|
Replies: 29
| visibility 509
|
Ring of Honor [22001]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 13952
Joined: 2005
|
So, our insurance guy recommended we get a lawyer
8
8
Dec 1, 2023, 9:48 AM
|
|
for the accident my wife was involved in the other day.
I have never hired a lawyer and not sure how to even start. We aren't trying to get paid so to speak, but he said with the age of my wife's Tahoe and the damage done to it that the insurance company for the guy who was at fault is probably going to try to screw us.
She did go to the doctor and has whiplash. And is so sore she can't turn her head right now.
Anyone else ever been through something similar? What did you do? Is it worth hiring a lawyer? TIA.
|
|
|
|
 |
Orange Phenom [15010]
TigerPulse: 100%
49
Posts: 14073
Joined: 2003
|
South Carolina?
2
Dec 1, 2023, 9:51 AM
|
|
Glenda Mitchell is based here in Cartersville, GA. I've heard lots of great things about her firm.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Phenom [15010]
TigerPulse: 100%
49
Posts: 14073
Joined: 2003
|
Her billboards are all over SC highways now so I assume she
1
Dec 1, 2023, 9:53 AM
|
|
practices there too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paw Warrior [4836]
TigerPulse: 100%
37
|
Re: Her billboards are all over SC highways now so I assume she
Dec 1, 2023, 11:56 AM
|
|
Not necessarily.
Many lawyers advertise regionally/nationally and take a referral fee for passing on leads when you contact them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tiger Spirit [9787]
TigerPulse: 100%
44
|
I would be careful with any big, high-volume firm like (I assume) this one.
1
Dec 1, 2023, 10:18 AM
[ in reply to South Carolina? ] |
|
They will generally have a lot of attorneys with a very wide level of skill. Maybe you get a great one, maybe you don't.
I don't know this firm in particular, fwiw. But it can be a risk of that business model.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tiger Titan [50429]
TigerPulse: 100%
58
Posts: 39160
Joined: 1998
|
The big adverstisers...you know who they are...
2
Dec 1, 2023, 11:38 AM
|
|
are generally paying young new attorneys a decent amount to process cases. And it's just a process. If they have to bump one to complex lit status, they sometimes have in house experienced counsel and sometimes refer them out to smaller more specialized firms. All depends on who you go with.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tiger Spirit [9787]
TigerPulse: 100%
44
|
That makes sense. In my area, it is generally the same 2-4 trial lawyers
Dec 1, 2023, 11:53 AM
|
|
at those big firms who land the verdicts that make the news.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orange Immortal [66153]
TigerPulse: 100%
60
Posts: 15391
Joined: 2018
|
I would def consult with a lawyer, but don't have experience with
3
Dec 1, 2023, 9:52 AM
|
|
this type of thing.
One thing the ambulance chaser commercials have right is that the insurance companies will absolutely try to #### you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
TigerNet Legend [147285]
TigerPulse: 100%
67
Posts: 94670
Joined: 1998
|
There are really only two ways to go here...
4
Dec 1, 2023, 9:55 AM
|
|
lawyer, or hired assassin. Just my opinion, but lawyers take way too long.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ring of Honor [22001]
TigerPulse: 100%
53
Posts: 13952
Joined: 2005
|
Noted.
Dec 1, 2023, 9:56 AM
|
|
lol
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oculus Spirit [42785]
TigerPulse: 100%
57
Posts: 21668
Joined: 2022
|
I think Ford does PI work.
3
Dec 1, 2023, 9:56 AM
|
|
FordPrefect®. I'd tmale him to get the lay of the land. But I would recommend getting a lawyer because you're probably going to get screwed otherwise.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tiger Titan [50429]
TigerPulse: 100%
58
Posts: 39160
Joined: 1998
|
You are largely getting what you get on the PD...
5
5
Dec 1, 2023, 9:58 AM
|
|
you have to file for PD arbitration to force them to pay more, and once they offer a repair or an amount to total it out, they don't have to keep paying for a rental (assuming not drivable) most lawyers let the client handle the PD. As for the whiplash, it's all about treatment. If she has 3000 or more in bills, even if just from the ER, she can probably find a lawyer to take the case. If she hasn't actually treated, probably not.
There are a few lawyers starting to specialize in PD cases, but I can't remember who the are.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ultimate Tiger [34968]
TigerPulse: 100%
56
|
Re: So, our insurance guy recommended we get a lawyer
3
Dec 1, 2023, 9:58 AM
|
|
Call all 7's!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ultimate Clemson Legend [108450]
TigerPulse: 100%
64
Posts: 70401
Joined: 2002
|
If she needed medical treatment, I'd probably consult with a lawyer.
1
Dec 1, 2023, 10:01 AM
|
|
What they will do is total the car, if it's anywhere close. They'll then offer her some amount, $10K or something for pain, suffering, and her doctor's visit(s), etc. You sign that and accept it and you're on your own after that.
Now a good lawyer can bump up that extra payment to a level where he gets his 1/3 plus the amount you're left with could/should still be higher. With a lawyer, that then puts court/defense attorney costs in the reserves of the insurance carrier, and that enables them to settle for far more to avoid defending the case in court, with those added expenses.
Lol. Reminds me of a former Commissioner. The guy was a WIZ at math, and knew exactly how much it costs to defend a rating at a hearing. And that dollar amount would then be built into every PPD settlement. So you have a guy at the max comp rate, say $600, with a 10% rating to the back. He'd get 11%, a difference of $1,800 at an IC. About the cost incurred in retaining defense counsel and attending a hearing to argue over the 1% increase. He knew the insurance company would pay that extra $1,800 to make the claim go away. Now say you have a guy who worked at McDonalds with a $100 comp rate. Same back injury. Same 10% PPD. He'd award be awarded 16% to the back. An increase of more than 50%. Oddly, that comes out to....yep....$1,800. And it was paid.
So anyway, I'd consult with an attorney if she is actually injured and sought medical care. Unless they give you a very sweet offer. Some insurance companies will shoot straight and make a reasonable offer. Most won't though. And having an attorney means their reserves for the claim go up, meaning they can pay more to settle.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-Time Great [88610]
TigerPulse: 100%
63
Posts: 81642
Joined: 1999
|
One name:
4
Dec 1, 2023, 10:10 AM
|
|
Fordprefect
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heisman Winner [81509]
TigerPulse: 100%
62
Posts: 110918
Joined: 2003
|
Watch the local news tonight and you'll
2
Dec 1, 2023, 10:19 AM
|
|
see tons of fine options who will fight for YOU!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ultimate Clemson Legend [108450]
TigerPulse: 100%
64
Posts: 70401
Joined: 2002
|
Not tonight. Watch at about 11am, or the midday news.
3
Dec 1, 2023, 10:24 AM
|
|
That's when unemployed people wake up and turn on the TV.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heisman Winner [81509]
TigerPulse: 100%
62
Posts: 110918
Joined: 2003
|
Why are you arguing with me? I know what I see when I watch the local news.
Dec 1, 2023, 10:32 AM
|
|
I get ole George Sink, Clardy, Hawk Law, Grimes Teiche Anderson, and maybe one or two more.
Full disclosure, on days when I don't go to the gym or work out in the shop NBC 4 is turned on around 4:45. I watch through NBC national then flip over to Channel 7 until 8. Not all is paid attention to as supper starts to happen sometime in there, some nights. Also, naps can happen if Sharkgirl isn't home by 6.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valley Legend [12658]
TigerPulse: 100%
47
Posts: 12285
Joined: 2013
|
Re: So, our insurance guy recommended we get a lawyer
1
Dec 1, 2023, 10:38 AM
|
|
a lawyer is the only way to force an insurance company to treat you fairly is my experience
my local attorney refused to help me
i used hawk law out of spartanburg
i did not want to but the at fault insurance company denied my claim
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ultimate Clemson Legend [102421]
TigerPulse: 100%
64
Posts: 98937
Joined: 2009
|
Yes and the money for signing off on heath issue over pay for the damages...
3
Dec 1, 2023, 10:40 AM
|
|
done to my 1973 dodge tradesman van which was totaled in a rear end collision with a huge luxury car. They paid $400 bucks for the van which covered the money I'd spent rebuilding the sweet little slant 6 engine and $5K for my signature on the release of liability form(s).
It took months and a lawyer but it was my uninsured driver insurance and my own insurance company which screwed me on the vehicle.
Any lawyer can do it but the ambulance chasers will drag it out for years to pad their bank accounts. Go to any lawyer you trust and let him start the paperwork.
I didn't do it to make money, I'd still be rebuilding that engine and transmission and driving that sweet, sweet ride if people would be safe on the roads. It was a doll.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tiger Titan [50429]
TigerPulse: 100%
58
Posts: 39160
Joined: 1998
|
As an ambulance chaser, I guess...
3
Dec 1, 2023, 11:34 AM
|
|
I assure we DO NOT want to drag a #### thing out for years. If I could pick up the phone and settle every case the day I signed them up I'd be rich as hell and have the easiest job on the planet.
We ambulance chasers get a percentage of what the client gets at the END of the case. It's the defense lawyers who represent insurance companies who are getting paid by the hour and like the foot drag.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Clemson Sports Icon [52710]
TigerPulse: 100%
59
Posts: 33342
Joined: 2015
|
Dial all 9s now!***
2
Dec 1, 2023, 10:47 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heisman Winner [81103]
TigerPulse: 100%
62
Posts: 63984
Joined: 2005
|
My sister used Ric Davis out of Greenville with good results
2
Dec 1, 2023, 10:55 AM
|
|
She had a high meth head hit her head on, thought she was fine initially and didn't go to the hospital. Couple of days later figured out she had broken her wrist which required surgery. Driver didn't have insurance so that complicated things. It drug out for a long time but I don't think she ended up having to come out of pocket for much. She had a relatively new 4Runner that they didn't total, but it took like 6 months for it to be fixed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valley Legend [12711]
TigerPulse: 100%
47
Posts: 10403
Joined: 2002
|
Depends on how much medical attention you need...
2
Dec 1, 2023, 11:07 AM
|
|
If your Tahoe gets totalled or has a big claim and the at-fault party is going to suck, just file it through your own insurance and they'll sue the other company on your behalf (subrogation). You'll need to come out of pocket for your deductible, but get paid back once it's settled.
You should have a couple thousand of medical on your policy as well that you can claim against that they'll sue for. So check your limits if you think it will be a short term issue and not long term.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ultimate Tiger [33254]
TigerPulse: 100%
56
Posts: 15115
Joined: 2011
|
I would 100% hire an attorney. And get paid - 5 years from now - there
3
Dec 1, 2023, 11:15 AM
|
|
is no telling what getting rammed at 40mph will do.
Get medical help, opinions, treatment - get the vehicle back to AT LEAST what you had but push for better.
The other person's insurance will do everything they can to pay as little as possible and screw you at every turn.
It isn't about your wife's health - physical & mental & emotional - to them, it is about THE MONEY and minimizing what they pay.
I have 2 experiences with this - one that was me and one that was my wife. Tmale me and I'll give you the details if you are interested.
I wouldn't go with the huge firms up there, I would find one smaller that will pay attention to you and your wife.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Oculus Spirit [42785]
TigerPulse: 100%
57
Posts: 21668
Joined: 2022
|
And, get them to pay for everything.
1
Dec 1, 2023, 12:34 PM
|
|
When I was in college I got hit head-on by a drunk 17yo. Badly sprained wrist and my car was out of action for a while.
I tried to work bussing tables and drove our family's stick shift truck, and it was no bueno. Had no idea lost wages and rental car is something I could/should have gone after.
Though he totaled out a brand new Acura before hitting me, and from what I heard a little while later form that family, his coverage ran out after I settled and they had a much harder time collecting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
TigerNet Immortal [176615]
TigerPulse: 100%
69
Posts: 72594
Joined: 2013
|
You want the guy with the easiest number to remember
3
Dec 1, 2023, 12:00 PM
|
|
Like 888-888-8888.
That’s how you know they’re good.
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-TigerNet [5710]
TigerPulse: 100%
39
|
I always had a respect for the DUI attorneys who sponsor the wristbands
2
Dec 1, 2023, 1:06 PM
|
|
at big drinking events
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-TigerNet [5711]
TigerPulse: 100%
39
|
Re: So, our insurance guy recommended we get a lawyer
1
Dec 1, 2023, 1:09 PM
|
|
You can shop around. You don’t have to agree to representation at the intake. Find someone you can work with. I’d likely do 2-3 interviews. Just be yourself and ask whatever questions you have. You’ll likely interface with these folks several times over the course of litigation, may as well get along well
|
|
|
|
|
|
All-TigerNet [5711]
TigerPulse: 100%
39
|
Re: So, our insurance guy recommended we get a lawyer
Dec 1, 2023, 1:10 PM
|
|
*2-3 interviews of attorneys, not interviewing with the same place 2-3 times.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Replies: 29
| visibility 509
|
|
|
50
