> What should I do if I am involved in a car accident?
> My insurance company is offering me a nice settlement. Should I take it?
> How will I pay for my medical bills?
> How long does a personal injury claim take to resolve?
> My doctor notified me that I have a permanent injury as a result of my auto accident. What does this mean?
> Should I talk to the other insurance company or give my statement?
> Can I make an injury claim against anyone if I was hit by an uninsured motorist or hit-and-run driver?

What should I do if I am involved in a car accident?

• Seek proper medical attention.
• If you are conscious at the scene, collect all pertinent information from the other drivers. You should collect: driver’s license numbers, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance card information.
• Keep a daily journal beginning with the date of the accident to document all physical and mental injuries. Also document your view of the accident.
• Contact an attorney at The Glassman Law Firm, P.C. We will be your advocate if a traffic charge or civil suit is brought against you. If you are a victim, we will aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve. An attorney can also assist you in bringing a civil suit against another party if they are responsible for the accident.

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My insurance company is offering me a nice settlement. Should I take it?

No. Tell the insurance company that you will get back to them. In the meantime, contact an attorney at The Glassman Law Firm, P.C immediately. In most cases, an insurance company will offer a minimal amount of money in return for your signature stating that you will not sue them. You should never take an insurance check without first consulting an attorney.

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How will I pay for my medical bills?

If you have been injured, you will likely have medical bills from physicians, hospitals, physical therapists, and other health care providers. Those bills will be in your name and will usually be sent to your address. You are primarily responsible for paying your bills, regardless of the cause of your injuries. The at-fault person's liability insurance carrier is responsible for paying you reasonable compensation for damages incurred, which includes medical bills, but the insurance carrier is not responsible for paying your doctors, hospitals, and other providers. In many cases, the amount the insurance company is willing to pay is far less than the actual amount you owe. You need an attorney who fill fight for your rights with the insurance companies, to ensure that you are fully compensated. Contact an attorney at The Glassman Law Firm, P.C today to discuss your case.

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How long does a personal injury claim take to resolve?

Personal injury claims can be resolved in a matter of a few weeks or months. However, they make take up to several years depending on the complexity of the case. It is best to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney at The Glassman Law Firm, P.C about your specific case.

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My doctor notified me that I have a permanent injury as a result of my auto accident. What does this mean?

A permanent injury is one that is going to either be with you for the rest of your life or for some period beyond the settlement of the claim. In most cases the injured party is entitled to compensation from the at-fault party or their insurance company for all medical bills incurred to date and into the future for all injuries caused by the accident.

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Should I talk to the other insurance company or give my statement?

Generally, no. Aside from learning who will be paying for repairs to your car, there is no reason to share confidential information about your injuries with the opposing insurance company. The only reason the opposing insurance adjuster will contact you is to serve his interests, rather than yours. Claiming that he needs to “investigate” the accident, the claim representative will request that you consent to a recorded statement of your version of the accident. The true purpose of these statements is to obtain evidence from you that can be used later to reduce or defeat your claim.

Even if the opposing insurance company admits responsibility and offers to pay for your car damage, do not be misled into believing that the claim adjuster will “take care of everything” when it comes to paying for your injuries. Unlike the lawyers at The Glassman Law Firm, P.C., an insurance adjuster’s salary is determined by how little he pays to settle your case, rather than by how much your claim is actually worth. When asked to give statements, sign medical authorizations or releases, or trust the insurance adjuster to fairly evaluate and pay your claim, immediately consult with an attorney at The Glassman Law Firm, P.C. and speak to professionals who will fight to maximize your recovery.

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Can I make an injury claim against anyone if I was hit by an uninsured motorist or hit-and-run driver?

Yes. If you or any member of your household have automobile liability insurance, the law requires your company to provide uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage requires your company to pay for your injuries if they were caused by an uninsured, or even an unknown driver who fled the accident scene.

Contrary to what many people think, your auto insurance can neither be cancelled, nor can your rates be raised, because you make an uninsured motorist claim.

Many people injured by uninsured motorists incorrectly assume that their own insurance company will promptly and fairly settle their claims. When you hear an insurance adjuster tell you he is going to “take care of your claim” because they are your company, recognize that insurance adjusters are paid to look out for the insurance companies’ interests, not yours. Immediately contact an attorney at The Glassman Law Firm, P.C. to make certain that your rights are fully protected.

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Please see our page on Car Accidents for more information.