Personal Injury FAQs

A: If you have incurred a medical charge as a result of an accident, it is best to use a lawyer. But do not take our word for it, Allstate Insurance Company admits that those individuals with lawyers on average, recent three times more than those individuals that do not have representation.

A: Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis; there is no attorney fee unless we are successful in obtaining fair compensation for your injuries.

A: All cases are different, but usually a lawyer can start negotiations on cases shortly after the client completes their treatment for their injuries.

A: We prepare a case as if we are going to trial, to force the insurance company to put a fair value toward the case. But realistically, 90% of the cases settle without going to court.

A: If the accident is investigated by the police department, the police officer may determine fault, regardless of what the other driver says. In those cases where the police department is not called, we have a team of investigators to establish responsibility for the accident.

A: In Tennessee, we have what is called a comparative fault state. As long as your fault is less than 50%, you will be able to receive compensation for your injuries.

A: It depends upon the error. If the error is unimportant, the inc01Tect make and model of your vehicle, it does not hurt your case. If the error is more substantial, for example, if the police officer puts you at fault even though you were vehicle rear ended, that error must be corrected.

A: Each case is different. However, a lawyer will look at the amount of property damage, the amount and type of treatment received, whether or not you missed time from work, and whether or not you made a full recovery to put a value on your case based on that lawyer’s experience in dealing with bench and jury trials.

A: Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage and future medical care.

A: We suggest that you use your health insurance to pay your medical bills while your case is pending, and your health insurance is entitled to be reimbursed by the negligent driver’s insurance company. This is called subrogation.

A: You should never talk to the other driver’s insurance company unless you have been advised by your lawyer. For example, the lawyer may say it is appropriate to speak with the insurance company about repairing your vehicle.

A: No, unless you have called an attorney for a free consultation about whether or not that settlement is reasonable. If you had no medical treatment, and you suffered no injuries in the wreck, a settlement may be appropriate. This is called a settlement for nuisance value, usually less than $1,000.00. If you receive medical treatment as a result of a car accident, you should never accept a settlement without talking to a lawyer. Telephone consultations are always free at Warren & Griffin.

A: The insurance company cannot drop you or raise your rates for filing a uninsured motorist
claim. As to dropping you or raising your rates because you filed a claim on an accident that was
not your fault, that is a business decision that the insurance company has to make. However, if
the wreck was not your fault, and the insurance company uses the wreck as an excuse to increase
your car insurance, you should probably be looking for another insurance company.

A: In Tennessee you have one year from the date of the accident to file a claim. In Georgia, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, you do not want to wait until the last moment to hire a lawyer. If it is close to the statute of limitations, a lawyer is less likely to take your case on a contingency basis.

A: Although you may feel ok after an accident, sometimes the adrenaline rush in your body masks any pain and suffering you may be experiencing. You should see a doctor as soon as possible once you start the effects of the accident.

A: Take photographs of the damage done to your vehicle, maintain records and witness information, obtain the police report.

A:No.