Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need an attorney?
If you or a family member experiences an injury,
you can benefit from speaking to an Rhode Island
injury lawyer at Robert E. Craven & Associates
today. Often the insurance company for the
person who caused the injury will try to settle
with you before you have an opportunity to
retain an attorney. The reason for this is that
the insurance company knows it can probably
settle the case for less money if you do not
have a lawyer. We will investigate your case and
obtain the necessary witness statements,
documents, photographs and other materials to
protect your rights.
How much does your firm charge?
At Robert E. Craven Law Offices:
-
There is no charge for your first visit or telephone call. All your questions will be answered and there is no obligation.
-
We never charge a fee unless we obtain a recovery for you. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery.
-
We will advance all costs for investigators, experts, filing fees and other expenses associated with obtaining the maximum recovery possible.
-
If a recovery is not made, you pay nothing.
-
We do not charge any fee for helping you settle your claim for damage to your vehicle.
Will I meet with a lawyer?
Yes. At the initial consultation, a lawyer from
Craven Associates will meet with you personally.
Throughout the remainder of our representation
of you, a lawyer and a legal assistant will be
involved in the handling of your claim.
What if I am not able to come to your office?
In the event your injury prevents you from
traveling to our office, a representative from
Robert Craven Law Offices will meet with
you at your house, the hospital or any meeting
place you designate. [return
to top]
Are you available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
Yes. Our law firm is staffed in such a way that
Robert Craven can be reached 24 hours per
day, 7 days per week. If appropriate, this
employee can contact a firm attorney seven days
a week at any time. We are ready, willing, and
able to discuss a claim with you 24/7.
Will I have to go to court?
No. If the insurance company for the person who
caused the injury is willing to offer a fair
settlement, you do not have to bring a lawsuit
in order to obtain a recovery. We are skilled at
negotiating settlements without filing a
lawsuit. In the event the insurance company is
not willing to negotiate fairly, we will then
proceed with filing a lawsuit if you so desire.
Who may bring an action for damages in a
personal injury case?
A competent adult, who is over the age of 18 and
injured, must bring the lawsuit in their name. A
minor or an incompetent adult must have suit
brought by either their parents or a
court-appointed guardian.
How much money is my case worth?
Your case is worth either what we tell the
insurance company it’s worth or the amount of an
award granted by a judge and jury. We examine
all of the conditions surrounding your case in
order to arrive at a figure that we believe the
insurance company must pay for your injuries.
These conditions include how the accident
happened, what injuries you suffered, future
medical problems, the amount of medical expenses
and lost income, as well as future medical costs
and future loss of income. We study every detail
so that we can get you the money you deserve for
your injuries.
How long do I have to bring a case?
You must file your case within the Statute of
Limitations, a fixed period of time dictated by
the law. In many injury cases you are required
to bring your case within two or three years
from the date of the event that caused the
injury. For an explanation of these time limits,
always consult with a lawyer experienced in
these matters.
Can I change my lawyer?
You have the right to change lawyers, however
your initial attorney will usually be entitled
to payment for services rendered up to the time
of dismissal. The lawyer will be paid from the
fee earned at the conclusion of the case. Your
new lawyer will usually work out an arrangement
whereby the fee is split between the two
lawyers.
Should I get a second opinion if an attorney
thinks I do not have a case?
Yes. Different lawyers will see a potential case
differently. Some lawyers may not be familiar
with the type of case you have. If a lawyer
rejects your case, it is always a good idea to
seek a second opinion.
I
was injured but may have been partly at fault.
Can I still sue?
Yes. Under Rhode Island's comparative
negligence rules, you may still have a case even
though you were partly at fault in causing an
accident. These cases are very fact-specific and
you should consult with a lawyer.
An
insurance adjuster wants to settle and says I do
not need lawyer. Should I get one?
Remember whom the adjuster works for: an
insurance company. They have one goal: to settle
your case for the least amount of money
possible. What may seem like a fair offer to you
could fall far short of any amount of money
settled through a lawyer. It is a good idea to
consult with an attorney at Craven Law
before accepting any offer made to you by an
insurance company.
Will my insurance rates go up if I pursue a
claim or obtain a recovery?
No. Based on the information insurance agents
and insurance carriers provide us, simply
because an injured person pursues a claim does
not mean that their insurance premium will be
increased. It is when a person's negligent or
wrongful acts cause injury that their own
insurance premiums are increased.
Have you been injured? Contact an Rhode Island injury lawyer at Craven Law today. Our office is located in Birmingham, but we have successfully advocated for clients throughout the country and overseas. Complete a FREE Online Consultation Form or call us today.