One Call That’s All?

April 24, 2008 - This has been the slogan of an Atlanta T.V. Advertising Attorney for years. But handling a personal injury claim is rarely this simple. Here is a general list of tasks involved in handling a personal injury car accident case. Remember that each case is different, and that not all of these tasks will be required in every case.

Interview client about case and provide legal advice

Obtain documentary evidence including police accident reports and medical records

Analyze the client’s insurance policy to see whether there is coverage which the client has that may pay a portion of the medical bills while the claim is pending

Review the client’s insurance coverage and make suggestions as to what additional coverage may provide future protection

Interview witnesses

Talk to the client’s physicians and obtain written narratives from them to document client’s injury.

Review the client’s health insurance policy to determine whether any money they spent to pay your bills must be repaid.

Determine the validity of any medical liens on the case.

Write to the insurance company to notify then of the claim.

Discuss with the client whether an attempt will be made to negotiate the case with the insurance company or whether to file a law suit

If suit is filled, prepare the client, witnesses and healthcare providers for depositions

Prepare written questions and answers and take the deposition of the defendant and other witnesses

Provide all necessary information to the defendant for the claim, such as medical bills, medical records, and tax returns

Prepare for mediation or arbitration

Prepare for trial

Prepare the client and witnesses for trial

File briefs and motions with the court to properly prepare for trial

Take the case to trial with a jury or judge

Determine whether to appeal case

Keeping a client properly informed of the progress of settlement negotiations usually takes many calls with a client. "One Call That’s All" sometimes means that the attorney is settling the case for you. Don’t be taken in by these gimmicks. Make sure your attorney is working for you, and not settling your case without your consent. Oh, and, by the way, talk to anyone who has hired a T.V. Advertising Attorney and ask if he or she ever met the attorney seen on T.V. The answer will be "NO." The T.V. Attorney will never meet with you. He or she is too busy making commercials. Doesn’t it make sense to meet the attorney handling your claim?