Common Questions & Answers

Call the Spellman Law Firm.  Unlike other firms in the area, we have attorneys licensed to practice in Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Illinois.  Additionally, we also have provided representation in many states across the country on a case-by-case basis. 

We have had the good fortune of running a highly successful law practice for over six decades.  This has given us the stability required to take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis.  That means if you retain the Spellman Law Firm, we only succeed if you succeed. There is no charge for an initial consultation.  

For other legal matters, our fees are determined on a case-by-case basis depending upon the type, details and nature of the case.   

Please contact us for an initial consultation at no charge.  

            If you are involved in a car accident, no matter how minor, it is important to make sure to take specific steps in order to protect yourself, your property and your interests.  This is true whether you only have damage to your property or if you are injured.  Often times you may not know for sure whether you have sustained any injury as symptoms may appear in the hours or days following an accident.  As such, it is even more important to follow the following steps in order to protect yourself. 

1. STOP.  Do not drive away from the scene of an accident – even if you think that no damages or injuries have occurred.  Try to prevent further accidents by turning on your flashers and if safe waiting in your disabled car or on the side of the road. 
2. CALL THE POLICE.  No matter how minor, you should always call the police to report the accident.   This is not only the right thing to do but is also important in order to preserve your rights. 
3. MAKE AN ACCURATE RECORD. When the police arrive, make sure you tell the investigating officer(s) exactly what happened.  If you do not know certain facts, tell that to the officer. Do not speculate or guess as to the facts.
4. EXCHANGE INFORMATION. If the police do not respond to the accident, you should obtain the name, address and telephone number of all persons involved in the accident, drivers and passengers. You should also obtain the insurance information from each of the drivers and for the vehicles involved.  If there are witnesses, you should get information from them as well. 
5. TAKE PICTURES. Take photographs of the vehicles with your camera on your phone – especially if there is visible damage. If you have injuries which are visible, you should photograph them as well.
6. REPORT THE ACCIDENT TO YOUR INSURANCE AND THE INSURANCE CARRIER OF THE OTHER DRIVER(S).  Many policies require immediate reporting and full cooperation.  As such, call promptly to report the accident, any property damage and your injuries. 
7. SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION. Often times our clients will report that they are not injured at the scene however later will develop symptoms and discover that they were in fact injured.  Unless you are absolutely certain you were not injured, you should go to the emergency room or your family physician to be examined.  This is important because even small impact accidents can cause serious injury your spinal cord or to your brain which is called a concussion (or mild traumatic brain injury).  These are serious medical issues which require medical attention.  It is better to be safe than sorry. 
8. KEEP ALL RECORDS AND DOCUMENTATION.  It is important to stay organized and keep all records and documents together.  This includes all information from your insurance company as well. 
9. START A DIARY. If injured, it is important to document your symptoms starting from the date of the accident.  Keep a diary which notes pain levels, symptoms and doctors’ visits so that you maintain an accurate record. 
10. CONSULT AN ATTORNEY.  In order to protect your rights from the beginning and to make sure evidence is maintained and not destroyed you should consult with an attorney.  An attorney who specializes in personal injury and property damage resulting from a car accident can advise you on what to do next, how to handle the insurance company and what, if any, compensation you may be entitled to.  Typically personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no legal fee unless the attorney recovers compensation for your injuries.

IF INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT, CALL THE SPELLMAN LAW FIRM TODAY at 515-465-5326.