How We Handle Your Claim

We are pleased that you have chosen us to represent your interests in this case. Since you probably do not know what to expect, we would like to acquaint you with the general pattern of how we handle cases of this type. We feel this will be helpful to you and to ourselves.

The initial conference
The first thing we do in our office is sit down with you and thoroughly discuss the facts of your case. We answer all of your questions, we tell you your legal rights and we tell you whether or not you have a good case. In our office, there is no charge for the first conference. We also will show you how we process claims and we will show you how we have handled other cases similar to yours. We give our clients written instructions as to what they should be doing and what they should not be doing right now to protect their legal rights.
Investigation
We will notify the other party’s Insurance Company that you have retained us as your attorneys. We will obtain copies of any written statements you have given. In addition, we will get copies of police reports, hospital records, and other medical records if necessary. We will retain the services of an independent investigator who will interview witnesses, police officers and will take photographs and measurements of the accident scene and the vehicles involved. The independent investigator will be provided with your name, telephone number and address by this office. We will also get a copy of the other party’s driving record from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. In addition, we will get copies of any pictures that the police took during their investigation.
Evaluation
It is important for you to know that your case will not be settled until all of the damages have been determined and all investigation has been completed. We of course, want to delay negotiating with the Insurance Company until after you have fully recovered from the injuries of the accident or until your recovery from your injuries has leveled off and there is no longer any improvement as to the physical problems. One of the most difficult requests we can make of you is to have patience. We will work as hard as we can and as fast as possible to settle your case when it will benefit you.
Settlement brochure
In most cases, we create a settlement brochure which tells the story of the accident and of our client’s injuries and the effects of those injuries on our client. The settlement brochure is sent to the Insurance Company in an effort to resolve the case in the most favorable advantage to our clients. Some of our past clients have given us written permission to let us show their brochures to prospective clients. Thus, we will show you what the settlement brochure looks like. Each settlement brochure is tailor made to fit the facts and the injuries of each particular client. No two brochures are exactly alike. We will give you a copy of your settlement brochure when it is completed. You will be informed at all times of any offers that the insurance company makes in an effort to settle your case.
The amount of recovery
As your attorney, I feel it is my primary duty to obtain an amount of money which will fairly and justly compensate you for your injuries. I will make every effort to do this, whether by settlement or trial, and will advise you of my evaluation in this regard. Knowing what your case is worth is essential to the negotiation process with an Insurance Company.
Starting a lawsuit
We will work as hard as possible to avoid filing a lawsuit in your case. Lawsuits can drag on for two to three years and sometimes longer. Trials are time consuming and expensive. Every effort will be made by this office to avoid a trial. The settlement brochure detailing your injuries, lost wages, and medical expenses will be sent to the insurance company in hopes that a fair and reasonable settlement can be reached without the necessity of a lawsuit or trial. However, if the insurance company fails and refuses to be reasonable in the settlement negotiations, then we will request your permission to file a lawsuit in your case. No lawsuit will be filed without your consent.
Trial
If your case cannot be settled for a fair and reasonable amount of compensation, we will proceed to trial. The last several months before a trial date are spent in detailed preparation of your case. What is expected of you at trial will be explained to you in detail well in advance of your going to court.
Conclusion
Please inform this office immediately of any change of address and/or telephone number. Inform us of anything you think has a bearing on the case.

Be sure to send us, or bring to our office, all receipts, canceled checks, bills and any other papers connected with your case pertaining to medical treatments, automobile repairs, loss of earnings, damage to other personal property, or other expenses. Additionally, please send or bring to us any paperwork received from any insurance company, whether it is your workman’s compensation insurance, your auto insurance company, or any other entity in relation to the accident and/or any of your injuries, treatment, or losses. We must have all of these things, both for settlement and for evidence in the event it is necessary to go to trial.

Do not under any circumstances discuss your case with anyone, except members of this office and our investigator.