Frequently Asked Questions
Since 1982, we’ve helped a lot of people with their accident cases. Here are some common questions we’ve been asked over the years.
- The Insurance adjuster contacted me. Should I talk to them?
- What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
- What do I do if my employer wants me to sign something?
- Why should I hire a personal injury lawyer that tries cases in court?
- How do I get started with my case?
The Insurance adjuster contacted me. Should I talk to them?
No! You should not speak with the adjuster from the other driver’s insurance company. The insurance company will try to place blame on you to avoid paying. When you talk to a claims adjuster, they may try to trick you into saying something that will hurt your case.
Most conversations are recorded or documented in some way and anything you say to the insurance company can be used against you. Even if they offer you a settlement check, you should speak with an attorney to make sure your rights are protected.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
Even if the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you may still be able to recover from an uninsured motorist provision in your own insurance policy. The process involves notifying your insurer, proving up your injuries, and negotiating a settlement.
Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. Many injured people with uninsured motorist coverage wind up having to sue to get their insurance company to pay.
What do I do if my employer wants me to sign something?
Often times, an employer will attempt to get an injured employee to sign a release in exchange for a small payment. Once a release is signed in exchange for a personal injury settlement, you can no longer sue for your injuries.
In most cases, you should not sign anything or give any statements without talking to an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Why should I hire a personal injury lawyer that tries cases in court?
Many attorneys claim great results, but few of them can actually show a record of jury verdicts. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to take a case to trial and this can affect settlement offers.
Trial can be very costly for defendants and they usually want to avoid it. When insurance companies deal with a true trial lawyer, they are more inclined to settle for a higher amount to avoid a trial.
How do I get started with my case?
All you have to do to get started is to contact our office. We will take a few minutes to learn about you and your injury and we will suggest a course of action. It only takes a few minutes to get started. Don’t wait. Call now.
Looking for Something More Specific?
What evidence should I try to collect at the scene of the accident?
If you are not too injured to do so, there are some important pieces of evidence you should try to collect at the scene of the accident. These include:
- Photos –Take pictures of the scene of the accident, the surrounding area, the weather conditions, your injuries, any property damage (including vehicle damage), and anything else that you think might be relevant to your claim for compensation.
- Your Personal Items – If any of your personal items were damaged in the accident, make sure you keep them with you to give to your attorney.
- Insurance, Vehicle, and Contact Information – If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, ask for the other driver’s insurance information and write down his or her license plate number. If you were injured in a fall or a dog attack, try to make sure you know the address of the location where the incident occurred.
- Witnesses’ Email Addresses and Phone Numbers – If anyone witnessed the accident, politely ask for their email addresses and phone numbers. Their statements could be critical to proving your claim for financial compensation.
If it is too late (or if you are too injured), that is okay. But, we would urge you to seek the services of a work injury attorney in San Antonio as soon as possible so that any available evidence can be collected before it disappears.
I feel okay, should I still go to the hospital?
Yes. After any type of traumatic accident, it is critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You could have serious internal injuries, and your medical records will be essential evidence in your claim for compensation.
What should (and shouldn’t) I say to the insurance companies?
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident, it is okay to report the accident to your insurer (in fact, you may have an obligation to do so). But, you should not say anything else, and you should not give a recorded statement that the insurance companies can find a way to use against you.
What other mistakes do I need to avoid?
Avoiding mistakes is one of the most important things you can do to protect your rights after an accident. For example, in addition to avoiding the insurance companies, you should also avoid posting about the accident on social media. For free advice tailored to your personal circumstances, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation.
How much does it cost to hire an attorney? Is it worth it?
Our firm handles all cases on a contingency-fee-basis. This means that:
- you pay nothing upfront
- you do not pay hourly rates
- you do not pay anything at all unless we help you secure compensation
When we take a case, it is because we believe we can recover far more than our client would be able to recover without legal representation.
Call, Text, or Click to Schedule a Free Initial Consultation
For more information about protecting your rights after an accident, we encourage you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. To speak with San Antonio attorney Ronald A. Ramos in confidence, please call or text (210) 308-8811 or tell us what happened online today.
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