Do I need an attorney to represent me if I caused a car accident in a no-fault state?
My attorney sent me a very complicated legal retainer that I haven't the time to wade through. I was probably the only one injured in this accident and am getting chiropractic treatments. I just don't know if I'd only be asking my attorney to run up a bill I'd rather not have to pay, or what?
Hey Fisherwoman, If you would READ what I wrote, I was the only one injured in the accident. I take blame only because I didn't have the space to write here about all the details. The bottom line is that this happened in a No-Fault state and that is Viagra cheap what my question pertains to. I hardly think that reading legal documents for most people is an easy activity, they're verbose and difficult at best. I made certain that no one else was injured and it was a minor fender-bender in the first place. I don't think that your judgmental nature is nice.
I'm really looking for some real experienced advice. Thank you.
IF you are at fault you would only need to retain outside counsel IF you caused injury or property damage to an innocent party and the damage EXCEEDS your policy limits and you have assets you want protected.
IF you are NOT at fault for the accident then hiring an attorney is a personal choice. Can your attorney cause you to run up unnecessary bills—of course!!! You NEVER take medical advice or referrals from an attorney–only from a medical professional whom you trust. You don't hire an attorney when you use your health insurance so why would you hire one now?
If you don't feel you have the time to read a document, that your attorney has sent you, is clear indication to me, that you don't really care about the accident, or others involved in the incident. Nice………………………….
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Ask the attorney to explain the retainer or have one of his people do so. If they won't spend the time to help you maybe you need to find another attorney willing to explain things to you.
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"No fault" is alot more complicated then people think. It doesnt just mean "everyone goes through their own carrier" as some people seem to think. It simply means… your own insurance is PRIMARY for injuries.
Im confused… why would you need an attorney? Your at fault here…. your insurance company will pay your medical bills if you have the coverage (which you will since its a no fault state) why would you want to pay for an attorney when nothing is going wrong? Some people get attorneys when they are not at fault b/c they want "pain and suffering" etc… but your arent entitled to that when your at fault so what is your attorney gonna get for you?
As far as the other party.. you pay your insurance to protect you.. why would you get an attorney?
Im just really confused why you would even think about getting an attorney here…
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If you caused the accident, why would you need an attorney to represent you? for your no-fault coverage? Your insurance company will pay your reasonable and necesary medical treatment and wage loss, without the assistance of an attorney. If liability is 100% on you, as you stated, there is no need for attorney involvement, because you have no one to pursue – except your own carrier for your own medical bills. in this situation you are NOT entitled to pain and suffering.
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Lawyers are pond scum. Deal with them at your own risk.
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If you are at fault for this loss, I can't understand why you'd have an attorney.
If you are insured, it's your insurance adjuster's job to make sure that the parties involved are compensated equitably for their loss. An attorney would have no negotiating power over your insurance company, aside from helping you understand your rights.
Attorneys work for 33%+ contingency fees. I have to assume you're paying him out of pocket-but for what? I don't see what an attorney could do to help you, or how you would benefit from paying him for something an insurance company does under your policy contract.
Are you uninsured? If that is the case, the other party's insurance will present you with a demand for payment once all damages are settled. If you can pay it back out of pocket, wonderful. Otherwise, if you own property the insurance can and may sue you…in which case hiring an attorney is probably not a bad idea.
A "no-fault state" means that each carrier takes care of their own damages, but goes after the at-fault party once they're paid for. It doesn't mean no one is reprimanded.
If you give a little more info-I could help you further…
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I am a subrogation claims adjuster for a major insurance co (that means I go after the at-fault party once a claim is settled…)
IF you are at fault you would only need to retain outside counsel IF you caused injury or property damage to an innocent party and the damage EXCEEDS your policy limits and you have assets you want protected.
IF you are NOT at fault for the accident then hiring an attorney is a personal choice. Can your attorney cause you to run up unnecessary bills—of course!!! You NEVER take medical advice or referrals from an attorney–only from a medical professional whom you trust. You don't hire an attorney when you use your health insurance so why would you hire one now?
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