Frequently Asked Questions
I cannot afford to pay for an attorney right now? Can you still help me?
We understand that not everyone is in a position to pay for an attorney when they need one. That is why The Accident Guys do not charge anything up front. We only get paid if we are able to get you money for your case. You will get the representation you deserve without having to pay anything up front. Give us a call. We are available 24/7.
I was in a small accident but was injured. Do you only take big cases or can you still help me?
We have been very successful in representing our clients who’ve been injured in both small and big accidents. If we believe that you will be in better hands with representation of an attorney, we will be more than happy to take on your case on contingency basis (we only get paid if we win your case).
Who will be handling my case?
Our firm’s culture is to provide the best results and the best client service. To ensure this, your bodily injury case will be supervised by a team of attorneys. You will also be in contact with an experienced case manager who will coordinate your medical treatment.
This accident aggravated a previous injury? Do I still have a case?
Under The Eggshell Plaintiff Doctrine you have rights even if you are more susceptible to an injury than others. Therefore, even if an accident (no matter how small) aggravated a previous injury, you still have a case.
Should I call 911 after my accident?
It’s always best to call 911 after an accident. The officer that arrives should take a detailed report including the other party’s information in case we have to track them down. Sometimes, however, the police do not show up if a serious injury was not reported or will come to the scene of the accident
but will not write a report.
My car is totaled? What next?
The at-fault party or your insurance company have the option of (1) either repairing your car or (2) paying the value of your car before the accident. They will usually pick whichever costs less.
Can the insurance company offer me less than I owe for my car?
Yes. The insurance company will only pay what the value of your car is right before the accident. They will not pay what you owe on the car. For example, if you owe $15,000 on your car loan but your car is only worth $10,000, then the insurance company will only pay you $10,000 if your car is totaled in an accident. Therefore, it is imperative you purchase GAP insurance on your vehicle. GAP insurance should cover the difference between what your car is worth and what you owe on your car.
My car is in the body shop? What next?
If your car is in the body shop, you are entitled to a rental car until you get your car back.
Can I get a rental car after my accident?
Yes. Some insurance companies will set you up with a rental car. Some others will have you pay for the rental and will reimburse you the amount of a comparable car. If you have rental coverage through your insurance company, you can also get a rental car through them.
Should I take my car out of the tow yard?
We always suggest you get your car out of the tow yard ASAP. Tow yards and junk yards charge an astronomical amount per day to store your car. Sometimes liability is not clear so you don’t want your car in the tow yard until liability is established. Sometimes the other party has a small policy and may not be able to cover the repairs, towing charges, rental charges and storage charges. If you have collision coverage, we recommend you get your insurance company involved and have them handle your property damage.
Should I give the insurance company a recorded statement?
Absolutely not. The at-fault’s insurance company is not entitled to a statement. You don’t want to provide them with information that they may use against you. It is best to have an attorney on the phone.
What is an SR-1?
If you are involved in a vehicle accident the DMV will require you to submit an SR-1 one form to report the accident. Each state’s requirements vary. This form should be submitted within 10 days after an accident.
Can I see a doctor even if I don’t have health insurance?
The Accident Guys know that not everyone has health insurance or they may not have the best health insurance but still want to see a doctor for their injuries. If you were injured in an accident, we can set you up with a local doctor who will treat you on a personal injury lien. This means that the doctor does not expect payment until your case is resolved. You will not have to pay anything up front.
How long will my case take?
Every case is unique. It all depends on how serious your injuries are and how long your doctor believes you need to be under their care. Once you are released from their care, we will collect and submit your bills and records to the insurance company and begin negotiations.
The insurance company made me a low-ball offer. What next?
Insurance companies are designed to make low-ball offers to unrepresented claimants. It is best to not try to handle your case on your own. Oftentimes people make the mistake of trying to settle their case on their own before contacting an attorney only to find out the insurance company is taking advantage. It is not too late, however, to give us a call even if an offer has been made.
Will my rates go up if I use my insurance for an accident I did not cause?
No. Your insurance only goes up if you are 51% or more at fault for an accident. Therefore, you should use your insurance company if you have the right coverage for an accident you did not cause.
I don’t want to sue the at-fault party. Can I still pursue my claim?
Yes. The majority of the time claims get resolved before a lawsuit needs to be filed. Whether you pursue your claim or not, the at-fault party’s premiums will increase after an accident. Therefore, if you do not pursue your claim, the insurance company gets to collect the premiums without having to pay on a claim.
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Get free, no obligation legal help now. We may be able to get you compensation and medical treatment for your injuries.
Omid DayanFounding Partner