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Auto Accidents FAQ

Right now, you’re bound to have quite a few questions. That’s normal! Here are some helpful answers that will begin to put things into perspective. Keep in mind that every case is different, so please call us for all the answers regarding your unique situation.

• What should I do if I’m in an accident?
• How are insurance claims handled?
• What if I‘m injured?
• Do I need an attorney?
• How much will it cost to get legal help?
• What is my claim worth?
• How long will it take to settle my claim?
• Who do I talk to?

What should I do if I’m in an accident?

1. Help everyone to a safe place. Assist the injured.
   
2. Call 911. Request police, medical and fire assistance as necessary.
   
3. For minor accidents and no serious injuries, move cars to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic.
   
4. Turn on your hazard lights and put out markers and flares as appropriate.
   
5. Do not discuss the accident with anyone but police.
   
6. Get photographs of vehicles and other objects involved. Include skid marks, if any, and full views of the scene.
   
7. Exchange information with all drivers involved in the accident. Note the following information:
   - Name, address, driver's license number
   - Phone numbers (home, work, cell)
   - Insurance company and policy number
   - Description of each car: license plate numbers, year, make and color
   
8. Get names, addresses and phone numbers of all witnesses.
   
9. Write down everything the others involved in the accident say about it and everything
10. YOU can remember as soon as you can.
    
11. Seek medical attention. Soft-tissue injureis may be hidden for weeks. Symptoms can be muscle stiffness, spasms, neck pain, headache, numbness and tingling, mid- and low- back pain, and any unusual discomforts or difficulty.
    
12. Speak with a personal injury attorney before giving a recorded statement to the insurance company.
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How are insurance claims handled?
As soon as possible after the accident, contact your insurance company.

If the accident was the other driver’s fault, his or her insurance company should pay your claim. If the other driver does not have insurance, or does not have enough insurance, your insurance may pay your claim, depending on what kind of coverage you have. Some insurance companies will tell you that you don’t need an attorney to represent you if you are injured in the accident. This is bad advice. Never give an insurance company official statements about the accident without consulting with us so that we can protect your rights. Back to Top

What if I‘m injured?
As with property damage, if the other driver is responsible for the accident, he or she is also responsible for your medical bills. If you have been injured, it is important to see an emergency room or urgent care facility doctor - or your family doctor - as soon as possible. Remember: An injury may not appear until long after the accident. Back to Top

Do I need an attorney?
If you were not hurt, or the only damage suffered is property damage, you probably will not need an attorney. However, if you have been injured or have missed work, you should contact us immediately to help you get your fair due from the insurance companies. Unfortunately, many insurance companies make it difficult to recover for certain kinds of injuries (such as whiplash) without a lawyer’s help. Back to Top

How much will it cost to get legal help?
Most attorneys who handle personal injury lawsuits do so on a contingent basis. This means that you do not have to pay for the attorney’s services out of your own pocket, but instead the attorney will receive a share of the recovery if you are successful. If you don’t win, you don’t pay. We believe that you deserve good legal help even if you do not have a lot of money.
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What is my claim worth?
The answer depends on a number of different factors. You should be compensated for your medical bills and lost wages, both past and future. You also should recover something for the pain and suffering the accident has caused you. If your injuries are serious enough, they may affect you for the rest of your life, and so you should be able to recover for your lost earning capacity. Back to Top

How long will it take to settle my claim?
Many cases settle quickly, to everyone’s satisfaction. Others continue for months or even years, depending on whether there are disputed facts and on the amount of medical treatment you require. Still other cases cannot be settled without a trial, which may take longer.
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Who do I talk to?
If you’ve been injured, or have questions about a workers’ compensation or Social Security disability claim, call us. We’ll help you determine whether you need a lawyer and whether you have a right to monetary damages. The decisions that must be made after an accident or injury are very important, and must be addressed quickly. We will be happy to talk to you about your case. Back to Top