If you have been injured, through no fault of your own, we can help you recover compensation for your injuries from the insurance company.
Typically the person who hurt you has an insurance policy against whom we make the claim. However, in the event they do not have insurance, or do not have enough insurance, you can make a claim on your insurance policy. Insurance coverages vary from policy to policy, and require a close review and interpretation to determine the fullest extent of coverage available to you.
Claiming Your Damages Under Your Insurance Policy:
Many clients think that if they make a claim on their insurance policy for injuries caused by someone else, then their rates will go up. This is not true. You pay a monthly auto insurance premium to insure against unexpected losses. If you retain us, our firm will immediately notify your insurance company of the claim and determine what coverage amounts are available to cover your medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses, so you can avoid accruing bills and being sent to collections.
We have a track record of successfully representing hundreds of individuals in the following types of cases:
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Vespa Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Bicycle Accidents
- Slip and Falls
- Defective Products
We also represent individuals in defamation and libel cases.
We recognize and value that each personal injury claim is unique and personal to the individual. From the initial consultation to the resolution of the claim, we give each case a comprehensive assessment, giving our full and undivided attention to the client and the case to ensure maximum recovery for the client. This added-value service is unique to a smaller firm environment.
All personal injury cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs precluding you from seeking legal representation today.
What To Do With Your Personal Injury Claim and the Insurance Company
Documenting your injuries, suffering, and expenses throughout your personal injury claim is key to achieving the best possible settlement. Follow the below steps to properly preserve your claim.
- Accident Scene. If possible, safely pull your vehicle over to the right shoulder. Call the police. If any driver or passenger appears to possibly be injured, request paramedics. If a minor impact (e.g., just a scratched bumper), the police may not arrive. Don’t discourage and do not drive off. Obtain the other driver’s name, contact information, insurance policy number and company name. Talk to witnesses and get their contact information (this is key to resolving liability disputes).
- Police, Medics & Towing. Cooperate with the police. Give your insurance policy information. If you feel any pain or shock, report it to the police. They will document it in the report. If paramedics arrive, get checked out. You don’t have to ride to the hospital, if you find it unnecessary, but at least get checked out.
- Insurance. Immediately notify all insurance companies of the collision. If the other driver had no insurance and you have Uninsured Motorist (U.M.) coverage on your policy, open a U.M. claim.
- The Next Day. Many clients do not start feeling any pain until the next day or up to a week after the accident. Once you start feeling pain you should see your M.D. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the more complicated it will be for you to obtain a full recovery from the insurance company. Your M.D. will likely prescribe pain medication and may also write up a referral for chiropractic care or physical therapy. If you do not have an M.D., you may also see a chiropractor for an initial consultation. Be sure to report all complaints to your M.D. or D.C.
- Medical Treatment. Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your health care provider. Your treatment must be reasonable, necessary and related to the collision. Keep in mind that the body takes time to heal. It is important that you remain patient and diligent with your prescribed treatment plan. Any missed appointments will complicate your chances at getting a full recovery from the insurance company.
- Medical Bills. If you have Personal Injury Protection (P.I.P.) on the vehicle you were driving or riding in as a passenger at the time of the collision, you can submit all your medical bills to P.I.P. for proper payment. Once the P.I.P. limits are reached (i.e., exhausted), you can submit your medical bills to your secondary coverage, your health insurance company.
- Wage Loss. P.I.P. will pay for any time off from work 14 days after the collision. The time off may include staying at home in pain or in recovery, or time spent attending doctor’s appointments. You will need to obtain documented missed hours from your human resources along with your wage and salary information.
- Miscellaneous Expenses. Expenses incidental to the collision, such as mileage to/from the doctor’s office, hiring a maid to clean the house or a landscaper to maintain the yard, parking and prescription receipts, and co-pays are reimbursable under P.I.P.
- Daily Diary. Keep a daily journal of your symptoms, noting whether they change in severity. The pain scale, 1 to 10 (10 being excruciating pain), is an effective gauge.
Copyright © 2010 The Filutowski Law Firm, PLLC. This page is intended for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinions on any specific facts or circumstances. An attorney-client relationship is not created or continued. If you are seeking a consultation on a legal matter, contact Alexandra Filutowski.
