Frequently Asked Questions
The attorneys at Hal Waldman & Associates handle all aspects of your case and fight for maximum compensation.
We know what your personal injury or wrongful death case is worth. We invest resources and energy on behalf of our clients in Pittsburgh, western Pennsylvania and state wide. If you have been injured, you need a seasoned advocate to understand the value of your case and the tactics and tricks used by insurance companies.
Here are some frequently asked questions from our clients about a personal injury or car accident case, answered by our experienced attorneys. If you have any other questions about a potential case, please contact the lawyers at Hal Waldman & Associates for a free case consultation.
How Do I Know if I Have a Personal Injury Case?
Not all accidents lead to personal injury claims. An unsatisfactory result from a medical procedure or surgery does not equate to medical malpractice. However, assuming that you do not have a legal claim against a driver or doctor could deny you compensation you are entitled to. At our law firm, initial consultations are free and cases are handled on a contingency basis.
Your serious injury is taken seriously at Hal Waldman & Associates. The insurers do not care. We care. We are on your side. Call or e-mail us to schedule a free conversation with proven lawyers.
We do not expect our clients to be knowledgeable about personal injury law. If you suspect that you may have a claim, take action with one telephone call. Speaking to a personal injury lawyer at our firm costs you nothing. Handling your case does not require any fees unless we prevail. At the first meetings, we will assess the value of your claim, if any. By exploring the option of a personal injury claim, you may be entitled to compensation.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
The moments following a car accident are chaotic. If they are able, we encourage our clients to be proactive. Identifying witnesses and even taking pictures of the accident with a cell phone camera help your claim. However, if any type of movement or activity causes more harm, we visit the site with an accident reconstructionist and other experts.
Almost immediately following your accident, an insurance company agent will try to contact you. The agent will claim to be looking out for your best interests. However, the insurance company’s objective is to gather as much information as it can to minimize your compensation. That’s why you need to hire our experienced legal team to work with the insurance companies and maximize your fair claim. Visit our car accidents page for more information on what to do after a car accident
Do I Have to See a Doctor?
Simply put, if you are hurt in a car or truck accident, you need immediate medical care. Your health or life may be at stake if you avoid seeing a doctor. While the focus is on your well-being, pursuing medical care also helps a personal injury claim. It shows that your pain and suffering were significant enough to do something about it.
Insurance companies will pour over your medical records with attention to every detail. Immediate help from a doctor starts the process of documenting your injuries and course of care. When you have reached maximum recovery, we start the process of your personal injury claim. Through negotiation or litigation, we will fight to maximize your compensation.
What Can I Do if I Have Been Injured?
Simply put, you have rights. If the negligence of an individual or company resulted in serious injuries or the death of a family member, you need to take immediate action. Delaying or avoiding an initial phone call and consultation with a lawyer ignores your rights. Regardless of the extent of your injuries, you may have a claim.
Your serious injury is taken seriously at Hal Waldman & Associates. The insurers do not care. We care. We are on your side. Call or e-mail us to schedule a free conversation with proven lawyers.
You have nothing to lose by contacting an attorney. Handling a personal injury claim on your own compromises your rights. Negotiating with a provider ignores the legal complexities and various types of insurance coverage, including policies for uninsured and underinsured motorists. One telephone call could make all the difference in securing the compensation you are entitled to by law.
Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Immediately following an accident, an insurance company agent will call you to get information. The agent will claim that the company is looking out for your best interests. From there, the insurer usually makes a financial offer that is pennies on the dollar. Going without the help of a personal injury lawyer not only compromises your rights, but ignores the long-term medical needs you or a family member faces.
Your serious injury is taken seriously at Hal Waldman & Associates. The insurers do not care. We care. We are on your side. Call or e-mail us to schedule a free conversation with our legal team.
Do not speak to an insurance company before talking to an attorney at our firm. We will speak on your behalf. We will handle all aspects of your personal injury claim while you recover. That includes mediation or litigation to find the best resolution.
How Should I File a Lawsuit?
A personal injury claim is not meant to be a do-it-yourself process. You need an attorney to handle all aspects. Laws surrounding personal injury claims are complex. Insurance companies have seasoned and aggressive legal counsel. The odds you face by going at it on your own are overwhelming. Overcome the obstacles you face with one telephone call to our firm.
While you focus on recovery from injuries or the wrongful death of a loved one, we build your case based on the facts while attending to every detail.
How Soon After I am Injured Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
In Pennsylvania, injured parties have two years to file a legal claim against a negligent individual or company. While that statute exists, we encourage our clients to move quickly. Time is of the essence, especially if your injuries are serious or life-threatening. The death of a loved one is an emotionally traumatic moment, especially if negligence played a role.
Seeking medical treatment and pursuing damages against a responsible party can go hand in hand. The sooner you file a claim, the sooner we can get to work to establish a strong case. Waiting to file can impact the case and the compensation you receive. While you recover, we attend to every detail of your case and fight for the best outcome.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim for Personal Injury?
Pennsylvania residents have two years to file an injury claim against the party responsible for their accident. Adhering to that timeline is vital. However, you do not have to wait that long to pursue compensation. In fact, we encourage our clients to act quickly. Time is truly of the essence. The physical injuries you suffered may impact your personal life and professional career. Just must be served following the death of a family member who was also the primary wage earner.
While you recover, we will get to work. The immediacy of filing a claim will help tell your story about how negligence permanently changed your life. Waiting to file can impact the final outcome and the amount of compensation you receive.
What Should I Do if My Insurance Claim Is Denied?
An insurance policy that has been paid for over many years should not lead to challenges when a claim is filed. The insurance company takes steps to minimize the impact of your injuries and the money you are entitled to. Speaking to the insurer without an attorney will only provide it ammunition to use against you in mediation or courtroom litigation. Speak to our attorneys before even accepting the insurance company’s calls. Even if you have already spoken to your insurance company, we can still help maximize your compensation.
Be it routine or policy, initial claims are routinely denied by insurance companies. They refuse to pay in an effort to discourage their customers. Do not give up. Their decision is anything but final.
Free Consultations with Our Experienced Attorneys
Every case begins with a free initial consultation, including personal visits to a client’s home, hospital or other location. Call us to speak to an experienced Pittsburgh personal injury attorney at Hal Waldman & Associates or contact us online.