should i get a lawyer? I have been advised to seek legal representation, but don't know if I should.
2007-06-07 08:59:38 · 6 answers · asked by djminit 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
more details: my car was completely totaled-out by the insurance company, my chiropractor says 4-5 months of treatment will be necessary and the driver that hit me was an on duty pizza delivery driver...
2007-06-07 11:37:04 · update #1
If you have to ask, the answer is no. Don't try to steal anything you don't deserve.
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2007-06-07 09:07:07 · answer #1 · answered by Kacky 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally I am against suing someone every time something bad happens. Think about this:
1. How badly was my car damaged
2. Was I seriously hurt
3. What were the circumstances that caused the accident: speeding, drunk driving, or just carelessness.
4. Do you have the money for a lawyer
5. Does the driver really deserve to be sued
6.. If Numbers 1-4 are negligible, I personally wouldn't sue. Suing for auto accidents also tends to raise the insurance rates for others.
2007-06-07 16:08:59 · answer #2 · answered by SgtMoto 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Who advised you to get a lawyer -- some loser or a lawyer? Hear this loud and clear: insurance companies are NOT afraid of lawyers. Lawyers CANNOT double or triple the settlement amount just because you hire one. Lawyers ALWAYS get their money -- if you have images of yourself telling your woefull tale before a teary-eyed jury while Perry Mason crushes the evil insurance company then you better splash some cold water on your face. You will NEVER see a courtroom. Lawyers are so afraid of losing a case they will settle 99% of all cases, sometimes hours before court, usually for peanuts over the original offer from the insurance company. They also get 33 to 40% of the settlement (so do the math). My advice: go to a real doctor and get a real medical opinion of your condition (chriopractors are just a notch above voodoo witch doctors and will keep you in 'treatment' for years if possible). After that, attempt to work with the claims adjuster as much as possible. Trust me, they are not inclined to pay for months and months of hot rock treatments or bone manipulations and you could be stuck with the bills. There are plenty of idiot claims adjusters out there but there are also lots of really good ones that truly want to pay a fair settlement as quickly as possible. Remember, just because he/she is attempting to settle for as little as practical does NOT mean the settlement can't be fair. If you simply cannot get anywhere with the insurance company (adjusters or management) then you can always hire a lawyer.
2007-06-07 20:05:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have to agree with Chief, seek legal advising if the case itself gets what we call "ugly."
I have been in prior accidents and my cases have not required an attorney. Usually insurance company will take care of the claim on both ends. And if you have full coverage, medical expenses should be taken care of.
All in all, seek legal assistance if you really feel that the situation turns into more of a battle as opposed to a "claim."
2007-06-07 16:10:47 · answer #4 · answered by katshimoum 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You only need a lawyer if you are going to press charges or sue for physical injury etc..
Otherwise, just let their insurance company pay for your car and they usually will pay all medical expenses as well..
You shouldn't need a lawyer. Before you speak to one which isn't free $250-$300 per hour, goto a doctor or chiropracter to have them verify and document your physical injuries.
Some doctors specialize in this type of trauma and may be able to tell you if you have a case. A $20 co-pay is much better than a lawyer bill.
2007-06-07 16:05:45 · answer #5 · answered by Chief 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
what was the situation? was it a hit and run? are you suing the person who hit you or are you suing your insurance company?
2007-06-07 16:45:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋