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Personal Injury Services

There are a lot of questions that you have when you are injured due to someone else’s negligence. The Law Office of Michael J, Bell, PLLC, can help you with those questions.  We will work on your behalf to determine the amount of compensation to which you are entitled. We will take on the stress of working with the insurance company and will negotiate with them to try and stay out of court.  If that is not successful, we will fight the insurance company.

We know that you need to spend your time recovering from your injuries and we are here to help. We offer free personal injury consultations.

Personal Injury case, a car with shattered windshield

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Cases

I have been in a car accident, what should I do?
  • Take photos of your injuries
  • If you have not done so, visit a doctor.
  • If you have visited a doctor, follow their care plan and attend all follow-up appointments.
  • Write down a narrative of what happened while it is still fresh in your head.
  • Make a list of witnesses and their contact information if you know it.
  • Follow any additional instructions from your attorney.
How much is my case worth?

You may be entitled to compensation if you have been injured as the result of the negligence or wrongdoing of another person. The value of personal injury cases varies greatly. The value of such a case depends on the “damages” that you suffer and are entitled to be compensated for. Past and future expenses, medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability, and loss of enjoyment are all factors that are considered in determining the value of your case.

Are personal injury cases handled on a contingency fee basis?

Generally, accident and personal injury cases are handled on a “contingent fee” basis. Such an agreement is one where the attorney’s fees are based on the amount that is collected for the client. The fees are usually a percentage of the settlement or verdict. If the case is not successful, then the client does not pay legal fees. This allows the client to obtain legal representation if they do not have the money to pay for legal counsel.

In addition to the attorney fees, any costs related to the case will also be deducted from the settlement or verdict. During the legal process, the attorney will advance the costs to bring the case to a conclusion. Once a settlement or verdict is obtained, attorney fees and expenses will be deducted from the award or settlement, with the balance of the award or settlement going to the client.

Should I talk to the other party’s insurance company?

It is recommended that you do not talk with the other party’s insurance company.  It is also recommended that you not sign any documents provided by the other party’s insurance company without having legal counsel review them first.  It is in the insurance company’s best interest to settle your claim for the least amount of money possible.  You do not want to provide the insurance company with information that would damage the value of your case.

Will my case go to trial?

The majority of personal injury cases are settled without the need for a trial. The cases that usually go to trial are ones where there is a fact or legal issue in dispute and a court is needed to decide. The goal of the attorney is to carefully build a strong case to maximize your settlement or verdict and to obtain a resolution to your case as quickly as possible.

How long will it take to obtain a settlement or verdict?

There is no set time frame to obtain a settlement or verdict in a personal injury case. Cases that are strong and have no legal or factual issues can settle quickly. If a personal injury case requires litigation, it could take over a year to see a resolution.

What if I have been hurt before?

Your right to recover compensation is not affected by any previous injury you may have received. If the current accident aggravated or re-injured your earlier injury, you may still be able to recover damages.

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim?

The statute of limitations to file a personal injury case is two years from the date of the injury. This gives you two years to try and reach a settlement in your case. If a settlement cannot be reached, then you have the right to file a lawsuit, even if it is the day before the statute of limitations expires.

What if the person at fault in an automobile accident has no insurance?

State law requires every driver to maintain insurance on their vehicles. If the other driver does not have insurance, for whatever reason, then your insurance can provide coverage for your damages and losses under your “uninsured or underinsured motorist” coverage.

Am I entitled to have my car repaired?

You are entitled to have your car repaired if the accident was not your fault. The responsible party or their insurance company is liable to make reasonable car repairs. You are entitled to the reasonable market value of your vehicle if your vehicle is considered a total loss.

If my car is damaged in an automobile accident, am I entitled to a rental car?

You are entitled to a rental car if your car was damaged or is being repaired and the accident was not your fault.

Do you need legal help or consultance? Contact us now.

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“They’re funny things, accidents. You never have them till you’re having them.”

– A. A. Milne