FAQ
Q: I have been involved in a car accident what should I do?
A: If you have been involved in a car accident the first thing you should do is to see a doctor right away. Even if you are feeling fine immediately after the accident you may have suffered injuries that will not present themselves until several days or weeks after the accident. Seeing a doctor immediately will help you get a jump start on treating your injuries and help in mitigating any damages you might have.
Q: Will I have to pay anything to hire the Szantho Law Firm?
A: No. All of our initial consultations are free of charge. Most cases the Szantho Law Firm handles are done on a contingency fee basis, which means that you do not pay a dime unless we recover money on your behalf.
Q: Should I take pictures of my vehicle or wait for the adjuster?
A: Yes, take as many pictures of your vehicle from as many angles as possible. It is very important to document the damage to your vehicle. It is also important to take pictures of the scene where the accident occurred. If practicable get names of witness and get a copy of the police report relating to your accident.
Q: What if the other driver did not have any insurance?
A: Even if the other driver did not have insurance you still might be able to make a claim for damages under your uninsured or underinsured policy with your insurance company. You should consult an attorney to determine if this is an option in your particular case.
Q: The insurance company is offering me a settlement should I accept it?
A: You should always check with an attorney before accepting any settlement or signing any papers presented to you by the insurance company. By accepting a check from the insurance company you might be giving up other compensation otherwise available to you.
Q: Will I have to take my case to trial in order to recover damages?
A: Statistically speaking very few cases ever go to trial. However, if a settlement cannot be reached with the other party a trial might be inevitable. At the Szantho Law Firm we prepare every case as if it were going to trial, that way if your case goes to trial we will be prepared to litigate aggressively on your behalf.
Q: How much is my injury case worth?
A: You need to contact an attorney and discuss your case fully with them. There are many factors that determine the amount of potential recovery in any case. It is impossible for an attorney to tell you exactly what your case is worth without first examining medical records and conducting a thorough investigation of your case. There is also the possibility that the maximum amount of compensation available to you might be significantly less then what your damages are. This depends on what type of insurance coverage you have and what type of insurance coverage the negligent persona has.
Q: How long do I have to file a claim?
A: There are different statute of limitations for filing a claim and they depend on many factors. It is best to consult an attorney immediately after your accident to discuss filing what time line you have in filing a claim.
You probably have many other questions at this point. Contact the Szantho Law Firm for your free consultation and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have.