Below are answers to some frequently asked questions to assist you in your personal injury matter.
- An insurance adjuster for the other driver just called me, what can I expect from this careless drivers insurance company? Whose side are they on?
- The insurance adjuster for the other driver and my insurance company are requesting I give them a recorded statement about what happened. What should I do? Am I obligated to give a recorded statement?
- I was injured in the accident and need treatment. Who will pay for my medical bills?
- My PIP benefits have been exhausted and now the hospitals and doctors are going to send my bills to a collection agency? What can I do?
- What should I do if the other driver was at fault and does not have insurance?
- I was in a rear-end collision, the vehicles sustained little damage and I am in a lot of pain but the insurance adjuster is telling me that I could not have been injured. What can I do?
- Can I get money for my pain and suffering?
- Why is the insurance adjuster telling me not to hire an attorney?
- I need help from an attorney but I dont want to sue the person that caused the accident. Do I have to file a lawsuit?
- I would like to talk to a lawyer, but I cannot afford one. What can I do?
An insurance adjuster for the other driver just called me, what can I expect from this careless drivers insurance company? Whose side are they on?
Not Yours! The other drivers insurance company has two goals: (1) they want to protect the interest of the driver who caused you injury, and (2) they want to pay you as little money as possible.
Back to Top
The insurance adjuster for the other driver and my insurance company are requesting I give them a recorded statement about what happened. What should I do? Am I obligated to give a recorded statement?
Although the insurance adjuster who calls may give you the impression that you are obligated to give a statement, you are under no such obligation. Once a statement is given they will use it against you. Even your own insurance company!
Back to Top
I was injured in the accident and need treatment. Who will pay for my medical bills?
If the car you were in was insured then you may be eligible for No-Fault insurance or PIP benefits. Almost every Utah car insurance policy has at least $3,000 available for medical bills no matter who was at fault in causing the accident. At the Christensen Law Firm we can usually help you obtain these benefits and others at no charge.
Back to Top
My PIP benefits have been exhausted and now the hospitals and doctors are going to send my bills to a collection agency? What can I do?
You should talk to a lawyer if there is any refusal to pay medical bills. At the Christensen Law Firm we can often arrange for payment of medical services upon settlement of your case. We will set up a medical lien agreement with your doctors who will wait to have their bills paid after your case is settled.
Back to Top
What should I do if the other driver was at fault and does not have insurance?
If the other driver was not insured, you can make a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage of your own policy. If the accident was not your fault, your rates cannot go up because of the accident. Although you will be compensated from your own insurance company, you may be required to arbitrate your claim and will need to contact an attorney right away.
I was in a rear-end collision, the vehicles sustained little damage and I am in a lot of pain but the insurance adjuster is telling me that I could not have been injured. What can I do?
Many insurance adjusters will try and convince you that because the vehicles sustained little or no visible damage, then the vehicles occupants could not have been injured. This is not necessarily true. While cars are designed to handle low speed impact forces, the human body is not. Serious injuries can result from what may appear to be a minor impact. At the Christensen Law Firm we will ensure you are treated fairly no matter how serious the impact.
Back to Top
Can I get money for my pain and suffering?
An insurance adjuster may offer to pay your medical bills and lost wages to get a quick settlement but you are also entitled to money for pain and suffering, future medical bills and compensation for time lost from work. Proving these damages is one of the most challenging aspects of the automobile accident claim. It is the insurance companys job to get the lowest possible settlement. We know what your claim is worth and we will fight to get you the highest possible settlement.
Back to Top
Why is the insurance adjuster telling me not to hire an attorney?
Probably because insurance claims handled without an attorney are usually a lot cheaper for the insurance company. At the Christensen Law Firm we know what your claim is worth and we can help receive everything you are entitled to.
Back to Top
I need help from an attorney but I dont want to sue the person that caused the accident. Do I have to file a lawsuit?
Most cases are settled with the insurance company without having to file a lawsuit. In fact, less than 5% of all cases actually end up in trial. Many times we are able to settle cases before trial through arbitration or mediation.
Back to Top
I would like to talk to a lawyer, but I cannot afford one. What can I do?
All of our initial consultations are FREE! It will cost you nothing to meet with one of our attorneys and determine whether we can help. As your attorney, we will agree to take your case on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not have to pay for our services unless we win or settle your case.
To contact a personal injury lawyer, call us at 801-506-0800 (Main number), 801-224-2999 (Utah County) or 801-294-9500 (Davis County) to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal rights OR click here to fill out our free personal injury consultation form.