Faq

answers to freqently asked questions

How do I know if I need an attorney?
If you or a family member experiences an injury, you can benefit from speaking to an Alabama injury lawyer at Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris today. Often the insurance company for the person who caused the injury will try to settle with you before you have an opportunity to retain an attorney. The reason for this is that the insurance company knows it can probably settle the case for less money if you do not have a lawyer. We will investigate your case and obtain the necessary witness statements, documents, photographs and other materials to protect your rights. [return to top]

How much will Cory Watson charge?
At Cory Watson:

• 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 a fee unless we obtain a recovery for you. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery.

• We will advance all costs for investigators, experts, filing fees and other expenses associated with obtaining the maximum recovery possible.

• If a recovery is not made, you pay nothing.

• We do not charge any fee for helping you settle your claim for damage to your vehicle.

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Will I meet with a lawyer?
Yes. At the initial consultation, a lawyer from Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris will meet with you. Throughout the remainder of our representation of you, a lawyer and a legal assistant will be involved in the handling of your claim. [return to top]

What if I am not able to come to your office?
In the event your injury prevents you from traveling to our office, a lawyer from Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris will meet with you at your house, the hospital or any meeting place you designate. [return to top]

Are you available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
Yes. Our law firm is staffed in such a way that a Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris employee can be reached 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. If appropriate, this employee can contact a firm attorney seven days a week at any time. We are ready, willing, and able to discuss a claim with you 24/7. [return to top]

Will I have to go to court?
No. If the insurance company for the person who caused the injury is willing to offer a fair settlement, you do not have to bring a lawsuit in order to obtain a recovery. We are skilled at negotiating settlements without filing a lawsuit. In the event the insurance company is not willing to negotiate fairly, we will then proceed with filing a lawsuit if you so desire. [return to top]

Who may bring an action for damages in a personal injury case?
A competent adult, who is over the age of 18 and injured, must bring the lawsuit in their name. A minor or an incompetent adult must have suit brought by either their parents or a court-appointed guardian. [return to top]

How much money is my case worth?
Your case is worth either what we tell the insurance company it’s worth or the amount of an 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. These conditions include how the accident happened, what injuries you suffered, future medical problems, the amount of medical expenses and lost income, as well as future medical costs and future loss of income. We study every detail so that we can get you the money you deserve for your injuries. [return to top]

How long do I have to bring a case?
You must file your case within the Statute of Limitations, a fixed period of time dictated by the law. In many injury cases you are required to bring your case within two or three years from the date of the event that caused the injury. For an explanation of these time limits, always consult with a lawyer experienced in these matters. [return to top]

Can I change my lawyer?
You have the right to change lawyers, however your initial attorney will usually be entitled to payment for services rendered up to the time of dismissal. The lawyer will be paid from the fee earned at the conclusion of the case. Your new lawyer will usually work out an arrangement whereby the fee is split between the two lawyers. [return to top]

Should I get a second opinion if an attorney thinks I do not have a case?
Yes. Different lawyers will see a potential case differently. Some lawyers may not be familiar with the type of case you have. If a lawyer rejects your case, it is always a good idea to seek a second opinion. [return to top]

I was injured but may have been partly at fault. Can I still sue?
Yes. Under Alabama’s comparative negligence rules, you may still have a case even though you were partly at fault in causing an accident. These cases are very fact-specific and you should consult with a lawyer. [return to top]

An insurance adjuster wants to settle and says I do not need lawyer. Should I get one?
Remember whom the adjuster works for: an insurance company. They have one goal: to settle your case for the least amount of money possible. What may seem like a fair offer to you could fall far short of any amount of money settled through a lawyer. It is a good idea to consult with an attorney at Cory Watson before accepting any offer made to you by an insurance company. [return to top]

Will my insurance rates go up if I pursue a claim or obtain a recovery?
No. Based on the information insurance agents and insurance carriers provide us, simply because an injured person pursues a claim does not mean that their insurance premium will be increased. It is when a person's negligent or wrongful acts cause injury that their own insurance premiums are increased. [return to top]

1. Auto Accident
2. Aviation Accident
3. Brain Injury
4. Class Actions
5. Defective Building Design
6. Defective Highway Design
7. Defective Medical Device
8. Defective Product
9. Drug Injuries
10. Environmental
11. Fire & Burn Injury
12. Motorcycle Accident
13. Nursing Home Abuse
14. Ortho Evra®
15. Premises Liability / Slip & Fall
16. Truck Accident
17. Workers Compensation
18. Wrongful Death

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Cory Watson Crowder & DeGaris, P.C.
2131 Magnolia Avenue
Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone: 800-852-6299
Local Phone: (205) 328-2200
Fax: (205) 324-7896