If I call your office, will I be able to talk to an experienced personal injury attorney?

Yes you will.  Michael E. Ripley gives individual attention to each client, and to each prospective client.

What if I cannot make it to your office to speak with you?

In some instances, we can work together by way of telephone or email.  In other instances, such as if a client is disabled or in the hospital, the attorney will come to the client.

Should I call if I am not sure whether I need a lawyer, or if I may be able to handle the matter on my own?

You can call for a free consultation.  If you attempt to handle your personal injury matter on your own, you will be dealing with an insurance adjuster that handles these sorts of claims for a living, and that has experience handling the claims, and who has a goal of settling claims for as little as possible.

Can I get medical treatment if I do not have medical insurance?

Yes, you can.  The law office may be able to refer you to doctors who will provide treatment without insurance, who will then be paid from the recovery from your claim or lawsuit.

How long will it take to settle my personal injury case?

There is no one answer for this.  Every case is different.  Many cases can be settled by way of negotiating them, without filing a lawsuit.  If a lawsuit is filed, it generally will get a trial date one year after it is filed.  However, over 95% of all civil cases settle without going to trial, or somewhere along the line.

Will my personal injury case take up very much of my time?

No, it will not.  If the matter can be resolved without filing a lawsuit, you will not have to attend any meetings or court hearings.  If a lawsuit is filed, it may happen that your deposition will be taken, which is a 2-4 hour process.  Otherwise, you may have to attend one or two hearings or meetings, unless the matter goes to trial.  As indicated above, over 95% of all cases settle without going to trial.

Will I have to pay for such things as court filing fees, court costs, or expert witnesses, if there is a lawsuit?

No.  The Law Office of Michael E. Ripley will advance payment for costs so that you do not have to pay for them out of pocket.

Is there anything I can do if the other driver was uninsured?

Yes. So long as you have automobile insurance, your insurance will include coverage for uninsured motorists.  That way, a claim can be made against your own insurance if the other driver did not have any insurance.

How will the lawyer be paid for his work?

Lawyers handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis.  This means that the lawyer only is paid if there is a recovery.  The lawyer’s fees are a percentage of the recovery so that the majority of the recovery goes to the injured party.

How soon after an accident should I call an attorney?

As quickly as possible.  There is investigation to do, and evidence to be preserved, and witnesses to be contacted.  It is also important to take photographs of the accident scene and the vehicles involved, as quickly as possible.  This sort of evidence may be lost if you do not act quickly.

Why should I hire the Law Office of Michael E. Ripley?

Mr. Ripley is an experienced personal injury lawyer.  He has been handling personal injury cases for over 30 years.  He has been to trial, mediation, and arbitration in a wide variety of personal injury cases.  He knows what he is doing, and he knows how to get the job done.