Drunk Driving accident. My sister needs a lawyer

[Smack_talker]

You can call the Bar assoc of calif and have them recommend a attorney in your area. The other way is to start calling and meeting with injury attorneys out of the phone book. That can be kinda of a crap shoot. I called one that a friend has used with success. Good Luck and I hope your sis is ok.

[almcbri]

Keep good records! and begin figuring expenses for everything! drive time to the chiroprator, Dr's, massage therapy-mileage and compensation for time spent at the Dr's instead of work. She missed work, which would involve compensation, etc. If you document well, Insurance companies will give you a better settlement when trying to settle a claim.
Don't let the Insurance companies push you around when trying to settle this case. Be firm and direct when dealing with Insurance companies.
Good luck! It sucks!

[Ummgawa]

Get referrals from someone for a very expensive lawyer in a Big time firm. Why? Because the Insurance Company will know that you mean business!! Bi outfits have contingency lawyers also, so don't be intimidated by the Hi rise offices and nice furniture. They pay rent by helping folks like yourself (and your sister)

[Smack_talker]

The first thing your sis needs to do is Get her own attorney and Dont talk to your ins adjuster

[TravisB]

Originally Posted by Smack_talker

The first thing your sis needs to do is Get her own attorney and Dont talk to your ins adjuster

She could talk to her ins adjuster! her insurance is not at fault.......but when the at fault insurance adjuster calls just tell them you will be getting an attorney and your attorney will send a letter of rep. That will be needed before the process can begin.

[TravisB]

Coming from insurance perspective.......we would rather deal with attorneys. And most BI reps are not intimidated by claimants getting an attorney, insurance companies have attorneys on retainer. What insurance are we dealing with?

As far as the cash you speant on maintenance.....unless it was major items i.e. trans, engine, rear end it will be considered normal maintenance and the car would be expected to be in running condition so they wont reimburse for smaller minatenance items. I do agree get an attorney and get some BI(bodily injury) money because you will probably loose money on the car. The at fault insurance will have to pay for her rental for a reasonable amount of time but if you draw out the claims process they can take her out of the car. If neede I can look up some california state laws on the car value and see what you can expect.

[TravisB]

Originally Posted by Andrew McBride

If they aren't willing to cooperate, a threat to the state Insurance board is always a good way to get attention. !

This is a good way to make them laugh.......sorry but this doesn't work

[almcbri]

Originally Posted by TravisB

This is a good way to make them laugh.......sorry but this doesn't work

lol, alright man. You gotta be right. Seemed to work well in my case.

[TravisB]

Originally Posted by Andrew McBride

lol, alright man. You gotta be right. Seemed to work well in my case.

well all it requires us to do is answer your complaint and usually we answer it to them the same way we do to you. It does create more paperwork for us but thats about it in the long run........I am glad it worked well for you though........and who knows in cali it may work real well

[mazspeed]

Hey guys thank you all for your advice. I will have her get an attorney as soon as possible, in fact already advised her on it. Thanks again guys for the advice. I will review all that's said and send it too her as what she should do.