PAINE, KILPATRICK, COLEMAN & MAHONEY, P.C.
6923 Lakewood Drive West #B-2, Tacoma WA 98467
Telephone: (253) 472-3323 Fax: (253) 472-6755
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. ~ 5:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday - By Appointment Only
Email: painekilpatrick@netscape.net
DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY?
If you have been hurt due to the negligence of someone else, the law does not require you to hire an attorney. You have every right to handle your claim on your own, and the decision whether or not to hire an attorney is entirely up to you.
Moreover, not every injury claim will even call for the assistance of an attorney.
However, in most instances, an accident victim will be in a better position to negotiate a fair settlement of their claim if they have the assistance of an experienced trial lawyer.
To find out whether you should seek the assistance of an attorney in your case, call our offices to talk with us or to schedule a free consultation.
We'll give you our honest opinion on the merits of your claim. We'll let you know what your options are. We'll let you know what your rights are. We'll let you know whether we can help.
And we will try to make sure you are pointed in the right direction, whether you hire us or not!
WHAT IS MY CLAIM WORTH?
Every case is different. There is no formula that determines precisely what an injury claim is worth. Every claim must be evaluated based on its own unique facts.
IF I HIRE AN ATTORNEY, DOES THAT MEAN I WILL HAVE TO GO TO TRIAL?
When an accident victim hires a lawyer to represent them in an injury claim, the job of the attorney is to work to secure the fairest possible outcome for their client. Many times, a fair settlement can be negotiated with the insurance companies without the need for a lawsuit.
However, if an insurance company refuses to extend a fair settlement offer, sometimes litigation is the only resource an injured party has, to fight for a fair result.
But even if a lawsuit must be filed, often a fair settlement can still be negotiated prior to the case actually going to trial.
At our offices, we simply promise our clients that we will do whatever is necessary to fight for a fair final outcome, whether by way of negotiation, or through litigation.
Automobile Accidents
What to do if you are involved in an auto accident?
1. Try to stay calm. Anger never helps.
2. Pull your vehicle out of traffic if you can. Put out flares and/or have someone direct traffic.
3. Call the police, or request that a witness or another person at the scene to call.
4. If you believe you are injured, do not move unless your life is at risk. Wait for qualified medical help.
5. If others have been hurt, render first-aid only if you are qualified to do so. Do not move any injured person unless their life is at risk.
6. Do not admit responsibility.
7. Gather information at the scene. Trty to get the names, addresses and phone numbers of all those involved. Also gather license number, insurance information and any witness information.
8. Take notes about the accident scene, the weather, traffic and skid marks.
9. If you have a camera available (including your cell phone), take photographs of the scene, the vehicles involved, the roadway and the general area.
If a police officer comes to the scene, he or she will interview all parties and take statements at the scene. Additionally, the officer will likely provide all parties with contact information. When the investigation is complete, the officer will issue a formal report, and citations may or may not be issued.
What to do after the auto accident?
1. Promptly contact your auto insurance company and inform them of the accident.
2. If you or your passengers were injured, make a follow-up appointment with your family physician. It is always important to seek medical help. Certain injuries can be unseen injuries.
3. Contact an attorney to discuss your rights, if you believe you have an injury claim due to the accident.
4. Never talk to the at-fault parties’ insurance company before you have first talked with an attorney.
What to bring to your first attorney consultation?
When you meet with a lawyer, try to bring any relevant paperwork or documentation you have that relates to your injury claim. The following types of documentation can be particularly helpful in assisting an attorney to give you the best advice regarding a potential case:
1. The police report.
2. The names, addresses and phone numbers of all parties, witnesses, etc.
3. Any Auto Insurance information (for both the at-fault driver and for your vehicle).
4. Any photographs that were taken.
5. Any medical records and/or bills for health care related to the accident.
6. Health insurance information.
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