Frequently asked questions
1. What do you mean by personal injury?
Answer: Personal injury is a legal term for injury to the body or mind.
2. What are some examples of personal injury?
Answer: Personal injury comes in many forms; however, some common examples include back sprain and strain from being rear ended in a vehicle, a broken ankle from a slip and fall on a foreign substance in a grocery store, or a torn rotator cuff from falling down your neighbor’s broken front door steps.
If you believe you suffered a personal injury as a result of negligence by another or by a dangerous condition on someone else’s property, call us now to discuss the details of your potential personal injury claim.
3. What should I do if I receive a personal injury?
Answer: If you are injured, I recommend that you seek medical assistance from a medical professional. If you are experiencing pain from your injury at the scene of the incident, you can take an ambulance to the hospital. You can visit your local clinic for care. If you are experiencing emotional distress as a result of the incident, you can seek out psychological assistance.
The most important thing to do after receiving a personal injury is to take necessary steps to feel better.
4. I have been in a car accident, what should I do first?
Answer: Assess yourself and any passengers in your vehicle. Call 911 to report the accident and to request medical assistance, if immediately necessary. Stay at the scene of the accident and wait for the police to arrive. Provide your insurance information to the police officer.
Side bar: An accurate and comprehensive police report is very important in a personal injury claim for damages. As such, make sure you speak with the responding police officer. Also, confirm that the police officer has obtained insurance information for all vehicles involved. GET A POLICE REPORT NUMBER so it is easy to obtain a copy of the police report.
Call us to assist with your claim.
5. The other guy’s insurance company is calling me. Do I talk to them?
Answer: I would recommend telling the insurance adjuster that you are able to discuss any property damage that occurred in the incident (such as having your car repaired after an auto collision), BUT you have suffered personal injuries and need to consult an attorney before discussing your injuries with the insurance agent. Then, discuss the details of your claim with your attorney and decide the best course of action.
6. How long before my claim is resolved?
Answer: Every case is different. Once you are finished with your medical treatment, we will order your medical records and bills. Then we will draft a comprehensive demand package for the insurance adjuster to review and begin the settlement negotiations. While most cases settle outside of court, sometimes the need for court intervention is necessary, which does lengthen the process considerably.
7. Should I use my health insurance at the hospital and for follow up care?
Answer: YES! Health insurance companies only pay a portion of the total medical bill. So even if we are required to reimburse the health insurer for money paid related to the personal injury claim, the amount is generally less than paying out of pocket or treating on a lien basis (reimbursing the medical provider after settlement of the claim).
8. I have missed time from work. Can I be compensated for lost wages?
Answer: Absolutely. A personal injury claim includes lost time from work and lost wages due to your personal injuries. In order for the insurance adjuster to consider lost wages in the adjuster’s settlement offers, it is helpful to have a note from a doctor indicating the dates you were unable to work.