Q1: Should I hire an attorney immediately after an accident?

A: Yes. You should hire an attorney as soon as possible. The attorney can provide much needed advice, information, and direction for your case. Additionally, an attorney can gather evidence and begin investigating the case soon after he/she is hired. The more you know and the sooner you have someone working for you, the better.

Q2: Should I handle my case myself?

A: No. The law allows you to handle the case yourself if you desire to do so, however you will be without much needed information, knowledge, and experience in handling cases such as yours. In handling the case yourself, you run the risk of making a mistake that could be catastrophic to your case.

Q3: Why should I hire an attorney immediately instead of trying to do the case myself?

A: The Downs Law Firm has extensive experience in handling serious auto accident cases as well as serious personal injury claims. The best analogy we can provide is that you would not perform upon major surgery upon yourself. From that same standpoint, you need an experience professional to assist you with any serious auto accident or serious injury claim.

Q4: I do not have the money to hire an attorney, what can I do?

A: The Downs Law Firm will take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay the attorney anything unless or until the attorney makes a successful recovery on your case. No money needs to be paid upfront, should your attorney take the case and decide to represent you.

Q5: What if there is never a recovery in my case? Do I have to pay the attorney for time and expenses?

A: No. Should the case not be successful, you owe your attorney nothing for time or expenses.

Q6: Should I see a doctor if I am hurt because of an accident?

A:: You should see a doctor as soon as possible following any injury. Of course, a competent medical doctor can provide you with much needed evaluation, care, and treatment if necessary. Additionally, from a legal standpoint, you are at a much better position to prove your case if you have medical care, treatment, and evaluation that is documented by a physician or other health care provider of your choice.

Q7: If I go to a doctor, what should I tell him?

A: You should tell the doctor everything about the accident and starting at the top of your head, tell the doctor each and every part of your body that is hurt or in anyway injured as a result of the accident. It is important to be complete, honest, and truthful with all of your complaints.

Q8: How long will my case take?

A: It depends. We attempt to resolve cases as soon as possible. However, depending upon the seriousness of the injury as well as other legal issues, some cases take other than others to finally resolve.

Q9: Can my attorney settle my case without my agreement?

A: No. A settlement of your case requires that you agree to the settlement and sign certain documentation accepting the settlement.

Q10: I want my case settled now. Can we automatically make the at fault person do so?

A: No, you cannot. Settlements are a voluntary agreement between the parties. If a settlement cannot be reached, the only remedy is to pursue a legal case in Court.