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MISTAKEN BELIEFS IN PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS
There are numerous things you and your attorney are NOT allowed to tell a jury during your trial. The first basic rule is that you and your attorney cannot tell the jury that the negligent party (the defendant) does or does not have insurance. This can result in an immediate mistrial.
DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER A RECORDED STATEMENT?
Frequently, the liability insurance adjuster will ask you for a recorded statement following an accident. Should you give them a statement?
The short answer is No. Even if you feel that you have nothing to hide and that you are confident about what happened, the answer is no.
THE LIABILITY INSURANCE COMPANY ASKED ME TO SIGN A MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION, DO I HAVE TO SIGN IT?
If you look at the medical authorization sent to you by the liability insurance adjuster, those authorizations will allow the insurance company to obtain any and all medical records from your birth to the present. This is absurd and unnecessary.
NOW, THAT MY CASE HAS BEEN FILED, HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GO TO TRIAL?
Each court system is different but I generally tell my clients that their case will usually be set for trial about 1 year from the date it is filed. This is particularly true in Franklin County.
WHAT TO DO AFTER AN ACCIDENT?
Many times people are dazed, confused, stiff and sore following a serious accident. No matter how minor your injuries may appear immediately following the collision, go to the doctor to make sure there are not more serious underlying injuries.
WHO WILL REPAIR MY CAR FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT?
You have the right to take your car to any repair shop (body shop) you choose. You do not have to go to one recommended by the liability insurance company or a "preferred shop."
WHY SHOULD I CHOOSE E. RAY CRITCHETT, LLC WITH BUCKEYELAW.COM?
I began my practice of law in a mass marketing firm handling hundreds of clients at a time. I serve my clients with intensity, compassion and common sense. I have helped hundreds of people just like you navigate the complex legal system.
HOW LONG WILL MY PERSONAL INJURY CASE TAKE TO SETTLE?
The length of a case depends more on the client and their injuries than any other factor. Generally, I advise my clients not to try and settle their case until their health has fully recovered and/or until they have reached a plateau in their recovery.
HOW ARE INJURY CLAIMS EVALUATED?
Each insurance company is a bit different. Some use software based factors to evaluate medical bills, lost wages and even pain and suffering. You deserve to hire an attorney who can keep in front of those changes and not one who is stuck in the past.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING MY MEDICAL EXPENSES AFTER AN ACCIDENT?
If you have been injured in a personal injury accident, you may have concerns about what to do with your medical bills. You should call an attorney to ensure that you are doing the right thing.
WHAT IS A GAP IN TREATMENT AND WILL IT AFFECT MY CASE?
A "gap in treatment" is typically an extended time period of time where you did not receive treatment for your injuries. If you are hurt, go to the doctor and make sure all of your injuries are documented—no matter how minor because those minor complaints may become bigger issues down the road.
WHEN SHOULD I TRY TO SETTLE MY CASE?
I generally tell my clients that their case is not ready for any type of settlement until they have completed treatment and they are certain that they have fully recovered. Once they reach that point, I can obtain the necessary documentation to complete my evaluation of their case.
I AM NOT THE TYPE TO SUE, SHOULD I STILL HIRE AN ATTORNEY?
If I can get involved with a case at the very early stages and implement a case plan at that early stage, over 90% of those cases get resolved without going to trial.
WILL I HAVE TO GO TO COURT?
If you retain an attorney early enough following the accident the attorney will have a better opportunity to build your case so that you can try and resolve the case well before filing a lawsuit.