Although you are not required to hire an attorney to handle your claims, personal injury laws and insurance laws are complex. Few people know their rights under their own insurance policies or the potential claims they may possess against third parties. Personal injury attorneys are specialists in handling personal injury claims and are experienced in establishing liability and proving the extent of your claim to insurance companies and juries. Injuries can last a lifetime, and you have only one opportunity to obtain fair and adequate compensation. If you need assistance, please give us a call.

As a general rule, injured persons may recover monetary damages for injuries sustained, if the injuries or losses were caused by the intentional or negligent actions of another party. Monetary compensation is available for wage loss, property damage, employment benefit loss, health care expenses, pain and suffering, disability and other types of losses. Your claims must be filed properly and timely (before the Statute of Limitations expires) to preserve your right to recover damages.

The answer is YES. We accept personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that if we do not obtain a recovery on your behalf there is no fee. The contingency fee is a percentage of the settlement, paid to the attorney for his/her time and services. NO RECOVERY – NO FEE*. Costs for out-of-pocket expenses paid by the firm, (such as expenses related to obtaining medical records, photocopies, and other documentation to support your claim) will be advanced as the case progresses, but must be ultimately reimbursed at time of settlement.

*(except costs)

Call the Police. Insist on a police investigation. A Police Report will assist in evaluating and determining who is at fault. Without such an investigation liability may be disputed later.

Exchange Information. Before you leave the scene of the accident, you should obtain the following information: (1) Other driver’s name, address, phone number, vehicle license number, driver’s license number, name of insurance company and policy number; (2) Passenger’s name, address, and phone number; (3) Witnesses’ names, addresses, and phone numbers; (4) Owner’s (if not the driver) name, address, phone number, name of insurance company and the policy number.

Do Not Admit Responsibility. When you exchange information with the other driver and the police, do not admit responsibility for the accident. You may think that you were responsible for the accident and later learn that the other driver was responsible or that both drivers were equally at fault. Remember that statements made at the scene of the accident may be admissible into evidence should your matter proceed to court.

Contact Your Insurance Agent. Call your insurance agent as soon as possible after an accident. Your insurance company may have grounds to deny coverage if you fail to give prompt notice of the accident. Follow up the phone call with a written notice and save a copy for your files. If the other insurance company contacts you be certain not to sign any release/authorization forms or give a recorded/written statements to them until you have consulted with legal counsel.

See Your Doctor. If you experience any pain or discomfort following an accident you should see your doctor immediately. Clearly explain to your doctor that your injuries were the result of an automobile accident. It is important to follow up with any treatment your doctor recommends.

Photographs. Photographs are important! Obtain photographs depicting the damage to your vehicle, the other