Auto Accident

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much money is my Arkansas auto accident case worth?
   Your case is worth either what you agree with the insurance company it's worth or the amount of a cash award granted by a judge and jury. We examine all of the conditions surrounding your case in order to arrive at a figure that we believe the insurance company must pay for your injuries. Generally, the dollar value is dependent upon the type and extent of your injuries. Other factors influencing the dollar value of your case are the amount of medical bills, length of treatment, frequency of treatment, future medical bills, permanent disabilities and any other damage that can be documented. We study every detail so that we can get you the money you deserve for your injuries.
2. How long will it take to get a fair and reasonable settlement offer?
   These cases can vary in length from weeks, months, to even years in some instances. Typically, you will get paid after you have healed from your injuries and have been released by the doctor. This is the best way you can be assured of receiving full compensation for your injuries. We want you to get this compensation for your injuries, so we wait until treatment is completed before telling the insurance company how much your case is worth. We never rest, however. While we wait for your treatment to be completed, we gather the information that increases the value of your case. We constantly do everything we can to move your case forward toward settlement.
3. Will I have to go to court?
   If the insurance company agrees to pay what we believe your case is worth and you wish to settle for that amount, then your case will not go to court. This is what happens in most situations. Some cases do require a formal trial proceeding, however. In either situation, hiring a firm like Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, P.A. with experience in handling personal injury cases is critical. We prepare all of our cases as if they are going to court and this is the very reason why most of our cases get settled outside of court. We are always prepared, and our preparation allows us to negotiate from a position of strength, helping you get the maximum award for your injuries. We cannot settle any case without the client’s consent. So, you will be the one who ultimately decides whether to settle or go to court. No lawsuit will be filed without your consent. We will, of course, counsel you and make our recommendations, but you will make the final decisions.
4. How much will Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, P.A. charge?
   There are several ways that an injury lawyer charges for services. At our law firm, this is how we charge: there is no charge for your first visit or telephone call. All your questions will be answered and there is no obligation. We never charge an attorney's fee unless we obtain a recovery for you. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery. If a recovery is not made, you pay nothing for attorney's fees. We do not charge any fee for helping you settle your claim for damage to your vehicle.
5. Is it true that the best lawyers in law firms never handle the small cases?
   That is not true. You will have a lawyer working on your case. At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, P.A., no injury case is too big or too small. We function as a team on all cases. We use a team concept that includes lawyers, case managers, paralegals, law clerks, and investigators. Subject matter experts are used extensively when needed. We use a systematic approach to case file preparation and client communication, utilizing state-of-the-art computer system and case management technology. More than one person will probably work with you, but all of our employees are skilled at their jobs. With each team member, you will get all the professional attention you deserve. You may ask to speak to any of the attorneys, personally, at any time. We stay personally involved in all of our cases, and we are always available to deal with any problems you may have.
6. Should I release my medical records to the insurance adjustor?
   Definitely not. Releases should only be signed under limited circumstances and after consulting with a personal injury lawyer. Remember that the insurance adjuster is not your advocate. Do not give statements or sign any releases before consulting a personal injury lawyer.
7. Who will pay the doctor bills and fix my car if the other person has no insurance?
   Even if the other driver doesn't have any insurance, you may still be covered. There may be other sources of insurance. Let us help you. We can look at your policy and tell you if you have uninsured motorist coverage, which is insurance coverage which can compensate you if you are involved in an auto accident with someone who has no insurance. This is a very important part of our work for our clients. What coverages and payment sources are available, may not be obvious. We have a lot of experience in this area and we will help you find all sources of payment and insurance coverage.

* Insurance Research Council 2004 study (www.ircweb.org)