I WAS JUST IN A CAR ACCIDENT. WHAT DO I DO NOW?

• Exchange insurance information with other driver(s) and ask witnesses for names, addresses and phone numbers (try to get home, work and mobile).
• Take pictures of the accident with your mobile device.
• Get the responding officer’s name and a case number.
• Do NOT leave the scene of the accident before the police arrive.
• Do NOT admit fault or discuss the accident with bystanders or witnesses.

After you get home, report the accident to your insurance company and file accident form SR-13. Then call us for your free consultation to learn your rights and determine whether you have a case.

WHAT IF I CAN’T AFFORD AN ATTORNEY?

Our attorneys will provide you with a free consultation to assess your situation.  If we decide to take your case it will be on a “contingency” basis, meaning that we won’t get paid unless you win.

THE DRIVER WHO CAUSED THE ACCIDENT DIDN’T HAVE INSURANCE. WHAT DO I DO?

Depending on the type of coverage you have, your insurance may cover your claim.  Let our attorneys help you make sure you get the most out of your insurance policy.

I HAD A CAR WRECK BUT THE PERSON WHO CAUSED THE ACCIDENT DROVE OFF AND HASN’T BEEN IDENTIFIED.  WHO WILL PAY FOR MY INJURIES?

If you have Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage you can make a claim against your own UM policy and recover for damages caused by a “phantom motorist.”  Dealing with your insurance company can be complicated process, but fortunately our attorneys are ready to help you navigate the system.

THE PERSON WHO CAUSED THE ACCIDENT DOESN’T HAVE ENOUGH INSURANCE TO PAY FOR ALL MY DAMAGES. WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

Unfortunately, this is not an unusual situation. Many drivers have only the required state minimum coverage. Often these minimum limits are not enough to cover your damages especially where there are multiple injuries. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage may be available under your insurance policy. UIM coverage can sometimes help fill the gap between the damages you have suffered and the coverage limits of the person who caused the wreck.

I KNOW MY CAR ISN’T GOING TO BE WORTH AS MUCH AFTER IT IS REPAIRED. CAN I DO ANYTHING ABOUT THAT.

Many times, the answer is YES. Even when repaired, vehicles are often worth less after a wreck. You are entitled to be compensated for this reduced value. Insurance companies rarely volunteer this information. Let our attorneys help you assess and recover this lost value.

CAN’T I JUST ATTEMPT TO SETTLE MY CLAIM WITHOUT AN ATTORNEY?

Yes, but you may not receive the same compensation for your losses as you would if you were represented by an experienced personal injury attorney. Insurance companies know that unrepresented parties are usually not aware of the full value of their claims and will generally make settlement offers that are significantly less than those claims are worth. However, once an attorney is involved, an insurance company must consider the risks of litigation, the expenses of a trial, and the quality of representation provided by opposing counsel when determining the amount of money to offer on a claim. The value of a claim goes up when the insurance company knows that there is a threat of litigation, which is present when a respected car accident lawyer is representing you.