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07 Sep, 2024 by Dwight o'neal
I have to admit, after nearly 5 years of working with them and still not having my debt paid off, it feels like this process wasn't worth it. I have one remaining debt of $12K, and nearly $9K in my account that needs to be paid off. Yet, every month, it feels like the balance never gets closer to being resolved. At this point, I don’t understand why they can't call the creditor and negotiate directly. It finally dawned on me that the reason might be the high fees they charge.
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend them again, and I am determined to stay out of debt just to avoid working with them in the future. On top of that, my account password never works, and I never receive the reset email. For a company taking in so much money, having a properly functioning website should be a basic expectation—it's almost laughable.
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23 Aug, 2024 by Reba harris
22 Aug, 2024 by Beth pierkowski
Do review all other options before choosing Trumbull Law Group.
Extremely rigid and refuses to consider suggested options. Cannot recommend.
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15 Nov, 2023 by Anthony metz
They poisoned my mom with covid at the nursing home and these hebbs won't take my case
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22 Mar, 2023 by Kevin singletary
08 Dec, 2022 by Scorn_ills
Caitlin did an amazing job helping us with details and decisions surrounding the death of a loved one. She provided thorough advice, plenty of TLC and offer of support going forward. I highly recommend her.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Thomas hitchcock
05 Jul, 2023 by Reyad elsadek
29 Aug, 2022 by Celina glitta
I went to Mr. Clinton in distress when I was experiencing some issues at law school. Thankfully, I ended up just transferring to another law school and ultimately did not pursue my issues. I am still writing this review years later because I feel reviews can help people so much when selecting an attorney and my consultation with Mr. Clinton is one that really helped me to find peace.
Attorney Clinton came across as a very knowledgeable and helpful person. I have interacted with many attorneys as I am one myself and I can honestly say that very few were as kind as Mr. Clinton. Oftentimes, attorneys can be snippy, but he was not. He is honest about if he can help you or not. At the same time, he remains a very sympathetic person whether he can help you or not. Rest assured, you can tell him your about your possible case and all your problems with no judgment. I also like the types of cases he worked on. I felt they were very noble causes and this was the reason I called him to begin with when I was having the issues I was having.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Thomas hitchcock
05 Jul, 2023 by Reyad elsadek
29 Aug, 2022 by Celina glitta
I went to Mr. Clinton in distress when I was experiencing some issues at law school. Thankfully, I ended up just transferring to another law school and ultimately did not pursue my issues. I am still writing this review years later because I feel reviews can help people so much when selecting an attorney and my consultation with Mr. Clinton is one that really helped me to find peace.
Attorney Clinton came across as a very knowledgeable and helpful person. I have interacted with many attorneys as I am one myself and I can honestly say that very few were as kind as Mr. Clinton. Oftentimes, attorneys can be snippy, but he was not. He is honest about if he can help you or not. At the same time, he remains a very sympathetic person whether he can help you or not. Rest assured, you can tell him your about your possible case and all your problems with no judgment. I also like the types of cases he worked on. I felt they were very noble causes and this was the reason I called him to begin with when I was having the issues I was having.
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08 Aug, 2024 by Thomas hitchcock
05 Jul, 2023 by Reyad elsadek
29 Aug, 2022 by Celina glitta
I went to Mr. Clinton in distress when I was experiencing some issues at law school. Thankfully, I ended up just transferring to another law school and ultimately did not pursue my issues. I am still writing this review years later because I feel reviews can help people so much when selecting an attorney and my consultation with Mr. Clinton is one that really helped me to find peace.
Attorney Clinton came across as a very knowledgeable and helpful person. I have interacted with many attorneys as I am one myself and I can honestly say that very few were as kind as Mr. Clinton. Oftentimes, attorneys can be snippy, but he was not. He is honest about if he can help you or not. At the same time, he remains a very sympathetic person whether he can help you or not. Rest assured, you can tell him your about your possible case and all your problems with no judgment. I also like the types of cases he worked on. I felt they were very noble causes and this was the reason I called him to begin with when I was having the issues I was having.
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07 Apr, 2018 by Samuel
I have hired Tom Plouff many times in my life and he has handled my case with professionalism. Tom explain everything in a simple manner so that I understand and also listen to me very carefully. I was fortunate to have Tom as my personal injury lawyer, he was always proactive and keep me informed what was happening. I would like to say thank you to Tom Plouff for his professional work and really happy with his best and affordable services.
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07 Sep, 2024 by Kelly leonetti
We were referred to Schwartz / Jambois firm through a friend. Mac Hertz represented us in a personal injury car accident case. Mac is professional, thorough, compassionate and took time in explaining and guiding us through every step of the process. I was impressed with his continual updates and personal attention to our case. While encountering some challenges he proceeded to overcome all of them.
We settled exactly 2 years to the date of our accident. We are very happy with the outcome and will recommend Mac Hertz.
Thank you,
Lou & Kelly Leonetti
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06 Sep, 2024 by Cassandra g theodosopoulos
04 Sep, 2024 by Cynthia alderson
Colin was so professional and was great in terms of negotiating the best settlement possible. Highly reccommended!
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07 Sep, 2024 by Kelly leonetti
We were referred to Schwartz / Jambois firm through a friend. Mac Hertz represented us in a personal injury car accident case. Mac is professional, thorough, compassionate and took time in explaining and guiding us through every step of the process. I was impressed with his continual updates and personal attention to our case. While encountering some challenges he proceeded to overcome all of them.
We settled exactly 2 years to the date of our accident. We are very happy with the outcome and will recommend Mac Hertz.
Thank you,
Lou & Kelly Leonetti
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06 Sep, 2024 by Cassandra g theodosopoulos
04 Sep, 2024 by Cynthia alderson
Colin was so professional and was great in terms of negotiating the best settlement possible. Highly reccommended!
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16 Mar, 2023 by Anonymous
Attorney John Eliasik and his team helped me get a check after I was hurt in a wreck. They are smart and understand injury law. John also helped me after I got hurt moving furniture at work. Highly recommended.
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19 Dec, 2020 by Robert
I’ve worked opposite him for years on many cases and through many battles. John is an attorney who goes to bat for his clients. He’s not one to back down or sell out.
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14 Dec, 2020 by Gina
Had a great experience with Eliasik. Honest and trustworthy! If you need help, you should hire him.
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24 May, 2024 by Paula johnson
I had an amazing experience with Affordable Legal. The team made my chapter 7 filing a very smooth process! Great service and great price only $598.00 Don’t hesitate give them a call and get your fresh start.
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23 May, 2024 by Erica hardaway825
Sue has worked on a few cases of mine over the years and she's the best! Always professional, makes sure I understand everything, she's extremely patient, caring and kind!
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03 May, 2024 by Brian susman
Won't let you in to speak with anyone, even current clients
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24 May, 2024 by Paula johnson
I had an amazing experience with Affordable Legal. The team made my chapter 7 filing a very smooth process! Great service and great price only $598.00 Don’t hesitate give them a call and get your fresh start.
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23 May, 2024 by Erica hardaway825
Sue has worked on a few cases of mine over the years and she's the best! Always professional, makes sure I understand everything, she's extremely patient, caring and kind!
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03 May, 2024 by Brian susman
Won't let you in to speak with anyone, even current clients
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11 Oct, 2021 by Nona
When I signed up with the firm in March of 2017 I provided a slew of documents to the paralegal that he had a female employee scan. I was told by the paralegal that they send subpoenas for documents because lawyers don't depend on clients to turn over documents from 3rd parties. That made sense to me. I never set eyes on Wierzbicki until my deposition in fall of 2018. Opposing Counsel alleged that he'd only gotten various documents the day of my deposition in the fall of 2018. Wierzbicki told Opposing Counsel I'd just brought them into his office the day of my deposition even though he stated on the record that Nona is under the impression she'd given these to us previously. I have no idea what discovery was ordered by Wierzbicki when he was on the case but, I know there was a subpoena sent out for medical documents in 2017 and then a letter to the WC doctors office in June 2018 prior to my deposition for medical records. Opposing Counsel made an issue of it with the Judge alleging he did not get notice from Horwitz that they'd sent out a subpoena for documents nor did he get a copy of any documents in response to the 2017 subpoena. When the Judge asked Attorney Carter what happened with the subpoena request for discovery sent out in 2017, Atty. Carter's response was " I don't know." Carter was co-counsel with Wierzbicki. When Wierzbicki was on the case. Wierzbicki failed to notify me that he failed to appear in court on the case so, the case was dismissed. He filed a Motion to have it reinstated alleging he just didn't have the date on his calendar. When I inquired why nobody told me that case had been dismissed and reinstated, I was told that it happens all the time. Wierzbicki was off the case after my deposition. Carter and Starshak took over the case. I ended up asking Carter to file a Declaration with the court detailing misrepresentations that were made to the court about me by Horwitz lawyers and Opposing Counsel. Carter came into court with a Motion to Withdraw because of the Declaration I asked him to file. The Motion to Withdraw was denied but, Carter was firm about not representing me. The Judge would not allow me to finish a sentence when I tried to ask for time to get new counsel. The Judge Sandra Ramos said I had to represent myself or Horwitz would have to represent me. Carter even told the Judge he'd take a friendly contempt. So, Carter and Opposing Counsel suggested I could Dismiss the case with leave to refile. I went into the hallway for about 5 minutes with Carter to discuss it. It was a strained point in time to have to make a split decision without legal counsel that was on your side but, I did what Carter and Opposing Counsel suggested, dismissal with leave to refile. Problem is that when other lawyers reviewed the rulings from the Judge, they all said NO because of the various sanctions she dished out which didn't make me appear to be an honest client. I couldn't file a malpractice suit because it requires medical experts who require lots of money and it would require a non lawyer understanding the medical evidence. No lawyer would handle the malpractice case because it required that I first refile the personal injury case that NO lawyer would refile based on the sanctions. It appeared that I was the one responsible for providing the discovery to Horwitz that Opposing Counsel alleged he never got. That assumes that the client knew what the lawyers hadn't gotten in the way of discovery. I tried talking to Horwitz's malpractice adjuster but, she said her clients felt that they hadn't done anything wrong. You would think that lawyers would put their clients interest above their own but, to me it seemed like Horwitz lawyers were more interested in covering up their own failures/malpractice than protecting the interest of their client.
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01 May, 2013 by Michael
I was introduced to Horwitz Horwitz & Associates, Ltd. by my uncle after having an unproductive relationship with my previous attorney. I was assigned Michael Wierzbicki for my automobile personal injury case. Mr. Wierzbicki was an immediate change to my previous attorney, as he would immediately answer any question or concern I had. He is always clear and detailed and will take time out of his day to help you. He is also always professional and friendly, which I have found is hard to find in attorneys. Mr. Wierzbicki had a very long 7 year battle in my case, but was ultimately victorious. Its my opinion that he won due to his exceptional knowledge of the law and his drive and determination. I highly recommend Mr. Wierzbicki!
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11 Sep, 2010 by Anonymous
It is with great pleasure and honor that I write this review for an attorney that I feel stands above all others. Several years ago I was involved in an automobile accident. It was my good fortune to be introduced to Michael Wierzbicki and to subsequently have him as my attorney. For those of you who have not experienced a situation such as this, it brings your entire life to an immediate stop. Confusion and helplessness become your primary emotions. This is the point at which you hope to have someone who can step in and provide you with the guidance, help, and advice that you need to get back on your feet. This is where Michael Wierzbicki became my savior. Not only is Michael highly talented and knowledgeable about the law, but he is also extremely patient and compassionate towards his clients. His practical and knowledgeable approach, lead my case through this process to a successful end! I highly recommend you give Mr. Wierzbicki the opportunity to see if he can help you out.
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24 Jan, 2024 by Xddragon
20 Apr, 2020 by Luke meister
21 Mar, 2019 by Mike dunbar
28 May, 2021 by Yjk
Mr. Weaver helped me prepare my Will. He was always very professional, responsive, and I am very happy with his job! He is awesome attorney and all around person. I would highly recommended him to anyone who needing legal assistance.
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13 Jun, 2017 by Anonymous
I hired Mr. Alex Weaver for my legal case. After significant attorney fees he didn't generate any results. As a matter of fact he proposed the settlements that is in favor of the opponent. I lost another 10K after the settlement because he failed to protect my rights in the settlement agreement he signed off. Before you hire this attorney you may contact me at
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15 Jul, 2014 by Michael
Alex Weaver is an excellent lawyer of the highest standards of client loyalty and service.
He and I were co-counsel in the successful mediation of a condominium association construction dispute several years ago, in which I noted the fine quality of his work.
Since then, we have continued to “talk shop” about a range of professional matters, and I have found his advice to be invariably astute and helpful.
Most recently, when I needed the services of a first-rate lawyer in regard to an alleged traffic violation, I looked to Alex’s services immediately, and as usual, he did a fine job.
He is not only an excellent lawyer but also a long-time family friend. I vouch for him without reservation.
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23 Oct, 2024 by Chris puranen
28 Apr, 2022 by Nicholas kokoris
Jim Branit of Litchfield might be one of the best, toughest and most knowledgeable litigators in Chicago. I've been placing lawyers since 1987 and Branit and Litchfield come very highly recommended by Juristech.
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11 May, 2020 by Eric suarez
28 Jun, 2024 by Divine anj beneit
I definitely appreciate an awesome attorney. Mr. Abrams and his team always answered my text messages, emails, and returned my phone calls. I never felt gaslighted or ignored by anyone. Mr. Abrams took the time to explain everything to me via over the phone or in-person on the process, hold up, or if they had questions of me. I would recommend him to anyone who ask. Thank you Mr. Abrams and Liz (secretary). Appreciate you.
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21 Jun, 2024 by Ronny reel
Please read and take precaution!!!! Terrible he needs to be put out of business!!!!! I hired Howard Abrams over 5 years ago still no results, unanswered phone calls and emails. Howard Abrams is a fraud, he doesn't do anything . I think he takes all clients money paid out and keeps it. He needs to be reported
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25 Feb, 2024 by Reginald clark
22 Jun, 2020 by Erdenebolor jambaa
05 Mar, 2018 by Connie tatlonghari nano
Attorney Mary Carmen helped me a lot on those days I needed help regarding my citenship. She is very compassionate that will ease your mind. She is very professional as what the saying goes: you got what you paid for. And most importantly she will not leave you in the air she is always available if you have question. I am now a U.S CITIZEN.
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15 Nov, 2016 by John vincent yang (jv yang)
28 May, 2024 by Chris rose
13 May, 2024 by Omar javed
Doesn't even go to voice-mail anymore. Just a busy signal. THE PEOPLE HAVE NOBODY WHO TRULY REPRESENTS THEM. THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN PEOPLE. IM READY TO SEE THE FALL OF ALL YOU FAKE POLITICIANS AND GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS!
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08 May, 2024 by David chacon
Christopher was very informative to my needs and gave me the info I needed thanks again for your help
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08 Aug, 2024 by Bigmule64
It’s like the police investing the police.There are no ethics left in America Land of the Free!Just look at the US Supreme Court!
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02 Jun, 2024 by Matt r
Have to be diligent with this organization. You may get positive results. I wouldn't file complaints over minor disputes with an attorney. If the attorney is not working out request the attorney to take their fee and send the remainder back. Not worth paying an attorney that is not interested in defending your rights and adequately representing your side.
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11 May, 2024 by Toni mc
Did not help me at ALL it’s like they work with the lawyers they sent my case to Texas then back to Chicago not recommended at ALL my lawyer got away with a lot
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17 Oct, 2023 by Daeveon
Started off good. Great communication, paid for my Lyfts to get back and fourth to physical therapy, after I finished everything went dark. All phone calls goes straight to voicemail now haven’t heard from anyone for almost 2 months now. I just want an update on my case.
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03 Sep, 2023 by Micah upshaw
Ms. Kladis represented me with all her might and I truly appreciate her as well as everyone at Walner Law who made me feel safe and secure in knowing they would champion cause.
Thank you so very much.
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09 Sep, 2019 by Maria loera
She very professional explain what can happen she will fight till end for she is up front and will advise and very comfortable that she is the one that resolve my case
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30 Nov, 2011 by Nicole
I HIRED GWENDOLYN DALE ANDERSON IN 2006, SHE DIDN'T START MY CASE UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE (TWO YEARS LATER) SHE DIDNT KEEP ME INFORMED ABOUT ANYTHING. IT IS NOW 2011 MY CASE IS STILL ON THE BOOKS WITH NOTHING DONE WITH IT AND ABSOLUTELY NO WORD FROM THIS LAWYER, PLEASE DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME
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15 Dec, 2023 by Mohammod robi
18 Apr, 2022 by Anonymous
We where hired by Mr. Friedman to serve legal documents on several cases for him. He is totally none responsive to us. We even contacted his clients and he seems to be none responsive to them also. He owes us $1809.50 for three cases that are way past due.
Andrew Raphael
LaSalle Process Servers, LP.
105 W. Madison Street
Suite 1306
Chicago, IL 60602
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08 Jan, 2022 by Mike morris
Hi my name is Michael Morris I just want to say thank you to Maria sanchez who has been a awesome individual that helped me navigate through my car accident. She's a very awesome individual I thank you for the experience. And letting me be part of the Warner Family .
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24 May, 2024 by Anonymous
I'm actually shocked by how horrible this experience has been. I have bene calling to check on my ongoing case at least once a week for well over a year and have gotten nothing but the run around. What a waste of time. I regret going with him so much. Do not make the same mistake I did.
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08 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
They helped me through the entire process and really put my mind at ease. I am very happy with my settlement - it was more than I thought I could get. Also got back to me within a day or two if I had any questions. Would recommend to anyone needing an attorney.
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10 Sep, 2023 by Anonymous
Unfortunately I am currently experiencing what previous writers are ans have said. I can't get any information. Fro. This guy. I've been calling for the.last two weeks and haven't gotten a return call or update on my case. It'll be a year next month of dealing with this guy and his company. I've never had this experience with a lawyer.
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02 Feb, 2018 by Jazmine
If I could give her a 0 I would because 1 star is far too nice. Please do not use this lady. The prior review is dead on. I had a car accident in 2014 where my car was completely damaged and I suffered injuries. I was referred to this lawyer and it has been the biggest mistake of my life using her firm. Every time I would call to check on the status of my case she would always answer in short and in a rush as if I was bothering her. Not once did she call me with updates, only to cancel appointments the day before after I’d already taken time off work. This happened three times. After a year I was finally called in to do a deposition in which when I arrived she was not there and had her assistant do it for her. He prepared me for the deposition but no follow up to see what was the results. I had to call back into her office where her secretary always says she with a client. The next step was aubutration. After two cancelled dates I came to her office and was not acknowledged by her for atleast an hour even though she seen me waiting. Then when she finally addressed me she said her assistant will take me to aubutration. I was told we were seekin 15000 dollars. I won but somehow was only awarded 2500.00 which was far less than what I paid to repair my vehicle. Again I called her a few weeks later only to be told that if I wasn’t happy with the order and wanted to go to court I would have to PAY HER and within that week. She is a collect pay after you win case type lawyer. So basically I was forced to settle for that. Here it is February 02,2018 and I still have not received a check. Her secretary keeps telling me that the other lawyer has not called her back. I’m so sick of dealing with this lady and I advise you to seek someone else! She is horrible!! Jazmine
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05 May, 2014 by Michael
The worst experience I ever had. I waited a year and a half for my settlement after a semi totalled my car on the highway. She made me call my doctor drive 30 miles numerous times to pick up papers that could of easily been faxed.never called me are returned any calls. Then I settled for 7k got to her office and she tried to give me 2100$.please do not get scammed by her like I did.I should of known better
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15 Apr, 2014 by Anonymous
She will tell you your getting more money so you settle and she doesn't tell you how much you will actually be getting after you have to pay towards the doctor her and whatever bogus stuff she comes up with. DON'T HIRE HER FOR ANYTHING. Me and my husband waited almost a.year for our money and she hardly ever returned our calls and then cheated us out of thousands of dollars!
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03 Jan, 2020 by Melissa
We had 2 car accidents within a short period of one another, both not our fault. Both cases were settled, we have yet to receive the check for the second one and it’s been at least a month. Geoffrey E. Jacobs doesn’t return our repeated emails and phone calls. I would never trust him to handle any future cases. We are just a number and certainly treated as such during the entire process. NEVER AGAIN
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12 Dec, 2013 by Erin
My case was super simple small claim for an accident I was in. Kevin was hired by my insurance. Well actually his company was hired, they originally gave me someone else who got a promotion and a bigger case so they assigned Kevin. That should tell you that his own company has no faith in him that they only give him the smallest cases that they dont' care about. He lost which was not a big deal because my insurance company paid for it, but the biggest issue is that years later when my credit is run to get a car loan I find out that he messed up something so small and I now have a judgement for the amount owed from the case on my credit report. Not only was this paid on time but it wasn't to be paid by me. He simply didn't send in one simple document that he needed to and now my credit is completely messed up. On top of that he told me he does not know how to fix it. the best he could do was get it to say it was paid 4today 4 years later.......that doesn't help my credit report.....Do not hire this guy unless youw ant to lose your case and mess up your credit. he is completely incompetent!
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Car Accident Lawyer Can Do for You
A car accident lawyer specializes in representing individuals who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents. These lawyers help victims secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from a car crash. They also negotiate with insurance companies, investigate the cause of the accident, and, if necessary, represent clients in court to ensure they receive fair compensation.
If you've been injured in a car accident - whether as a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian - a car accident lawyer can help protect your rights, navigate the insurance claims process, and ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to.
When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Consider hiring a car accident lawyer in several situations, especially when the accident results in injuries, property damage, or disputes with the insurance company. Key situations include:
- Serious injuries: If you’ve suffered significant injuries, such as broken bones, spinal injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, a lawyer can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, future treatment, and pain and suffering.
- Disputes with the insurance company: If your insurance claim has been denied or the insurance company offers an unreasonably low settlement, a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you get fair compensation.
- Liability disputes: If the other driver’s insurance company is disputing fault or claiming you were partially at fault, a lawyer can gather evidence to prove the other party’s negligence.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one was killed in a car accident, a lawyer can help the family pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.
- Uninsured or underinsured driver: If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage, a lawyer can help you explore other compensation options, such as filing a claim with your own insurance company.
- Complex cases: Accidents involving multiple vehicles, commercial trucks, or complicated circumstances require legal expertise to manage complexities and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the full compensation you deserve.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
A car accident lawyer provides various legal services to help injured individuals pursue compensation for their injuries and losses. Their responsibilities often include:
- Investigating the accident: Gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, photos, and video footage to determine how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
- Filing insurance claims: Assisting clients in filing claims with their insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurer to ensure all necessary documentation is submitted correctly.
- Negotiating settlements: Working with insurance adjusters to secure fair compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Calculating damages: Determining the full extent of your damages, including current and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Handling medical bills: Coordinating with healthcare providers to ensure your medical bills are paid and helping you avoid financial hardship during the claims process.
- Filing lawsuits: If the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, the lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
- Representing you in court: Presenting your case before a judge and jury, providing evidence and witness testimony to prove negligence and your right to compensation.
How Are Car Accident Lawyers Paid?
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win or settle your case. The key aspects include:
- Contingency fee: The lawyer’s fee is typically between 25% and 40% of the total settlement or award. You won't pay upfront fees; the lawyer's payment comes from the compensation they recover for you.
- No fee if no recovery: If the lawyer doesn’t secure compensation for you, you generally don't owe any legal fees.
- Case expenses: You may be responsible for certain costs related to your case, such as filing fees or expert witness fees. These are usually deducted from the settlement after the lawyer's fee is paid.
Discuss the fee structure during your initial consultation to understand how much you'll owe if your case is successful.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a car accident lawyer is generally based on the contingency fee arrangement. General estimates include:
- Contingency fee percentage: Lawyers typically charge between 25% and 40% of the total settlement or award. For example, if you receive a $100,000 settlement and the lawyer's fee is 33%, the lawyer would receive $33,000, and you'd keep the remaining $67,000.
- Case expenses: Additional costs such as court filing fees, expert witness costs, and administrative fees can range from $1,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the case complexity.
Ensure you get a clear explanation of fees and expenses during your consultation.
Top Questions to Ask a Car Accident Lawyer
Before hiring a car accident lawyer, consider asking the following questions:
-
What experience do you have with car accident cases?
Confirm the lawyer has handled cases similar to yours, especially involving serious injuries or complex liability issues. -
How do you charge for your services?
Understand the contingency fee percentage and any additional costs you may incur. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Seek an honest assessment of your case's strengths and potential challenges. -
How long will the process take?
Get an estimate of the timeline for settling or taking the case to trial. -
Will you handle my case personally?
Ensure you know who will be managing your case and their level of involvement. -
What kind of compensation can I expect?
Ask about the types of damages you may be entitled to, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How to Check the Credibility of a Car Accident Lawyer
To ensure you're hiring a reputable lawyer, take the following steps:
- Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing.
- Review their experience: Look for specialization in personal injury and car accident cases.
- Read client reviews: Consult platforms like Avvo or Martindale-Hubbell for testimonials and ratings.
- Ask for references: Request contact information of previous clients willing to discuss their experience.
- Check professional affiliations: Membership in organizations like the American Association for Justice (AAJ) indicates a commitment to the field.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To maximize the effectiveness of your initial meeting, bring the following:
- Police report: A copy of the accident report filed by the police.
- Medical records: Documentation of your injuries, treatments, and medical expenses.
- Photos and videos: Any visual evidence from the accident scene and of your injuries.
- Insurance information: Copies of your insurance policy and any correspondence with insurance companies.
- Witness information: Contact details and statements from any witnesses.
- List of questions: Prepared questions about your case and the legal process.
Being well-prepared helps the lawyer assess your case accurately and advise you on the best course of action.
