Frequently Asked Questions

First, make sure everyone is safe and call 911. Even if you feel okay, get checked out by a doctor, as many injuries do not show up right away. Take photos of the vehicles, the road, and any visible injuries before anything is moved. Get the other driver's name, license, insurance info, and plate number, and get contact info from any witnesses. Do not apologize or admit fault at the scene. Then, before you talk to any insurance company, call Attorney Lavey for a free consultation.

No. This is one of the most important things to know. The other driver's insurance company is not on your side. Their adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to minimize what they pay you. Even an innocent comment like "I am fine" or "I did not see them" can be used against your claim later. You have no obligation to give them a recorded statement. Let Attorney Lavey handle all communication with the insurance companies. That is what he is there for.

Do not panic, and do not accept that conclusion. Insurance companies routinely try to shift blame onto the other party to reduce or deny what they owe. Their determination of fault is not final. It can be challenged with evidence like the police report, witness statements, photos, and in some cases accident reconstruction. Attorney Lavey deals with exactly this situation regularly. Call him before you respond to the insurer or agree to anything.

In Massachusetts, your own auto insurance pays your medical bills first through a coverage called Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, regardless of who caused the accident. That covers your initial treatment up to a point. If your bills go beyond what PIP covers, or your injuries are serious, you may be able to pursue the at-fault driver's insurance for the rest. Attorney Lavey will walk you through exactly what applies to your situation in a free consultation.

Yes. Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately common, and Massachusetts law provides protection for exactly this situation. Your own auto insurance policy includes uninsured motorist coverage, which can step in when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or located. Get as much information as you can, including any partial plate, vehicle description, or witness contact info, and then call Attorney Lavey. There are still strong options available to you even when the other driver fled.

Possibly, yes. Massachusetts law allows you to recover compensation even if you share some of the blame for the accident, as long as you were not mostly at fault. Your recovery may be reduced based on your share of responsibility, but being partly at fault does not automatically mean you get nothing. Insurance companies often try to pin more blame on you than is fair, and having Attorney Lavey in your corner helps push back on that.

You may still be able to recover through your own auto insurance policy. Massachusetts requires all auto policies to include uninsured motorist coverage, which is specifically designed for situations where the at-fault driver has no insurance. If you are worried the other driver was uninsured, Call Attorney Lavey. There are options, and you should not be left holding the bill because someone else broke the law.

Every case is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. What goes into the value of a claim includes your medical bills, whether you missed work, how the injury has affected your daily life, any ongoing treatment you will need, and the pain and suffering you have experienced. Attorney Lavey will give you an honest, straight assessment during a free consultation, not a number pulled out of thin air.

It is worth a call either way. Minor-looking accidents often cause injuries like whiplash, herniated discs, or concussions that do not become obvious for days or even weeks. Once you accept a settlement, it is final. A free consultation with Attorney Lavey costs you nothing and makes sure you understand what your options are before you sign anything.

Property damage and personal injury are handled separately in Massachusetts. If the other driver was at fault, their liability insurance is responsible for your vehicle. If they were uninsured or underinsured, your own collision coverage may apply. The important thing to know is that settling your property damage claim is separate from your injury claim, and settling one does not affect the other. Never let an insurer bundle them together or pressure you to resolve both at once.

Yes, always. A police report creates an official record of what happened, which becomes important evidence for your insurance claim and any legal case. Even in accidents that seem minor at the time, having that documentation can make a significant difference later. Attorney Lavey recommends getting a copy of the police report as soon as it is available.

This is more common than people think. If the other driver's insurance is not enough to cover your losses, you may be able to turn to your own underinsured motorist coverage. This is an optional coverage that many Massachusetts drivers carry, and it can be a financial lifesaver in serious accident cases. Attorney Lavey will review all available coverage to make sure nothing is overlooked.

Absolutely. As a passenger, you generally have the strongest position of anyone involved, as you did not cause the accident, so fault arguments rarely apply to you. You may have claims against the driver of the car you were in, the other driver, or both, depending on what happened. Attorney Lavey can sort out exactly who is responsible and what your claim is worth.

Photos and video from the scene are invaluable. Take as many as you can of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Save the other driver's insurance and contact info, and get names and numbers from any witnesses. Hold onto every medical record, bill, and receipt related to your injury. And keep a personal journal of how you are feeling day to day, noting pain levels, what you cannot do, how sleep has been affected. All of this builds your case. Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media.

These cases can be more complex and often involve more compensation. Commercial accidents may involve not just the driver but the trucking company, the vehicle owner, or whoever loaded the cargo. There may also be federal trucking regulations involved. Commercial insurers assign experienced defense teams immediately, which is exactly why you need an attorney just as quickly. Attorney Lavey handles commercial vehicle accident cases throughout Massachusetts.

You may have a claim against the city, town, or state agency responsible for maintaining that road. These cases have their own set of rules and tighter timelines than standard car accident claims, so it is especially important to contact an attorney right away. Attorney Lavey will investigate who was responsible for the road condition and what your options are.

A denial is not the end. It is often just the beginning of the real negotiation. Insurers deny and deflect routinely, especially when there is no attorney involved, because they know many people will give up or accept less. Attorney Lavey can review the denial, gather the evidence needed to dispute it, and take the fight to the insurer on your behalf. Many cases that were initially denied end up settling for fair compensation once an experienced attorney steps in.

It can. When your health insurer or another entity pays your medical bills, they may have a right to be reimbursed from your settlement. This is called a lien. The good news is that liens are often negotiable, and Attorney Lavey works to reduce them so you keep as much of your recovery as possible. This is handled as part of his regular representation, with no extra charge for it.

Rideshare accidents involve layered insurance coverage that depends on what the driver was doing at the time of the crash, specifically whether the app was on, whether they had a passenger, and other factors. Figuring out which coverage applies and how to maximize your recovery requires careful analysis. Attorney Lavey handles rideshare accident cases throughout Massachusetts and knows how to navigate the insurance complexities these cases involve.

As soon as possible, ideally the same day or the day after. This is important for two reasons. First, your health: many serious injuries do not cause obvious pain right away, and getting evaluated early can catch problems before they get worse. Second, your claim: a gap between the accident and your first doctor visit gives insurance companies a reason to argue your injuries were not caused by the crash. Follow all your doctor’s recommendations and attend every follow-up appointment. Gaps in treatment are one of the most common tactics insurers use to reduce settlements.

A personal injury claim is a legal way to recover compensation when someone else's carelessness causes you to get hurt. That could be a car accident, a slip and fall, a dog bite, medical negligence, or any situation where another person or company failed to act responsibly and you paid the price. The goal is to make you whole: covering your medical bills, replacing lost income, and compensating you for the pain and disruption the injury caused in your life.

No upfront cost, ever. Attorney Lavey handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning he only gets paid if he wins your case. His fee comes as a percentage of the settlement or verdict, so you never have to come out of pocket to get experienced legal representation. If he does not win, you owe nothing.

Quite a bit, depending on your situation. The most common types of compensation include your past and future medical bills, income you have lost because you could not work, and money for the pain, suffering, and impact the injury has had on your daily life. If your injuries are permanent or require long-term care, those future costs are factored in too. Attorney Lavey works to make sure nothing gets left out when valuing your claim.

Yes, absolutely. Pain and suffering covers the physical pain from your injuries and the emotional toll they take, including anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, loss of enjoyment in activities you used to love. These are not soft concepts; they are recognized and compensable under Massachusetts law. Serious injuries that change how you live your life should be reflected in the full value of your claim, not just the medical bills.

Yes. If your injury kept you out of work, even temporarily, you can recover those lost wages as part of your claim. If your injuries affect your ability to earn a living going forward, that future loss of earning capacity can be included as well. Attorney Lavey works with medical and financial experts to document and present the full economic picture of what your injury has cost you.

Call an attorney. A denial from an insurance company is not a final answer. It is a starting position. Insurers deny claims for all kinds of reasons, some legitimate, many not. An experienced attorney can review the denial, identify whether it was justified, and push back with evidence. In many cases, claims that were denied outright are later settled for fair compensation once the insurer realizes the claimant has proper legal representation fighting for them.

A few things matter most: Get medical treatment immediately and stick with it. Do not skip appointments. Document everything you can (photos, receipts, a journal of how you are feeling day to day). Do not post about your accident or injuries on social media. And do not give any statements to insurance companies before talking to an attorney. The steps you take in the first days and weeks have a big impact on the outcome of your case.

Possibly. Property owners, whether a business or a private homeowner, have a responsibility to keep their premises reasonably safe. If a dangerous condition on their property caused your injury and they knew about it (or should have), you may have what is called a premises liability claim. Slip and falls, trip and falls, inadequate lighting, and broken stairs are all situations where property owners can be held responsible. Call Attorney Lavey to talk through what happened.

Massachusetts has some of the strongest dog bite protections in the country. Dog owners can generally be held responsible for a bite even if the dog had never been aggressive before. There is no "first bite free" rule here. If the bite caused injury, you very likely have a valid claim for medical bills, scarring, and the emotional impact, especially when a child is involved. These cases are often covered by the dog owner's homeowner's insurance.

In many cases, yes. Massachusetts law does not cut off your right to compensation just because you share some responsibility for what happened. As long as your share of fault does not outweigh the other party's, you can still recover, though what you receive may be reduced proportionally. Insurance companies often try to assign more blame to injured people than is justified, which is one of the key reasons having an attorney matters.

We are truly sorry for your loss. When a person dies due to another's negligence, Massachusetts law allows the family to pursue a wrongful death claim. This can cover things like the income your loved one would have provided, funeral expenses, and the profound loss of companionship the family has suffered. These cases have their own timelines and procedures, so reaching out to Attorney Lavey as soon as you are ready is the right first step.

Insurance adjusters use formulas, typically your medical bills multiplied by a factor based on injury severity, plus lost wages. But these formulas are designed to protect the insurance company's bottom line, not to fully compensate you. They often undervalue pain and suffering, overlook future medical needs, and ignore the real-life disruption an injury causes. Attorney Lavey builds the full picture of your damages and pushes back hard against lowball offers.

Yes. Massachusetts courts have made clear that property owners, including businesses, landlords, and homeowners, have a responsibility to address dangerous snow and ice conditions on their property, just like any other hazard. If you were injured on someone else's property due to an icy walkway, parking lot, or steps, you may have a valid claim. These cases move quickly because evidence like the condition of the property can change fast, so do not wait to call.

Claims against a city, town, or state agency in Massachusetts involve different rules and tighter timelines than regular personal injury cases. There are specific notice requirements that must be followed, and the window to act is often shorter than people expect. If you were hurt on a public sidewalk, in a government building, by an MBTA bus, or by any other government-owned vehicle or property, Call Attorney Lavey right away. The clock moves faster in these cases.

Keep it brief and do not answer detailed questions about the accident or your injuries. You can confirm basic information like your name and that an accident occurred, but you are not obligated to give a recorded statement, describe how the accident happened, or say how you are feeling physically. Insurance companies call quickly because that is when people are most off guard. Tell them you are consulting with an attorney and leave it at that. Then call Attorney Lavey.

It significantly increases the value of your claim. Surgery means higher medical bills, longer recovery, more time out of work, and greater pain and suffering, all of which are factors in what you are owed. It also means you should not settle your case until your treatment is complete or at least until your doctor has a clear picture of what you will need going forward. Settling too early, before the full scope of your injuries is known, is one of the most common and costly mistakes injured people make. Attorney Lavey will make sure the timing and value of your claim account for everything.

Not necessarily. It depends on what was said and how it can be interpreted. Recorded statements can sometimes create problems, because insurers look for anything they can use to minimize what they owe, but they do not automatically sink a case. The most important thing now is to stop communicating with the insurance company directly and let Attorney Lavey take over. He can review what was said and work around it. Do not make it worse by giving any additional statements on your own.

Yes, and this is actually very common. Injuries like whiplash, herniated discs, soft tissue damage, and even concussions often do not produce noticeable pain immediately because adrenaline masks it, and inflammation builds over hours and days. The key is to see a doctor as soon as symptoms appear and make sure you connect those symptoms to the accident. Do not let the insurance company use the delay against you. Attorney Lavey handles exactly these situations and knows how to document them properly.

The honest answer is: call and find out. Attorney Lavey offers free consultations and will give you a straight assessment of your situation, with no pressure and no obligation. What matters is whether someone else's negligence caused your injury and whether you have suffered real damages as a result. You do not need to have figured out the legal details yourself. That is what the consultation is for.

It varies. Some cases resolve through negotiation in a matter of months. Others, particularly those involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or uncooperative insurers, can take a year or more, and cases that go to trial take longer still. Attorney Lavey is upfront with clients about realistic timelines and keeps you informed throughout the process. The goal is always to resolve the case efficiently while making sure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

Medical malpractice happens when a doctor, nurse, hospital, or other healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care that a competent provider would have met in the same situation, and that failure causes harm to the patient. It is not just a bad outcome. Medicine involves risk, and not every complication is someone's fault. Malpractice is when the care itself was substandard and that is what caused the injury.

That is one of the hardest questions to answer on your own, and you should not have to figure it out alone. If you had a bad outcome after medical care, such as a surgery that went wrong, a diagnosis that was missed, or a medication that harmed you, and you suspect the provider made a mistake, call Attorney Lavey for a free consultation. He will review what happened and give you an honest assessment of whether you may have a case, at no cost and no obligation.

Yes, and the rules are more complex than a standard personal injury case. There are time limits that depend on when you discovered (or should have discovered) the harm, and there are also absolute outer limits regardless of discovery. The rules are different for children. The bottom line: if you think you or a loved one may have been harmed by a medical provider, do not wait. Contact Attorney Lavey as soon as possible so your options stay open.

Absolutely. A hospital's internal review is not an independent or unbiased process. Hospitals investigate themselves, and their conclusions are not binding on you or any court. Many successful malpractice cases involve situations where the hospital initially defended the provider. An independent review by a qualified medical expert, which is what Attorney Lavey arranges, is an entirely different matter. Do not let a hospital's self-serving response be the end of the road for you.

It can feel that way, but legally, a doctor's reputation does not protect them from accountability. The standard of care applies equally regardless of how prominent a physician is. In fact, prominent doctors and institutions sometimes feel more pressure to settle quietly to avoid damage to their reputation. What matters is the evidence of what happened, including the medical records and the outcome, and what a qualified expert says about whether the care was appropriate. Attorney Lavey has handled cases against well-regarded providers and hospitals throughout Massachusetts.

Yes. Hospitals can be held responsible for the actions of their employees, and in some situations, for providers who work within their facilities. Hospitals are also independently responsible for things like staffing, policies, and equipment. In many cases, both the individual provider and the hospital may share responsibility. Attorney Lavey evaluates all potential sources of liability in every malpractice case.

It can be. A missed or delayed diagnosis becomes malpractice when a competent doctor in the same situation would have caught it, and the failure to diagnose caused you to be harmed, whether through delayed treatment, worsening of the condition, or wrong treatment altogether. Cancer misdiagnosis, missed heart attacks, and failure to identify infections are among the most common. Not every missed diagnosis is negligence, but many are. Let Attorney Lavey take a look.

Yes. Surgical errors, including operating on the wrong site, leaving instruments inside a patient, nerve damage from improper technique, anesthesia errors, or post-operative failures, are among the most serious forms of medical malpractice. Some surgical errors are so clearly outside the bounds of acceptable care that a medical expert can establish negligence based on the nature of what happened alone. If you or a family member were harmed by a surgical mistake, contact Attorney Lavey to discuss your situation.

Birth injuries are among the most heartbreaking situations Attorney Lavey handles, and many of them are the result of preventable medical errors during labor and delivery. Things like oxygen deprivation, improper use of forceps or vacuum, failure to perform a timely C-section, or failure to respond to fetal distress can cause lifelong harm to a child. If your baby was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, or another birth-related condition, please call for a confidential, free consultation. These cases require early investigation, and Attorney Lavey handles them with the seriousness and compassion they deserve.

The most important first step is to call an attorney, not to confront the provider, not to file a complaint with a hospital, and not to post about it online. Medical malpractice cases in Massachusetts involve specific procedural steps that have to happen in the right order and within certain timeframes. Starting the process correctly matters. Attorney Lavey will review what happened, explain your options honestly, and handle everything from there, at no upfront cost to you.

This is actually fairly common, especially in cases involving misdiagnosis, medication errors, or internal complications that do not surface immediately. Massachusetts law recognizes this and allows time limits to run from when you discovered (or should reasonably have discovered) that a medical error caused your injury. However, there are still outer limits on how long you have, so even if time has passed, it is worth calling Attorney Lavey to find out whether you still have options.

You can recover your past and future medical bills, lost income, the cost of any long-term care or assistance you will need, and compensation for pain and suffering. In Massachusetts, there is a limit on the pain and suffering portion of a malpractice award in many cases, but there is no cap on economic losses like medical bills and lost wages. In serious malpractice cases, those economic damages can be very substantial. Attorney Lavey will give you a clear picture of what your case may be worth.

Yes. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities have a legal duty to provide a safe, adequate level of care to their residents. When they fail, through understaffing, inadequate supervision, medication mistakes, pressure sores, or falls that could have been prevented, they can be held accountable. Attorney Lavey handles nursing home negligence and elder abuse cases throughout Massachusetts and will fight for the dignity and compensation your family member deserves.

Medical malpractice cases tend to take longer than other personal injury cases. There are required procedural steps before a lawsuit is even filed, and after that, the process of gathering medical records, working with experts, and navigating the pre-trial tribunal takes time. Most malpractice cases take a few years from start to finish. Attorney Lavey will be upfront with you about realistic expectations and keeps you informed throughout the entire process.

Yes, the time rules for malpractice cases involving children are different and can actually give families more time in some situations. However, the rules for very young children can be different again, and there are absolute limits that apply regardless of age. Because these rules are complicated and the stakes are so high, Attorney Lavey strongly encourages families to reach out as soon as possible rather than assuming there is plenty of time.

Possibly. Doctors are required to get your informed consent before performing a procedure, meaning they must explain what they plan to do, the risks involved, and the alternatives available, so you can make a real decision. If a provider performed a procedure without properly explaining the risks, or went beyond what you consented to, and you were harmed as a result, you may have a valid claim even if the procedure itself was technically performed correctly. Attorney Lavey evaluates these situations as part of every malpractice consultation.

Yes, and we are deeply sorry for your loss. When someone dies as a result of medical negligence, their family may be able to pursue a wrongful death malpractice claim. This can include compensation for the income your loved one would have earned, the cost of their final medical care, funeral expenses, and the loss of their companionship and support. These cases are handled with the utmost care and sensitivity. Please do not hesitate to call Attorney Lavey for a confidential consultation.

Medication errors are one of the most common forms of medical malpractice, and they can come from multiple directions, including the prescribing doctor, the pharmacist who filled it, or the hospital staff that administered it. Being given the wrong drug, the wrong dose, or a drug that dangerously interacted with something else you were taking are all potentially actionable errors. If you were seriously harmed by a medication mistake, call Attorney Lavey to discuss what happened.

Remain calm. Do not resist. Invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Do not answer questions without a lawyer present. Call Attorney Jeffrey C. Lavey immediately.

No. You have the constitutional right to remain silent. Politely invoke this right and ask to speak with an attorney before answering any questions.

Misdemeanors are less serious offenses punishable by up to 2.5 years in a house of correction. Felonies are more serious and can result in state prison sentences.

An arraignment is your first court appearance, where you are formally charged and enter a plea. Bail is set at this stage. Attorney Lavey will appear with you.

A clerk's hearing is a pre-arraignment proceeding where a magistrate decides whether there is probable cause to issue a criminal complaint. An attorney can often prevent charges from being issued at this stage.

Certain first-offense OUI cases may be eligible for a continuance without a finding (CWOF) or record sealing after a waiting period. Attorney Lavey will advise on your specific situation.

A first OUI can result in a license suspension of 45-90 days, fines, an alcohol education program, and up to 2.5 years in jail (though jail is rarely imposed for first offenses).

Many convictions can be sealed after a waiting period. Currently that is 3 years for misdemeanors and 7 years for felonies. Dismissals and not-guilty findings may be sealable immediately.

A 209A is a civil abuse prevention order. Violating it is a criminal offense. It can also affect bail and the conditions of release in a pending criminal case.

That depends entirely on the facts of your case, the strength of the evidence, and your personal circumstances. Attorney Lavey will give you an honest assessment and never pressure you to accept or reject any offer.

Yes. Cases can be dismissed for lack of evidence, constitutional violations (such as an illegal search), or through successful pretrial motions. Attorney Lavey pursues every avenue to protect your rights.

Many employers conduct background checks. A conviction can affect employment, professional licenses, housing, and in some cases, immigration status. Minimizing or eliminating a criminal record is critical.

Medical benefits, temporary total incapacity benefits (60% of your average weekly wage), permanent disability benefits, and vocational rehabilitation.

Report the injury to your employer immediately, seek medical treatment, and contact an attorney before giving any recorded statements to your employer's insurance company.

No. Retaliation for filing a workers' comp claim is illegal in Massachusetts.

You can appeal through the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA). Attorney Lavey handles workers' comp denials and appeals throughout Massachusetts.

Generally no. Workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy against your employer. However, you may be able to sue a third party (contractor, equipment manufacturer) whose negligence caused your injury.

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history and earnings record. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is need-based and does not require work history.

Initial decisions typically take 3–6 months. If denied, appeals can add another 1–3 years. Having an attorney significantly improves your chances at each stage.

Most initial applications are denied. There is a strict, short deadline to appeal after receiving a denial notice. Missing it typically means starting over. The most important stage is the ALJ hearing, where Attorney Lavey represents you in person.

No. Attorney fees in Social Security cases are paid from back benefits if you win, up to a cap set by the SSA. There is no cost to you upfront.

In almost every case, no. Insurance companies make early offers because they know you may not fully understand the value of your claim yet, and they want to close it out cheaply before you do. First offers rarely account for future medical treatment, ongoing pain and suffering, or long-term wage loss. Once you accept and sign a release, the case is over for good. Before you agree to anything, call Attorney Lavey for a free evaluation of what your claim is actually worth.

Insurers use internal formulas, typically based on your medical bills and lost wages, multiplied by a factor based on injury severity. The problem is those formulas are designed to protect their bottom line, not to fully compensate you. They often undervalue pain and suffering, ignore how the injury has affected your daily life, and overlook future costs. Attorney Lavey builds a complete, evidence-backed picture of your damages and counters lowball offers with documented facts.

A demand letter is a formal document your attorney sends to the insurance company laying out the facts of your case, your injuries, the impact on your life, and the compensation you are seeking. It is the opening move in settlement negotiations and sets the tone for the entire process. A well-prepared demand letter, backed by medical records, bills, expert opinions, and a clear account of how your life has been affected, puts you in a much stronger negotiating position.

Technically yes, but it is rarely a good idea. Insurance adjusters negotiate claims every single day. Most injured people do it once. The playing field is not level, and insurers know that unrepresented claimants tend to accept less. The data is consistent: people who hire attorneys typically recover significantly more, even after the attorney's fee is taken out. A free consultation with Attorney Lavey costs you nothing and lets you make an informed decision.

Massachusetts law requires insurance companies to investigate claims promptly and deal with claimants in good faith. When they do not, such as when they delay without reason, ignore documentation, or make offers they know are inadequate, that conduct itself may have legal consequences for the insurer. Attorney Lavey knows when an insurer is acting in bad faith and has the tools to hold them accountable. Sometimes the most effective thing that can happen is the insurer learning that an experienced attorney is now involved.

Attorney Lavey prepares every case as if it will go to trial, because that preparation is exactly what produces better settlements. If an insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, taking the case to a judge or jury is always an option. Trials take longer and involve more uncertainty, but sometimes a verdict is the right outcome. Attorney Lavey will give you an honest assessment of the tradeoffs and never pressure you in either direction. The decision is always yours.

Not without having an attorney review it first. Insurance companies often send broad, open-ended medical release forms that give them access to your entire medical history, far beyond what is relevant to your current injury. They use this to dig for pre-existing conditions or prior injuries they can use to reduce your claim. Attorney Lavey reviews and limits any release to only the records that are actually relevant, protecting your privacy and your case.

You do not have to just sit and wait. Massachusetts law requires insurance companies to handle claims promptly and in good faith. Unreasonable delays are not just frustrating, they may be grounds for additional action against the insurer. In many cases, the moment an insurer learns that an experienced attorney is now involved, the pace of the claim changes dramatically. If your claim has been sitting without movement, call Attorney Lavey. A free consultation costs you nothing, and it may be exactly the push your case needs.

This is one of the situations where having an attorney matters most. When the other driver's coverage is not enough, Attorney Lavey looks at every possible source of additional compensation, including your own underinsured motorist coverage, other liable parties, umbrella policies, and more. He also explores whether the insurer's own handling of the claim may give rise to additional remedies. No stone gets left unturned.

Yes, and this is one of the most important things to understand before accepting any offer. When you sign a settlement release, you are giving up your right to pursue any further claims related to that accident, no matter what happens later. If your injury turns out to be worse than expected, if you need additional surgery, or if new complications arise, you cannot go back and ask for more. This is exactly why Attorney Lavey advises clients to wait until their medical situation is fully understood before settling, and why accepting an early offer can cost you significantly in the long run.