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frequently asked questions

Below are the answers to common initial questions many clients have when they first contact PHILLIPS & PELLY ACCIDENT & PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS. We hope that the information below address many initial concerns you may have, but if you don’t find the answers here, please contact us with questions specific to your case. The consultation is free and confidential.

General Questions

The insurance companies are calling me. Is it wise to talk to them?

After you or a loved one one have been injured in an accident, you may feel overwhelmed by the various reports and forms they need to complete.

You may be asked to provide details of your accident to your doctor, the police, and most importantly, your insurance company. The details you give to your insurance company may determine whether your insurance claims are successful or not.

Call us for a Free Case Evaluation before talking to any insurance company. You’ll chat with one of our experienced Personal Injury lawyers about your case and your options. With a combined 60 years of Personal Injury legal experience, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Will my medical bills be paid?

Depending upon the circumstances of your injury, your medical insurance may or may not be willing to pay for your treatment. On the other hand, you may have access to many more insurance resources than you imagine.

For example, you may be able to pay for your medical treatment with:

  • Uninsured/underinsured coverage
  • Auto and premises liability
  • Homeowners insurance
  • Business insurance

We can help you determine whether any of these resources are available to you, and provide a more detailed analysis of potential options given the specifics of your injury accident. Call us now, for a Free Case Evaluation.

What are the most common insurance tactics, of which I should be aware?

All insurance companies are in the business of making money. To do this, they have to collect more money in premiums than they pay out in claims.

Every time you make a claim to your insurance company, an adjuster assesses the nature of your claim and decides whether to pay it based on the company’s rules. Unscrupulous insurance claims adjusters may try to apply irrelevant rules to your claim or mis-categorize your claim in an effort to reduce the amount of your settlement.

Other ways that your insurance company may try to get out of paying your claim include:

    • Asking for a recorded statement that will be used against you later
    • Asking you to sign vague “authorizations”
    • Offering you a fast settlement that is far below the amount you could get in court
    • Refusing to pay your medical bills
    • Showing unwillingness to agree to a settlement

One of the best ways to protect yourself against commonly used insurance tactics, is to hire an experienced attorney who specializes in Personal Injury Claims. Attorneys like the ones at Phillips and Pelly have represented San Diego injury victims for over 60 cumulative years, and have over 18 years in business. We are here to help you. Call us now at 858-794-1700 for a Free Case Evaluation.

I’ve just been injured in an accident. What do I do?

First, get to a hospital immediately if you are in need of medical care. Being injured in an accident can feel overwhelming and confusing at first. Rest assured, that our Team is here and ready to help you.

Second, call our office at 858-794-1700 and speak directly with one of our knowledgeable Personal Injury attorneys. Right away, one of us will provide you with a Free Case Evaluation as well as best options for you to consider.

At no charge, we will listen to the facts of your accident, ask specific questions about the accident as well as about the existence of any documents that might help with your case, including:

  • Photographs
  • Repair estimates
  • Police reports
  • Names and contact information of potential witnesses

Once we have a clear understanding of what happened, we will provide an honest assessment of your case, and an idea of your chances for financial recovery.

If you are too injured to visit our office, we will be happy to come to your home or hospital, at your convenience. The important thing is to make the call, to ensure you are fully aware of all your options.

What happens during my Free Case Evaluation?

Our Free Case Evaluations generally take approximately 10-15 minutes, and are held with one of our Firms experienced Personal Injury lawyers. During the consultation, we will listen to the circumstances of your accident, answer your questions, then provide you with an opinion on the strength of your case, as well as next-step options you may wish to consider.

If it is determined that we can help, we will set up a mutually convenient time to meet with you. Meetings may be held either in our offices or, if you are too injured to travel, we will come to your home, office or the hospital at your convenience. Consultations are always complimentary and always informative.

How are you different from many other Injury Lawyers?

We are local San Diegans. We aren’t an out-of-state or large LA Firm with a “local presence” in San Diego, like some other ads you will see. We are based in, and live in San Diego just like you. We are members of your community who have successfully represented San Diegans for over 18 years.

Access to Vast Medical Network: With over (18) years in the San Diego community, Clients benefit from access to our vast network of medical professionals, all of whom specialize in treating and caring for accident victims. Less established attorneys and Firms, generally do not have this comprehensive of a network which can mean limited care options for their Clients.

Client Testimonials: A multitude of positive Client reviews, attest to the care and diligence we pay to every person. We have built our business on satisfied clients who have referred friends and family, and when in need – have come back to us for representation.

As one of San Diego’s longest standing and most successful Personal Injury firms, Partners John Phillips and Oliver Pelly focus on what they refer to as the “Client Experience.” This entails treating clients with integrity, transparency and compassion at every step in the process.

I am unable to come to your office. Will you come to me?

Yes, we are able to come to you. Once we’ve provided your Free Case Evaluation and determined that we can help, one of our representatives will come to your home, the hospital, or place of employment at your convenience, in order to meet with you in person.

During this time, we will talk about the specifics of your case, clearly explain the process, what to expect next, and general timelines for your claim. Finally, we will answer any remaining questions you may have, then begin working immediately on your behalf.

What does it cost to get started?

It costs absolutely nothing to get started. We work for our Clients on a Contingency basis. This means that once a case settles, our fees are based on a percentage of the final settlement we earn on their behalf. In addition, our valued Clients receive the benefit of over 60 years combined legal expertise in the field of Personal Injury, and are relieved of the time, hassle and frustration of dealing with insurance companies. We take care of the entire process, from start to finish.

How long will it take to settle my case?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions, and for good reason. Although we’d love to give a specific timeframe, the honest answer is “it depends.”

Factors such as the type of accident, the insurance company involved, the degree of medical care needed

During the Free Case Consultation, we can generally provide a better time estimate based on years and years of experience, however every case is different.

What is your “No Fee Until We Win Guarantee”?

In a nutshell, our Clients are not responsible for attorney fees until we recover money on their behalf. Once a case settles, our fees are simply deducted from the settlement amount. Guaranteed. We believe that every Client deserves strong representation regardless of their financial circumstances. By basing attorney fees on a percentage of money recovered, we are able to offer every Client with a valid claim, the very best representation possible.

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Request a Free Case Evaluation

Tell us about your accident and your injuries. An injury lawyer from our team will call and provide you with a Free Evaluation of your Case. If we can help, and you are unable to travel, we will come to your home, office or hospital. It’s easy – let’s get started.

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