a collection of different accolades for lawyers
a collection of different accolades for lawyers

Frequently Asked Questions About Accidents

Here are some of the frequently asked questions regarding accidents and accident cases. Please note that the information provided is in no way intended to serve as legal advice. D’Agostino & Associates, P.C. does not offer legal counsel through their website. The below information is for informational purposes only, and should not serve as a substitute for hiring legal counsel. Please consult with an attorney before making any decisions regarding your case.


Do I really need a lawyer to pursue my case?

Some people attempt to pursue their personal injury cases, but this can be very difficult. You will be up against seasoned experts from insurance companies who will more likely than not attempt to compensate you far less than the actual value of your case. Handling your injury case yourself is like attempting to perform surgery on yourself. You could probably do it, but the results will likely be undesirable. Hiring a personal injury attorney with plenty of experience is a good way to start your case on the right track.

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How long will my case take?

The length of a personal injury case, from beginning to end, is often determined by the severity of the injuries and how long it will take to fully recover from them. If the injuries are very minor and there is enough insurance to cover the full extent of the injuries, the case can resolve within 6 to 10 months. If the injuries are very serious and there is little insurance money to recover, the case can also be resolved quickly. However, when there are major injuries, insurance disputes, disputes over fault, and prolonged medical treatment, the personal injury case can last substantially longer.

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Will I be dealing with my lawyer or my lawyer’s office staff?

At D’Agostino & Associates, we do not assign a file to any one attorney. No matter how big or small your case, our full team works for you. You retain the entire firm, consisting of multiple full-time attorneys and over twenty staff members. Our team works together to evaluate each case. This helps us determine and pursue avenues of success more easily. Our all-hands-on-deck approach helps us serve our clients more efficiently. You aren’t retaining a lawyer, you get a full legal team behind you. All of us are here to help you protect your rights after your accident.

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Will my case go to trial?

The common misconception, probably brought about by television, is that every case goes to trial. Nothing could be further from the truth. Approximately 95% of all cases brought and filed in the court system are resolved before trial. Generally, trials are extraordinarily unpredictable, expensive, and time-consuming. Because of that, in the interest of all parties, the vast majority of cases are resolved without the necessity of a trial.

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When should I be seen by a doctor?

If you were injured in the accident, you should seek medical attention which would be appropriate for your injuries as soon as possible. With some types of injuries, you may not experience any pain or discomfort for a day or two following the accident. In any event, it is best to use common sense – if you are injured, the sooner you seek medical treatment, the better off you will be in the long run. Overall, it is best to rule out a more serious injury by seeking medical attention as soon as you begin to feel pain or discomfort.

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How much is my case worth?

Before reviewing all of the evidence in a personal injury case, it is nearly impossible to accurately predict the true value of your case. Some lawyers will “ballpark” the case, which we believe is a mistake. Until all medical documentation has been reviewed, photographs examined, liability determined, loss of earnings determined, future need for medical care, and expenses are evaluated, the value cannot be determined. In other words, all facts and evidence of a case must be at the disposal of your attorney to make a clear, informed, and professional opinion.

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How is my car going to get repaired?

If your vehicle is repairable, you can take it to a body shop of your choice. Insurance companies cannot dictate where you must take your vehicle. Sometimes it can be faster to use your collision insurance after the accident. If you rely on the insurance company for the at-fault driver to repair your car, it may take longer to get the repairs done. Generally, this is due to the insurance company’s duty to investigate the case before setting any claims. If you incur a deductible by going through your insurance company, the at-fault party’s insurance company will usually reimburse you for your deductible.

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If my car is declared a total loss, how is the value determined?

You are entitled to the fair market value of the vehicle at the time of loss. You are generally not entitled to the amount you paid for the vehicle; unless the fair market value at the time of loss is more than what you paid for the vehicle. Additionally, keep in mind that if there are any monies left owing on the vehicle loan or lease, the lender will have to be paid.

If the vehicle is worthless at the time of loss than the money owed on the vehicle loan or lease, you may end up owing the lender more than what the insurance company is obligated to pay you. While this situation is uncommon, this obviously can be a devastating loss. The purchase of “gap insurance” can reduce the risk of this unfortunate event from happening. Generally, the insurance industry will determine the value of a vehicle via a consumer index. Sites like Kelley Blue Book, Carfax, and other online pricing guide sites are not determinative of value for legal purposes.

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Who pays for my rental expenses?

The at-fault party’s insurance company is also responsible for your rental expenses. You can sometimes request that the at-fault party’s insurance company be billed directly for the rental expenses, although this is certainly no guarantee. More likely you will have to rent a vehicle on your own and get reimbursed from the insurance company at a later time. If you have rental coverage under your auto policy (which is strongly recommended), it is sometimes easier to go through your own insurance company for your rental expenses. You shouldn’t rent a vehicle for more time than is necessary, because insurance may not cover all of the expenses.

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How does my attorney get paid?

The standard fee is contingent on one-third of the net recovery. This is the same whether the case settles out of court or at trial.

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Who pays for the costs of pursuing the case?

It is the client’s responsibility to pay all costs of pursuing a case. Many lawyers require costs upfront, while others advance the costs on the client’s behalf and then the attorneys reimburse themselves after the case. As a general rule, the stronger a case, the more likely it is that attorneys will advance the costs on the client’s behalf, reimbursing themselves after the case.

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Should I take photographs?

Absolutely. Photographs of the scene of the accident, the damage to the vehicles involved, and injuries to any parties are critical to the success of a personal injury case. Take pictures from all angles and distances with a high-quality camera, if possible. We always recommend keeping a disposable camera in your car for purposes of photographing accident scenes, if possible.

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I didn’t get a copy of the police report, how can I get it?

Either your insurance company or your attorney will obtain the police report of your accident for you; by sending a request with a fee to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

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Are personal injury settlements taxable?

According to the Internal Revenue Service, settlement proceeds from a personal injury action are not taxable, except for the portion of the case that was for loss of earnings.

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What should I do in a drunk driver accident?

A drunk driver accident can be serious. In many of these cases, the damage and injury caused by the drunk driver can often be more severe than a regular accident. If you suspect the other driver in an accident is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, contact the police. They can assess the scene and test the driver with a breathalyzer. If they find that the driver is under the influence, determining fault for your case can be a lot easier.

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D’Agostino & Associates P.C. has offices in New York and New Jersey. Contact us, or call us at 1-888-245-2924 to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorneys.