Frequently Asked Questions
The Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty presents the following answers to questions frequently encountered in our personal injury and wrongful death practice. We represent clients in the Sacramento area and throughout Northern California who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents, from slips and falls on unsafe premises, from dangerously defective products, or from injuries incurred as a result of the negligence or wrongful conduct of another party.
Q. How much does the first appointment cost?
A. Nothing, we never charge until we recover money for you.
Q. Is it hard to hire an attorney?
A. No, we are friendly and welcoming. You can hire us over the phone and we can send documents to you for your signature. We also make Home and Hospital visits.
Q. How much will it cost me to hire a personal injury lawyer?
A. We never charge you unless we recover for you and it is on percentage basis.
Q. My insurance company is telling me I don’t need a lawyer?
A. They want to settle for less than it is worth. Yes you need an attorney to advise and represent you.
Q. My child was injured, can a minor be represented by a lawyer?
A. Yes, we regularly represent minors that are injured and we are able to put the money away for them in a blocked account until they become an adult.
Q. When should I hire a lawyer? I had an accident last week and now my back and neck are causing me a lot of pain?
A. You should hire a lawyer as soon as you can after the injury causing event. Waiting can result in the loss of your legal rights.
Q. The other person’s insurance is calling me. Should I talk to them and try to
settle on my own?
A. Absolutely not. The adjuster is trained in how to resolve the case for the least amount of money for the insurance company and it’s not looking out for your own interest. Everything you say to the insurance adjuster will be recorded and can be used against you.
Q. I was injured out of state, can I still hire your law firm to help me?
A. Yes, we can negotiate a settlement on an out of state claim if the numbers are right. If litigation is required we can assist you in referring the case to a competent personal injury lawyer in that state.
Q. Who pays my medical bills if I have been in an accident?
A. In a personal injury lawsuit, you can recover for past and current medical expenses, as well as projected future expenses for long-term or permanent conditions or disabilities caused by the accident. Unfortunately, it may take months or even years to obtain and collect a verdict or settlement. Until then, you may rely on insurance to cover your expenses. If you have health insurance, you will not be absent any out-of-pocket expenses to doctors and hospitals, except for your annual deductible and co-pay amount up to the coinsurance limit (stop loss) on your policy. If you do not have health insurance, look to your vehicle, homeowner’s, or any umbrella policy you may have. Your automobile or other insurance policy may contain medical payments coverage (med pay), which will compensate you for current reasonable and necessary medical expenses arising out of the accident or injury.
Q. Should I talk to the insurance company? Should I accept their offer if it seems fair?
A. When dealing directly with an insurance company, whether it is your own or the defendant’s, always keep in mind that its goal is to minimize the amount it pays out as much as possible. Never expect that an insurance company will offer you an amount close to the true value of your claim. Even if an offer seems reasonable, it is in your best interests to consult with a Sacramento accident attorney before accepting an offer or entering into negotiations with an insurance company.
Q. How do I know how much my case is worth?
A. An experienced trial attorney is the best source for evaluating your claim and providing you with an estimate of its worth. There are many factors involved, including the specific facts of your case, the seriousness of your injuries, the level of negligence or misconduct involved, how much medical care you will need and what lasting injuries you may have over time. Extensive diagnostic tests may be required to fully evaluate your condition.
At the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty, we help you to get the best care possible, and we never recommend settlement until we find out the full extent of your injuries.
Q. How long will it take before I receive a settlement?
A. Obtaining a settlement can stretch on anywhere between six months and two years, during which time extensive discovery and trial preparation take place, with negotiations going on all the while. A final settlement or verdict may take even longer, depending upon whether a full trial is necessary or not. Most cases settle prior to trial, but this should never be counted on. Diligent trial preparation is as necessary to obtaining a fair settlement as it is to winning a case at trial.
If you have further questions or require representation regarding a personal injury or wrongful death claim, contact the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty today to speak with a qualified and experienced personal injury lawyer in Sacramento.
Happy Clients
I had a complicated case that was out of state. I hired Mr Doughty initially to take on the case. He was very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. His assistant, Jeanne, is very organized and does an amazing job keeping on top of all the paperwork that goes along with a case.
I have had the pleasure of both knowing Mark Doughty and being his client for the past 15 years. Since connecting with him in 2000, he has been extremely instrumental in helping our non-profit to succeed.
Mark and his assistant Jean have helped both my son and I with accident claims. Amazing attention to detail, extensive knowledge, caring people. I would recommend them over and over again.
I have used Mark Doughty since 2000 and he has assisted me with legal services on two non profit organizations and has always given me legal advise through the years. He has truly been a blessing.
I’ve had the pleasure to work with Mark for a number of years. Mark has earned my trust and respect as a true professional in his field.
Mark and his team are amazing!
I was rear ended in a automobile accident that resulted in medical bills, time off from work, and my car being out of service for a time being. Right away I came across Mark Doughty and his superb team and they jumped on my case instantly!
“Mark and his team are meticulous, tenacious, and eager to help. They were always there when I had questions and and turned a terrible situation into very positive outcome.
Mark and his team have been handling our motorcycle crash case and everything has been so easy. The insurance company we’re suing tried contacting us only once before Mark put a stop to them with a cease and desist. Mark’s team has taken care of EVERYTHING and has made this horrible process as easy as… Read more »