MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A CAR ACCIDENT
Accidents do happen in life. We accidentally drop our coffee or lick an envelope before putting the letter in. There are other kinds of accidents, where an event occurs that no one could have predicted would happen. Often when a car runs a red light, or cuts a corner too close, or slams into the rear of the car in front of it, the police and the media use the word accident. But it wasn’t an accident. It was an event caused by the negligence of one road user that affects, sometimes catastrophically, the lives of others. An accident implies that nothing could have been done to prevent the collision, but in the vast majority of cases that is not true. In most cases one driver violated not only common sense rules of the road but quite often the written law.
TO TAKE THE "CRASH NOT ACCIDENT" PLEDGE CLICK HERE
FIGURING OUT WHAT HAPPENED
When a person is injured or killed on the road, the police investigation is usually focused on determining whether a criminal act took place. Once they figure out that none of the drivers were under the influence or driving in a criminal manner, the investigation becomes a low priority. In some cities the police do not even show up.
Determining who caused a crash and how a crash happened is a crucial early step in your motor vehicle collision cases. I recommend consulting with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after a collision to make sure that all the evidence is preserved, including surveillance video and witness statements. Remember: you should never pay a personal injury lawyer up front or by the hour. Most reputable personal injury attorneys will provide one or more free consultations and an initial investigation.
INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND!
I repeat: INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND!
Do not be surprised when the insurance company for the driver that hit you calls you the same day or the day following the crash. They will act concerned. They will be friendly. But the insurance adjuster’s goal is not to make sure you are ok, or see if you need anything. They only have one goal: to pay as little money as possible to settle your case. Just like my job is to maximize my client’s recovery, an insurance adjuster’s job is to minimize the money his employer has to pay out. I have seen examples of adjusters taking injured people's statements while they are under the influence of powerful painkillers or still in the hospital. I have heard of insurance adjusters telling people that if they seek medical treatment they will not look credible. Their job is to delay claims by insisting on useless and duplicative paperwork, and then eventually deny the claim altogether. Their job is to allow their employer to hold onto their money for as long as possible. Their job is not to treat you fairly or ensure you are compensated for your injuries.
Insurance companies are in business to make a profit. Insurance is actually a simple business: take insureds’ premiums and resist paying claims.
This is why it is so important to consult with a personal injury attorney before speaking with an insurance company and to never give them a statement without an attorney present.
I PREPARE EVERY CASE AS IF IT IS GOING TO TRIAL
I exclusively represent people against insurance companies and corporations. I only represent injured people. I know how insurance adjusters think and evaluate cases. I have the experience necessary to investigate a collision, determine who was at fault, and then work with my client’s medical providers to build a profile that shows the insurance company that I know my client’s case. Knowing every element and angle of my client's case is my duty and an approach creates good results.