QuestionI was involved in car accident in May 2010 where other party accepted the full liability.
Paid for total loss of car and willing to pay about $4000 for personal injury settlement but at that time I did not have any medical records due to lack of treatment.Now I have chart notes as treatment started after almost 2 years.
Mainly I have cognitive difficulties.
I did not have PIP coverage at the time so my insurance company is out of picture. I am dealing with other party's insurance adjusters.
At present they are asking copies of my doctors' chart notes (not medical authorization) as well as medical bills copies and insurance paid details.
They said based on above documents they will reevaluate the claim and make a new offer since now you have treatment record.
Unfortunately, In my chart notes, none of the doctors has clear diagnosis ...which relates everything to accident.
Is it ok if I still go ahead and share those chart notes and medical bills with them?
I am asking this because one of the lawyer said he will not get his percentage from what ever amount you negotiate with them on your own. He will charge his 30% commission on all the amount above it.
So am thinking if giving them copy of chart notes is not going to hurt me why not let other party's adjusters study them and make a better offer than they already did (they offered $4400 before 2 years when I did not have any medical records just complaints/symptoms)and than I will go to lawyer who suggested he will not charge commission on what you already negotiate with them.
My worry is if I share chart notes with them can they contact those doctors and twist their minds to get what they want?
adjuster said unless they have medical authorization from me they can not contact doctors just on the basis of chart notes...only thing they can do based on chart notes reevaluate the case. Is this correct or they can use those notes against me?
Please advice....
also can you please suggest a reasonable caring (not greedy) personal injury lawyer in or around Tacoma WA.
AnswerEvan,
In your case, you would be better off, in my opinion, to turn it all over to an accident attorney and let him make his fee. You stand to "lose it all" if you make the wrong decision here. I don't know any attorneys in your area. They all charge about the same, 1/3rd, so what you want to look for is one with a good reputation. Talk to friends and relatives who have used accident attorneys in your area. And make sure you can meet with the attorney who would handle your case, not some local employee who answers to an attorney who you will never get to meet 200 miles away. And its good sign that your current attorney would take his fee from the "new money".
Ron Cercone
http://www.UClaim.com
