Personal Injury Litigation – Frequently Asked Questions



The information below is designed to answer common questions
about personal injury claims and
Siegel and Doyle, LLC . If you would
like more information, please contact
us. Why should
I contact a personal injury attorney?
What is the amount of compensation based on?
What do I do if an insurance adjuster offers
me a settlement?
Can't I just estimate the cost of my own injuries
right away?
If I make a claim, will I have to spend a lot
of time in court?
When should I call an attorney?
Why should I contact a personal injury attorney?
Medical problems caused by personal injury may not be fully
recognized for months or even years after an accident. Losses
from medical bills, decreased earning potential, and many
other problems can pile up unexpectedly. An attorney with
experience representing personal injury victims and negotiating
with insurance companies can analyze your case and determine
fair compensation for your losses.
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What is the amount of compensation based on?
Compensation for your injuries depends on several factors,
including physical and mental pain and suffering, economic
hardship or financial loss, decreased earning potential,
and physical impairment and/or disfigurement.
The details of the case, such as the extent
of your injuries, the effect of injuries on your life, the
amount and length of medical treatment, and the outcomes
of similar cases all play a role in determining the amount
awarded.
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What do I do if an insurance adjuster offers me a settlement?
Before accepting a settlement, it is always in your best
interest to consult an attorney. Adjusters work for the
insurance company - not for you - and their job is to settle
your claim for the lowest possible expense to the company.
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Can't I just estimate the cost of my own injuries right
away?
Because the full extent of many injuries may not be known
for quite some time after the accident, an attorney can
help you to evaluate your potential losses. It's devastating
to sign away your rights only to later discover that your
injuries and losses were worse than you originally thought.
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If I make a claim, will I have to spend
a lot of time in court?
Many injury claims can be settled through negotiation, mediation
or arbitration, without you having to go to court. However,
some complex cases may require that you participate in legal
proceedings.
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When should I call an attorney?
You should consult an attorney as soon as possible after
being injured. In most cases there are time limits for filing
claims after an injury occurs, and if this deadline passes,
your claim could be dismissed. In addition, finding witnesses
and gathering evidence to support your case becomes more
difficult the longer you wait.
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