Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Car Accident

I recently was rear ended on the freeway. My car was totaled (kelley blue book=$7,000). According to witnesses, the man who hit me was being negligent (on his palm pilot, no hands on steering wheel, and speeding). My neck and back are in pain. I cannot get a rent-a-car replacement because I am not of age (25), so I am carless, which is terrible. I know I have a case for pain and suffering... but I just do not know how much I should ask for, I honestly don't know where to start. Thank you for your time.


Asked on 1/06/04, 11:12 pm

11 Answers from Attorneys

Sam Eagle LAW OFFICES OF SAM M. EAGLE

Re: Car Accident

It's too soon to worry about how much money your case is worth. You need to get organized with the various insurance coverages that might be applicable, your property damage and the right medical care. There may be ways to get you a rental as well. You need an atty. If you are in or near Orange County, give me a call. Sam Eagle--714-963-5123.

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Answered on 1/13/04, 1:16 pm
Robert Nelson Rizio and Nelson

Re: Car Accident

You have received quite a few responses on this already so I will not re-address a lot of these issues except to say that you should really get an attorney to figure out the value of your case.

An attorney who is honest cannot tell you the value of your case until he/she knows what is the extent of your injury. For example, a soft tissue case is worth a lot less than a herniated disc but, most likely, no one will know if you have suffered that injury for several months.

A review of the jury verdicts (depending on where the accident was, the judge assigned to the case, loss of earnings, etc..) can go anywhere between $0 to $150,000.00.

So make sure you hire an attorney that is really good at what they do. In regard to us, we have numerous seven figure verdicts/settlements on individual cases. However, it is fair to say that your case is probably not worth those figures unless there is alot more than what you are telling me.

If you

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Answered on 1/13/04, 1:23 pm
A. Russell Martin Law Office of A. Russell Martin

Re: Car Accident

I am truly sorry to hear about your accident. I was injured in an accident when I was younger and I know the frustration of being tossed into the vortex of the legal system without knowing your rights. You have a strong case and need aggressive legal representation immediately. I can provide that for you. I have the knowledge, experience and tenacity to ensure that you get the money you deserve for your lawsuit. Feel free to contact me for a free consultation (415/772-9652 or [email protected]). Do not worry about paying expensive legal fees because I will only collect a fair percentage of any money you recover. In the meantime, be sure to safeguard your claim(s) by doing the following: (1) immediately get a strong lawyer because your cause(s) of action can be barred forever if they are not filed with the court in time; (2) gather and preserve all evidence of your claim(s) (e.g., get medical treatment and preserve all documentation regarding your injuries, photograph the accident site, photograph all injuries and damages, get police reports & contact information for all witnesses, etc.); and (3) NEVER give any statements about the accident or sign any documents regarding your claim(s) before speaking to a lawyer. Remember insurance companies are not your friends regardless of how �friendly� they might seem. They are not interested in helping you. They only want to protect their corporate pockets.

I hope this information helps. I am ethically required to advise you that this posting constitutes an advertisement for legal services, however, please know that my concern for your situation is sincere. I became a lawyer because I am a good person who wants to help other good people adequately protect their rights in a complex legal system.

Contact me if you need further assistance.

Russell Martin

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Answered on 1/13/04, 3:07 pm
Charles Rossman Charles Rossman Injury Lawyer

Re: Car Accident

I have read the sage advice given you and have little to add, other than I would appreciate an optty. to come and meet with you at your residence at no charge, to discuss your options with you.

Charley Rossman

562 267 7777

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Answered on 1/13/04, 4:58 pm
John D. Williams Law Offices of John D. Williams

Re: Car Accident

I am sorry to hear about your accident and injuries. You need to start by hiring an experienced attorney. I have over 23 years experience handling these matters. You need to see a doctor for your injuries. The defendant's insurance company is also responsible for a rental car.

We charge a percentage of the recovery and advance all costs. If there is no recovery there is no fee.

If you would like a free consultation, please e-mail me with contact information of call me at (818) 991-6664.

Good luck and thank you for your inquiry.

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Answered on 1/13/04, 5:53 pm
Dieter Zacher Law Offices of Dieter Zacher

Re: Car Accident

Yes, you have a case. There are many questions to be asked and answered. I would like to help. Primarily, do you have collision insurance so that your car can get repaired. If not, that may be a concern. Please contact me so we can discuss (310)901-1912. Thanks.

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Answered on 1/12/04, 9:00 pm
Mitchell Roth MW Roth, Professional Law Corporation

Re: Car Accident

You should take this matter to a lawyer. The defendant's insurance company will talk sweet and try to convince you to settle without a lawyer. Remember, the person to whom you are speaking works for the insurance company, not you.

If the other driver was liable, you can get excellent and agressive representation form a qualified lawyer on a no recovery no fee basis.

Also, no one can evaluate the value of this case without first seeing how well and how quickly you recover from your injuries. There is technology available today that can document even soft tissue injury. You are the victim. Don't forget. Don't settle for less than you deserve and become a victim twice.

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Answered on 1/12/04, 9:14 pm
Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates

Re: Car Accident

I have not read the other attorney responses. It is imperative that you get an attorney to handle this case for you otherwise you will not get what you are entitled to period. Either way, if the insurance company knows you are not represented by counsel they will pawn you off, or offer a low ball amount to get you to settle. There are too many things to articulate here about your case. You may call me on my cell at 818-427-6246 for a free telephone consultation. PI is what I do!!

Norm

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Answered on 1/12/04, 9:22 pm
Damian Nolan Law Offices of Damian M. Nolan

Re: Car Accident

Based upon the facts given, it appears you have a case. The extent of your recovery is determined by the amount of your damages. Are you treating for your injury? If not, why not? You should not be speaking with insurance adjusters without proper legal advice. If you choose to pursue this matter yourself, remember-- the insurance adjuster, despite a probable friendly manner IS NOT YOUR FRIEND! You should speak with an attorney to determine your course of action.

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Answered on 1/12/04, 9:36 pm
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: Car Accident

You start by hiring an experienced attorney, otherwise you won't get what the case is worth. Contact me if interested in getting full value, and making sure you are doing the right things regarding medical treatment, etc.

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Answered on 1/12/04, 9:53 pm
Steven Kuhn Steven Kuhn

Re: Car Accident

You are entitled to damages. If you are not old enough to rent a car, have you parents rent one and you can seek reimbursement from the negligent third parties insurance company. You should seek the advise of an attorney as soon as possible and make sure you get treatment for your injuries.

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Answered on 1/12/04, 11:57 pm


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