Frequently Asked Questions about Auto Accidents in Metropolitan Washington

• I had a car accident. What should I do?
• Should I provide a statement to an insurance company without a lawyer’s help?
• I was injured. Who will pay my medical bills?
• The driver of the other car was injured and was at fault. Can he sue me?
• Will I have to go to trial to recover damages?
• What is considered pain and suffering?
• What determines the amount I might recover?
• Is there a minimum or maximum amount that can be recovered in a personal injury settlement?
• What is a typical settlement amount?

One injury lawyer. Real solutions.

Contact the Law Offices of Joel Finkelstein in Washington, DC to see how an attorney with nearly five decades of injury law experience can help. The initial consultation is free. If Mr. Finkelstein takes your case, you pay fees only if he recovers money for you.

I had a car accident. What should I do?

Following an auto accident, call the police and make sure you stay at the scene until they arrive. Try to obtain the names of any witnesses. If you have a camera with you and can do so safely, take pictures of the cars and the surrounding area before moving the vehicles. Be sure to notify your insurance company.

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Should I provide a statement to an insurance company without a lawyer’s help?

It is in your best interests to only provide your contact information to an insurance company until you consult with a lawyer. The more significant your injuries, the more imperative it becomes to seek legal counsel before providing any statement. 

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I was injured. Who will pay my medical bills?

Obtain medical treatment right away. If your injuries are severe and require immediate treatment, go to a hospital. Give the hospital your automobile and health insurance information. If someone else was at fault for your injuries, payment of your medical expenses can be obtained later from the responsible party or his/her insurance company.

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The driver of the other car was injured and was at fault. Can he sue me?

Yes. A court will decide who is responsible for the accident. Even though you believe that the other driver was at fault, he/she can still sue you for damages from you and your insurance company. 

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Will I have to go to trial to recover damages?

About 95 percent of personal injury cases settle prior to trial.

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What is considered pain and suffering?

Pain and suffering includes harm caused by physical injury or mental anguish you experience because you must avoid activities you engaged in and worries about potential surgery.

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What determines the amount I might recover?

Every case addresses three issues: 

• Liability—establishing someone’s negligence
• Damages—the amount that will fairly and adequately compensate you for your injuries
• Source of collection—insurance or other assets from which damages can be recovered

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Is there a minimum or maximum amount that can be recovered in a personal injury settlement?

No.

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What is a typical settlement amount?

An experienced personal injury lawyer reviews and interprets your case information to determine the appropriate value for your claim—

The goal is fair and adequate compensation for your injury.  An experienced attorney knows what a reasonable jury would award. The strength of lay and expert witness testimony will likely influence the amount.

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