Why should I choose a firm that advises taking video of vehicle damage?
At Karns & Karns, we advise taking a video of the damage because it shows a 360-degree view of the impact forces, which is far more powerful to a jury than static photos.
What is the "latency period" for injuries after a car accident?
This is the time—often 24 to 48 hours—where your body’s adrenaline masks your pain. You must see a doctor immediately to document the injury before the insurance company claims it was a pre-existing condition.
What is the first thing I should do if I am in a car accident during a heavy rainstorm?
Check for safety, call 911, and take photos of the scene while the rain is falling. Documenting puddles and road conditions helps prove the other driver was going too fast for the environment.
Why is it so important to contact a law firm immediately after a commercial truck accident?
Trucking companies have “rapid response teams” that go to the scene immediately to control evidence. You need a lawyer who acts just as fast to retrieve data before it is “lost” or overwritten.
Why shouldn't I wait for the police report before calling a lawyer after a truck crash?
Many commercial data systems overwrite themselves in as little as 30 days. Waiting for a police report gives the trucking company a head start to delete electronic evidence that our experts need to prove your case.
What are the most important steps to take right after a car accident?
Immediately after ensuring you and your passengers are safe, there are three critical areas to focus on: medical attention, police reporting, and evidence gathering. Call 911 to report the incident and request an ambulance, even for minor pain. Get a prompt medical evaluation, as many serious injuries like concussions or internal damage have delayed symptoms. When police arrive, provide factual statements but avoid admitting fault. Use your phone to document everything: take photos of all vehicle damage, skid marks, road debris, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Be sure to take a photo of the other driver’s license, insurance card, and license plate as well. At Karns & Karns, we advise clients to also take a video showing the property damage to any vehicle involved in the crash, as this can be invaluable later.
What should I do when the other driver's insurance company calls me?
You should be extremely cautious and remember there is no harm in refusing to speak to an insurance company. The insurance adjuster’s goal is to get information they can use to minimize or deny your claim. You should politely hang up the phone and immediately call an experienced lawyer. If an insurance adjuster calls you, a safe and effective response is: “I am unavailable right now.” Then call a lawyer. NEVER discuss the details of the accident or your injuries with any insurance company. All communications with an insurance company, even your own, should be handled by your lawyer. If insurance companies are trying to contact you after an accident, then call the experienced car accident lawyers at Karns & Karns.
What are the main traps to look out for when an adjuster calls?
Adjusters are trained negotiators. Be on the lookout for three main traps:
1) They will immediately ask for a recorded statement, hoping you’ll say something that hurts your case.
2) They will ask you to sign a broad medical authorization form, giving them access to your entire medical history to look for pre-existing conditions they can blame.
3) They may offer a quick, lowball settlement of a few hundred dollars, which requires you to sign away all future rights before you know the true extent of your injuries. Never accept a quick offer or sign documents without legal review. It’s best to politely refuse to talk to an adjuster. All communications with any insurance company should be handled by your lawyer.
Should I talk to the other person's insurance company or give them a recorded statement?
No. You should not give a recorded statement to an at-fault party’s insurance adjuster without legal representation. Their job is to protect their company’s profits by minimizing your claim. They are trained to ask leading questions designed to elicit responses that can be used to deny liability or argue your injuries aren’t severe. The standard policy at Karns & Karns is to immediately notify the opposing insurer that our client is represented and that all future communication must come through our office. This protects you from their tactics from day one.
Can I still get a settlement if I didn't go to the hospital right away?
Yes, but a delay can significantly hurt your case because the defense will argue your injuries are not serious or were caused by something else. We strongly advise clients to seek medical attention immediately.
What is the legal concept of 'duty of care' and how is it established in negligence?
Duty of care is the legal obligation every person has to avoid causing harm to others. To win a personal injury case, your attorney must first prove the defendant owed you a duty of care (e.g., a driver has a duty to obey traffic laws), that they breached it, and that the breach caused your injuries.