LAST CALL

So here is what happened. On Thursday I got off at work at 3:00 in the morning because I had to go to court early in the morning. I work the graveyard shift. My boss let me off early and I decide to go to my girlfriend's apartment because I'm tired and it's close by. I don't even get a block away from work when this girl trys to pull a u-turn right in front of me. My light was green and I had the right away. I was doing the speed limit of 40mph. So I t-boned her and went up and over the hood and skidded and tumbled down the road. There were these airport security guys who were in a van and saw everything. They said it's her fault, she admitted it's her fault, and I agree it was definitely her fault. I went to the hospital. No broken bones but my shins hurt as well as my pelvis. Ribs are sore and my shoulder is messed up. I think it's my rotater cuff (not sure of spelling). I can't lift my right arm without my shoulder hurting. So I've been thru this situation before. I t-boned a car a few years ago. That one wasn't my fault either. I got all my medical paid for as well as my bike fixed and a settlement. My question is should I hire a lawyer? I felt last time that my lawyer really didn't do much that I couldn't have done myself. This is a open/close case. It's clearly her fault and I don't want to have to give a lawyer 1/3 of my settlement when I feel I could handle it myself. On the flip side I don't want to sell myself short either and not get what is due to me. What do you guys think? All advice is greatly appreciated.

DIRTYJEFF636s

get a lawyer, i hate them but them just being there is good. anything like that you want a lawyer because he prob can get you some more money for the bike...etc. i would get a laywer

atnuts

three strikes you're out...see how it all goes with insurance then maybe get a lawyer

bdonz

as long as you have enough proof backing you up(police report etc) the insurance company should be pretty helpfull. they should be pay a generous amount for the bike plus time off work pain and suffering. if not then get a lawyer.

tys0n.cbr

settlement checks FTW

LAST CALL

Yeah this is what I was thinking. The witnesses, the actual driver, and the police report all point to the same thing. This was clearly her fault. I'm gonna talk to the insurance company this week and if they want to be helpful then I'll probably go without a lawyer. If they wanna play hardball then I don't see any other choice but to get one.

JasonS1

Get a lawyer!

Every single judge began their career as a lawyer, and showing up without one somehow is interpretted as a sign of disrespect to the court. Having a lawyer will make all the difference. Just be sure that they work for their 1/3 and make it all easy and seemless for you.

Good luck man. Glad you're not hurt worse.

- BigJason

Sicc0

+1 ... I agree with this dude, dont be grimey a few less bucks wont be the end of the world, and besides with a lawyer u can prob get more $$ then you would yourself... be on the safe side and do it right..

Monstrosity

Agreed, I've been hit twice and once I used a lawyer and the other I didnt. The insurance company will try to railroad you and not comply or sell you real short. Get the blood sucker you will be glad later.

blee

First off lemme say glad your ok and not laid up in a hospital fightin for your life,that could've been real bad,but like everyone else said,get a lawyer for sure,they could change their story as soon as they get to court a see that your representing yourself,just don't use the same lawyer as before if you weren't happy with him/her,I hear Johnny Cockring that did the OJ case is lookin for work.

zookiezook

johnny cockran is dead ....

and trust me you get what you pay 4... if u get a lawyer and subtract 1/3 that'll still probably be more than you could get ... thats there job is to win cases and make you the most money possible because then they get more money ...like i said u get what you pay 4 .... and every one knows insurance is a scam, a rip-off and whatever u wanna call it theyre just out 2 get your money....the insurance is not gonna pay u any more than they have 2 and theyll do whatever they can not 2 pay you, unless your a lawyer get a lawyer and you wont have a headache

Dr_Rip_It

i would wait to see how much of a settlement you going to get and if you think they are ripping you off hire a lawyer.

classic customs

so your not hurt at all, just sore? you should be thankfull for that

Rainey0000

at least talk to a lawyer.. but i'd get one..

HighStyles

without a lawyer you won't get a "settlement" you will only get you med bills and bike fixed

NHRR-RIDER

get a Laywer they can get you more money, and faster. So you won't get $15 a month for the next 50 years.

OC DeBo

just make sure you got everything in writing! thats the only thing that will hold up in court more than someone's word

DOKE

Without a doubt, get a lawyer.

rookie stunter

the whole court system is a setup for lawyers to make money, youll never get it done without one.

LAST CALL

Well I'm supposed to meet up with the insurance guy handling the the claim tommorrow. He wants to sit down and talk about my medical concerns. I went and saw my bike today. That **** is totalled. The neck of the frame was split in two. Whole front end is toast and all plastics are done. I talked to the insurance agent and he said most likely they will total it. We'll see how things go tommorrow.