Frequently Asked Questions about Accident Injuries
Personal injury claims can be complicated. Below are answers to commonly asked questions. For skilled, experienced advice on your particular injury claim, please call our office at (250) 352-3321, or call toll free at 1-800-579-5338, to arrange an appointment.
1. The insurance adjuster has been treating me really well. Should I still contact a lawyer? Most claims are small. If you are fully recovered in a short time span, life is fully back to normal, and they have compensated you for all you lost, it’s likely you don’t need a lawyer. Most personal injury lawyers will offer a free consultation just to review the available information and inform you of any possible concerns. We do recommend consulting with a lawyer prior to settling just to ensure what you are about to accept is fair and reasonable for your circumstances.
2. An insurance adjuster contacted me and wants to meet with me. Is it OK to meet with him and give a statement if I stick with the truth? It is seldom to your benefit to meet with the insurance adjuster or anyone from the other side, especially if you do not know how serious your injury is, or if it is an injury that will effect you for a considerable time. If you do speak with an adjuster from the other side, it should be in the presence of your lawyer. Very often the statements given are used against you later, especially if you do not recover as you thought you would.
3. My injury was caused because a place was not in proper repair or because of improper conditions. Should I get pictures? Pictures taken as close after the incident as possible help in proving the case. In order to show dimensions, I recommend that a ruler or tape measure be in the picture such that the numbers can be read. I suggest they be taken with a digital camera in the highest resolution possible.
4. I was injured at a friend’s house because of unsafe conditions. People often don't want to claim against friends or family but friend and family obtain insurance precisely for theses situations. If it is his negligence that caused your injury, it is very likely that the insurance company will pay all the expenses, and any settlement or judgment obtained. We will be courteous and fair in all our dealings with your friends and family.
For commonly asked questions about ICBC claims, please see our ICBC Questions page.
Insurance companies and ICBC start gathering information to use against you immediately after the accident. Let us put our skill, experience, and inside knowledge to work for you. Please call us at 250-352-3321, or toll free at 1-800-579-5338, to speak to Terry Napora. We look forward to helping you.
