Good Questions

Q.  What is involved in handling an injury claim?
A.  Usually an insurance adjuster calls wanting a person to give a recorded statement, to answer questions, and to sign some forms.

Q.  What should you do?
A.  Ignore the adjuster for now.  Gather witness names, take photos of the scene, the car, and your injuries.  Obtain the police report.  Go to a doctor and get regular medical care if you have been hurt.  You can take notes and get names of possible witnesses. Even take photographs. If a police report is filed, be sure you get a copy.

Q.  When should I contact a lawyer?
A.  I would advise reading one of my FREE books.  Some claims can be handled by you.  Others require a lawyer.  Generally speaking, you should hire a lawyer if you feel that you have been hurt and need medical attention of any kind.  Injuries that last more than a day or so can be serious and you do not realize it.  An insurance adjuster knows this and will try to get you to say that you are not hurt too bad, knowing that many times small injuries turn out to be far more serious injury than you, or the doctors first realized.

Q.  What will you or another lawyer do to help?
A.  Investigate the claim, talk to the witnesses, document your injuries, gather all your medical records and bills, document your lost wages,  file your claim, handle everything with the insurance company, evaluate your damages, investigate and negotiate all lien holders who have a right to any portion of your recovery, and settle your claim.  If the claim cannot be settled, I will try your case to a jury.

Q.  How will you be paid if you take my case?
A.  I take cases on a contingency fee basis involving injury or wrongful death cases. This means that if there is no recovery, you owe me nothing for my services.  In criminal cases and family law cases, I am required under law to charge for my time. I accept major credit cards.

Q.  How are the expenses of the case paid?
A.  In personal injury or death cases, The Stephens Law Firm will advance the expenses of the case and we will be paid back by you when there is a recovery.

Q.  Can you take my case?
A.  I look at many cases;  however, this is not a large law firm. Unfortunately, I am not able to help all of the people who ask for and need my help. I look at each case individually as it comes in. If I believe that I can be of service to you, I will take the case. Sometimes, if I am unable to help you, I know of other lawyers who can help and I will refer you to them.

Q.  How much is my personal injury case worth?
A.  The value of each case is different and must be evaluated separately. I take a great deal of time to come to a proper evaluation of your case.  The Stephens Law Firm has been evaluating cases and representing people for years.  However, you must know that there is never a guarantee of any recovery.

Q.  How long will it take before we go to trial?
A.  Usually, civil cases are tried within 1 to 1 1/2 years. In criminal and family law cases, it varies widely.

Q.  If there is a trial will I need to be there?
A.  Yes, if there is a trial, you must be present.

Q.  What is a deposition?
A.  During the course of your case you will most likely have to give a deposition. A deposition is a statement that is given under oath before a certified court reporter. When your deposition is taken we will be there to represent you.

Q.  If my case settles, how long will it take before I receive money?
A.  Typically, once a case is settled, documents must be exchanged between both parties of the lawsuit. This process usually takes 30 – 45 days, but can take longer if your case involves special circumstances.

Q.  Will you speak with me before settling my case?
A.  Yes, no case is ever settled without your expressed consent. Whenever settlement negotiations are initiated by either party you will be informed and it is only with your full participation, advice, and consent that your case is settled.