This process will not cost you a penny. Your medical treatment is paid for by your no fault insurance. The RIGHT attorney and doctor are essential to winning your case. If you do not currently have UNINSURED MOTORIST call your insurer and request the coverage immediately.
What to do at the scene:
Do not move the vehicles until the police officer has written the report. If you do have a camera take pictures of the car in its position after the accident, if not call a friend to bring a camera, buy a disposable if you must. Determine if there are any witnesses and gather the contact information to reach them later. If there is a dispute as to how the accident occurred ask the witness to speak with the police for you. It may be the only way the police report is accurate. You must have a police report made. No matter what the other person insists, take the time and wait for the police to document the accident. It is essential that the police report shows that the other party was at fault. If the policeman is reluctant, you must insist that the officer gives the other person a citation for causing the accident. If possible draw your own diagram and write an explanation of exactly how the accident happened. If you have a camera and are able, take pictures of the cars in their original position after the accident. Explain to the officer you are injured and need medical assistance. You have just been in a traumatic accident your health must be your first concern. Insist that Fire Rescue take you to the emergency room. If they refuse, take yourself to a hospital or an urgent care center immediately from the scene. Do not speak to any insurance adjusters until you have retained an attorney. Do not speak to your own insurance company; let your attorney instruct you first. At MADALON P.A. we always speak to the insurance companies for you.
How to find the RIGHT attorney and doctor:
To a very large extent, your attorney will determine how fast your settlement is reached and how much money you receive. Before you hire anyone make sure that attorney knows how to handle your case. Ask every attorney you interview the following questions and only hire that attorney when you are satisfied with their answers: How much experience do you have in handling auto accident cases? How long will it take to reach a settlement? Do you have specific doctors for therapy and to act as experts? What will you do if the insurance company refuses to settle? Have you ever filed or tried an auto accident in court? Who will I speak to when I have a question (an attorney or a paralegal?) Will you handle my property damage? If every question listed is not answered to your satisfaction then you need to MADALON P.A. Ask your attorney for a recommendation regarding the experience of your doctor in preparing your case. The star witness in your case is always the treating doctor. No questions asked if your doctor can not document your injury properly, your case will never settle for full value. Remember doctors are trained to treat injuries not prepare lawsuits so only doctors who regularly handle personal injury cases understand how to both heal you and prepare your case. It is very likely your family doctor has no idea how to document your injury properly. Your insurance pays for your medical treatment up to $10,000.00 if that money is not spent properly you are the only one that loses.
The settlement process:
In any auto accident case, you will not be able to discuss settlement until your have been diagnosed with a permanent injury. Your treating doctor will determine when you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), usually 3-6 months from the date of your accident. At that point your attorney will prepare a demand package and begin settling you case. Do not be surprised if the initial offer is low. It is a process, sometimes you will have to reject several offers before you reach the amount you are willing to accept.
Litigation:
If you are unable to reach a reasonable amount for your injury, then you must file a law suit. This is where you find out how hard your attorney is willingly to fight for you. Litigation can take several years before you actually get your day in court. Patience is the only way to achieve the maximum value for your injury.
