crucial to getting the best settlement possible.  Whose reputation matters?

•  The attorney handling your case
• The doctor(s) and other medical professionals treating your injuries
• The medical facilities at which you are treated

10) What can I do to help my case?

Answer: Cooperate with your attorney.  He or she will ask you to provide information, supply medical records and receipts, stay in contact.  He or she will also give you advice on what to do and what not to do following an accident.  Some of these steps include:

• Visiting your doctor as soon as possible following the accident
• Speaking only to your lawyer about the case
• Communicating to your lawyer any fines or legal notices you receive
• Keeping accurate records of everything pertaining to your case

Open PDF Document

You will need Acrobat Reader to open the PDF.