The Legal Herald
Victim Struck by Impaired Driver: The Legal Avenue to Justice, Compensation
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports, every year an average of 10,000 people are killed on U.S. roadways due to drunk driving or impaired drivers. Thousands more are left with serious injuries. The tragedy is that every one of these losses and injuries is completely preventable. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, including a recent $29.25 million dollar verdict, and our mission is to help the victims these tragic and senseless accidents.
I Was Seriously Injured in an Accident. What Assistance Can an Attorney Provide?
After an accident, our Clients come in with a number of questions and concerns. Many of these relate to insurance negotiations, medical care and property damage. In some tragic circumstances, a loved one has been lost in an accident and grieving family members are uncertain of how to proceed. A dedicated, experienced personal injury firm should be able to immediately provide victims of motor vehicle accidents with a strategic plan to navigate the coming days, months, and years. Each case is different and should be customized to the needs of the specific victim. Your initial consultation should be free, thorough and provide you with a solid understanding of your legal options.
Should I Speak With or Hire an Attorney that Contacted Me Directly, In the Hospital, Through Social Media, or Through an Investigator?
The American Bar Association Rule 7.3 states that a lawyer “shall not” contact a prospective Client through a “live telephone” or an “in-person” visit. If an attorney, or someone acting on behalf of an attorney, contacts you in this manner, that attorney is in violation of this Rule. This unethical and unprofessional activity on the part of the lawyer is good sign that you should stay away. It is imperative that you are represented by an attorney who is capable of advocating for you within the confines of the law, and an attorney who fails to abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct is probably not the best fit. In fact, any such attorney should be immediately reported to the local State Bar Association. If you have been contacted in such an unsolicited manner, contact us and we’ll assist you in filing a report.
Do I Need an Attorney to Negotiate with Insurance Companies?
Sadly, insurance companies are all too often more concerned with limiting their own financial exposure than providing victims with the compensation and long-term medical care they need. An experienced personal injury attorney will handle all negotiations with insurance companies to get victims the maximum recovery they deserve. An experienced personal injury attorney should also handle property damage claims related to your case. Be sure to ask any potential attorney about their experience negotiating with insurance companies. Having an experienced personal injury attorney during this complex negotiation process can mean the difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation.
How Do I Handle Medical Billing and Long-Term Medical Care While Waiting on an At-Fault Driver’s Insurance?
A comprehensive personal injury firm will assist Clients by acting as a liaison between their medical care providers and insurance companies. The firm should handle all communications and negotiations with medical billing offices and an exceptional attorney will even coordinate long-term medical appointments and Client transportation to medical providers, if needed.
Can I Afford an Attorney?
Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.
You Deserve Justice. We Can Help.
The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims and families devastated by impaired drivers. We offer our legal assistance, if desired. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.
Choosing the Right Attorney
Selecting the right attorney for you or your family is highly important. You must feel confident that the attorney you hire has a complete understanding of the law applicable to your particular case, and has successful experience in handling such cases.
Important: Do not hire a lawyer who has violated the Rules of Professional Conduct!!!
You should not hire an attorney who calls you or visits you unsolicited, or anyone that contacts you directly to offer legal services. This activity is strictly prohibited by Rule 7.3 of the American Bar Association (ABA) Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which states as follows:
A LAWYER “SHALL NOT” CONTACT A PROSPECTIVE CLIENT THROUGH A “LIVE TELEPHONE” OR AN “IN-PERSON” VISIT.
– RULE 7.3, ABA MODEL RULES OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT.
If an attorney, or someone acting on behalf of an attorney, contacts you in this manner, that attorney is in violation of this Rule. This unethical and unprofessional activity on the part of the lawyer is good sign that you should stay away. It is imperative that you are represented by an attorney who is capable of advocating for you within the confines of the law, and an attorney who fails to abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct is probably not the best fit. In fact, any such attorney should be immediately reported to the local State Bar Association. If you have been contacted in such an unsolicited manner, contact us and we’ll assist you in filing a report.
Contingency Fees Disclaimer: “Contingent attorneys’ fees refers only to those fees charged by attorneys for their legal services. Such fees are not permitted in all types of cases. Court costs and other additional expenses of legal action usually must be paid by the client.”