frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a case?
In California, you must generally file a lawsuit within two years of the incident. Some exceptions do exist, so I recommend you consult an attorney as soon as possible.
I cannot afford to pay an attorney right now. Can you still help?
Yes. Because not everyone can pay for an attorney when they need one, I do not charge anything up front. I collect fees only when I succeed in getting compensation for your injury. You pay nothing up front.
Who will be handling my case?
I opened my own law firm to give you the best possible service. When you work with the Law Office of Kristen R. Merriman, your case will be managed exclusively by me.
How long will my case take?
It depends on your injuries and how long you require medical treatment. Once your provider releases you from their care, I will submit your bills to the insurance company and begin negotiating on your behalf.
Can I get medical help even if I don’t have health insurance?
Yes. If you were injured in an accident, I can connect you with a local provider who will treat you without any up-front payment. Instead, your medical professional will defer payment until your case has resolved.
The accident aggravated a previous injury. Do I still have a case?
Yes. Even if you had only a small accident that made a pre-existing injury worse, you may still have a case. I recommend scheduling a free consultation to evaluate your options.
The insurance company asked me to provide a recorded statement. What should I do?
The at-fault party's insurance company is not entitled to a statement from you. Also, you do not want to provide them with information they may later use against you. Therefore, I recommend you have an attorney on the call.
The insurance company already made me an offer. Do I still need an attorney?
Yes. Insurance companies profit most when they settle claims quickly and inexpensively. I recommend consulting with an attorney before accepting any offer.
My car was impounded. Should I try to get it out of the tow yard?
Yes. I always recommend retrieving your car from impound as soon as possible to avoid excessive storage fees.
My car is totaled. What next?
When the cost of repairs exceeds the blue-book value of your car, your car has been "totaled." The insurance company will likely pay you only what your car was worth before the accident.
Can the insurance company offer me less than I owe for my car?
Yes. The insurance company will only pay you the value of your car before the accident. Whenever your loan's payoff amount exceeds your car's value, I recommend purchasing gap insurance to protect yourself.