Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Personal Injuries?

If you are a homeowner, you know that your homeowners insurance covers most things that can go wrong. However, what if someone gets injured on your property and it’s deemed your responsibility? Does homeowners insurance cover that? Or do you need to buy supplemental coverage to protect your assets?

In this article, we’ll consider what types of personal injuries homeowners insurance covers, and when you may need to get additional coverage.

Personal Injuries Covered by Homeowners Insurance

The majority of homeowners insurance policies cover other people’s personal injuries on your property, such as someone slipping on your sidewalk because it’s icy. Personal injury coverage can be purchased by itself, but most policies include it. However, to be sure, you should always check your policy details.

Personal injury coverage protects you if someone’s injury is your fault and if you damage someone’s property. It also protects you when the injury or damage does not occur inside your property lines, such as if you accidentally bump into someone while jogging on a hiking trail and injure that person.

It’s important to remember that even though these are called personal injuries, homeowners insurance will not cover your medical expenses. In addition, personal injury insurance won’t cover injuries or damages that:

• are intentional, such as keying someone’s car,
• occur inside a vehicle, or
• are caused by another vehicle.

For medical expenses or damages that occur while inside of a vehicle you’ll need different coverage. These are typically covered by your medical and car insurance policies.

When You Need Additional Coverage

Although most homeowners insurance policies cover personal injuries, they usually have a coverage limit. This limit means that if you are sued for a significant amount and your insurance will only cover part of it you may be personally liable for the rest. How can you protect yourself?

First, find out the details of your insurance policy. Homeowners insurance plans that cover personal injuries may have two types of coverage – liability coverage and medical payment coverage.

Medical payment coverage pays for the injured party’s medical bills regardless of whether the homeowner’s negligence caused the injury. Medical payment insurance often has a low limit. So, if the homeowner is found to be responsible due to negligence, the liability coverage can be used after the medical payment coverage is exhausted. Both of these types of insurance have limits for how much they will cover.

Second, fill in the gaps. If you have a lot of financial assets or your coverage limit is too low, you may need to purchase more insurance to protect your assets. You can get an umbrella policy or personal excess liability insurance that will kick in once your homeowners insurance is gone and cover the rest. This kind of extra coverage is relatively cheap compared to what you may lose in a lawsuit.

What to Do After a Personal Injury

If you have been injured by someone’s negligence, you likely have extensive medical costs or may have lost income due to missed work. How can you receive the compensation you need to make up for these unexpected costs?

At Robichaud, Schroepfer & Correia, P.A., we have personal injury lawyers with years of experience. We understand how to help you get the compensation you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Can I File a Claim Against Someone Else’s Homeowners Insurance?

If you’ve been injured or had property damaged due to someone else’s negligence, then you’re likely paying many bills to fix these issues. If someone else’s negligence was truly responsible for the problem, then it’s only fair that they provide compensation. How can you get the compensation you deserve? You may wonder if you can file a claim against someone else’s homeowners insurance to receive compensation.

In this article, we’ll discuss whether you can file a claim against someone else’s homeowners insurance and the steps you can take to help your personal injury claim.

Filing a Claim Against Someone Else’s Homeowners Insurance

If the homeowner has insurance, and you have reason to believe that the homeowner’s negligence caused your injury or property damage, you can file a claim against their insurance. If the homeowner doesn’t have insurance, you’ll have to file a lawsuit against them directly.

To file a claim, you need to find out what insurance company the homeowner has. There is no registry or legal record that will tell you what insurance company they have. So if the homeowner refuses to give the name of their insurance company, you will have to sue them to get the information.

After you’ve learned what company they’re insured by, you should file a claim against them as soon as reasonably possible. The insurance company may not take a claim that is filed too late, as they may think it was faked or that too much time has passed for them to investigate the incident. Some states require that the insurance company provide proof that too much time has passed, while other states don’t. After you’ve filed a claim, the insurance company will assign someone to investigate the case.

What You Can Do to Help Your Claim

You may think that filing the claim is the only thing you need to do to receive compensation, but unfortunately, this isn’t true. Because the insurance company doesn’t want to pay for the damages or medical bills from your claim, they will try to disprove it. There are things you can do to help prove your claim. Below are listed some steps you can take to help your claim.

• Take pictures or video of your injury or property damage. You can also take pictures of anything that may have led to your injury or property damage, such as unsafe electrical wiring that caused an electric shock.

• Obtain statements from witnesses. You can also get their contact information in case the claim goes to court.
• Get copies of your medical records that pertain to the injury you received.

What to Do If You Need to File a Lawsuit

If the insurance company refuses to give compensation, you will need to file a lawsuit and hire a personal injury lawyer to fight your case. Where can you find the right attorney?

At Robichaud, Schroepfer & Correia, P.A., we have multiple personal injury lawyers who can help you get the compensation you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Disclaimer: the exact method for filing a claim against another party’s insurance can vary based on a variety of circumstances. It’s best to consult an attorney before filing a claim.

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What to Do After a Car Accident Injury

If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you likely know the basic procedure – get to safety, take photos, exchange insurance information, and get a police report. (You can see a more detailed procedure here.) However, what if you’ve been injured? Car accident injuries, while some may seem inconsequential at first, can be a very serious concern. Let’s look at some common car accident injuries and what you should do if you have been injured.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Neck Injuries

Perhaps one of the most common types of car injuries that comes to mind is whiplash. It’s often seen in rear-end collisions and happens because the neck moves back and forth quickly and forcefully. While the symptoms of whiplash and other neck injuries may only last a few weeks, they should still be assessed by a healthcare physician.

Head Injuries

Another frequent and potentially serious type of car accident injury is a head injury. Especially common in high-speed collisions, head injuries occur when your head strikes against windows, dashboards, or the steering wheel. You should always seek medical attention if you have experienced a head injury. Even if you just experience a headache after a car accident, it could be a sign of a concussion or a traumatic brain injury.

Back Injuries

Car collisions can also cause back injuries. Back injuries include anything from mild muscle tension to herniated disks to extensive nerve damage. If you experience back pain or numbness in your body, you may have a severe back injury and should get it checked out by a doctor right away. Back injuries can not only affect your mobility and prevent you from working, but they take time to recover from and can be very costly to treat.

When to See a Doctor

Most people won’t hesitate to call 911 if they have obvious external injuries after a car accident. However, some injuries may be internal or their symptoms may be delayed. It’s possible to sustain an injury and not even realize it at the time of the accident. Later though, you may experience things like headaches, stomach pain, back pain, or even emotional distress. These symptoms could be a sign of something more serious.

If you wait a long time to address medical symptoms after a car accident, the underlying injury could get worse. In addition, if a lot of time passes between the crash and when you go to the doctor, it will be harder to prove that the injury was due to the accident. Insurance companies may challenge the claim and say that something else caused the injury. Therefore, it’s imperative that you seek immediate medical attention after an accident.

Document Everything

If you did get injured in a car accident, make sure to keep track of anything related to the accident and your medical treatment. To ensure that you have a strong insurance claim, hold onto the following items:

1. Medical bills. Gather all of your medical statements, prescriptions, receipts for medical equipment (such as, crutches and canes) and anything else you’ve had to buy for your injury.
2. Correspondence regarding the accident. File any emails, notes from phone calls, and written letters you’ve received from medical professionals while undergoing treatment for your injury.
3. Travel expenses. You may have to travel long distances for your doctor’s appointments. Make sure to keep track of the mileage, parking fees, and hotel costs.
4. Photos of the accident. Save all the photos you’ve taken of the accident in a safe place that can be easily accessed and shared with lawyers or insurance representatives.
5. Proof of financial loss. If you haven’t been able to work while injured, document the wages lost.

In addition to these documents, keeping a detailed daily journal that describes the accident, your injuries, and how it impacts your daily life can help bolster your case.

Should I Get a Lawyer?

It’s a good idea to consult a personal injury lawyer if you’ve been injured in a car accident. Trying to get compensation for damages and medical bills can be challenging and stressful if you try to go it alone. That’s why the personal injury attorneys at Robichaud, Schroepfer & Correia, P.A. are dedicated to understanding the unique circumstances of your case. We’ll guide you through every step of the legal process to ensure that you receive the maximum benefit you are entitled to. Contact us today by filling out the form below or calling 855-541-3016.

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Steps to Take After a Car Accident

If you’ve ever been in a car accident, you know how disconcerting it can be. So much happens in just seconds that it can be hard to comprehend what just took place, let alone know how you should proceed to ensure everyone’s safety.

We’ve compiled a list of things you can do immediately following a car accident to avoid further injury and prevent insurance issues.

Preventative Measures

Even though you’re not planning to get into a car accident, you still get car insurance in case it does happen. In the same way, preparing an emergency kit for your car can give you the resources you need if it does happen. So, what should you put in an emergency kit? Here are a few essential items to keep in your vehicle:

• Important documents like car insurance information, health insurance information, and vehicle registration
• First aid kit
• Road flares and a flashlight
• Jumper cables
• Bottled water
• A multipurpose tool to fix basic car troubles

Make sure to put these items in a clear container so that you can easily see where everything is. Also, secure the container so that is doesn’t open or fly around while you’re driving. These are just a few of the items to keep with you. You can find a more detailed list here.

Another preventative measure you can take is to keep a post-accident checklist on hand. Since the moments after a car accident are chaotic, a list of the steps you should take after an accident can be a great reference. You can include the following 9 steps on your checklist.

Ensure Safety

1. Take deep breaths and try to calm down. This is much easier said than done. But, if you can calm yourself down, you will be better able to take charge of the situation. Remaining calm could be imperative if you’re in dangerous surroundings or if there are other people involved in the accident.
2. Move to safety if necessary. If the vehicles are causing traffic problems, you may need to move them. Remember to take pictures of the vehicles and their placement before you move them (if it is safe to do so). This could be beneficial when determining who was at fault. If you can leave your vehicle where it is, turn on your hazard lights. You may want to use the road flares from your emergency kit to warn other drivers.
3. Stop the vehicle and get out. Turn off the vehicle and make sure all individuals get out of the car if they’re physically able. Ensure that everyone is in a safe location away from traffic.
4. Check for injuries and call 911 if necessary. Even if there aren’t any apparent injuries, consider the possibility that someone may have internal injuries. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to personal safety.
5. Call the police. You may want to call the police if the parties involved in the accident are not cooperating or if they are arguing. It’s also a good idea to call the police because they can create an accident report that you can use for your insurance.

Remember: When speaking to a police officer, never claim fault or blame someone else for the accident. You want their report to be as objective as possible. And when asked about any personal injuries, never say that you’re alright. You may have unknown internal injuries.

Document the Accident

Take photos of everything. Use your phone to take pictures of:

• Damage to the vehicles
• Any injuries that occurred
• The location where the accident happened (street signs, intersection, etc.)
• Road conditions

Collect information. Use your phone or a pen and paper to record information like:

• The name(s) and contact information of all of the involved parties
• The name(s) and contact information of any witnesses
• The driver’s insurance information, license plate number, and driver’s license number (if they let you)
• The name and badge number of the police officer
• Write down everything that happened right away. It’s a good idea to draw a diagram of the scene of the accident that includes where each vehicle was coming from. You can also keep a diary of what happened. The longer you wait to document the accident, the more you will forget. It’s best to record everything as soon as possible. Also, if you have any injuries, keep track of how you feel each day. This may come in handy for insurance purposes.
• Contact your insurance and file a claim. Let your insurance company know about the accident and provide them with the police report.

Were You Injured?

Hopefully, these tips will help keep you and anyone else involved in the accident safe. You also want to fix the damages quickly and get the care you need. You can do this by being careful with what you say and thoroughly documenting the accident to prevent issues with your insurance company.

If you were injured in an accident due to the negligence of another person, you might have a personal injury case. It would be a good idea to consult with a personal injury lawyer right away. At Robichaud, Schroepfer & Correia, P.A., our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help. We listen to your concerns and help assess your situation to see if you have a case. Contact us today by filling out the form below.

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Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident?

When you get in a car accident, you’re worried about your family, your car, and whether anyone was hurt. The last thing you want to think about is who is at fault. But one of the most pressing concerns for the police and your insurance is who is at fault in this car accident? If they decide that you were at fault, you may need to pay an increased insurance rate or even pay for damages by yourself.

States have varying laws when it comes to car accidents which makes it hard to know if you’re at fault in the accident. This article will help you find out if you’re at fault and how to protect yourself if you’re not.

What Are Your State’s Laws?

Why is it so important to understand your state’s laws? Some laws define what type of negligence determines fault, and others outline how much fault you need to have to pay for damages. To help you understand your circumstance we’ll briefly discuss the basics of these laws.

No-Fault States vs. Fault-States

The majority of states are fault-states or tort states. In these states, the person who is deemed at fault will usually have to pay for damages through their insurer. These damages may include property damage, repairs to the cars involved, medical expenses, and other losses.

On the other hand, states that have no-fault insurance laws require that each person’s insurance pay for their medical costs. People in those states may need personal injury protection (PIP). Personal injury protection is a type of insurance that pays for your medical expenses no matter who’s at fault in the car accident. No-fault states do require that the at-fault party pay for property damages.

Types of Negligence

States may use comparative negligence to determine whose insurance pays. With comparative negligence, people are responsible for whatever percent of fault they are estimated to have. For example, if you’re found to be 30% at fault in a car accident, and the other party is found to be 70% at fault, you may be able to get 70% of the damages from their insurance. Of course, this depends on the state’s laws regarding compensation.

Other states may use a modified form of comparative negligence. This form of negligence may limit your ability to file for damages depending on your level of fault. For instance, some states may only allow you to ask for compensation if you’re less than 40% responsible for an accident.

Still, other states may use a pure contributory negligence method of finding fault. Pure contributory negligence calls for no fault at all on the part of a party before they can ask for compensation. Under this method, any percent of responsibly is too much.

Use Police Reports

Police will often come to the scene of an accident and document what they find, especially if someone has been hurt. You can ask the police at the scene how to obtain a copy of the report, or you can go to the police station and ask. A police report is useful for legal matters as it’s an official, unbiased document.

What if the police do not show up at the scene of your accident? You can inform them of the details, and they may compile a report based on your statements, the other party’s statement, and their investigation. If you gather any evidence at the scene, such as pictures of the road conditions and car damages, they may include that in the report as well.

How to Protect Yourself from Fault

The first thing you should do after a car accident is make sure no one was hurt. You should then gather evidence about what happened. You can do this by taking pictures of the road conditions, the damages, and getting statements from witnesses of the accident. This evidence can be used by the police and your insurance to determine the facts of the case.

You should also avoid admitting fault at the scene of the car accident. The insurance company and possibly police will decide who’s at fault in the accident and they may uncover things you didn’t know. If you admit fault without knowing all the circumstances, you may be taking responsibility for something that wasn’t your fault. Even if you are at fault, you should let your insurance company and the police decide that, and have your insurance deal with it.

What to Do If You Are Injured

If you have been injured in a car accident, you may have substantial medical bills to pay and need to take time off work. If you need help paying for your medical expenses and the other party’s insurance won’t cover it, a personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you need.

Robichaud, Schroepfer & Correia, P.A. has multiple personal injury lawyers that have experience with many personal injury scenarios. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Applying for a U.S. Work Permit

Are you a foreign national who has been residing in the United States? If so, maybe you are thinking about starting a career in the U.S. But, before you start looking for a job, you must make sure you can do so legally. Not everyone living in the U.S. can legally work in the U.S.

One document that will enable you to legally work in the United States is a work permit. Let’s take a look at what a work permit is and how you can apply for one.

What is a work permit?

A work permit, also called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), is a document issued to foreign nationals so that they can legally work in the United States. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for issuing work permits. USCIS will issue them only to a limited group of qualifying immigrants. Most of these work permits are valid for 1 to 2 years. It’s important to note that a work permit is not the same as a work visa.

Do you really need a work permit to have a job in the U.S.?

Yes, you do! If a company hires you and you do not have the legal right to work in the U.S., that employer could get fined or imprisoned. And, if you are working in the U.S. without proper documentation, you can also be fined or imprisoned. In addition to that, if you work in the U.S. illegally, it can disqualify you from getting a visa or from entering the United States in the future.  In fact, getting paid for working just a couple of hours can cause serious immigration issues.

Who needs to apply for a work permit?

Certain immigrant statuses, such as asylee and refugee, authorize the individual to work in the United States. However, they will still need a work permit to serve as evidence of their authorization to employers. Therefore, if you fall into this category, you will need to apply for a work permit.

You also may need to apply for an EAD even if you’re allowed to be in the United States. Residing in the U.S. does not always mean you have the authorization to work in the U.S. It’s important to see if the provision that’s permitting you to live in the United States also grants you authorization to work. If not, you can get work authorization by applying for a work permit.

You’re not required to apply for a work permit if you are a lawful U.S. citizen, if you have a green card, or if you have a work-based visa. Keep in mind that tourists visiting the United States and undocumented immigrants are not eligible for a work permit.

You can find a complete list of those who need to apply for a work permit on the Instruction Sheet for Form I-765.

How can I apply for a work permit?

Once you’ve determined that you need to apply for a permit, fill out the Form I-765. You will also need to attach the following with your application:

• Documents proving you are eligible for a work permit
• Two color photos of yourself (passport style)
• A copy of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
• Payment for the filing fee

You can file your application online or by mail. The mailing address for your application can be found on the USCIS website. Don’t forget to make copies of all the documents you are sending by mail.

As of 2017, the filing fee for a work permit is $410. If you’re paying online, you can pay with a credit card, debit card or electronic transfer of funds from your checkings or savings account. If you’re attaching your filing fee to your application and mailing it, you can pay by check or money order.

After you’ve sent your application and all other required documents, it may take 4.5 to 7 months before you hear back about your work permit.

Don’t go it alone!

Are you still unsure if you should apply for a work permit? Do you have questions about how to fill out the Form I-765? Don’t worry! Immigration documents can be very complex. Thankfully, our attorneys at Robichaud & Alcántara P.A. are experts when it comes to Immigration Law. Let us help you with your work permit questions so you can start working as soon as possible. Contact us today by giving us a call or filling out the form below.

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How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer

Were you or a loved one injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another person? Do you think you are entitled to get compensation for lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering? You should make it a priority to find an experienced personal injury lawyer to represent your case.

You are likely already experiencing a lot of pain, stress, and frustration because of your situation. You don’t want your search for an attorney to add to your anxiety. To reduce your stress, we’ve compiled some tips to help you find the right lawyer for you or your loved one.

Where to Begin

One of the best ways, if not the best way, to find a good lawyer is through referrals. You likely know of a family member, friend, or co-worker who has used the services of a personal injury lawyer. Check with them and see if they can refer you to their lawyer. Or, if you already have a lawyer who practices other areas of law, they can often refer you to a trusted colleague who practices personal injury law.

There are also referral services that provide the names of lawyers who are in good standing with the state bar and they maintain liability insurance. But be cautious with these services. Some referral services only require lawyers to meet minimal requirements to be listed as a referral.

If you decide to use a referral service, do a little research first. Check to see what information they require the lawyers to provide. A good referral service should include the attorneys’ years of experience and specialty, in addition to their status with the state bar and if they maintain liability insurance.

Some lawyers may contact you soon after you are injured. They may know a lot of information about you and your accident. These individuals are often called “ambulance chasers”. In some parts of the United States, people are even being contacted while they are in the emergency room. If you are contacted this way by an attorney, it’s often an indication that they’re not very trustworthy. Steer clear of these lawyers.

Whether you choose to use a referral from a family member or friend, a referral service, or just do an online search for local personal injury attorneys, make sure that you meet and talk with them before making a decision. It’s often advantageous to have a free consultation with multiple attorneys before selecting who you want to represent you.

What to Look for in a Good Personal Injury Lawyer

After you’ve set up appointments to meet with various lawyers, you will need to prepare yourself for the initial consultation. Let’s look at 7 things you should consider with the attorney during your first visit with them to determine if they’re a good fit for you.

1. Experience

Ask the attorney how long they’ve been practicing personal injury law and if they specialize in any other practice areas. Keep in mind that more is not always better when it comes to areas of practice. A lawyer that practices too many different types of law can’t specialize in everything. To help you determine how much experience they have in personal injury law, you can ask them what percentage of their cases are personal injury cases.

It’s also a good idea to ask them how much experience they have representing the defendant. If they have a lot more experience representing the plaintiff in personal injury cases, this could mean that they think more like the insurance company. Having that mindset, they may encourage you to settle for less, because they are thinking about how the insurance company will fare in the case. This could be detrimental for your case.

2. Resources

This may not seem very important, but it’s common for one personal injury case to cost over $100,000. Lawyers often need to consult with doctors and hire other professionals for the case. These professionals charge a fee for their investigation, deposition, and appearance in court. Then there are court costs, administrative expenses, and filing fees that can add up quickly. Make sure the attorney has enough resources for your case. They should either have enough personal assets or a line of credit that will enable them to see your case through to the end.

3. Past Clients

Speaking with past clients can give you valuable insights into what kind of lawyer you’re dealing with. A reputable lawyer should let you speak with their past clients. To help you determine if they were happy working with that attorney, ask them questions about their experience. Did they win their case? Did they have any issues working with the lawyer? If the lawyer doesn’t want you to talk with their previous clients, this could mean they have a bad reputation. You don’t want to get stuck working with a less-than-reputable attorney, so don’t work with someone who wants to hide past experience.

4. Track Record

After learning that the attorney has a good reputation with their past clients, you should check to see if they have a reputation for winning cases like yours. For example, if you have a million dollar case, you want to make sure they have won million dollar cases in the past.

It may sound like a no-brainer, but you should find out if they’ve ever taken a case to court. Some attorneys just try to get their clients to settle and never actually go to court. And insurance companies will know if they’ve never been to court. They’ll take advantage of that fact and make ridiculously low offers and try to get you to settle outside of court. Always get a lawyer that has had courtroom experience.

5. The Case

Personal injury cases usually require a lot of research and documentation. It’s very common that multiple people are assigned to help with the case. Check with the attorney to see if there will be other lawyers or paralegals working on your case. Ask to meet with them and ask about their qualifications, as well. You don’t want to hire a great lawyer only to find out that a different, less experienced attorney is actually working the case.

6. Estimates

Although attorneys can never guarantee the length or outcome of a case, competent lawyers can provide an estimate of how long the case will take. Don’t expect it to be over quickly. Personal injury cases take a lot of time. If any attorney you meet with guarantees a quick settlement and fast cash, they’re deceiving you. Find another lawyer.

7. How You Feel

After talking with the attorney, do you both feel comfortable about how you want to proceed? Whether you want a settlement, more money than what the insurance company has offered, or to get as much money as you can, make sure everyone is on board. You should never feel pressured to make any decisions, and the attorney should not force you to settle. Also, make sure that you feel comfortable working with the attorney as an individual. If you have any hesitations, keep looking.

It’s very important that you consider these factors in your search for a personal injury attorney. Their responses can reveal much about their expertise and integrity as a lawyer. Use their responses to help you determine which attorney you will trust to represent you and your personal injury case.

What’s Next?

Discuss the basics of your case with your lawyer and talk about how you want to proceed. This initial consultation should be free. If a lawyer wants to charge you just for talking about your case, go to another office.

Bring all documentation related to your accident with you on your consultation. This way the attorney can get an idea of what will be involved in your case. Bring items like:

• Police reports
• Medical records
• Bills
• Loss of income information
• All correspondence with the insurance company

Talk with as many lawyers as you need to before making a decision. You want to feel comfortable with the attorney and how they suggest you proceed with your case. Before moving forward, you should have confidence in their experience and knowledge of personal injury law.

Once you decide who you want to represent you for your personal injury case, you will need to create an agreement. Make a clear, written agreement laying out all the fees and expenses for your case. The majority of personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they will only get paid a percentage if you win your case. This should be clearly stated in the agreement. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about any of the expenses.

Experienced Lawyers who Care

As you’ve likely concluded, a good personal injury lawyer can be hard to find. At Robichaud & Alcántara P.A., we have multiple attorneys that specialize in personal injury law. If you’d like to have a free, initial consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer who will take the time to listen to your concerns and work their best to defend your case, contact us today.

 

Quick Reference Guide

How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer

Finding a Lawyer

• Get a referral from a family member or friend and/or
• Get a referral from your lawyer and/or
• Use a reputable referral service and/or
• Contact one of Robichaud & Alcántara’s experienced attorneys

What Should I Bring to the Consultation?

• Police reports
• Medical records
• Bills related to your accident
• Loss of income documentation
• All correspondence with the insurance company

Asking the Right Questions

• How long have they been practicing personal injury law?
• How much experience do they have representing the defendant?
• Do they have enough resources to cover the costs of my case?
• Can I speak with their past clients?
• Do they have a good reputation with their past clients?
• Have they won cases like mine before?
• Have they taken cases to court?
• Who will be working on my case?
• About how long will my case take?
• Do I agree with how the lawyer wants to proceed with my case?
• Do I feel comfortable with the lawyer?
• What are their fees and expenses?
• Do they work on a contingency fee basis?

Once you decide which lawyer you want to represent you, have them create a formal, written agreement spelling out all fees and expenses.

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