Car wreck

[Jaycat]

Wife was T-boned by a red light runner. Police report confirms it. Other driver has insurance, but don't know yet what their level of coverage is. She has 6 breaks in her pelvis. Car is destroyed. Question is, do I hire an attorney now or wait and see how they treat us? Attorneys take a big chunnk of settlements. Don't know whether to talk to them or let our own insurance subrogate and talk to them. I'm old but this is all new to me.

[PanthersBigD]

Wouldn't hurt to at least talk to a shark like Michael A. DeMayo. They've streamlined the entire process and have an incentive to get you the most money, since they get a big chunk of it. Unless you're an attorney, I wouldn't try to navigate a claim like this own your own. 

[LinvilleGorge]

I'd wait until you know who the insurance company is and what the other driver's coverage is. The best attorney in yhe world isn't going g to magically make that other driver have better insurance, but they'll still take their cut leaving you with less.

[Pup McBarky]

Best wishes to your wife for a speedy recovery. I'd talk to an attorney now - preferably someone you know or someone a friend recommends that you can trust - with a lean toward hiring one asap.

[Anybodyhome]

If he doesn't have the coverage, he likely doesn't have the assets to cover any lawsuit brought on by your attorney.

[Shocker]

16 hours ago, Jaycat said:

Wife was T-boned by a red light runner. Police report confirms it. Other driver has insurance, but don't know yet what their level of coverage is. She has 6 breaks in her pelvis. Car is destroyed. Question is, do I hire an attorney now or wait and see how they treat us? Attorneys take a big chunnk of settlements. Don't know whether to talk to them or let our own insurance subrogate and talk to them. I'm old but this is all new to me.

Yeah, a lawyer is the way to go here.  And obviously make sure the other insurance pays for medical bills, the car...and anything else you can think of

[CRA]

I have missed thoughts/views on things like that.   I was a claims adjuster for a bit back in the day and it really boils down to lot of different things.   So there is no perfect advice as each scenario is likely vastly different.  Generally with real injuries involved it is best for most not familiar with things to have representation though. 

but my two cents on the attorney route is NOT to go to one of those bigger ambulance chaser firms.  

[SmokinwithWilly]

I'd find out what type of coverage the other guy has. If you're looking at someone with a SR-22 or liability only he may only have $25k or $50k worth of coverage. Depending on the type of insurance he has will give you a good idea what type of assets he may or may not have. 

[Ja Rhule]

Hire attorney ASAP.  They will advise how to get every penny.

[Khyber53]

Get an experienced personal injury attorney. The average person doesn't know the right questions to ask, what the actual scope of the situation is, long-term needs and the legal requirements. Then let the attorney handle that part while you take care of your wife.