Automobile Accidents
“Do I have a case? ”
This is the most common question in auto accident liability, and part of the answer is always to talk with us, because every case is different. However, the main factors that determine whether or not you have a case are usually these:- Are injuries serious or permanent?
- To what extent was the other driver at fault?
- Does the other driver have liability insurance?
“Do I need an attorney?”
If you or your dependents have been injured in an auto accident due to the negligence of others, you should consult an attorney. Here is why:
- Much is at stake. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills incurred and to come, for lost wages, for any loss of ability to work, and for pain and suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney makes sure you get all of the compensation to which you are entitled.
- Personal injury cases have complicated rules of procedure and evidence that an attorney knows how to navigate. You cannot afford to risk losing a good case over a technicality.
- Insurance companies will rarely pay you the full value of your case unless you are represented by an attorney. Insurance companies have a duty to protect and defend their insured—the person who caused the accident. They also have a duty to fight cases well in order to protect their investors. That is why these companies launch investigations immediately and work tirelessly to limit your recovery. They are much more likely to give you fair compensation when you have an experienced attorney at your side.
“How much does an attorney cost?”
We usually work for a “contingency fee”, meaning that we fight your case at no cost, but we take a share of the settlement or judgment that we win for you. We pay all of your case’s costs. If we don't recover any money for you, you owe us nothing.
“What doctor should I see?”
The Markam Group’s experienced professionals can direct you to precisely the best type of doctor to treat your injuries. If you are injured but have not yet sought medical care, contact us immediately. If you have already been treated, we can help send you to the appropriate providers for further care.
“What should I tell my insurance company?”
You have a duty to cooperate with your own insurance company. Most insurance companies require their policyholders to promptly report every auto accident, and failure to do so in a timely manner can result in loss of coverage for the accident. However, you should avoid making statements about who was at fault in the accident and only state the facts of the accident as they occurred. You should consult an experienced personal injury attorney before providing any other information.
“What if the other driver is uninsured?”
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, the first course of action is to check your “uninsured motorist” coverage, which is a standard part of many auto insurance policies. If the driver doesn't have insurance but you carry Uninsured Motorist's insurance, you can make a claim against your own UM policy. If you don't have UM insurance, your only recourse may be to sue the driver. Unfortunately, most who lack car insurance also lack assets, so suing an uninsured driver is rarely productive.
“Can I rent a car?”
Your insurance company will often pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired, but, if not, you are still entitled to reimbursement for car rental. If your vehicle is a total loss, you are entitled to a rental car for a reasonable period of time, which is usually from the time of the accident to the time the insurance company pays for your vehicle.
“Will my case go to court?”
You should always assume that your case will go to court, especially if your injuries are serious. However, relatively few lawyers have experience at trial, so you’ll want experienced courtroom personal injury attorneys such as those of The Markam Group. If we cannot reach a settlement, we will vigorously pursue your interests in court to help ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your suffering.
“What sort of lawyer should I hire?”
You’ll want an attorney experienced in complicated injury litigation, and a record of winning cases at trial, not merely settling out of court. The firm should have special medical knowledge and expertise, and the ability to obtain testimony by a relevant medical expert.
If your injuries are serious, there may be very large amounts of money at stake, so your law firm should have adequate resources to fight a prolonged battle, including the ability to advance costs in order to hire the very best experts for your case. The cost of litigation can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
“How long will my case take to resolve?”
Most cases can be filed and brought to trial within two to three years or less, and very worthy claims are often settled much sooner, without trial. The wait for trial often depends on where your case is filed, as most courts are crowded with lawsuits. And, of course, complex cases take more time than simple ones.
Phone: (509) 747-0902
Email: info@markamgrp.com