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Personal
Injury Frequently Asked Questions
1. If
I've been hurt in an accident what are some of the
things that I can do to make sure the insurance
company of the other driver doesn't take advantage
of me?
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Write
down as much as you can about the accident itself,
your injuries and any other losses (such as wages)
you've suffered as a result of the accident.
-
Make notes of conversations that you
have with people involved in the accident or the
injury claim.
-
Preserve evidence of who caused the
accident and what damage was done by collecting
physical evidence and taking photographs.
-
Locate people who witnessed the
accident and who might be able to help you prove
your case.
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Notify anyone you think might be
responsible for the accident of your intention to
file a claim for your injuries.
2. How do I know if I have a
personal injury case?
The general rules for bringing a
personal injury lawsuit are:
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You must have suffered an injury
to your person or property.
-
Your injury must have resulted
from someone else's negligence or an intentional
act.
Contact an experienced Teddy &
Meekins personal injury attorney today to find out if
you have a personal injury case.
3. An Insurance adjuster wants
to settle and he said that I do not need lawyer.
Should I consult with an attorney anyway?
Yes. It is always a smart
decision to consult with an attorney to help you with
your case. Most law firms, including Teddy &
Meekins, P.L.L.C. do not charge a consultation fee for
personal injury cases. Remember, the adjuster works
for the insurance company, to protect its interests.
Your attorney will work for you, to protect your
rights. The insurance company has one goal, and that
is to settle your case for the least amount of money
possible. What may seem like a fair offer to you could
fall far short of the amount of money you may be
entitled to. It is always a good idea to consult with
an experienced personal injury attorney before
agreeing to any settlement with your insurance
company.
4. What damages can I recover
for my injuries?
You may recover all or some of the
following:
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Medical expenses (present &
future)
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Lost wages (present & future)
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Lost earning capacity
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Scarring
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Pain and suffering
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Loss of consortium
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Punitive damages
5. Why do I need a lawyer to represent me in
my personal injury case?
Your lawyer's focus is to protect you and make sure
that you are treated fairly. You need to recover the
maximum damages you are entitled to, consistent with
the nature of your injuries and losses, to make sure
that you are protected from the consequences of your
injuries. You need a lawyer working for you to protect
your interests. A lawyer can investigate all sources
of insurance coverage to make sure that any insurance
carrier that has coverage is contacted and all avenues
of recovery are explored. You may need to make a claim
with your own insurance carrier for Med Pay coverage,
or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
6. If I make a claim, how long will my case
take?
The answer varies depending on your situation,
including the nature of your injuries and the
defendant's willingness to resolve the matter. Many
claims are resolved quickly, while others may take
longer, for example, if the extent of the person's
damages are not immediately known.
7. How much will I have to pay to hire a
lawyer?
In most cases, Teddy, Meekins & Talbert is paid on a
contingency fee basis. This means that the Firm does
not earn a fee unless and until the Firm recovers any
money on your behalf. Depending on the nature of the
claim, the contingency fee can range in percentage.
The percentage is set based upon the time involved in
the claim, the risk involved in the claim, and the
potential amount recovered on your behalf. Typically,
the contingency fee will vary from 25% to 33% of the
recovery.
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ABOUT
PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS
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