I was involved in a accident may 24 and the other guy was at fault. I was rear ended and having problems with my back. I went to the er twice, seen a family doctor, got referred to the chrio, that didn't help so now i have another appt. with my family doc to get a referrl to get a mri done. Before all that my bills add up to $7000. Now I have talked to a layer for free, signed nothing, and he told me i probably won't get that much. How much would I get if I would settle without a lawyer? Or would i do better with a layer?Please advise.I need help. This is my 2nd accident and i got screwed last time.
2006-08-28 03:37:44 · 21 answers · asked by stacydeets 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
yes i went to the er the day of the accident.
2006-08-29 04:10:35 · update #1
thats too bad but i would say yes you should get a lawyer.
2006-08-28 03:45:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends. Insurance laws very from state to state. And in some states you, by law, you have to pay all court fees, filing fees, etc on top of the contingecy fee. This means if you have a case for 10k, for instance, you might end up with very little even if you win.
Here would be my advice, find out what the statute of limitations is in your state for personal injuries/negligence. If it is 4-5 years there is no hurry to rush out and get a lawyer. Civil cases take months to years and you won't be getting any money soon through that process.
If you have more than a year to file (Statute of Limitations is 2 years or more)--remember these run from the date of the accident--try to work with the other drivers insurance company. You will get your money quicker. Just make sure that you do not take less than your actual bills.
Be aware that a 10k does not do much for a law firm. The amount of time they have to put into the case, coupled with the low return you might have a hard time finding a lawyer that will take the case (at least a good one).
A lawyer will do most of the work for you, but it will take a lot longer. The plus side is that if you have a good lawyer you can get a significant amount more than just going through the insurance company, however it will take a while.
If you decide to hire a lawyer, keep a diary of your day to day pain, what you cannot do that you used to be able to do...etc. If you can show that your injury has effected your daily life in a significant way it changes the nature of your case.
2006-08-28 11:04:01 · answer #2 · answered by strangedaze23 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, You have 2 years from the date of your accident to make a claim against the other guys ins co. Do everything necessary medically for yourself. Since your bills already add up to $7000 I would recommend getting a lawyer. If you can prove that this will be a long term back problem it would be wise to have a lawyer to help you. Dont get screwed again!
Back problems are a very serious thing and can affect the rest of your life.
2006-08-28 10:47:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You most definitely should hire a lawyer. In Australia all registered vehicles must have third party property insurance......it is compulsory. Third party property insurance means if an injury occurs to a third party....the third party being you in this case is covered. I cannot see why the laws would be much different. You were injured in an accident and you have a right to sue this man. What people dont understand is that it doesnt reflect on this driver because the insurance deals with this kind of thing.
Most lawyers, well, in this country, if it is an insurance matter will tell you no win, no pay. Go see a another lawyer.
I will give you an example. A friend of mine was involved in a very minor car accident, she sustained whiplash injuries to her neck. The insurance company offered her $40,000. She spoke to a Lawyer who told her not to accept it. It went to court and she ended up getting $250,000. Its a huge difference.
You are silly if you dont do something legally about it because you are the one footing the bills in something that was not your fault. I dont know if your laws are similar to ours in Australia, but it seems like it is common sense for a vehicle to be insured for third party property damage . Here it is done through the registration process. You cannot drive a car on a road if it doesnt have third party property insurance.
I suggest you talk to a good lawyer real fast, and as for the other accident you had....find out the law of limitation, meaning find out if it is too late to do something about the other accident. Laws are changing all the time re compensation for injuries. Another friend of mine was injured in a car accident 5 years ago, but under the current laws he was ineligible to claim, but because the injury happened 5 years ago he was under that particular law which was different to the new law, so he was able to claim.
Find out everything you can.....a good lawyer will give you a good outcome. Shop around until you find one who is prepared to do the very best for you.
Dont delay, get on that phone today and make as many enquiries as you can.
I wish you well, it will turn out in your favour if you are prepared to find a good lawyer.
2006-09-04 16:30:41 · answer #4 · answered by rightio 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normally with accident attorneys, they get a third of what you settle for. If you don't get anything, then you don't have to pay. Before you settle, make it clear that the money you do get will be after all of your doctor bills, etc have been paid. It would be in your best interest to have an attorney represent you. It is hard to do all of the footwork yourself and they know all the steps to get your case filed and settled.
Remember also, if and when you settle and you have medical problems later on, you can't sue this person again.
Definitely don't jump on a settlement just to get fast cash. Make sure you are as well as you are going to get.
Been there, done that. 10 years later I have had lots of back trouble.
2006-08-28 10:46:27 · answer #5 · answered by bonjovigroupie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Speak with a Personal Injury attorney who has a clue - don't know who the other one was but dump him like a hot potato! And, why isn't your auto insurance company helping you with this? If you had prior physical problems (pre-existing conditions) which pertain to the May injury, the case would be hard to prove that you weren't previously injured and having a flare-up. Assuming this is a new injury, get an attorney because you don't sound as if you have the negotiation skills to handle your own issue alone.
2006-09-04 13:24:37 · answer #6 · answered by SUZI S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would see a different lawyer. You should at least get reimbursed for you medical expenses. That is what auto insurance is for. He/she might not think that $7,000 is much money but to me it is almost 1/2 a years rent! Most of the time you usually get a little more than what your bills are for. The lawyer might charge a contingency fee. (Say 30% of your settlement) and you keep the rest. But if you don't get paid, then he/she wont get paid either. Call around a get a few more appointments.
Good luck.
2006-08-28 10:49:06 · answer #7 · answered by sdarp1322 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did u go to the er the day of the accident ? I would go to an orthapedic. Possibly may send you to a nuerologist. Chiro's are not respected as much and before u do any of this yes consult a lawyer
2006-08-28 10:47:37 · answer #8 · answered by poujoe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2006-08-31 08:57:23 · answer #9 · answered by Millionaire Hoy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I would say that if you don't like being screwed; (over); get a GOOD accident Lawyer on a contingency basics- it probably depends on your state and insurance coverage - some of these cases can /do take a long time to resolve and you can suffer permanent damage to your body ( mental as well as physical)... Lots of luck And remember to save gas Ride a Horse
2006-08-28 10:53:25 · answer #10 · answered by Boomer T 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES! OMG dont you have any insurance or anything.. is there apolice report? you can actually take them to court unless you have money growng out of ur ***. You shouls take them to smalls claim court as seen on tve, Judge Alex, Joe Brown< mathis??? Im sure you will get your money back maybe on 5000 @ the MAX. it;s better than nothing, and also ure hurt soo take care of it now.. Of course the free laywer will tell u that u get nothing becuase ure not paying them to further research or tell u the right thing... you better start searching for a lawyer
2006-09-04 06:14:23 · answer #11 · answered by im_a_goofy_chick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋