DEDICATION. This book is dedicated to my parents, Harry H. Lipcon, M.D. and Rose Lipcon.

Transcription

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2 HELP FOR

3 Help

4 DEDICATION This book is dedicated to my parents, Harry H. Lipcon, M.D. and Rose Lipcon.

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword...i Introduction...iii 1 The Accident Doctors and Hospitals Insurance Selecting

6 TABLE

7 FOREWORD An auto accident can be devastating. It can dramatically change the lives of entire families. Yet, the term "auto accident" does not cause the average person to express fear or even show concern. My work as an attorney has made me all too familiar with the harsh, devastating reality of an auto accident. Few things are as tragic as a child in a wheel chair, the loss of a parent or child, or a man who cannot work all the results of a careless driver. More tragic

8 INTRODUCTION Mark Twain once said that liars can be divided into three categories: liars, damn liars,

9 HELP FOR THE AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIM What to do? The obvious precautions come first to mind: buckle your seat belt; drive defensively; do not drive while under the influence

10 CHAPTER ONE

11 Kl Q> I H I I Ivan Tors Boulevard!

12 CHAPTER

13 HELP FOR

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15 HELP FOR THE AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIM their own, have become auto accident victims. These are the things he writes down: 1. The name, address and telephone number of each driver of each vehicle involved

16 CHAPTER

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18 DOCTORS CHAPTER TWO

19 HELP FOR

20 DOCTORS

21 HELP

22 DOCTORS

23 HELP FOR

24 DOCTORS

25 HELP FOR THE AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIM Keep in mind the fact that your physician's diagnosis and records may be the most important part of your legal case. Overlooking any area, or allowing him to overlook any area, can prove extremely detrimental

26 CHAPTER THREE INSURANCE

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28 CHAPTER THREE INSURANCE Dealing with the insurance company can be the most difficult stage in arriving at a satisfactory settlement after an accident. Fortunately, by that time,

29 HELP FOR THE AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIM In a way, however, this can work in the buyer's favor. That is, if an insurance case comes

30 INSURANCE However, if your total assets are in the upper ranges, you should

31 HELP FOR THE AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIM John has two estimates: one for $2100 and one for $2600. He is certainly in for an argument. Nevertheless, John

32 INSURANCE In effect, no-fault insurance simply provides

33 HELP FOR

34 Reporting INSURANCE

35 HELP

36 WAGE INSURANCE

37 HELP FOR THE AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIM ATTENDING PHYSICIANS REPORT DATE OUR POLICYHOLDER DATE OF ACCIDENT FILE NUMBER DETERMINATION OF BENEFITS DUE UNDER "NO FAULT' AUTO INSURANCE LAW REQUIRES THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN TO COMPLETE THIS REPORT AND RETURN

38 REPORT INSURANCE

39 HELP FOR THE AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIM The accident Date of accident 19 Time Place or location Accident reported to police at Station Date reported to police Time 19 Owner Name of owner of car

40 INSURANCE In those situations where injuries have been reported

41 CHAPTER FOUR SELECTING A LAWYER

42 JOHN VICTIM 34

43 CHAPTER FOUR SELECTING

44 HELP

45 enable SELECTING A LAWYER

46 HELP FOR THE AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIM ATTORNEY/CLIENT AGREEMENT AUTHORITY

47 SELECTING A LAWYER The next step is to let the lawyer do his job. John knows he has the right to be kept updated on the progress of his litigation and to go over his file any time he feels a need to do so, but he understands that it is not

48 CHAPTER FIVE WHAT THE LAWYER DOES

49 WHAT CHAPTER FIVE

50 WHAT

51 HELP

52 HELP FOR THE AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIM CLIENT LETTER Charles

53 WHAT

54 HELP FOR

55 WHAT

56 HELP FOR THE AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIM HOSPITAL RECORDS REQUEST Re: Gentlemen: This office has been retained by the above captioned party, to represent him in

57 WHAT

58 PREPARING CHAPTER SIX

59 CHAPTER

60 HELP FOR THE AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIM

61 PREPARING

62 HELP FOR

63 beyond PREPARING THE LAWSUIT

64 Medical Examination As part HELP FOR THE AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIM

65 PREPARING

66 HELP FOR THE AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIM IN

67 PREPARING

68 HELP FOR THE AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIM

69 CHAPTER SEVEN THE TRIAL

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71 CHAPTER SEVEN THE TRIAL The court process is intimidating. Although trial by jury is one of the basic rights granted by our Constitution, it can still inspire awe the first time we come face to face with it. John's lawyer helps him relax by acquainting him with courtroom personnel and procedures. It takes only a few minutes and allows John

72 HELP

73 When THE TRIAL

74 HELP FOR THE AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIM THE COURTS CHARGE [2.1] Members JURY INSTRUCTIONS

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76 HELP

77 THE TRIAL After receiving these instructions,

78 HELP FOR

79 CHAPTER EIGHT GETTING PAID

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81 CHAPTER EIGHT GETTING PAID John is reassured. His lawyer knows what he's doing and John knows it, too. He is confident that a fair judgment will be the result of his trial. However, how can he be sure that the defendant will pay him? The lawyer explains the procedures that lead to getting paid at last. The Judgment Based

82 If HELP FOR THE AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIM

83 GETTING PAID In most cases, the insurance company will pay the judgment. In turn, the plaintiff or his attorney will sign a Satisfaction of Judgment

84 HELP FOR THE AUTO ACCIDENT VICTIM SATISFACTION OF JUDGMENT SATISFACTION

85 hide their existence. GETTING PAID

86 CONCLUSION

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