The majority of David's practice for the past 25 years has been personal injury cases. The bulk of the personal injury cases arise from car, tractor trailer, and motorcycle accidents. David can answer your questions.

Question 1: Do I need a lawyer?

If your injury will not or does not heal within six weeks and requires two or more doctor or hospital visits, you will probably benefit from an attorney.

Question 2: What will a lawyer do for me?

a) Take the hassle out of dealing with the insurance company.
b) Take the hassle out of collecting the medical records and charges.
c) Make sure you collect all the insurance coverage you are entitled to by coordinating automobile coverage (including liability, medical payments, and uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits), health insurance benefits, medicare, other public assistance, and employer plans.
d) Advise you on the value of your case.
e) Guide you through the legal process.
f) Make sure you do not pay back to health insurance more than the law requires. This is true because most health insurance policies and public assistance programs require that you pay them back, at least in part, out of any verdict or settlement.

Question 3: What is my case worth?

That is the question everyone asks but an attorney cannot accurately answer until he or she examines the medical issues (e.g. medical records and medical charges), reviews liability issues (e.g. witness statements, police report), and finds out the types and amounts of insurance involved. Usually a case cannot be evaluated until the client reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI). In other words, this important question can almost never be answered in the initial interview.

Question 4: How long will the process take?

The short answer is: it depends. Cases vary from about three months to several years. The first issue is how fast the client heals (reaches maximum medical improvement, MMI) from his or her injuries. It is usually best to wait until the client has reached MMI to settle the case or even file suit. Of course suit must be filed before the statute of limitations runs regardless of MMI. Do not wait until MMI to hire a lawyer because evidence may be lost by the delay.