I was rear ended, thoughts on rights

[Rson]

Semi ran a yellow/red light in rush hour and plowed my car.

Myself and 6 others were hit and I was lucky enough to be the first hit.

Yep, the ER was a hopping place tonight.

What can I expect? My car is toast.

Does any one have sage advice?

[shutterfire]

are you ok?

[janikphoto]

what make/model did you drive?

[PeteQ]

Advice.... Hire an attorney who specializes in accidents versus asking photographers for legal advice in an injury accident.

[janikphoto]

Originally Posted by PeteQ

Advice.... Hire an attorney who specializes in accidents versus asking photographers for legal advice in an injury accident.

Two things... I don't think he was trying to get legal advice from us, more of a "have you already been through this process?" type of question. Two, the lawyers are all sleeping in their beds at the moment. He may have wanted a quick answer to make sure he isn't missing something obvious right now - like "don't admit fault to anyone, whether it was your fault or not. That's up to the insurance companies and/or police to decide."

[photonewb]

there are lawyers who specialize in accidents involving big rigs

I strongly suggest contacting insurance immediately and lawyering up as soon as possible to ensure that you don't have to pay for anything.

[ST77]

Originally Posted by shutterfire

are you ok?

Dont answer that! especially to either insurance company prior to speaking with a lawyer. Remember insurance company's are there to represent their investors during your claim they are not there to help.

Like others have said get a lawyer who deals with this type of stuff

[Murph]

Do what the doctors tell you. Do not ignore your doctors advice, you WILL regret it later on. Contact your insurance company. Let them fight the battle. Then contact a lawyer.

[carrbowl]

BUMMER!!! Be careful...I have said this before. My sister got rear ended by someone going 5 mph and got whiplash and still years later has issues with her neck. I would have never guessed you could have that much trouble at 5 mph!!!

I wonder if your insurance company might have some suggestions as to what to do...depending on your insurance company.

[seamonkey03]

As others have said already, just get a lawyer. My grandmother was hit by a big rig a few months ago, and even though it wasn't near as bad as I'm sure yours is, she got nothing but the run-around. She'd talk to one person, they'd send her to another, then she'd have to have a police report sent, etc., etc. Then, after all the stress from the ordeal, they offered a whole $100 for pain and anguish. You're going to have a headache by the end of the whole thing, might as well hire someone to have the headache for you!

[d2creative]

The one who did the rear-ending is always at fault.
Unless texas is different from the rest of the country which wouldn't surprise me.
I assume you were both insured?

[PeteQ]

Originally Posted by janikphoto

Two things... I don't think he was trying to get legal advice from us, more of a "have you already been through this process?" type of question. Two, the lawyers are all sleeping in their beds at the moment. He may have wanted a quick answer to make sure he isn't missing something obvious right now - like "don't admit fault to anyone, whether it was your fault or not. That's up to the insurance companies and/or police to decide."

Which is why I suggested calling a lawyer versus talking to photographers. Once you say ANYTHING you open yourself up. See ST77's response. Whether you think you are offering legal advice or not, just saying you are "OK" or "I'm fine" to you forum friends MAY affect your case should you end up in a fight with insurance companies.

As for the "sleeping lawyer" argument, I know for a fact many are happy to have their phone (or service) ring in the middle of the night, especially the ambulance chasers. The first one to return the call usually gets the client.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by Murph

Do what the doctors tell you. Do not ignore your doctors advice, you WILL regret it later on. Contact your insurance company. Let them fight the battle. Then contact a lawyer.

Like he said. Make sure you and anyone else with you are well first. Cars can be replaced.

[L Stegall]

Rich, I second, or third, or fourth or whatever number it's up to the advice to consult with an attorney who specializes in this type work. Were you in Tarrant County when this happened or elsewhere? I know people I would refer you to in Dallas, but I can also ask some of my Ft. Worth lawyer friends who they would recommend if you don't know anyone. The car can be replaced, let's hope you don't have any serious injuries.

[WarrenG]

Sorry to hear about this Rich. Hope your ok, and I too 2nd Pete's advice... I would not ssay too much on a public forum.

W