National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) Frequently Asked Questions
Contrada & Associates is happy to discuss any concerns you have and to review the facts of your particular case. Please note that the information provided below is general in nature and is not intended as legal advice.
- Do I have a case?
- Should I take photographs of injuries or property damage?
- How soon after being injured do I need to see a lawyer?
- If I have been injured in an auto accident, should I allow the other driver's insurance company to take my statement?
- What can I do to help my case?
- How will I pay my medical bills during the progress of my case?
- I am a member of the United Auto Workers (UAW). Can I contact you through the Union?
- I have been contacted by the defendant's insurance company. What should I do?
- The hospital has given me advice about how to handle my bills. What do I do?
- What will my own car insurance cover?
- Can you help me with insurance?
Do I have a case?
This is probably the most frequently asked question of any lawyer. The easiest way to find out is to phone us and ask. There is absolutely no obligation and no charge. If, after talking with you on the phone, we believe that you may have a case at law, we will suggest a conference in our office. We are able to visit you at home or in the hospital if your ability to travel is impaired.
Should I take photographs of injuries or property damage?
Yes, absolutely. It is important for you to be able to document your injuries. We are also able to photograph construction and accident sites for you.
How soon after being injured do I need to see a lawyer?
An individual, by law, has a limited amount of time in which to file a lawsuit. That period of time, known as the statute of limitations, is determined by a number of factors, including the type of action to be filed and the state where you are pursuing the recovery. Therefore, it is extremely important to determine the applicable statute of limitations for your case as soon as possible.
If I have been injured in an auto accident, should I allow the other driver's insurance company to take my statement?
Typically not. You should have legal representation before you make any recorded statements. The insurance company for the defendant driver is not protecting your interests, and any statement you make can be used against you when attempting to settle your claim. You are not legally required to give one.
What can I do to help my case?
Keep all records, such as medical bills and treatment schedules, organized. Keep a diary or calendar of events, including medical treatments, doctor's visits, and physical therapy. It also helps to document events such as missing work, vacations, kids' events, weddings, graduations, holidays, hobbies, etc.
How will I pay my medical bills during the progress of my case?
Typically, you should always have your health insurance pay all of your medical bills. Normally you will receive a letter from your medical insurance company asking to be reimbursed from your settlement. This is perfectly legal. Also, your own car insurance usually has coverage to pay any medical bills not covered by health insurance.
I am a member of the United Auto Workers (UAW). Can I contact you through the Union?
Yes, definitely. Contrada & Associates has represented many UAW members and is proud to be listed with the UAW as a referral law firm. If you want to get in touch with us through the union, you must request a referral to Contrada & Associates when you contact the UAW.
I have been contacted by the defendant's insurance company. What should I do?
Don't sign or say anything! They will use whatever you say against you. Know your rights. You don't have to talk to them. Call Contrada & Associates at 419-841-4400.
The hospital has given me advice about how to handle my bills. What do I do?
Don't say or sign anything regarding insurance assignments, especially at a hospital or emergency room. Do not put your medical claims through your auto insurance. Do not assign your claims to a hospital or medical provider, even though they may pressure you to do so.
You should put all of your accident-related medical bills through your own health insurance, not your auto insurance. Do not be bullied by the hospitals, medical providers, or insurance companies to have your car insurance pay these bills immediately. Remember, the insurance company for the driver at fault does not have to pay a single medical bill until the very end when they settle your claim. They will make assurances that they will pay your medical bills, but they won't until final settlement. To make sure your medical bills are paid in a timely fashion, put your accident-related bills through your own health insurance. Do not assign your claims to the hospital. Call us immediately.
What will my own car insurance cover?
Check with you auto insurance agent to see if you have medical payments coverage. If you do, insist that a medical payments claim be set up immediately. Most insurance companies resist, but insist that they do so. Use this as stop-gap coverage for co-pays and deductibles and items not covered by your normal health insurance. Do not use this to pay hospital room or emergency room bills unless you have no health insurance whatsoever. However, you may wish not to pay the hospital and emergency room bills until final settlement.
Can you help me with insurance?
Yes, absolutely. Processing insurance claims for injuries is complex, confusing, and frustrating to most people. You need an attorney who is experienced dealing with adjusters, medical providers, and health care insurance companies to protect your rights. Don't get injured twice!
