Why You Need an Injury and Accident Lawyer After a Car Crash?
Why You Need an Injury and Accident Lawyer After a Car Crash?
Do I Need a Lawyer After a Personal Injury Accident?
In the event that you become seriously injured because a person or business was negligent, it is important to hire a qualified injury and accident lawyer to preserve your rights to the support you will need in order to recover. Some of the most common injuries, such as broken bones or TBI’s, can result in extraordinary medical expenses, which are often simultaneous with an inability to work, thereby compounding the financial burden.
Under these circumstances, medical care can become very expensive very quickly, and thus insurance companies will begin to look for loopholes to avoid their responsibilities. This may include seeking out a personal injury solicitor in Merced. A good solicitor will examine the facts surrounding your accident, gathering solid evidence to argue against insurance adjusters trying to shift fault onto you or minimize the extent that you are entitled to benefits during this period.
A solicitor’s job goes beyond mere representation; in essence, he will help as your authorized advocate to protect your rights throughout the claiming process. From taking witness statements and obtaining reports from doctors to arranging expert witnesses to validate how bad the injuries actually are and what effect they really have, nothing is left undone. This multi-faceted approach shall help piece together a strong establishment for your claim to compensation.
Moreover, a dedicated personal injury solicitor is adept at navigating the complexities of insurance policies and negotiating with insurance companies, which often employ tactics to minimise payouts. By having a legal expert on your side, you significantly increase your chances of securing a fair settlement that reflects the true extent of your medical costs, lost wages, and other related expenses.
Ultimately, having an experienced solicitor alleviates the stress burden on you to the extent that you are free to concentrate on your recuperation, in the firm knowledge that your rights are being vigorously defended by a professional. It is important to note that their support is usually invaluable in ensuring that you are not unreasonably left to bear the financial cost of someone else’s carelessness.
Who is Responsible After a Personal Injury Accident?
If drivers act negligently and you are injured in an accident, they can be fully liable for the cost of your recovery. When a landlord refuses to repair a crumbling stairwell at your apartment complex, and you suffer a dangerous fall, that landlord may be held liable.
In California, due to the “duty of care,” victims are legally empowered to file personal injury claims against individuals and property proprietors. (injury and accident lawyer)
This duty means they have to act to prevent harm to other motorists, customers, clients, tenants and visitors. For instance, a restaurant owner is responsible for the safety of customers from the parking lot and to their tables and back. The City of Merced can be liable for damages if someone is hurt in a public building or in a city parking deck. When landlords, drivers, and corporate chains take risks with the safety of others, they should be prepared to pay for every recovery cost for victims. But what will always happen is that their insurance representatives will spend more time trying to avoid accepting accountability.
What Constitutes a Minor Car Accident?
Small accidents are the type of accidents that involve an insignificant level of force and thus lead to a limited level of damages and injuries.- injury and accident lawyer
Examples of minor car accidents include:Examples of minor car accidents include:
- Fender Benders: Low impact accidents that involve front or rear shunting and where the principal damage is to the bumpers.
- Parking Lot Incidents: Often these happen in parking lots; the impacts can be scrapes, dings or bumps into other cars or even poles at slow speeds.
- Side-Swipes: Cars scraping each other lightly mainly at body panels on the sides and this is common at slow speeds.
- Rear-End Collisions: Such happen at low speeds and often cause slight impacts at the rear end of the car being involved.
Common injuries and damages associated with minor car accidents include:Common injuries and damages associated with minor car accidents include:
- Whiplash: Whiplash, resulting from the jerky movement such as back and forth, typical in rear-end collisions.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Injury to the muscles, tendons and ligaments that leads to swelling and many times affects the movements and causes pain.
- Bruises and Scrapes: Cuts and abrasions with the inside of cars or car seats or symbols from seat belts.
- Property Damage: Small depaint, abrasions, or any other composite injury on the exteriors of the vehicle.
- Psychological Impact: Mild accident also has influence of emotional stress anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Even fender benders, which are not very serious, still can have effects on your health and your pocket. Some rather trivial car accidents, such as the rear-end collisions, can result in the whiplash, which is an uncomfortable neck pain. Likewise, the injury that involves muscle, tendons or ligaments, or any other soft aspect of the body, causes continuously aching and needs attention from doctor. Contusions are also chilling and, despite being on the skin’s surface, can be administered by the interior of the car, or seat belts that were involved in the collision.
Apart from the physical injuries, minor cases of car accidents can cause property damage like scratches and dents on the body of the car. These damages are always best undone soon as they occur to prevent stripping the value and general beauty of the car. Moreover, the psychological aspect of any injury, even a slight one, may not be overemphasized when it comes to work accidents.
Emotional stress, anxiety, and, in some cases, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can arise, affecting your mental health and quality of life.- injury and accident lawyer
Understanding the potential consequences of minor car accidents highlights the importance of taking them seriously and seeking appropriate medical and legal advice to ensure your rights and wellbeing are protected.
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General Misunderstandings about Minor Car Accidents
1. There is no necessity to inform the police about the occurred accident.
Fact: Any incidence of an automobile crash, no mater how small or major, should be taken to the police station. Do not make a mistake of reporting an accident since this is unlawful and can attract fines or even imprisonment. Leaving the scene of the accident without sharing your identification details with the other driver or drivers on the scene is even worse as it attracts more legal repercussions. Informing an insurance company of an accident is important because this will create a record that will be very useful especially when making insurance claims and in legal cases.
2. Personally, I do not have to inform insurance companies about an accident.
Fact: In case of car accidents, you should inform your insurance company immediately even if you caused the accident. Almost all insurance companies have it a condition that their policy holders should report accidents within a given span of time. To avoid paying from your pocket, reporting the accident to the insurance company’s starts the process of handling a claim. On the same note, giving your insurer a heads up helps you in case the other driver proceeds to claim on you despite being at fault.
It’s dangerous not to inform your insurance company of an accident and there are repercussions for not doing so. This can result to their refusal of coverage meaning that you are fully liable for all repair bills and hospital bills. Also, if a claim is opened by the other driver and one has not reported the accident, one’s ‘insurer might not be in a position to adequately defend one thus increasing liability.
3. I don’t have fever, rash, bleeding or swollen area and I am not in pain. Although Jay was not feeling well, she did not think she required the services of a doctor.
Fact: This is wrong in every sense of the word; one day you are okay, feeling absolutely fine, and you get no apparent bruises or cuts to show for it, but everything is not well. Cerebral traumas, traumas of the nervous tissues – neck, brain, or other hidden traumas like for example a conception of a closed belly – may not cause any complaints, but are dangerous. Only the medical examination and necessary tests can reveal such problems. Thus, after you leave the scene of the accident, it is recommended to visit your primary care physician or the nearest urgent care center for an examination. Timely care not only protects your well-being but also serves as evidence should one need to file an insurance or sue someone.
4. The final myth I will discuss is; Myth #4 I do not require a injury and accident lawyer lawyer to defend me.
Fact: This means that, if you proceed without the help of an attorney, you have basically no chance at getting enough compensation that you need. This is because personal injury law is very complicated and so, requires someone with a lot of experience in dealing in this field as the car accident lawyers in Steinger, Greene & Feiner do. Through them, you can be able to obtain crucial evidence, engage in negotiations with insurance firms and if required, defend you in court. They explain that without an attorney, one is likely to lack the capability to decipher the complete details of your rights and the compensation amount you are eligible to receive, and as such could lose a lot of money.
5: I can be over-weekend by the first offer of compensation as given by the offender.
Fact: Insurance companies primary and major goal is to make profit rather than providing you the best satisfaction insurance companies are notorious for such manoeuvres as low balling whereby they offer you a settlement that does not cater the accident expenses. Taking the first settlement usually results to having to pay for all your medical bills, car repair and other miscellaneous expenses out-of-pocket. Rather, wait and let your car accident injury lawyer demand for a higher compensation. Professional injury and accident lawyer know the actual value of your case and can help to get a reasonable amount of money that would fairly filter your losses and pains.
Reason to Hire a Car Accident Injury Attorney After a Minor Accident?
Legal Expertise and Experience
There is no denying that injury and accident lawyers are so important in helping the clients especially in relating to the legalities involved in car accidents. They are highly useful when it comes to claiming for negligence, compensation for personal injuries, damages to the car or anything else inside the car, as well as any other losses caused by a car accident. Here are some key aspects of their expertise and experience:Here are some key aspects of their expertise and experience:
Legal Knowledge
Traffic Laws:
Car accident attorneys have proper knowledge of traffic laws that are local, state and federal. They know the legal provisions as to how vehicles should be driven something that is very vital for apportioning blame in the event of a crash. It helps them to capture the violation of such laws and even put down culpability which is crucial especially when developing a case for the clients.- injury and accident lawyer
Insurance Laws:
They are well conversant with insurance laws and would largely know the legalities of policies and coverage extents and all concerning insurance deals. This knowledge is however particularly relevant in ensuring compensation for their clientele to the maximum extent possible. The lawyers, specializing at car accidents really thoroughly study the small print in insurance policies and use this knowledge to the benefit of their clients during the bargaining.- injury and accident lawyer
Investigation Skills
Accident Reconstruction:
In their practice, car accident attorneys frequently employ accident reconstruction experts to study a scene and the available proof, with an intention of getting an insight of what preceded a crash. This collaboration assists in establishing who did what and who is at fault or not at fault in the event. In this way, when reconstructing an accident with a high probability of a client’s victory, attorneys can offer powerful evidence.
Gathering Evidence:
Professional injury and accident lawyers understand how to both get and maintain the proofs which are relevant in your case. This range involves getting statements from the witnesses, police reports documents, medical forms, and tapes from any surveillance camera. As legal minds, they comprehend the need for efficient gathering of proofs as means of ensuring that all needful information to substantiate your case has been availed. This also aids in dealing with any efforts by other parties to challenge or minimise the measure of harm and hurts experienced.
Negotiation Skills
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Injury and accident lawyer is well equipped to deal with the insurance firms as well as other attorneys for the other party. These negotiations usually revolve around responding to unfavorable offers and vesting one’s client’s interests. Insurance companies are known to employ several strategies that delay or reduce the compensations to the deserved amounts, but attorneys are aware of these tactics and know how to deal with them to get their clients fairly compensated.- injury and accident lawyer
Settlement Negotiations
In most car accident situations the parties seek justice through negotiations and end up settling. It can also be used to indicate that attorneys can engage in bargaining in an effort to get a proper remedy without necessarily inevitable trials. They talk and act on behalf of their clients to get a good result in the case by relying on the knowledge of the law as well as past experiences in the court. In this manner, through managing negotiations, lawyers save their clients from such a process and enhance the probabilities of receiving a positive result.- injury and accident lawyer
Understanding Damages
Assessing Past and Current Damages
Ladies and gentlemen, you and I know that car accident attorneys can effectively assess their client’s damages, which may include medical expenses, King medical rehab expenses, property damage, lost wages, and much more, Tort & Suffering. They thoroughly scrutinize patients’ records, estimates for repairs, and other documents that would help to assess the totality of the harms. This comprehensive evaluation makes a point to ensure that clients are paid for all the immediate damages that are caused by an accident.
Calculating Future Damages
Permanent physical and/or emotional impairments that arise from car accidents can also be estimated by car accident attorneys. They look at the costs of follow-up care, loss of future income, and all other consequences of an accident. It entails that clients are paid for their future necessities to avoid economic adversity in the future. These future costs are usually estimated with the help of medical professionals where injury and accident lawyers practice, as well as financial specialists.- injury and accident lawyer
Courtroom Experience
Litigation Skills:
settling a car accident claim is not always possible and if it is, sometimes it is not always satisfactory. When this happens, a proficient car accident injury attorney will file a case and argue a case in a court of law to a judge and a jury. Professional persons in the legal field acknowledge the appropriate court procedures, use effective legal approaches and make decisions in the best way possible of their clients. They are great at substantiating their cases, questioning witnesses, and arguing out their case in order to win the particular case.- injury and accident lawyer
Navigating Insurance Claims:
Attorneys are important in managing all communications with insurance companies after a car accident. Their expertise allows them to successfully navigate complex rules and regulations. As skilled negotiators, attorneys recommend ensuring that their clients are compensated fairly. Strong evidence is collected and presented to support the claims and insurance companies do not disregard the claims of their clients. Through all dealings with insurers, attorneys protect clients from unintentional attacks on their claims, such as admitting fault or collecting low settlements offer. The attorney ensures that clients receive fair compensation without the stress of dealing directly with insurance companies.- injury and accident lawyer
Important Role Of Car Accident Injury Lawyer In Minor Accidents
Appropriate Case Evaluation
1. Liability Assessment
Clear Fault: Injury and accident lawyers first determine the evidence that may easily determine fault or negligence of the other person involved in the accident. This may take police records, any account of eye witnesses, and any kind of video evidence to show that the other party was fully responsible for the accident. Today, there are many opportunities to implement clear fault when elaborating cases and looking for compensation.- injury and accident lawyer
Traffic Laws: another factor that lawyers also take into consideration is compliance to traffic laws or regulations within the car accidents. Citations like speeding, going through the red light or not yielding decision ordinarily alters the oblige of the fault. Thus, analysing these factors, a injury and accident lawyer can prove that violation of a traffic law ripened into an accident which is helpful for the client.
2. Injury and Damages
Extent of Injuries: Lawyers analyse the nature and extend of the harm or damage that their clients endured. Severe injuries like fractures, head, or spinal injuries may be useful in growing the case since it shows how the accident affected the life of the victim heavily. Medical reports, reports from professional witnesses and full descriptions of the harm that has been suffered are collected in order prove bodily injury.- injury and accident lawyer- injury and accident lawyer
Property Damage: Even both the degree and the nature of the damages to property such as automobiles and other personal effects are also taken into account. Injury and accident lawyers also quantify the expenses incurred to the repair or replacement costs, for this is part of how the accident affects everyone. The common evidence in the property damage cases includes photographs, repair estimates, and expert evaluation.- injury and accident lawyer
3. Evidence Gathering
Accident Reconstruction: The accident could also involve the involvement of lawyers who come with people who reconstruct the scene of the accident. These specialists study physical signs on the road such as the tire marks, position of the vehicles at the scene, and point of impact among others with a view of ascertaining the sequence of events leading to the accident. The strategy serves to build a very strong case for the client by presenting an undistorted picture of the circumstances that led to the accident.
Witness Statements: Statements from witnesses and involved parties are crucial in establishing the sequence of events and corroborating the client’s account of the accident. Lawyers interview witnesses, obtain written statements, and may depose involved parties to gather comprehensive testimonies. These statements are instrumental in creating a cohesive narrative and supporting the client’s version of events.- injury and accident lawyer
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4. Insurance Coverage
Policy Limits: Lawyers assess the insurance coverage of both parties involved to determine the adequacy of coverage to meet potential damages. Understanding policy limits is essential for evaluating whether the available insurance will sufficiently cover medical expenses, property damage, and other related costs.- injury and accident lawyer
Policy Interpretation: Injury and accident lawyers carefully review the terms and conditions of insurance policies to leverage maximum coverage for their clients. This includes analysing coverage limits, exclusions, and any relevant clauses that might affect the claim. By interpreting the policy language effectively, lawyers can ensure that their clients receive the full benefits entitled under their insurance agreements.
5. Cause and Relationship
Proximate Cause: Lawyers work to establish an obvious connection between the defendant’s actions and the injuries sustained by the plaintiffs, and claim that the defendant the actions of the person in front of him were proximate causes of the accident. This includes a detailed analysis of how the incident occurred and how the injuries in question occurred. By showing proximate cause, a injury and accident lawyer can hold the defendant responsible for the harm.- injury and accident lawyer
Medical Records: A review of medical records is important in linking specific injuries to the accident. Lawyers scrutinize these records to determine when and how the injury is connected to the accident. This medical evidence is important in establishing causation, indicating that the injuries were a direct result of the accident and not preceding circumstances or subsequent events. – injury and accident lawyer
6. Comparative error
Contributory Negligence: Attorneys also consider whether their client was at fault in the accident. They look at the impact of comparative negligence laws, which can affect the amount of damages a claimant receives. Understanding the potential contributory negligence enables attorneys to develop strategies to minimize its impact on the case and maximize the client’s compensation.- injury and accident lawyer
7. Statue of limitation
Timely: Attorneys ensure that the case is filed within the statute of limitations, which is the legal time limit for starting the appeal. It is important to file at this stage to avoid procedural hurdles that could delay the filing of claims. Attorneys maintain deadlines and oversee the timely submission of all necessary documentation to protect the client’s right to compensation.- injury and accident lawyer
Comprehensive Legal Representation Plan For Car Accident Claims
The legal representation process for car accident cases involves a multi-step process, designed to provide the injured party with access to appropriate support and information. The process begins with an initial consultation between party between the injured party and their attorney.- injury and accident lawyer
Then, the prosecutor conducts a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering all relevant evidence that can strengthen the client’s position. This may also include reviewing police reports, witness statements, medical records, and other relevant documents. The attorney’s goal is to build a detailed case showing the extent of the client’s injuries and the liability of the responsible party.- injury and accident lawyer
After an investigation, the attorney handles all communications with the insurance companies, advocating for their client’s best interests. They liaise with insurance adjusters to ensure a proper settlement, taking into account both the client’s financial and non-financial losses. If a satisfactory settlement is not reached, the attorney will file a lawsuit on behalf of the client and guide the case from beginning to end In some cases, a trial may be necessary to obtain maximum compensation for the defendant. Throughout the process, a skilled attorney provides expert guidance and representation to ensure that clients receive compensation for their injuries and losses.- injury and accident lawyer
Available Compensation for Injured Drivers
Financial reparation for a car accident damage may be gotten either through settlement or through a verdict. You also are, of course, entitled to damages for the prices which you incurred as well as pains and suffering that you could have as a result of the occurrence of the coincidence.
Several commonplace varieties of repayment that you can pursue in a automobile twist of fate declare consist of:
- Medical Expenses- This include expenses for emergencies, surgeries, doctor visits, and drugs prescribed by a doctor.
- Lost Wages- This is especially important if you had to take time off work to recover from the injuries; you are entitled to claim for any wages that you lost.
- Lost Earning Potential- Also, if your body is unable to work or perform tasks, hours, or make the same amount of money it used to make before an accident, you can pursue compensation for loss of earning capacity.
- Property Damage- You can demand for the expenses you incurred in mending the car or any personal property that was injured during the mishap, the phone and other devices for instance.
- Pain and Suffering- The one who has suffered the accident can claim for the physical suffering and for the humiliation that one feels.
- Loss of Consortium- If you or your spouse has sustained injuries and this has prejudiced your marriage, then this is also a compensable loss.
- Death Benefits- For such a misfortunate, you may be able to recover funeral expenses and loss of wages of a family member.
Sometimes, the courts can also award punitive damages. These are designed to deter the defendant due to his/her intentional conduct or particularly reprehensible behavior in such situations as drunken driving.
If you are ready to talk about the kinds of compensation which one may be in a position of receive, then, contact our competent car accident attorneys in Memphis today. Not only is it free, but you also are under no pressure to make any further arrangements at the end of the consult. Our team understands the many opportunities there are for a claim to become tangled and confusing and we aim to facilitate and simplify for you the process of getting the compensation to which you are entitled.
Things need to bE doNE After a Minor Car Accident
After a car accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming and stressful. To be safe and protect your rights, follow this checklist and navigate the situation with confidence.
Step 1: Put your safety first
First of all, make sure you and other people in a car accident are safe. Check if there are any wounds and give urgent medical care where necessary. Anybody injured, dial 911 or rush to hospital.
Step 2: Document the Incident
Notify the concern authorities by contacting regulation enforcement or submitting a record on the nearest DMV. If law enforcement officials reply, they will report the incident in a police record. Obtain a duplicate of either report for future reference. This will assist establish a clean file of what occurred.
Step 3: Collect Basic Information
Exchange contacts and insurance information with the other drivers involved in the accident. Be sure to get their name, phone number, insurance policy information, license number and vehicle information.
Step 4: Gather Evidence
Take pictures and video of the scene, vehicles and visible injuries. This evidence can help support your claim that the other driver is at fault.
Step 5: Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, it is important to see a doctor or go to the emergency room for proper testing. This will help identify any potential injuries that may not be immediately obvious.
Step 6: Consult with an attorney
If you want to get in touch with your insurance company; first consult a legal practitioner on the issue at hand and develop a legal strategy that will be applicable in this case so that you are not violated. In other words; an advocate will assist in making you know about what you are entitled to in addition to having alternatives to take.
Step 7: Notify your insurance company
Finally, notify your insurance agent as soon as possible to begin collecting coverage. By following these steps, you will take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your rights after a car accident.
How To Understand Whether You Need Car Accident Injury Attorney/ Lawyer
It’s vital to put your well-being first as well as protect your rights following a car accident. Still, it may be quite overwhelming dealing with all that is involved in law considering that it was just a minor one. If these challenges come your way then having access to an expert in car accidents might help you out.
Serious injuries require special care
Following an accident that left you hurt, which may either be avenues to processing your insurance claims or making that personal injury lawsuit, you are advised to consult a motor vehicle accident legal expert who will walk you through the whole process, enlightening you on what you should know about your compensation options and what right you have.
Difficult Responsibility Matters
Should you experience any difficulities when it comes to attributing the accident to one person or another, then you should consider consulting an attorney. A good injury and accident lawyer will help explain difficult law concepts to you and ensure that your rights are protected.
Multiple teams to participate
When there are many people that are involved in accidents, the legal system becomes more complex. You get the assistance of a car accident attorney in navigating these abstractions and guarding your rights.
Previous and New Injuries
It’s important to distinguish between the two if you had a prior injury that aggravated the accident. An automobile accident injury attorney will help you understand the impact of prior injuries on your case and ensure that you receive adequate compensation for additional injuries caused by your accident.
What a Car Accident Lawyer Can Do for Your Claims Process
An auto injury and accident lawyer’s major role is to ensure that you get monetary recovery for properties and other losses. Such may be medical expenses, automobile expenses, for repair or a more expensive replacement, physical and emotional sufferings, loss in wages, permanent disability, and loss of companionship. Another heads of damages that may be awarded in some circumstances includes punitive damages. Further to this, a legal professional can use the contacts at his or her disposal to ensure that you are receive decent treatment.
When a beloved family member dies from the injuries that he or she received in an accident, a wrongful death attorney will work to get different expenses. These are funeral and burial, loss of use, loss of wages or anticipated inheritance, and other such ones. It is really priceless to at least reduce the burden during such a trying time and as well avenge the loss to some extent.
In conclusion, injury and accident lawyers and wrongful death lawyers specialize in fighting for your rights and seeking justice for you; they help you to understand the legal process and get the maximum compensation for your case.
Questions To Ask To Attorney Before Confirming
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What is your level of experience in practicing law?
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Do you specialize in pedestrian accidents?
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Have you taken care of suchlike matters ever? and what happened?
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In case of any, what approach will you take during the talks or otherwise resort to the courts?
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How do you plan on keeping in touch with me? How often shall I anticipate progress reports?
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What is your charging system and are there extra costs that I ought to factor in?
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How much should I expect to be involved in determining the outcome of my case?
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Will you keep me updated in the event of any significant changes happening with my case?
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Are you specifically going to deal with my case, or will it involve other attorneys in your firm?
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How long do you expect it will take before my case is resolved legally?
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What could cause my case to drag longer than usual?
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In what frequency do you take cases to court and what is your success rate?
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Do you belong to any professional groups or bar associations?
FAQ’S
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BEST CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS
Alicia Funkhouser
Mack T. Jones
Raechel Kane
Marc Lamber
Mick Levin
Scott I. Palumbo
David S. Shughart
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