Frequently Asked Questions

Despite what you might have heard, there is not an exact formula for determining what your personal injury case is worth. Every accident and injury is different. Case value can depend on whether the Defendant is wholly at fault or are you partially to blame. What is the cost of your medical bills and lost wages. What is the degree and length of time you will suffer physically and emotionally from your injury. What is the extent of your physical impairments and will they fully heal or are they permanent.

If you were harmed by the negligence of another person or corporation you can be compensated for the following harms and losses:

1. The cost of your past medical bills and the estimated cost of any future medical bills related to your injury

2. Your loss of wages or earning capacity in the past and the future, if any

3. Compensation for pain and suffering and mental anguish

4. Compensation for physical impairments you have because of your injuries

Don't sign anything without consulting an attorney. Don't attempt to negotiate with an insurance company (your own or the other party's) without consulting an attorney. Don't make any kind of statement, even one the insurance company rep or other party tells you is "off the record", without consulting an attorney. Don't downplay your injuries before you know the extent of them—it's not always immediately apparent how serious your injuries are, and if you've said you were "fine" at the scene, that may come back to haunt you.

The majority of personal injury cases that are well prepared settle for reasonable compensation before they are presented to a jury. However, some cases must be tried before a jury. These cases typically involve questions of liability or fault and medical issues about whether the accident caused a particular injury. Hugh Howerton is experienced in presenting cases for settlement or at trial.

If you are injured in an accident, the most important thing you can do is collect and keep any available evidence that might show what happened. Obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses, take photographs, and make a journal of exactly what happened. This evidence can be crucial to presenting your case. For example, if a tire failure caused the accident it is critical that the tire and any remaining tread be secured and placed in a safe place. Do not remove the tire from the vehicle until you speak with The Law Offices of Hugh Howerton.

You pay no attorney’s fees unless Hugh Howerton first wins your case. There is no up-front payment of any kind required.

Typically personal injury attorneys take cases on a contingency fee. The standard fee is 33.33% of any recovery made before suit is filed and 40% of any recovery after suit if filed. For cases involving injuries to children, the attorney fee will be 33.33%

In most situations, injured persons benefit from retaining an attorney to represent their interest. Insurance companies have trained and experienced persons whose goal is to pay nothing or as little as possible to resolve your claim. You should have someone with experience on your side. I can handle every detail of your case. I will deal with the insurance company, your creditors, medical providers, and your employer. This allows you to concentrate on getting your health and family back in order. Initial consultations to discuss your claim are free.