Your body’s healing time will control the timetable of your claim. The case should not be settled until you reach maximum medical recovery.

Not everyone will need an attorney. To protect yourself and your rights, however, you should consult a personal injury attorney to determine your legal rights.

Our office does not charge for an initial consultation. After your claim is settled, a percentage of those funds will go to attorney’s fees.

Not always. Whether a lawsuit is necessary or not will depend on several factors. Your attorney will work with you to establish whether a lawsuit is necessary and appropriate.

The value of your claim will be based on the duration of your pain, necessary medical treatment, activity restrictions, wage loss, and the degree of any permanent injury you suffer. An accurate valuation will not be possible until these factors are taken into account.

1. Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your healthcare provider and your lawyer.
2. Do keep all healthcare appointments and follow your treatment plan.
3. Do not agree to insurance company requests for a medical second opinion without first talking to your healthcare provider and attorney.
4. Do not delay consulting with an attorney.
5. Do keep your receipts.
6. Do take photographs of your bodily injuries, property damage, and the scene of the wreck.
7. Do keep track of any time missed from work due to your injuries.
8. Do notify your attorney if you receive any correspondence from the insurance companies.
9. Do discuss openly with your doctor all the elements of your injuries. Tell your doctor the effect the injuries are having on your life and employment.

Most injured people have the right to be reimbursed for their health care costs and to be fully and fairly compensated for their pain and suffering. Neither you nor your health care provider should have to wait for payment of health care costs.

Your first source of payment is your own insurance. You may receive immediate help through your car insurance personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, Labor and Industries, or medical insurance.

If your injury was caused by another person, you may have a claim against that person for compensation, including health care, lost wages, and suffering.

Even if your injuries were not your fault, use your own insurance for prompt payments. Your insurance company should not raise your premiums or cancel your policy for using the coverage when you are not at fault. You can pursue the at-fault person’s insurance at a later date, after you have healed.

Despite what the insurance adjuster may tell you, once you sign an insurance release, you have settled your claim forever.

No matter how great your future health care bills or suffering may be, you will usually forfeit your right to further payment.

Talk to your lawyer before signing any document from the insurance company.

Personal Injury/Insurance Law is very complex, and few people understand their legal rights or the real value of their claim. Insurance adjusters and insurance companies are not reliable sources for explaining your rights, their responsibilities to you, or the value of your claim. Insurance companies employ efficient professionals trained to minimize compensation to injured people.