Do I Really Need an Attorney

Injury Cases Have Many Traps for the Innocent Victim. Insurance industry documents establish that the value of any claim increases once an unrepresented person hires an attorney.

Several insurance companies have been found guilty of aggressive, improper tactics used to discourage people from hiring attorneys.

Did you know that "No Fault" insurance is not "No-Fault"? Did you know that the amounts of coverage which are listed on your "Coverage Selections Page" or "Declarations Sheet" are NOT necessarily available to you in amounts that your agent has told you, or even necessarily as they appear in front of you in black and white.

Working together with an experienced attorney who is on your side, you will make it through the maze of the claims system to obtain everything to which you are entitled.

Form Documents Available in Stores are Often Invalid. For example, deceptively simple "Will Kits" found in office supply stores have been found not to include basic legal requirements such as the required number of witnesses and the necessary "attestation clause" specified by state law in many jurisdictions.

"Corporation Kits", also deceptively simple, might provide legal-looking documents and may even be accepted for filing. However, such "quickie" approaches have been found lacking in the mandatory follow up procedures required to continue corporate status and protection after filing the papers.

Office supply stores, web sites and computer programs offer quickie solutions to those looking to save a buck initially. Be wary. Courts can and have, for example, rejected "easy document" divorces which do not include all requirements of the applicable statute. An improperly drawn will or trust can be found invalid, causing more headaches, fees and costs in the long run.

Charged with Drunk Driving? Do Not Accept Conviction by Machine. Never accept a "plea bargain" or "administrative" suspension without speaking to an attorney about the long range consequences the police and prosecutor don't have time to tell you about. This "easy way out" today will remain on your record for many years, will increase your insurance, will require your attendance at classes in many states, and will impose a myriad of other requirements the police and prosecutor simply don't have the time to explain to you. Do not misinterpret this caution. Everyone should know the social and personal devastation caused by drunk driving. Never drive drunk. Take a cab or give your keys to someone else. Designate a driver before you go out. But if you end up in a jam, think before you take the easy way out.