Genthe Law Firm, P.C.

Because each incident is unique, there is no set time that it takes to receive your settlement. There are a number of factors that can have an impact on this timeline including, the complexity of the crash, severity of the victim’s injuries, and the quality of the supporting evidence. The more complex a case is, the longer it will take to receive the settlement. Get in touch with our office today to schedule free consultation. Our attorneys will be able to give a more specific timeline after taking a look at your case.

A car accident settlement will normally cover two main types of damages, economic (special) and non-economic (general). Examples of economic damages can include, medical bills, lost income, and property damage. Non-economic damages includes costs that are incurred from, pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost enjoyment of life, and additional subjective forms of harm.

Assigning fault will usually require a detailed investigation. Driver error is one of the most common causes of car accidents. However, there may be instances where other parties may bear some of the fault. For example, manufacturers, employers of drivers, government agencies, and property owners could bear fault. The investigators will look into traffic violations as well as any defects in a vehicle.

The answer to this depends on what state the accident occurred in. Some states do not require you to call the police after a car accident that did not result in injuries. However, calling the police to document the accident and to generate a police report can be helpful when you go to file an insurance claim.

You should refer to the terms of your insurance policy in order to determine how much time you have to report a car accident to your provider. Additionally, you should familiarize yourself with the terms so that you report the accident accurately. Failing to report an accident required by the terms of the policy may allow the insurer to deny coverage.

You may be able to maximize your personal injury settlement if you are able to build strong evidence in your case. It is crucial to understand the different categories of damages that apply and build evidence that corresponds to each type of claim. Additionally, it is imperative to prepare court filings that comply with the specific laws in your state.

The majority of personal injury cases are resolved by settlement and do not need to go to trial. A trial may be necessary when facts between parties are in dispute or when there is a contested legal issue. A personal injury attorney will be able to help build your case and prepare you if a trial is required.

Yes. You may be entitled to compensation for any injuries and suffering sustained in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness. It is highly advised that you seek the guidance of a personal injury attorney about your legal options before you speak to any insurance company.

Yes. Photos and videos taken on your cell phone at the time of the accident can be used as evidence in the investigation of your case.

Many personal injury attorneys take on cases at no charge, and will ask for a percentage of the settlement winnings only if your case is won. Therefore, if you do not win the case, the attorney will collect nothing. This is known as a contingency fee arrangement. The percentage that an attorney takes is usually 30%. Although, this amount may be higher if you have to go to trial.

While some personal injury cases can be resolved without an attorney, you should seek out one if the facts of the accident are complex, your injuries are significant or unusual, or the at-fault party is contesting liability. Additionally, if there is a large sum of money at stake, we recommend hiring an attorney to help you navigate the situation.

If you were injured at your place of employment, you may have multiple options for compensation. You will most likely be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits through your employer. These benefits will cover your medical bills and also a portion of your lost wages. If someone other than your employer or a coworker caused your accident, you may have an additional personal injury claim against that third party. For example, if you were injured while using malfunctioning equipment. Pursuing a personal injury claim (if applicable) can sometimes get you more money than you could solely through workers’ compensation. Give us a call for free consulation today!

These initial medical expenses will need to be by you with PIP (Personal Injury Protection) or health insurance. For instances where you have been injured on the job, workers compensation may cover your medical expenses. If none of these options apply to you, you will need to find a provider that will treat you under an agreement that they will eventually be paid from the settlement.

This will depend on the laws in the state where you live. There are only a few states that use a contributory negligence rule, which states that a victim cannot recover any damages if they were at fault. However, in other states you may be able to recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Because the rules in this area are technical and state-specific, you should contact a licensed attorney to explain your specific situation.

Do NOT speak with an insurance adjuster for another party involved in the litigation. Although friendly and sympathetic, these adjusters are most likely just trying to coax statements from you that would reduce or eliminate the liability of their client. Inform the adjuster to contact your attorney or insurance company.

The answer to this will depend on the statute of limitations in your own state. For example, a personal injury case may need to be filed within a year of the accident, or you may have up to 4 years to file. Be sure to research the laws in your state to ensure that you do not accidentally waive your rights. We recommend trying to pursue a claim as soon as possible while the evidence is still fresh and viable. Contact us today for free consultation.

The first step is to contact an attorney to set up a consultation to discuss your specific situation. After you provide the details of the incident, the attorney will be able to tell you if you have an applicable case and what type of monetary compensation you can expect. Each situation is different in the eyes of the law so scheduling a consultation with a personal injury attorney should be your first step.

If you are still at the scene and immediate medical attention is not necessary, take as many photos and videos as you can of the accident. Gather any contact information and photos from witnesses. Do not apologize or admit fault to the other parties involved. Although polite, these niceties can be used against you in the future if any party pursues legal action. If another party is at fault, reach out to an attorney and schedule a consultation to discuss your next steps.

Absolutely. Although you may not feel any pain immediately after an accident, you may still have underlying injuries. Some wounds don't manifest any symptoms for days or even weeks following the collision. To identify any injuries and begin obtaining medical care, it is crucial to have a thorough medical evaluation.

No. We do not advise anyone to give a recorded statement about an auto accident before consulting with a personal injury attorney. This includes insurance companies. These recorded statements have the potential to impede your personal injury claim.

No. If a settlement seems unfairly low, you do not have to accept it. As a general rule, you should always be cautious about accepting an insurer’s initial offer. An initial offer may not take all of your injuries into account which can cost you a significant amount. However, if you do not accept an initial offer, you may need to file a lawsuit.

No. The rear driver is not always liable for a rear-end collision. Some states have a presumption that holds a rear driver liable unless they can prove otherwise. However, in some situations (stopping to make a turn without a signal) the front driver may be found to be liable.