Answer: Assist the injured, call police, do not move the vehicle, identify eyewitnesses, seek medical treatment if injured, insist on a written police report, consult your attorney before giving statement adjusters.
Answer: Do not discuss your case with anyone else other than your lawyer and medical providers. If you are contacted by an insurance agent, advise him/her that you would be pleased to have your attorney speak with them, and then have him/her telephone the office.
Answer: If you sustained an injury requiring medical attention, you should consult an attorney as soon as possible. Experience shows that an attorney will generally obtain substantially more compensation for you than you would be offered by the insurance adjuster, even after payment of your attorney’s fees and medical expenses.
Answer: The insurance company is required to pay you the fair market value of your vehicle before it was damaged in the crash. You may check the average fair market value of your vehicle at NADA.com. Most insurance companies will provide you with a rental car or pay you for loss of use of your car until you are offered a property damage settlement. The firm’s skilled and experienced paralegal can assist you in obtaining a property damage settlement at no additional charge.
Answer: Tell the doctor all about prior crashes and similar injuries. Your failure to do so may damage your credibility at trial or in negotiations.
Answer: Do not sign anything dealing with your claim without consulting an attorney.
Answer: In most cases we will advance all your costs upfront, prior to filing a lawsuit. We will reimburse ourselves at the time of settlement or judgment.
Answer: At our first meeting, the attorney will obtain information about the crash, your injuries and damages. The attorney also will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your case and make a recommendation on how to proceed. In this meeting, the attorney will talk about the fee for the firm’s services. The firm represents clients on a contingency basis. This means if there is no recovery, there is no charge for the firm’s legal services. However, you will be responsible for out-of-pocket expenses of preparing or litigating your claim. Any out-of-pocket expenses the firm incurs on your behalf will be reimbursed from the proceeds of your settlement or award.
Answer: You will pay 33.3% of any amount recovered in settlement, and 40% of the amount recovered in the event a lawsuit or demand for arbitration is filed.
Answer: Your case is not ready to be settled until you have completed all of your medical treatment.
Answer: If you have purchased personal injury protection (PIP), your bills are submitted to the insurance carrier. Most policies in Washington have limitations of $10,000.00, but some policies provide for $35,000.00. If you don’t have any PIP insurance, your bills are submitted to your medical insurance carrier. If you don’t have personal injury insurance or medical insurance, you can still obtain medical treatment and your bills will be paid at the time of settlement of your case.
Answer: If you have PIP coverage, your insurance company will pay $200 to $700 per week, depending on your coverage, after a 14 day waiting period. If you don’t have PIP coverage then you may qualify for income loss payments through a disability insurance policy through your job.
Answer: A settlement or verdict may include money for lost and future wages, impairment of future earning capacity, vocational retraining costs, past and future medical bills, and money for past and future suffering that can include mental and physical suffering, disability and disfigurement.
Answer: An attorney will negotiate and try your case, should that be necessary. Paralegals are available to assist you as well, if you have questions.
Answer: If settlement is attempted and a reasonable offer from the insurance company is not obtained, it may be necessary to initiate a lawsuit. A lawsuit is commenced by filing a Summons and Complaint with the defendant. From the time the lawsuit is filed until the time of the actual trial depends upon the county where the lawsuit is filed. In King County, Washington, that time is generally 12 months from the date of the filing of the summons and complaint.
Answer: In many cases, you will be provided a questionnaire which requests that you furnish information about your medical condition and how you have been getting along. This is one means of keeping track of your progress. Promptly completing these forms and returning them to the office is extremely helpful. In addition, please notify the office of the following: change of address and/or phone number, change in employment-i.e. raises, reduction in salary, or loss of job; if you receive any new information regarding your case; if you are leaving town for more than one week; if you miss work due to your injuries and/or when you return to work; and if you are required to return to the hospital due to your injuries.