If you've been injured in a car accident, whether its whiplash or something more serious, please call me. There are things you need to do right away, so don't hesitate to call for a free phone consultation. 425 828-4545.
STEPS IN YOUR CAR ACCIDENT CASE—Pre-filing of complaint
I. Start-Up
1. You retain me (1/3 contingency w/ $300 cost deposit)
2. Get police & accident reports—If soon after accident, have photos of car & site taken
3. Find/ID Defendant (if necessary)
a. Mail
b. Call
c. Cert Mail
d. Investigator
4. Letter of Representation to Defendant or his Ins. Co.
5.. Intro letter to client’s own insurance co for PIP reimbursal & file, & med bill total
6. Insurance Adjuster Interview (usually)
7. Propose early mediation?
II. Record Gathering/Investigation
8. Atty Visits Scene
9. Medical Bills Request--(ask client’s own ins. co for PIP pd amt)
10. Medical Records Request
a. Current
b. Prior
11. Medical Report or IME Request
12. Interview Dr., Chiropractor or other health care professional
13. Get Lost Work/Income Records & Proof
a. Tax returns--last 3 yrs
b. Bank statements or checking acct info
c. Expert/Economist declaration
d. Any purchase receipts or proof of cash flow
e. Client declaration
14. Gather Out-of-pocket Receipts
15. Prepare Declarations re: General Damages & Expert or Other Testimony
III. Settlement Negotiations
16. Mail Settlement Package/Our Offer
17. Request policy limits from adjuster if demand greater than $60,000
18. Research similar arbitration & jury verdicts
19. Insurance makes 1st offer
20. Our 2nd demand/offer
21. Appointment/Conference w/ Adjuster +/or Supervisor
a. My 3rd offer
22. Propose mediation? Propose mandatory arbitration? = $50K max--unless stipulated higher
IV. Decision Time
23. Demand Letter (pay by certain time or we’ll file suit)
24. SETTLEMENT!
If no settlement, then
25. File Summons & Complaint
About your personal injury case
Don't talk to anyone about your case, except to me, my staff and investigator. Don't even talk to your own insurance company until consulting with me.
Follow doctors orders. Follow up on all treatment, including massage & physical therapy. Make all your medical appointments. Keep copies of all medical bills you get. Keep exact track of any lost wages or work time.
Photograph your car. Compile a list of witnesses, with their full names and contact data. You should, ideally, keep a daily journal of your pains, recovery, relapses, treatment, lack of sleep, etc. Even a "day in the life" video is good.