1.    Are my injuries serious enough to see a doctor?

    Some injuries may not be obvious for a while after an auto accident.  If you wait to see a doctor, insurance companies will often argue the delay in treatment shows that the injury was not caused by the auto accident.  Even mild pain may be a sign of a more serious injury.  If you believe that you may have been injured, it makes sense to see a doctor.  If you have questions regarding your injuries, the Law Offices of Howard Alan Kitay can answer them.

2.    What does a personal injury settlement include?

    In general, where the other driver is at fault, you may be entitled to reimbursement for medical and pharmacy bills due to the auto accident, the cost of future medical treatment and pharmacy bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.  You are also entitled to have the responsible party pay to repair or replace your car, and compensate you for automobile rental charges, and other related charges, such as towing and storage.

3.    Will my health insurance pay for my medical treatment?

    Yes. However, many victims of auto accidents don't know they can get immediate medical treatment for accident-related injuries even if they don't have health insurance.  At the Law Offices of Howard Alan Kitay, we can arrange immediate medical treatment from first-class medical professionals even if you don't have health insurance.  Also, some health insurance plans may pay your medical bills and expect reimbursement from your settlement at the end of the case.  Your lawyer can negotiate with your health insurance provider to make sure you keep as much of your settlement as possible. The lawyer you choose to represent you makes a difference.  

4.    What if the at-fault driver has no auto insurance?

    In some cases, the at-fault driver may not carry his or her own auto insurance but will still be covered by another person's insurance policy.  Also, if the at-fault driver was acting during the scope of his employment at the time of the auto accident, the employer's insurance may provide coverage for the accident.

    If your own auto insurance policy provides you with "uninsured motorist coverage," you can make a claim on your own auto policy even if the at-fault driver has no insurance.  These "uninsured motorist" claims often involve complex issues of insurance law, and the lawyer you choose to represent you makes a difference.  At the Law Offices of Howard Alan Kitay, we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients by pursuing uninsured motorist claims.  It is important to remember that making an uninsured motorist claim will not raise your auto insurance premiums if the accident was not your fault.  Contact the Law Offices of Howard Alan Kitay to arrange a free consultation to discuss your rights and options under your uninsured motorist insurance coverage.  

5.    What if the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover all my damages?

    If the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance coverage to cover all your damages, you may be able to pursue an "under-insured motorist coverage" claim under your own auto insurance policy.  Like uninsured motorist claims, "underinsured motorist" claims often involve complex issues of insurance law.  You should have your lawyer review your auto insurance policy to determine whether or not you are entitled to make this kind of claim.  At the Law Offices of Howard Alan Kitay, we have recovered millions of dollars for our clients by pursuing underinsured motorist claims.  As with uninsured motorist claims, it is important to remember that making an underinsured motorist claim will not raise your auto insurance premiums if the accident was not your fault.  Contact the Law Offices of Howard Alan Kitay to arrange a free consultation to discuss your rights and options under your underinsured motorist insurance coverage.  

6.    When should I settle my auto accident case?

    You should settle your auto accident claim only after the full extent of your injuries is known.  It is critical to know the full extent of your injuries and any future treatment you may require BEFORE settling your case.  Remember: there is a statute of limitations which provides a deadline to settle your case or file a lawsuit.  BE SMART: Contact the Law Offices of Howard Alan Kitay TODAY to arrange a free consultation to discuss your rights and the best strategy for settling your auto accident case. 

7.    Should I give a statement to the at-fault driver's insurance company?

    NO.  You should hire a lawyer to represent you BEFORE giving any statement to any insurance company, INCLUDING YOUR OWN INSURANCE COMPANY.  BE SMART: hire an attorney who specializes in accidents and insurance claims, and let your lawyer do the talking for you.  At the Law Offices of Howard Alan Kitay, we handle ONLY accident and insurance claims, and we have a track record of PROVEN RESULTS for ACCIDENT VICTIMS.  We are a proud member of the San Diego BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU, CONSUMER ATTORNEYS OF SAN DIEGO, THE AMERICAN TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION, THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION, and THE STATE BAR OF CALIFORNIA.  Contact the Law Offices of Howard Alan Kitay to arrange a free consultation to discuss your rights and options BEFORE talking to ANY insurance company - even your own!  

8.    Should I give the at-fault driver's insurance company a medical authorization?

    NO.  You should hire a lawyer to represent you BEFORE giving any authorization to any insurance company, INCLUDING YOUR OWN INSURANCE COMPANY.  BE SMART: hire an attorney who specializes in accidents and insurance claims, and let your lawyer decide what authorizations - if any - you should give.  At the Law Offices of Howard Alan Kitay, we specialize in accident and insurance.  Contact the Law Offices of Howard Alan Kitay to arrange a free consultation to discuss your rights and options BEFORE giving any authorization to ANY insurance company - even your own!  

9.    Should I accept a check from the at-fault driver or the at-fault driver's insurance company?

    NO.  The acceptance of a check may be seen as a settlement barring any further recovery against the at-fault driver or his or her insurance company.  You should not accept a check or sign a release from the at-fault driver or his or her insurance company until advised to do so by your lawyer.  You only get one settlement.  If you accept a check without the advice of your attorney, you risk settling your case for an amount that will not cover your medical bills and other damages.  Insurance adjusters receive bonuses based on persuading you to settle for as little as possible as quickly as possible.  Do not be fooled!  Insurance adjustors are professional tricksters who want you to settle your case without hiring a lawyer.  You should consult an auto accident lawyer before accepting any payment or signing any release. 

    BE SMART: Protect yourself ... make sure you are getting the best advice and making the right decisions.  Make sure you get the maximum compensation for your injuries.  Contact the Law Offices of Howard Alan Kitay TODAY to schedule a free consultation.