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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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.
What to Do If You Are in an Accident
When you are in an accident, you have immediate, important decisions to make. For the crucial decisions you have to make later on, consult with an attorney from Desmond Law Offices in Louisville, Kentucky.
Immediately After the Accident
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, the first thing you need to do is stop your car or truck; pull over to the side of the road if you can. Most states make leaving the scene of an accident a crime.
Check to see whether you or your passengers have been injured. See if the occupants of the other vehicle(s) are okay, too. If anyone is injured, call an ambulance; it is usually best not to move an injured person yourself. Prevent additional injuries by making your vehicle visible: set out flares, turn on your hazard lights or raise the hood of your vehicle.
States have different rules about when people who have been in accidents need to call the police. To be on the safe side, you may want to call any time you are in an accident. The police will decide whether they need to come to the scene.
Meanwhile, exchange information with the other driver. Write down the driver’s name, address, telephone number, license plate number, driver’s license number and full auto insurance information. Give your information to the other driver, too.
If anyone witnessed the accident, try to get their identifying information. In addition, make note of the circumstances of the crash and anything unusual that you noticed. Record the weather conditions, the speed limit on the road, your speed at the time of the crash, your estimate of the other driver’s speed and other such elements. This will be important if the case ends up in litigation or an insurance dispute.
Do not admit fault. The determination of fault, if any, will be made later. For now, focus on safety and proper accident procedures. Do not sign any waivers offered by the other driver or the insurance company.
When the Police Arrive
Cooperate with any police officers who are at the scene of the accident. Provide them with whatever information they request, including information on injuries and witnesses, but avoid making editorial comments or admitting responsibility for what happened. Legal liability is complex, and you may not have the facts you need to determine who was responsible for the accident.
Make sure to get the business cards of the police officers who investigate. Ask for the incident number, too, so that you can get a copy of the accident report (and so that you can give this information to your insurance company). Do not leave the scene of the accident until the police officers tell you that it is okay to do so.
Soon After the Accident
Even if you are in minor pain, it is best to be examined by a physician. Injuries may not truly show themselves until later, and early treatment can prevent significant pain or other damage. In addition, an insurance company could argue that your failure to seek medical treatment aggravated your injury, or even that your injury did not arise from the accident at all.
Contact an Attorney
When you consult with an attorney, bring all of your automobile insurance information with you. Do not sign any documents or checks from an insurance company before you speak with the attorney. Document all of the costs related to the accident, such as renting a car, lost wages, medical bills and other costs. An experienced attorney from Desmond Law Offices in Louisville, Kentucky, can help you sort out all the losses related to your accident.
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