FAQs – Motor Vehicle Accidents

If you can do so safely, pull over to a well lit area so that you can get out of the way of moving traffic.

Call the police. Oftentimes we may think that being in a minor fender bender does not warrant a call to the police. This is nonsense. Whenever you are involved in an accident, big or small, CALL THE POLICE. We will use the police report to help get you recovery.

Call us right away. The insurance company will try to reach out to you to get a recorded statement before you get a chance to contact our office. They will try to use your statement against you and minimize any recovery you could receive.

Absolutely! You should call 911 immediately after the accident. It does not matter if you were in a fender bender or a serious accident, you need to call 911 immediately. When the police arrive, they will issue the person at fault a citation. The officer will also provide a report number so that after a few days, you or your attorney can obtain the police report.

The police report will name the person at fault and oftentimes provide a diagram of how the accident happened. This document is so important in an injury claim. Our office uses the police report along with many others to show the insurance company that you are owed just compensation for your injuries.

It depends on the nature of your case. Before we reach the settlement stage, there are two stages that are prerequisites to the settlement stage. The first stage is your medical treatment stage. In this stage we will send certain documents to the insurance companies and medical providers that you have and or will be treating with. At this stage you will be treating with at least one medical provider. Until your treatment and medical care is complete, we cannot move to the next phase. Do not rush this stage as this is a very important stage during settlement negotiations.

The next stage involves preparing your settlement demand. After you have completed your treatment and medical care for the accident that you were involved in and our office acquires your treatment records from your medical providers, our office will prepare a demand on your behalf. We will meet with you to discuss the contents of the demand and goals. Afterwards we will send the insurance company the demand packet.

30-60 days later our office will hear back from the insurance company and settlement negotiations will begin. We will keep you updated with everything and a determination will be made as to whether a reasonable settlement offer has been met or if we will need to file a lawsuit on your behalf. Whether we settle or go to court is ultimately your decision. We will be here to help you navigate your options.