Why Did We Write This Book?
Since becoming attorneys, we have received numerous stories and feedback from people who have had bad experiences with insurance companies after an accident. Many times, the person’s own insurance company has caused most of the frustration. Unfortunately, most of these accident victims find themselves in a position where the time to file a claim has passed, or they settled for much less than they deserve. “I wish I had read your book before I was in my accident,” is a response we hear regularly.
We recently handled a claim that perfectly demonstrates the vulnerability of Idaho accident victims. The case was complex and involved significant loss—a familiar scenario that insurance companies successfully manipulate. A man, let’s call him Rob, lost his parents in a rollover car accident while traveling to visit family in Seattle. Rob’s mother was ejected from the vehicle and died instantly from her injuries. His father suffered traumatic head injuries in the accident and passed away en-route to the local hospital.
Several weeks had passed since the accident. Rob and his family had completed the funeral services and were mourning the loss of their parents. The insurance company had called several times since the accident, but the family was not ready to speak with them at the time. When Rob returned the insurance company’s call, the company’s representative expressed condolences. He then told Rob that the family did not have a case and the case file was being closed.
In addition to the funeral expenses, Rob was left with bills totaling nearly $45,000 for the life flight and the emergency treatment administered to his late father. Rob was at a loss and knew instinctively that his parents’ case should not be closed. Fortunately for Rob, a friend of his had seen how the insurance company had treated Rob, so he requested a copy of our book. He gave the book to Rob and suggested that he give us a call. Rob took his friend’s advice.
We met with Rob and his family and listened intently to what they had to say. They spoke endearingly about how their parents came to America from a communist nation, sacrificing everything so their children could have a better life. We listened to each of the adult children talk about how their parents’ deaths had impacted their relationships with other family members. The insurance company conveyed the clear message to Rob and his family that their parents’ lives had no value. Having never dealt with a death in the family, let alone the loss of both parents, Rob and his siblings had many questions. We talked about insurance claims and wrongful death actions. Together, we outlined a plan of three specific ways we would present the case to the insurance company. We gathered photographs, witness statements, and medical bills. We also met with the insurance adjuster and we discovered that his reason for initially denying the claim was incorrect. When we challenged the adjuster on his rationale for denying the claim, he responded by offering a small settlement. Of course, the proposed settlement left Rob and his family in a substantially better position than the initial denial of the claim, but we knew that even this proposed settlement was insufficient.
We eventually settled the case, receiving the maximum amount allowed under three different insurance policies. This settlement came after the insurance company said the family didn’t have a case. It was a pleasure to assist Rob and his family when they were clearly not in a position to find justice on their own.
Rob’s case is not unusual. That, in a nutshell, is why we have written this book.
Today, it is more difficult than ever for people to receive honest answers to their questions following an accident. If you have been in an accident, we would certainly like you to contact our firm and allow us to evaluate your claim. You will never be under any obligation to hire us. We have written this book, which is free to Idaho residents, because we want you to have this valuable information whether you hire our firm, another firm, or no attorney at all.
We are tired of insurance companies taking advantage of people before they have a chance to talk to an attorney. For years, one major insurance company encouraged claimants not to hire an attorney. Many of our clients have told us that their adjuster advised them not to hire an attorney because “it won’t make a difference.” That statement is true on rare occasions. Insurance companies often mislead accident victims because they know the case is worth much more than they are offering, or what they plan to offer. (This is why individuals who work as insurance adjusters have actually asked us to represent them for their own injury cases!) You may not need an attorney to represent you in your case, but you should at least be aware of this important information from the start of your claim.
We also strongly believe that the information presented in this book will give you a realistic outlook on the value typically associated with accident cases in Idaho. Our guess is that you, like us, have had enough of outrageous lawyer advertisements in which attorneys snap their fingers or wave huge checks, making people think personal injury claims are “easy” or part of a “lawsuit lottery.” The information in this book will help you find the best lawyer for your case.
We are willing to share the information contained in this book because we do not like to see people accept a bad deal or give up on fighting for their rights simply because they do not know how to proceed. This book outlines what you need to know and what you must avoid in order to preserve your rights and get what you deserve.
This information is now available to you without any pressure and without the appointment that most attorneys require you to make in order to receive basic information about accident cases. We hope you will read this book and become informed before you fall victim to those who will try to take advantage of you during a vulnerable time.
Legal Disclaimer
(You knew it was coming!)
We cannot give legal advice in this book. The suggestions and the warnings we provide in this book are not a substitute for consulting with or hiring an attorney. Please remember that we do not represent you, and we cannot give you legal advice unless and until you hire us, and we have agreed in writing to accept your case.