1. What should I do if I am involved in a car accident?
First, you should seek proper medical attention. If you are conscious at the scene, collect all pertinent information from the other drivers (i.e. driver's license numbers, address, phone number, insurance card information, etc.). Also, make sure to keep a daily journal, beginning with the date of the accident, to document all physical and mental injuries, as well as document your view of the accident. Finally, contact an attorney at Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C. who will be your advocate if a traffic charge is brought against you, or even a civil suit. An attorney can also assist you in bringing a civil suit against another party if they are responsible for the accident.

2. Who pays if I incur an injury due to an auto accident or my car is damaged?
If you are to blame for an accident, your liability insurance will pay the other driver for property damage and personal injuries up to your policy's limits. If you are not at fault, the other driver's liability insurance pays for your car damage and personal injuries.

3. I received a personal injury as a result of hitting a pothole with my car. Who is responsible?
Generally, responsibility lies with the government agency responsible for this maintenance. If it was a pothole in a city street, the city would be responsible.

4. My insurance company is offering me a nice settlement. Should I take it?
No. Tell the insurance company that you will get back to them. In the meantime, contact an attorney at Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C. immediately. Oftentimes an insurance company will offer a minimal amount of money in return for your signature stating that you will not sue them. Never take an insurance check without first consulting an attorney.

5. What issues will I face in making a claim for my injuries sustained in an auto accident?
A claim for injuries is usually based upon carelessness or negligence. In worse case scenarios, it is based on an intentional or reckless act. The three categories of issues that typically arise in a tort claim after an automobile accident are:

Liability - who is at fault and to what degree.
Damages - injuries or losses that were caused by the accident.
Insurance Coverage - what the insurance company will pay for after an accident

6. How will I pay for my medical bills?
If you have been injured, you will likely have medical bills from physicians, hospitals, physical therapists, and other health care providers. Those bills will be in your name and will usually be sent to your address. You are primarily responsible for paying your bills, regardless of the cause of your injuries. The at-fault person's liability insurance carrier is responsible for paying you reasonable compensation for damages incurred, which includes medical bills, but the insurance carrier is not responsible for paying your doctors, hospitals, and other providers. Sometimes the amount the insurance company is willing to pay is far less than the actual amount you owe. You need an attorney who fill fight for your rights with the insurance companies to ensure that you are fully compensated. Contact Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C. today to discuss your case.

7. How long does a personal injury claim take to resolve?
Personal injury claims can be resolved in a matter of a few weeks or months. However, they make take up to several years depending on the complexity of the case. It is best to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your specific case. Contact Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C. today to discuss your case.

8. My doctor notified me that I have a permanent injury as a result of my auto accident. What does this mean?
A permanent injury is one that is going to either be with you for the rest of your life or for some period beyond the settlement of the claim. In most cases, the injured party is entitled to compensation from the at-fault party or their insurance company for all medical bills incurred to date and into the future for all injuries caused by the accident.

9. Am I at fault if I rear-end another vehicle?
Almost always, yes. The law states that you must maintain a safe distance to be able to stop safely if a car stops in front of you.

10. What should I do if I did not feel hurt at the scene but experienced pain afterwards?
You should immediately consult your medical provider regarding any pain, discomfort or possible injuries from a car accident, even if you think they may be only minor injuries. If you were injured in the accident from someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to payment of your medical bills, compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of earnings capacity, and emotional distress. You should consult an attorney at Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C. to discuss whether you need representation on your claim.