Do I really need an attorney? YES! Law is a complex, highly technical profession requiring years of preparation, constant study and research. Often what appears to be a minor difficulty is in fact, a massive iceberg of concealed hazards. You should consult with an experienced personal injury/trauma attorney immediately after ANY injury that was caused by the negligence of another in order to determine your rights and responsibilities under the law. You will need your own attorney. An insurance company attorney cannot represent you if you are the "Plaintiff' or "Claimant"(the injured person who has a claim). What will it cost me to retain an attorney? Attorneys fees are not set by law but are subject to free negotiation between the attorney and the client. Most personal injury cases are handled by qualified personal injury attorneys on a "CONTINGENT FEE" basis. Which means, in most circumstances, you can meet with a qualified personal injury attorney absolutely free and without charge to discuss your legal rights and your case. And, your case may be handled by a personal injury attorney on a "NO RECOVERY, there is NO FEE" basis. In other words, you will be required to pay attorneys fees ONLY if your attorney wins your case and actually makes a financial recovery for you. What am I entitled to recover? If you have been injured as a result of the negligence of another, in most circumstances, you will be entitled to recover past and future medical expenses, loss of earnings, loss of future earning capacity, rental car expenses, car repair and general damages for pain, suffering, inconvenience and lowering of the quality of life. How Soon Must I Take action? There are various time limits under the law called STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS which require you to take specific legal action within certain time periods. Each type of claim has a different time limitation for you to take the required legal action in order to secure and protect your legal rights. In some circumstances the time limitation for you to take the required legal action may be as little as 30 days from the date you were injured. If you fail to file your claim correctly, or in strict compliance with the time limitations under the applicable STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS, your rights to financial recovery under the law for past and future medical expenses, loss of earnings, loss of future earning capacity, rental car expenses, car repair and general damages for pain, suffering, inconvenience and lowering of the quality of life may be forever lost.