Personal Injury Settlements FAQ
This is the case in a number of cases, like for car accidents, airplane crashes or premises liability cases. Below you can read about some of the things you need to consider when you want to know how much you can receive in the event of a personal injury.
1. If I Get Hurt In An Accident, What Should I Do?
If this happens, you need to use the camera on your cell phone to take some photos, and write down exactly what happened. According to the law, you should go to the DMV and report what happened. Do not admit any kind of responsibility and do not give any statements that are being recorded. Your attorney should be your only contact in such a case.
2. How much time before I will see any money?
Before you manage to see any money with the help of your attorney, all your hospital treatments should be finished. After you get paid, your attorney will usually get some of that money.
3. Is there a problem if I don't see a doctor immediately?
You should go to the hospital with an ambulance, even if you're feeling OK. Your body will produce adrenaline in the beginning, which is a great pain killer in the case of a car accident. Your diary should contain the moment when the pain begun, plus all the visits to the doctor.
4. Should I hire an attorney with experience in personal injuries?
Getting an attorney that has experience with personal injuries is the smart thing to do. After all, you're going against the insurance company of the defendant, and that company is fully prepared to deal with such cases, trying as hard as possible not to pay the claims. If you simply go with a popular lawyer, you risk getting less attention, as they're usually quite busy with their current cases.
5. What if the defendant doesn't have car insurance?
If he either doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough insurance, you will have to try to get your money by using their personal assets.
6. What happens to the medical bills, as I wait for the settlement?
In some cases, you will get the money from the insurance immediately, but they will want to be reimbursed when you get your settlement check.