Most Commonly Asked
Questions
What's
the value of my case?
How
will you inform me about my case?
When
should I expect a settlement?
Will
I deal with anyone except my attorney?
Who
will answer my questions?
Should
I handle the property damage claim on my own?
What
if the other driver has no insurance?
What
happens if I file for bankruptcy?
Can
the firm lend me money?
Who
pays for the costs of litigation on my case?
Can
I discuss my case with the insurance company or their agents directly
if they contact me?
What's The Value Of My Case?
It is very difficult to estimate the value
of your case when we start your
case. Until we fully investigate your case and obtain the necessary
materials concerning the liability issues and injury issues in your
case, we
cannot accurately estimate the value of your case. However, after
we have
sufficient information, we will be able to provide you with a reliable
estimate.
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How Will You Inform
Me About My Case?
We tend to keep you informed whenever there is anything important
happening
or to periodically give you an update status. We value the significance
of
open communication between attorney and client. However, keep in
mind that
we may not be able to discuss your case on a daily basis. Yet, your
telephone calls will be returned either the same day or latest the
next day.
You can be assured that we are pursuing your matter, even if we
had not a
discussion during that time period. Your calls and need to be updated
will
be taken very seriously and promptly returned.
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When Should I Expect
A Settlement?
We cannot adequately commence negotiating your case until your medical
treatment is complete and we have secured your medical records and
bills.
Your should focus on continuing your treatment with your doctor
and
recovering from your injuries. We will gather all the necessary
medical
records and begin negotiating your claim as soon as your treatments
are over
or we have a clear understanding of the severity and extent of your
injuries. We are very prompt in negotiating our clients claims..
It is
difficult to estimate the exact time; however, as the case progresses
we can
present you with a time frame depending on your specific injuries.You
will
be informed as we proceed with your case and engage in settlement
discussions.
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Will I Deal With
Anyone Else Except My Attorney?
We employ trained legal assistants to work with our associates.
These
qualified assistants will help us in processing your case to a speedy
resolution. Your case will usually be assigned to one assistant
who will
closely monitor your case and work with your attorney.
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Who Will Answer
My Questions?
We strive to answer your questions promptly. If your attorney is
not in or
available when you call, ask for your legal assistant. If the legal
assistant cannot respond to your question or if you need to discuss
your
matter directly with the attorney, leave a message for him or her,
and you
will have your call returned by latest the next day.
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Should I Handle
The Property Damage Claim On My Own?
No, we prefer that you let us handle everything for you. Infact,
you have to
be careful in discussing your property damage claim with the insurance
adjuster directly. If we settle your property damage claim with
your own
insurance company, do not be alarmed since your insurance company
will make
a claim against the responsible person's insurance company and reimburse
you
for the deductible. This will not increase your insurance rate if
you were
not at fault in causing accident. This is part of the service you
pay for
you when you buy collision coverage.
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What If The Other
Driver Has No Insurance?
In such a case, the other driver is an "uninsured motorist".
In the event
you have an "uninsured motorist" or "med pay"
coverage under your policy,
you will be compensated for your medical bills and/or pain and suffering
to
the extent and type of your own coverage. We strongly recommend
purchasing
both "uninsured motorist" and "med pay" coverage.
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What Happens If
I File For Bankruptcy?
If you are contemplating about filing for bankruptcy, please contact
our
office before taking any action. Your personal injury proceeds may
be part
of your assets in any bankruptcy action. Since bankruptcy can affect
your
personal injury case, be sure to speak with us.
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Can The Firm Lend
Me Money?
We strive to bring your claim to a speedy resolution and will advance
the
costs of the legal action, but we cannot loan you money. The laws
in most
states hold that it is illegal for an attorney to lend money to
a client on
a case. If you are receiving letters from collection agencies for
your
medical bills, we will be happy to notify them and explain that
you have a
personal injury action pending. We will try to ask for more time
or defer
payment on a lien basis until you receive your settlement on a lien
basis.
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Who Pays For The
Costs Of Litigation In My Case?
There are various charges which will be accrued as we are preparing
your
case. Police or sheriff departments typically charge for a copy
of the
accident report; physicians bill us for preparation of their medical
reports; other incidental costs of this kind accrue as well. Other
costs may
also include bills from court reporters, expert witnesses, and others.
We
will advance these costs and we are paid only if we win or settle
your case.
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Can I Discuss
My Case With The Insurance Company Or Their Agents
Directly If They Contact Me?
No, it is crucial that you refrain from discussing your case with
either
your own insurance company or the insurance company for the responsible
party. Your statements may be used as evidence against you. All
communications must go through our firm. If they need to take a
statement,
it is very important that we are present during the statement and
you have
been adequately prepared. If you are contacted directly, politely
ask them
to contact your attorney without giving them any other information.
We hope that these common questions and answers satisfied your
inquiry. If
not, please enter your email here or call us at (866) 325-4LAW or
(866)
325-4529, and we will be more than happy to provide you with additional
information about your specific inquiry.
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