Looking for quick, helpful information? Below are commonly asked questions and answers. If you'd like additional information on any of these topics or have a question that we have not addressed, please contact us today.
Q: What type of cases do you handle?
A: We handle bicycle and pedestrian cases resulting in medical injuries throughout the United States. Because we are extremely focused on providing a high level of service to each and every client, we only accept a limited number of cases each year to ensure that our clients receive the best possible representation and outcome. Some firms will take every case that comes through the door. We approach things a little differently.
If you have been in an accident in either of these jurisdictions, we are here to help you. There is no obligation, and after a free case evaluation, we can tell you if our firm is the right fit for your case.
Q: What types of cases do you not handle?
A: Your time is valuable, so while we are always happy to speak with individuals in need, please know that we do not handle cases under certain circumstances, including cases in which:
The client’s medical bills are less than $1,000.
The client has been convicted of (or pled guilty to) a serious moving violation as a result of the accident.
The client has incurred property damages but no bodily injuries.
If you are in one of these categories, don’t worry! Even though your case may not be right for us, there are other great lawyers out there who may be available to help, and to whom we will gladly refer you. Give us a call and we’ll be pleased to assist.
Q: Do you charge for initial consultations on personal injury cases?
A: No, there is no charge for an initial consultation. Simply give us a call and we'll be glad to speak with you.
Q: I've been hurt in an accident. Is it essential to hire an attorney?
A: Not always but we recommend contacting us for a free case evaluation. Your need to hire an attorney depends upon the facts and circumstances of your case, and most importantly, the extent of your injuries and the amount of property damages involved. If you have questions or are unsure, please give us a call. We will be glad to consult with you without fee or obligation and to answer your questions about whether you should hire an attorney.
Q: How are your fees structured?
A: In most personal injury cases, we charge a contingent fee. In a contingent fee arrangement, our fee is a percentage of your recovery (the amount paid to you, the client), either through settlement or as the result of a court award. We will discuss your fee arrangement during our no obligation, free case consultation.
Q: I've been hurt in an accident, and I received a call from an insurance adjuster from the other driver's insurance company. Should I give them a statement?
A: No. We highly recommend that you first speak with an attorney. If you decide to retain an attorney, your lawyer will provide that adjuster with all of the information he or she may require without compromising your claim.
Q: What is contributory negligence and how does it affect my case?
A: Virginia is one of the few remaining jurisdictions in which the doctrine of "contributory negligence" still applies. It means that if the other driver was 99% at fault in causing the accident, and you were 1% "negligent" (and your 1% contributed to the accident's occurrence), then you are barred from recovering a single penny for your injuries. It is a harsh doctrine, but it is the law in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Alabama.
Q: What does insurance subrogation mean?
A: In the world of personal injury law, subrogation refers to the legal right of your health insurance company to seek reimbursement from you for the benefits it has paid out on your behalf for treatment of your injuries. This reimbursement comes out of any money that you may recover from the negligent driver by way of a settlement or court award. However, just because your insurer claims that it has subrogation rights does not mean that it actually does. A number of complex factors are involved, including the language of your health insurance policy as well as applicable state laws and regulations. In Virginia, for example, we have an anti-subrogation law that may be applicable to your case. If your insurance company has issued a subrogation claim, please contact us to discuss your case.