Legal Question in Personal Injury in California
I was in a car accident on Thursday. 3 cars were involved. I was in the front, and was rear ended by the car behind me which was rear ended by the Sequoia behind them. I was told it was 100% the driver of the Sequoias fault. It is now Saturday, and my back aches, my wrist hurts, and I HAD a headache, but now it is barely noticeable. I am a student, and do not have medical coverage(just the schools).. The insurance company(AAA) of the Sequoia driver said, when i go to the hospital to let them know, and they will see what they will pay, etc etc.. Where do i go to get looked at? What should i get looked at? I do not want to get stuck with a medical bill. I am worried a little about my back,as I was in an accident several years ago, 4 or 5...that required I get minor back surgery. (Endoscopic).
7 Answers from Attorneys
In order to get medical treatment without health insurance, you need to have doctors who agree to treat you on a "lien"-- which means that they agree to wait until the end of your case before they collect on their bills. However, no doctor will take a lien unless you have a lawyer representing you. That way, they can be sure that your case has merit and they will get paid.
You have a potentially very good case, and we handle auto accidents like yours every day. Our attitude is to be aggressive with the insurance companies, because they do NOT have your best interest at heart-- just the opposite. They will take every word you say, and twist it around to use against you. Right from the start, you should have an advocate on your side.
We don't get paid unless you do. Like a partner in the case, our interest is the same as yours. Since our fee is a percentage of the result, then like you we want only the best result possible. We can handle your property damage free of charge and arrange for medical care, making sure you never have to go out-of-pocket.
To get started, call us toll-free at (877) LION-FOR-LAW (546-6367) or e-mail [email protected]
I agree with the previous answer. Without an attorney the insurance company will probably argue that many of your medical bills were unnecessary and will offer you very little money. I discuss auto accidents at my website, www.accidentawardslasvegas.com I am also licensed in California and would be glad to take your phone call at 702-343-0494.
Hello,
First of all, you should go to any hospital and get x-rays done to determine whether there is any kind of damages to spine and discs. Most hospital will provide care and will bill you later, which you will be able to pay off out of the settlement of your claim. It's important to follow up on the initial treatment with a regular doctor and get a referral to a chiropractor, physical therapist, or orthopedic surgeon, depending upon your symptoms and x-rays findings.
It's important that you keep track of your treatment and don't have major gaps in treatment (one month or more between one visit to a doctor and next will be a strong indication to the other side, that your pain is not so serious, regardless of the reasons for you not going).
Also, if the insurance company representative wants to take your recorded statement, if you haven't given one yet, don't do it until you retain an attorney to represent you.
Thanks, and feel free to follow up.
Arkady Itkin
San Francisco & Sacramento Injury Lawyer
Feel free to call us at 213.388.7070 if you are unable to find a medical provider who is willing to provide medical treatment on lien basis. Our office is very resourceful and we will be happy to provide free consultation about your case.
My firm handles car accident cases all over the State of California. You may call me for a free consultation at 800-816-1529 x. 1.
My website is located at www.thepersonalinjury.com .
The prior answers should be helpful and I won't repeat the advice here except to confirm that you have a potentially strong case which would benefit by legal representation both for the provision of assistance in obtaining medical care and for the resolution of your legal case after your treatment has been concluded. If you have not already arranged for representation, contact my office at (415) 665-0400 for a free and confidential consultation.
I have been on both sides...first in claims for many years then as an attorney for the person who has suffered as a result the another driver's negligence. I can say that the insurance company will not be fair with you especially if the claims person is dealing with you directly and you are not represented. Do no delay in going to the ER and perhaps see a doctor through your school but many attorneys can also send you to a doctor you will agree to deferring any payment and treat you on a lien that you and the attorney both sign to protect the doctor's rights to recover for the treatment provided. I go further and negotiate the lien down with that doctor who has provided the treatment. Negotiating the lien down obviously increases the net amount that ultimately goes to the injured client. You should seek legal advice to protect your rights. The attorney fee is contingent upon recovery and comes out of the proceeds and not the client's pocket. I hope this helps. Bob (818) 222-2433; (800) 978-1529