Posted Thursday, December 18, 2014 by
Chris Thayer
Insurance adjusters occasionally initiate an undercover investigation if they question the validity of a personal injury claim or believe the claimant is withholding pertinent information about his medical condition. The evidence an adjuster obtains from an investigation could make it easier for the insurance company to deny the claim or significantly reduce the settlement amount. Consulting a personal injury attorney in Seattle will improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your losses.
How Investigations Help Insurers Gather Facts about the Claimant’s Injuries
The adjuster or a private investigator usually performs a background check on the claimant to find out if he has filed other injury claims. Some investigators attempt to obtain recorded statements from other parties involved in the accident and witnesses of the accident. The private investigator may ask the claimant’s neighbors questions about the claimant’s medical condition and daily routine. The investigator could also take photographs or videotape the claimant engaging in activities that may undermine the credibility of the claimant’s assertions. An experienced Seattle personal injury attorney is aware of the different tactics used by the insurance companies and knows how to protect your best interests.
Contact Seattle Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to receive compensation. Chris Thayer is a personal injury attorney in Seattle who gives clients the attention they need. Mr. Thayer is dedicated to helping individuals recover money for medical expenses, lost wages and other losses they have sustained. Call the law office at (206) 340-2008 to schedule a confidential case evaluation.
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Posted Thursday, December 11, 2014 by
Chris Thayer
If you have received a notice stating that you will be deposed, your Seattle injury lawyer may schedule a conference with you before this deposition occurs. He or she can explain what these proceedings are and how they are used.
Background Information
Your Seattle injury lawyer may have explained that parties to a civil lawsuit usually go through a process called discovery. This process requires the parties to hand over information and answer questions that are asked and requested of them. Depositions are one tool in which the other party can learn about the other side’s case. Your deposition may occur at the office of Seattle accident attorneys who are representing you or at the defendant’s attorney’s office.
Testimony
During a deposition, Seattle accident attorneys may ask you a variety of questions regarding the nature and extent of your injuries, your version of events and justification for your damages request. A court reporter records the questions and answers. Seattle accident attorneys can review the transcript of your deposition before signing off on it.
Other Depositions
Your attorney may wish to depose other individuals such as the defendant, a witness or police officer.
Purpose of Depositions
Your attorney can explain that there are several advantages to taking a deposition. For example, depositions help attorneys prepare for trial by learning what the witness will say at a trial. If a person lies during a deposition, an attorney can use it to impeach them.
If you would like to know more about depositions or the discovery process, contact Chris Thayer by calling (206) 340-2008.
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Posted Thursday, December 11, 2014 by
Chris Thayer
Injuries victims suffer in auto accidents can vary greatly in severity. A fortunate accident victim may walk away largely unscathed, while another in the same accident may suffer profound injuries, such as those of the head and neck. This video discusses the most common injuries claimants suffer in automobile accidents and the severity of each. To find out more, talk to a Seattle personal injury attorney.
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Posted Thursday, December 4, 2014 by
Chris Thayer
Whiplash is commonly thought to primarily cause headaches and neck pain. However, in some cases, the trauma suffered from whiplash can be quite severe, and can leave a victim debilitated. Your personal injury attorney in Seattle will discuss with you the injuries you suffered, but this video provides an basic overview of common whiplash symptoms and injuries.
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Posted Thursday, November 27, 2014 by
Chris Thayer
One of the most contentious aspects of a motorcycle case is the level of damages, as your motorcycle accident attorney in Seattle can explain. Due to the lack of protection present in many motorcycle accidents, medical expenses can be quite expansive in these types of cases.
Classifying Damages
A motorcycle accident attorney in Seattle will likely start calculating damages by quantifying what he or she can. For example, economic damages include medical expenses and loss of income. These can be proven with various pieces of evidence. Non-economic damages include items such as pain and suffering, mental anguish and inconvenience, which are usually more difficult to quantify.
Economic Damages
A motorcycle accident lawyer in Seattle can explain that the largest portion of your economic damages in a motorcycle accident case will likely be your loss of earnings or earning capacity. Additionally, property damages will be factored into the computation of economic damages. Medical expenses that were incurred in the past or that are anticipated in the future are also included in the economic damages computation that your motorcycle accident lawyer in Seattle creates. Other costs that may be included in the computation include funeral costs if the motorcycle accident victim died, physical therapy costs, and special accommodations that must be made due to injuries sustained.
Consequential Damages
Consequential damages may be allowed in some jurisdictions. These damages can include the loss of credit or loss of insurability. Your motorcycle accident attorney in Seattle can explain whether these damages may be recoverable in your particular case and jurisdiction.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages include items that are more difficult to quantify, such as mental impairment, physical disfigurement, pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of society. While pain and suffering and similar damages are considered to be part of this category, a motorcycle accident attorney may phrase this in another way in front of the jury. Your attorney may include a request for non-economic damages for the loss of your health and wellness, focusing on positive aspects life rather than negative aspects suffered.
If you would like to learn more about calculating damages in your particular case and the type of damages that are recognized in your jurisdiction, contact Chris Thayer by calling (206) 340-2008.
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