Frequently Asked Questions
Below are the questions we are asked most often after a collision. These answers are general information, not legal advice for your specific situation. Laws and deadlines vary by state, so speak with a qualified attorney about your own case.
Do I actually need a lawyer for a car accident claim?
Not always. If the crash was minor, no one was hurt, and the insurer is paying the repair cost without argument, you may not need representation. Where a car accident attorney tends to matter is when injuries required treatment, when fault is disputed, when the offer feels disconnected from your losses, or when a commercial vehicle is involved.
How much is my case worth?
Anyone who gives you a number in the first conversation is guessing. Case value depends on the severity and permanence of the injury, the total medical expense, lost income, the degree of fault assigned to each driver, and the available insurance coverage. Coverage limits in particular can cap an otherwise strong claim, which is why we look at them early.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Every state sets a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, commonly between one and four years from the date of the crash. Claims against a government entity often carry a much shorter notice requirement, sometimes just a few months. Missing the deadline usually ends the claim regardless of its merits.
What makes a truck accident different from a car accident?
Several things. Commercial carriers are governed by federal safety regulations covering driver hours, maintenance, and cargo securement, which creates evidence that does not exist in an ordinary collision. There may also be multiple responsible parties: the driver, the motor carrier, a maintenance contractor, or a shipper. Policy limits are typically far higher, and the carrier’s investigators are often on scene within hours. A truck accident attorney will usually move quickly to preserve driver logs and electronic control module data before they are overwritten.
What if I was partly at fault?
You may still recover. Most states apply a comparative fault rule that reduces your recovery by your percentage of responsibility rather than barring it outright. A handful of states are stricter. Insurers frequently overstate a claimant’s share of fault early on, so an initial assignment of blame is not the final word.
Will my case go to trial?
Most injury claims settle. That said, cases tend to settle on better terms when the file has been prepared as though it will be tried. Insurers track which firms are willing to litigate.
What does it cost to hire you?
Injury matters are handled on contingency. There is nothing to pay upfront, and fees come out of a recovery. If there is no recovery, there is no fee.
What should I do right after a crash?
- Get medical attention, even if you feel able to walk away
- Report the collision so there is an official record
- Photograph vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, and visible injuries
- Collect names and contact details for witnesses
- Keep every bill, referral, and receipt connected to the crash
- Avoid posting about the accident on social media
Have a question that is not answered here? Send it to us through our contact page.