Should I Hire An Attorney?
Does this seem familiar?
It starts out seeming simple. You have an auto accident, and the insurance adjuster for the
at-fault driver is really friendly and helpful so you begin working with her about getting payment for your car. You don't feel like you get top dollar, and you were kind of mad that they didn't pay all of your rental car bill, but you figure you'll make up for it later when you settle your injury claim.
You decide to go it alone and negotiate a settlement of your injury claim, so you talk with a friend who was in an accident last year, and you pick up one of the books that are out on the market about handling your own injury claim. That should be all you need.
The insurance company wants you to give them a recorded statement, and you're not sure if that's right, but you go ahead. Then some issues come up about coverage and calculating your lost wages. Next thing you know, the insurance company wants you to be examined by a doctor they choose. You're not certain what to do, but you figure it will all work out in the end, so you go ahead, but then they tell you that they won't pay any more of your medical bills.
After a couple of months your back still hurts some, but you want to settle and get this behind you. The medical bills keep coming, and you are getting past due notices, so you get the insurance company to make you an offer. Then it occurs to you that you have a lot of nagging concerns, and don't know where to turn.
- Should I settle now even though my back still hurts?
- What about future medical bills?
- What if I miss more work when I have to go back to physical therapy?
- Was it right that the adjuster told me they didn't have to pay for my chiropractic care?
- What happens if I sign this form called a "Release?"
- Is the amount of money the insurance company offers me fair?
That is why many auto accident victims decide to use an attorney.
Auto accident claims can be complex. It is often to your advantage to have an attorney handling your claim who is knowledgeable in this type of claim and who can advise you about how to protect your rights. Without an attorney, you run the risk of making serious and costly mistakes.
I am experienced in the complex liability and insurance issues involved in auto accident claims.
My fee is less. My usual contingent fee for automobile accident cases is one-third of the recovery plus expenses. I can explain the fee in more detail when we talk about your case.
What I can do for you:
- Evaluate your bodily injury claim to determine a reasonable amount of money that should be received for your injuries.
- Settle the property damage portion of your claim (usually no fee charged).
- Relieve you of much of the worry, inconvenience, and paperwork involved in processing your claim.
- Lay the groundwork for a good settlement, and avoid mistakes before they are made.
- Resolve complex issues. I am aware of what state laws apply and how it can affect your case.
- Work with your doctors to obtain your medical records, reports & billing statements, and notify medical providers who to bill.
- When necessary, interview witnesses, take statements from the investigating police officer, and take photographs of the accident scene.
- Skillfully negotiate a maximum fair settlement for you.
- File a lawsuit and present your claim to a jury, if necessary. Using this leverage with the insurance company can add to the value of your claim.