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 If you have not hired a personal injury attorney before, you probably have some questions. Here are a few that we are frequently asked: If I'm injured in an accident, what should I do first? Your health should always be your primary concern. If you refused medical care at the accident scene, you should see your family doctor for a complete check-up. Often, symptoms do not appear until a few days after the accident. Do I really need an attorney? Why can't I handle this on my own? By speaking to an insurance company—even your own—without a lawyer's help, you may make a bad situation worse. The goal of every insurance company is to pay you as little as possible. An experienced personal injury attorney will know how to maximize your benefits and increase your chances for a favorable recovery. Will I get more money from my case if I use a lawyer? Many studies and the American Bar Association say that you will receive a larger recovery—an average of 35% more—when you hire an attorney instead of trying to negotiate a settlement on your own. When should I hire an lawyer? Immediately. Waiting to consult with a lawyer can seriously compromise your case. If you are hospitalized and unable to call an attorney, a family member or friend should do so. The attorneys at our firm are on-call 24 hours/7 days a week and can meet with you or family members at the hospital or at your home. How do I hire a personal injury lawyer? Call us on our toll-free number 1-888-888-0005 anytime. The first consultation is free—either in person or on the telephone—and we can usually determine if you have a case very quickly. Why should I call Michael S. Morgenstern & Associates? If you have a heart condition, you see a heart doctor, not a brain surgeon. If you have been in an auto accident, choose an attorney that specializes in personal injury law. We have been concentrating in auto accident law for over 20 years, we have the highest attorney rating, and we have recovered record verdicts and settlements for our clients. How do I pay the lawyer? You do not have to pay us anything up front. We charge what's called a contingency fee for our services. This means that our fee is a percentage of what we can recover for you. If we are unable to obtain any compensation for you, then there's no fee. The accident wasn't my fault. Who's going to pay for damages caused to me and my car? If you're not at fault, the other driver's insurance should pay or reimburse you for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, as well as for the damage to your car. What if the other driver didn't have insurance? Your own auto insurance policy may protect you. We can check it to determine if you have "Uninsured Motorist" coverage. How much is my case worth? Your compensation will be based on two factors: 1) how much insurance is available and 2) the extent of your injuries. Usually we can determine the amount of available insurance soon after we are hired. We will not know the extent of your injuries, though, until your doctor releases you from treatment. How long will it take before I am paid for my injuries? That depends on whether your claim settles or goes to trial. A settlement may occur 2 to 6 months after your doctor has released you from treatment. A trial may take a year or longer. What happens if I wait too long to make a claim? If a lawsuit has not been properly started within the required time set by law, you lose your rights to make a claim for compensation for your injuries. This is one of the reasons you need to contact a personal injury lawyer immediately after your accident. Please note that the above answers to these questions should not be construed as legal advice as all situations differ and you should always consult the advice of an attorney before making any decisions regarding injury claims or other legal matters referred to herein. These answers are intended to provide general information only. |
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