Do I need a personal injury attorney?
The answer to this question is absolutely, unequivocally YES! You want someone who just does personal injury law, but more than that you want a personal injury lawyer who will be there for you on the small issues and the large.
What Information should I have before I call an attorney?
- Get photos of all vehicles or know the location of each so that your lawyers private investigator can get them. Photos of your vehicle should show all of the exterior damage as well as interior.
- Property damage estimate showing name and address of facility.
- Names, addresses and phone numbers of all Witnesses.
- Location photos. You want photos from the perspective of both drivers point of view. Photos soon after the wreck are critical because locations change in appearance, skid marks disappear, debris gets removed.
- Documents showing value of your vehicle. This would include bill of sale, Internet searches like kbb.com, nada.com, etc.
- All insurance policy declaration pages for all car insurance for you and anyone who is a relative that lives in your household or where you live.
- If you have the police report or officer exchange slip then fine. If not don’t worry about it as most reports are now online whether local or State highway patrol.
- All medical bills and prescription receipts and receipts for home health care equipment.
- All photographs showing your injury.
- You must get names , addresses and phone numbers of all of your family, friends, co-workers and acquaintances who have witnessed how your injury has affected you!
- Names and addresses of all hospitals and doctors that have treated you because of your injury from the event.
- Names, addresses and phone numbers of all medical care providers and hospitals that have seen you in the last 20 years, particularly all primary care providers.
- Copies of your Medicaid and/or Medicare cards, both side.
- Your health insurance card including all EOB’s.
- Any and all letters received from ANY insurance companies or their representatives whatsoever.
- All items of physical damage..ie..motorcycle helmets or clothing, boots etc.
- IF you know, tell your lawyer if the Patrolman had a unit out at the scene taking photos or scene sketches, measurements etc.
How long do lawsuits take?
You file your case in court by filing legal documents called a summons and complaint. The defendant will generally have anywhere from 30-45 days after the filing of the complaint to file his answer.
After the Answer is filed, then both parties conduct “discovery,” which takes time, months (and sometimes years) depending upon the case.
Does filing a personal injury lawsuit mean I’ll have to go to court?
It depends on whether you’re making an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit. A claim filed with an insurance company is typically settled out of court. If you cannot settle, then the next step is filing a lawsuit.
Will I be deposed? What is a deposition?
A deposition is oral testimony given under oath. It is part of the discovery process once a case has been filed in court, and takes place long before the trial is scheduled or on the eve of trial if ordered by a judge. You will undoubtedly be deposed.