There are approximately 12  million car accidents in the United  States each year. It is a disturbing  fact that you or someone you know  is likely to be involved in an auto  accident. Take a few minutes to read  the answers to these frequently asked  questions about accidents.

What Should I Do if I Am in an Accident?

See the accompanying article  for a helpful checklist of do's and  don'ts if you are involved in an  accident.

As soon as possible after the  accident, contact your insurance  company. If the accident was the  other driver's fault, your claim  should be paid by his or her insurance company. If the other driver  does not have insurance, or does  not have enough insurance, your  insurance may pay your claim, depending on what kind of coverage  you have.

Some insurance companies will  tell you that you don't need an attorney to represent you if you are  injured in the accident. This is bad  advice. Never give an insurance  company official statements about  the accident without consulting with  us so that we can protect your rights.

How Are Property Damage Claims Handled?

Most property damage claims  are handled quickly and efficiently  and usually do not require a lawyer.  If the accident is not your fault, the  other driver's insurance should pay  to fix your car, unless it would cost  more to fix your car than it is worth.  If this is the case, your car is "totaled," and you will only receive  the market value of your car before  the accident. Many repair shops will  help you by providing free repair  estimates for insurance purposes.

What if I Am Injured?

As with property damage, if the  other driver is responsible for the  accident, he or she is also responsible for your medical bills. If you  have been injured, it is important to  see a doctor as soon as possible.  Remember: An injury may not appear until long after the accident.

Do I Need an Attorney?

If you were not hurt, or the only  damage suffered is property damage, you probably will not need an  attorney. However, if you have  been injured or have missed work,  you should contact us immediately  to help you get your fair due from  the insurance companies. Unfortunately, many insurance companies  make it difficult to recover for certain kinds of injuries (such as whiplash) without a lawyer's help.

How Much Will It Cost to Get Legal Help

Most attorneys who handle personal injury lawsuits do so on a  contingent basis. This means that  you do not have to pay for the attorney's services out of your own  pocket, but instead the attorney  will receive a share of the recovery  if you are successful. If you don't  win, you don't pay. We believe that  you deserve good legal help even if  you do not have a lot of money.

What Is My Claim Worth?

The answer depends on a number  of different factors. You should be  compensated for your medical bills  and lost wages, both past and future.  You also should recover something  for the pain and suffering the accident has caused you. If your injuries  are serious enough, they may affect  you for the rest of your life, and so  you should be able to recover for  your lost earning capacity.

How Long Will It Take to Settle My Claim

Many cases settle quickly, to  everyone's satisfaction. Others  continue for months or even years,  depending on whether there are  disputed facts and on the amount of  medical treatment you require. Still  other cases cannot be settled without a trial, which may take longer.

Who Do I Talk to?

If you have been in an accident  and have questions about whether  you need a lawyer or whether you  have a right to monetary damages,  call us. Decisions that must be  made after an accident are very important. We will be happy to talk to  you about your case.

Auto Accident Checklist

• STAY CALM.
• Move yourself and your passengers out of harm's way. Call the police.
• Assist anyone who is injured. Call for an ambulance if necessary.
• Get the name, address, phone number, and license number of the other  driver(s) and car(s). Exchange insurance information. DO NOT discuss  the accident (except with the police), but DO make notes of anything the  other driver(s) says about the accident.
• Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses.
• Get photographs of your vehicle, contact your insurance company, and  write down everything you remember about the collision ASAP.
• Contact our firm to discuss your legal options.