A motor vehicle accident can have a devastating impact on you and your family. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Information About Motor Vehicle Accident Claims
After a motor vehicle accident, victims can be at a loss about what to do next. Do you understand the difference between a property damage claim, loss of use claim or a claim for Personal Injury Protection? Most people don't since they have never had to deal with this situation before.
I am Jim Desmond, an attorney who handles only motor vehicle accidents. I enjoy what I do so it is not difficult for me to work hard at it or put enthusiasm toward your case. I am not like some attorneys who will promise you with the world and tell you sorry six months later when they can't deliver. Instead, I ask you simply for the OPPORTUNITY to show you what I can do for you and in turn, I promise you straightforward, solid legal advice.
Some information about motor vehicle accident claims appears below. Your case however, is unique. What are you waiting for? The insurance company has already started their investigation. Isn't it time for us to hit this ball out of the park? I am ready to take the swing so be the coach and make the call. I am waiting to hear from you.
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For a free consultation, call me at 502-609-7657, toll free at 888-515-4246 or send an e-mail.
From my offices in Louisville, I represent clients in Kentucky and Indiana. If you can't come to my office, I will do my best to come to you.
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In a accident case, there may be multiple sources of compensation, including health care insurance, PIP coverage and uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage. I always seek to obtain maximum compensation for my client from all possible sources. Whether these other coverages apply can depend upon many different factors. Let's discuss things before you walk away from money you did not know you were entitled to. For example, I had a motorcyclist injured once by an uninsured driver. We were able to get an insurance policy from a scooter to apply which provided him with another $25,000 in uninsured motorist benefits.
Careful case preparation and strong advocacy can shorten the accident claim process. Desmond Law Offices acts quickly and prepares claims thoroughly, so that my clients get compensation on a timely basis. Very simply, you don't want to go months without knowing what is happening on your case and who is working your case. Unfortunately, this happens a lot with many other firms who utilize paralegals. With me, you deal directly with me. If you are not getting the answers you need, I will sit down with and again outline my game plan for your case. At the end of every case, I ask every one of my clients to give my name out to their family and friends if they were happy with my services. Consequently, I know what is at stake and the last thing I am going to do is let you walk away without thoroughly understanding the strengths and weaknesses of your claim.
* The Kentucky State Bar requires me to say that COURT COSTS AND CASE EXPENSES WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CLIENT.
Insurance Claim Dos and Don'ts
When you need to make an auto insurance claim, you should proceed with care. Your actions may have a significant influence on the amount of compensation you receive. Contact an attorney from Desmond Law Offices in Louisville, Kentucky, to learn more.
The Dos
DO consult an attorney for legal advice.
DO review your insurance policies to find out what is covered and what is excluded.
DO notify your insurance company right away after you are in a car accident, your car is stolen or damaged or another such covered event takes place.
DO take pictures if you can: of your vehicle, the accident site and your injuries.
DO take notes when you speak with your insurance company. Make a record of the names, job titles and phone numbers of the representatives with whom you communicate. If you can, get the names of their supervisors, too. Note what you discussed and what you or the representative promised to do.
DO tell your insurance company the truth. Not only does this save everyone a lot of time and effort, but questions of legal liability can be complex. If you fail to be forthcoming with your insurance company, this could invalidate or reduce your coverage.
DO investigate whether you have additional insurance coverage. Depending on the circumstances, supplemental coverage may come from another auto insurance policy, a homeowner’s policy or umbrella coverage.
DO keep the receipts for money you’ve spent on car rental, medical bills and purchases made in connection with the motor vehicle accident.
DO make sure you’re aware of the difference between the replacement value of your car and what you actually owe on the car. If the car is totaled, most car insurance will cover only the cash value of your car at the time of the accident. You may owe more than that, however, on the loan or the lease of the car. Gap coverage makes up for this difference. Additional coverage is usually necessary for things like a special sound system in your car.
The Don'ts
DON’T accept the insurance company’s estimate of your losses and damages until you have a chance to fully explore the matter yourself. An attorney’s help can be valuable in determining whether the insurance company’s estimate is fair.
DON’T give the insurance company a recorded or written statement until you have determined how you wish to proceed. It is important to be aware of the extent of your insurance coverage and your rights.
DON’T sign a release or waiver until you have gotten reliable legal advice. You may feel pressure to sign from your insurance company, but it is your right to explore your options. Just make sure that you take appropriate action within the time limit stated in your insurance policy.
DON’T accept a check from your insurance company — especially one that says “final payment” — unless you have obtained legal advice and carefully weighed your options.
DO Consult an Attorney
Your insurance company is legally obligated to follow through on the terms of its contract with you. You have the right to make sure that happens. Contact an attorney who will offer you support, guidance and advocacy. Speak with a lawyer from Desmond Law Offices in Louisville, Kentucky, to discuss your situation.
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DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
