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1. Do you need an Attorney?
The legal and insurance systems involved in personal injury claims are complex and confusing, even for people who work with those systems every day. It is not only important how your claim is handled, but it is equally important when your claim is made. Very short statutes of limitations may apply to your situation that you bar your claim forever. Likewise, mistakenly assuming that insurers or medical providers are looking out for your legal rights can be extremely risky. Finally, a personal injury may create other legal problems for you, from employment concerns to debt collections issues.
As you will see, working with a caring and capable personal injury attorney to evaluate your claim and guide you through the damage recovery process can provide peace of mind and valuable information with which to make informed and sensible decisions during very trying times. (Back to Top)
2. Should you see a doctor?
If you have medical problems related to the accident, go to a doctor right away. It is very important to form a good relationship with your doctor at an early date to foster your recovery and to ensure that your medical advisors trust and understand how your medical problems relate to the accident. Please note that you should see a doctor for the purpose of getting treatment, not for the purpose of advancing a claim. If you have concerns about your treatment, I am available to discuss such matters in confidence, for such decisions may well affect your case. (Back to Top)
3. What evidence of injury is necessary?
As soon as possible after your accident, you should photograph with a 35 mm or digital camera all cuts, bruises and broken bones. Also photograph from all angles the damage done to you automobile or other property. It is also helpful if you can provide me with the names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses to your accident. (Back to Top)
4. What should you do about the insurance companies involved?
In a word, act carefully. As soon as your insurance company and the insurance company of the person who caused the accident are notified of the accident, each of them will want information for different reasons. Consult with me before submitting to any recorded statement by an insurance adjuster or investigator, even if the other person’s liability seems obvious. Keep in mind that you are required to notify your own insurance company of the accident and to cooperate with them to obtain certain medical and wage loss benefits. As your attorney, I will help you obtain such benefits if they apply. Since your own insurance company will want to interview you to determine eligibility for benefits, it is very important to consult with me beforehand, and to ensure that the interview is conducted in my presence. Equally important, I will provide the experience needed to settle or litigate your claim as soon as possible. (Back to Top)
5. How much is your claim worth?
Every case is different, and final results are often very subjective. What is important is your case evaluation be done thoroughly, professionally, and at a point when your doctor can predict the nature of your recovery. I take pride in the thoroughness of my case evaluation process, and on larger, more complex cases I endeavor to obtain from another attorney a second opinion of my judgment. Only after completing this process can I make a helpful valuation estimate and enter into settlement negotiations with the responsible party. (Back to Top)
6. What is your property worth?
In car accident cases where neither liability of the other driver nor the extent and value of your property damage is in question, I will assist you in recovery for your property damage. Fixing the amount of property damage claims, particularly in auto accidents, often is presented by insurers as a “standard” process with little room for discussion. I am experienced in helping clients find alternate ways to value assets to ensure their settlements are not just standard, but truly fair. (Back to Top)
7. Is your case confidential?
To ensure that clients and their attorneys can speak freely about any legal matter, the law protects the confidentiality of attorney-client communications. Whatever you tell me remains with me, and I am under a strict legal duty not to divulge information to anyone without your consent. Beyond this legal duty, I also work hard to create a working relationship with clients that foster open communications. I am always willing to discuss your questions by phone or to schedule an appointment with you. Under no circumstances should you feel that you could not or should not discuss a concern with me. (Back to Top)
8. How do you hire our firm?
In my case, I prefer to meet personally with potential clients to discuss the facts of their claim and make a preliminary evaluation. Just call me to schedule this initial meeting, which typically will take less than one hour. There is no charge for the meeting, even if the case is not one I recommend that you pursue. If I do recommend further action, I will ask you to read and sign my written fee agreement. In summary, if you feel that you may have a claim, however small, you should have the matter reviewed by legal counsel as soon as possible. By obtaining a professional evaluation, you can be assured the whether you decide to pursue the case or not, your decision will be well informed. (Back to Top)
9. How long will your case take?
Cases may settle after a few months without need for a trial. No settlement should be completed without careful consideration of future risk. We do not recommend settlement of any case until all injuries have stabilized with all losses and risks fully assessed. Your future is my essential concern. (Back to Top)
10. How long will it take to settle your claim?
There is no definite time when a case ought to be settled. All depends on your unique circumstances. In all matters, however, I will regularly inform you of progress toward settlement, and I will diligently manage your case to eliminate unnecessary delays. (Back to Top)
For help or more information, contact Greg Kessler , at (314) 725-8000.
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