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Injured? Like Getting the Right Doctor, Get the Right Lawyer

by | Oct 9, 2024 | LawCall Q&A | 0 comments

Question:  My niece was involved in an accident where an exploding tire caused her to crash into a guardrail. My sister has asked me to handle the legal aspects of my niece’s case while she focuses on her daughter’s physical recovery and taking care of the grandchildren. What should I pay attention to?

 

BILL:  There are two important aspects to your niece’s case – determining who caused the accident and understanding the extent of your niece’s injuries. Staying informed about both is crucial because any misstep in either area can be costly.

 

I assume you have a lawyer working on your case. I strongly recommend finding a lawyer with real, practical, firsthand experience handling this type of accident. Like in any other aspect of life, some people are better equipped to help than others. As anyone who has ever attended a church potluck dinner knows, just because you are a grandmother doesn’t mean you can make an edible casserole.

 

Now, your lawyer will keep you informed, but don’t try to call them every day. Cases can take a long time. Just because you have not heard anything new does not mean the case is not moving forward. Gathering evidence takes time. You have the right to know if the lawyers have found video footage or witnesses, are hiring traffic accident experts, are conducting depositions, and so on. Don’t hesitate to speak up if you don’t see any progress in these areas. Just keep in mind that these processes can take months or even years.

 

Your lawyers may also have to find the money for your niece to get better… the bad guy’s insurance, your niece’s insurance, or, perhaps, the tire manufacturer. I was involved in a similar case a few years ago, where we were able to show that the tires had not been serviced in a very long time, probably leading to the blowout. We eventually got the company to pay.

 

Medical bills are pretty straightforward except when they are not. It may surprise you that they can often be negotiated, but this also takes time.

 

Here is one thing we always do in severe cases: We hire a professional life planner. This person can evaluate the injuries and predict what your niece will need for the rest of her life. If she is disabled, care can be costly, and you want to make sure your settlement covers these expenses. The planner will also consider the future pain and suffering your niece will likely go through.

 

Also, consider the impact of the injury on your niece’s husband and children. This injury could significantly affect her marriage, how her children are raised, and even the family’s financial ability to send the kids to college.

 

Remember, once they hand you that check and you sign on the dotted line of a settlement agreement, you’re done. That is all you will ever receive. Even if things change, you cannot go back. Your case is over.

 

This is why I strongly believe that the person who represents you must have a great deal of knowledge and experience. You will not get a second chance.

 

CALL BILL

 

Injured? You can call Bill directly at 251-255-5000. He will talk to you for free.

 

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