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1. I don't have a lot of money. What will it cost to have my case evaluated?
You won't be charged for case evaluation, no matter how many visits it takes. Police reports, your medical records, and any other important information necessary to decide whether or not you have a valid claim will be gathered on your behalf. If, in our opinion, you don't have a case, we won't charge you for any of the work we've done up to that time. If we do take your case, you can repay us for the costs plus the attorney fee at the end of the case.
2. What's the value of my case?
The value of any claim depends on many factors. Because we specialize in personal injury accident cases only, we evaluate thousands of claims every year. We stay current on the settlement value of cases similar to yours, both in Michigan and nationwide. Generally speaking, insurance companies place a value on your case based on the injuries involved. Simply put, the more severe your injuries, the higher the value of the case. Another factor is whether the medical problems resulting from your injury are likely to continue. We recently settled a case for $6.5 million
the third largest personal injury claim in Michigan history. Obviously not every case is worth that much money, but we are diligent in our attempt to get you the full value of your claim.
3. I'm not the type of person who files lawsuits. Can I settle this case without going to court?
We make every effort to settle your case without litigation. Ultimately, the final decision of whether or not to sue is left to you. Sometimes a lawsuit is the only way to obtain the full value of your claim. However, we frequently settle cases for the policy limits available without going to court. Ninety-nine percent of all personal injury cases filed in court never go to trial. Most of these cases are settled far in advance of trial, after both sides have exchanged all of the necessary information.
4. What if I have future medical bills? Will the insurance pay for these if I settle my case now?
In an automobile negligence case, any settlement you make with the other driver will only apply to the value of your pain and suffering. Your automobile insurance carrier or your health insurance carrier pays your medical bills. Since we do not settle with your own insurance company in a settlement with the other driver, your automobile insurance company remains responsible for your future medical bills, without limit, for life. In a non-automobile accident case, your health insurance will usually continue to pay future medical bills as long as it relates to the accident. The only difficulty you may have is if you change insurance companies in a non-automobile accident case.
5. How long do I have to file a claim?
For most personal injury claims in Michigan, the Statute of Limitations is three years. This includes automobile accidents, slip-and-falls, and other related injuries. For medical malpractice, the Statute of Limitations is two years; for claims against your own automobile insurance company to pay your medical bills or wage loss, there is a one-year Statute of Limitations. You should talk to us in greater detail regarding this last item, as you frequently have more than one year in which to make claims for your lost wages or your medical bills.
6. If I don't win my case, will I owe you money for attorney fees?
All of our services are performed on a contingent-fee basis. That means we don't collect an attorney fee from you unless we are successful in recovering money for you. We receive a one-third fee on any money recovered on your behalf. If we make no recovery, there is no fee.
7. I haven't been able to work since my automobile accident. Will someone pay my lost wages?
Under the Michigan No Fault Law, your own automobile insurance company is responsible for paying 85% of your gross wages for a maximum of 36 months. In addition, your own automobile insurance company is responsible for paying your medical bills for life, without limit, if you have no other medical insurance available.
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