In 1492 Columbus Discovered the Oceans Blue. On the anniversary this weekend, of that memorable date, YOU CAN DISCOVER why you may not need a lawyer or why a lawyer rejected your auto accident case.
OUR UNIQUE SELLING PREPOSITION IN THE PRACTICE OF LAW, IS THOUGH YOU MAY NOT NEED A LAWYER IT IS ALSO TRUE THAT A LAWYER MAY NOT WANT YOUR CASE. HOWEVER, BEFORE YOU TALK TO THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER OR HIRE AN ATTORNEY OR SIGN ANY FORMS, CALL FOR OUR FREE CONSULTATION AND WE’LL TALK ABOUT HOW ALL OF THAT WORKS.
When you have been rear ended, and both you and the other party have a minimum policy, that may be more than sufficient to cover the value of your case. We don’t want a case where we just settle it without having to do anything more than send in a letter in the first few weeks for the policy limits.
Not every case has enough value for a lawyer to accept on a contingency. A lawyer won’t accept a case when s/he initially sees problems….such as no medical treatment, waiting too long to contact a lawyer, no visible property damage etc.
My practice successfully collects money for Accident victims. However in 2019 we are dealing with the new Deny & Delay insurance company claims strategies. The Desert Sun on Sunday 10/6/19, discussed how Mercury Insurance was fined millions for the way they handled their insureds.
When I started practicing law, the accident’s medical bills were sent to the insurance company. They would then offer 3-4 times the medicals. Those days are gone.
Today the attorney has to find a way to generate money for the client. This often involves begging the doctors to cut their bills. Many lawyers feel it is not worthwhile arguing with doctors to cut bills, in addition to arguing with insurance companies and or defense lawyers to put money on the case. Meanwhile, the client is unable to understand why their case is not worth more money
Most clients focus on the injury and not on any of the following harmful factors that can cause me to reject a case: 1) admitting liability, 2) no immediate medical treatment, 3) questionable liability, 4) low property damage, 5) prior accidents, 6) no insurance, 7) delay in calling a lawyer, 8) social media showing you playing sports, while complaining of injuries and 9) client talking to the adjuster. It is not what the client told the adjuster but what the adjuster THOUGHT s/he heard.
We will never know the harmful things the client told the adjuster…or what the adjuster “thought” the client had said. The kiss of death is learning of admissions to the adjuster, during trial. Adjusters can testify to what the client said, right after the accident, and BEFORE hiring a lawyer. The implication is that the client only filed and sought medical advice because of his/her lawyer.
Thus there are reasons you may not need a lawyer. Likewise a lawyer may not want your case!
Questions or ideas for future columns contact Dale Gribow 760-837-7500 or dale@dalegribowlaw.com.
DALE GRIBOW
Legal Representation Of
The Injured and Criminally Accused
“TOP LAWYER” – California’s Prestige Magazine, Palm Springs Life (PI/DUI) 2011-20
“TOP LAWYER” – Inland Empire Magazine 2016-19
PERFECT 10.0 AVVO Peer Rating
“DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE OR TEXT AND GET A DUI OR ACCIDENT… CALL A TAXI, LYFT OR UBER….THEY ARE A LOT CHEAPER THAN CALLING ME”
