People call a lawyer after a crash or a fall with the same two questions: what happens now, and who will I be dealing with. Here is how it works at Manoukian Law Firm, start to finish.
The first conversation usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. You are asked what happened, what hurts, whether you have seen a doctor, what insurance exists on both sides, and whether there is a police report, photos or witnesses. You do not need anything in hand to call.
You hear what the case will involve, what happens next, and what to expect. The consultation is free and there is no obligation.
If you decide to hire the firm, the fee agreement comes to your phone or email the same day and you sign it electronically. The fee is a contingency fee, explained in writing before anything is signed: no fee unless the firm recovers for you, and nothing owed up front.
Letters of representation go to every insurance company so the calls to you stop. The property damage claim is opened and a rental is arranged. The police report is requested and evidence is preserved, including camera footage that disappears in days. If you are not already seeing a doctor, you will be, and if cost is the obstacle there are providers who treat and wait to be paid from the recovery.
Your job is to get better and keep your appointments. The firm gathers records and bills as treatment progresses and does not send a demand until your doctors know where you will end up, because a case settled before the prognosis is known is a case settled short.
You hear from your attorney at every milestone: records in, demand sent, offer received, lawsuit filed, deposition scheduled. Between milestones the firm checks in every few weeks even when nothing has changed, and you have a direct line for anything in between.
Most cases settle without a trial, but every file is prepared as if it will be tried, because that is what makes an insurance company take it seriously. If a lawsuit is filed, expect it to take 12 to 24 months, and expect to sit for a deposition and possibly a medical examination arranged by the defense. The firm has prepared many clients for both and will prepare you.
My case started at a different law firm and was transferred to him after some time. It was a huge blessing because he listened to me and gave me updates throughout the case. He made us feel comfortable and confident that our case would be heard no matter how small it may have seemed.
Where we meet
At the office at 9520 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Suite 102, in Chatsworth, by appointment; by phone or video; or at the hospital or rehabilitation facility if you cannot get out. The firm helps clients in English, Spanish and Armenian.
What to have ready
Nothing is required to start. If you have them, photos of the scene and the vehicles, the other driver’s information, a police report number and any letters or voicemails you have received are useful, and the firm takes it from there. If anyone from the other side has asked you for a recorded statement, talk to a lawyer first. Here is why.
- Free consultation
- No fee unless we win
- English, Spanish and Armenian