What Happens To my Accident Case Due to the COVID-19 Crisis?

With the current shelter-in-place orders happening all over Texas, and many businesses closing or working remotely, it is normal for injured victims to wonder whether their accident cases will be able to continue. Even though the uncertainty surrounding daily events is normal, the Austin personal injury attorneys at Ramos James Law, PLLC  have some helpful thoughts to guide you during this time.

1. Delays Are Expected

If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence and you have a personal injury lawyer working on your case, you do not have to worry. Your case will not be dismissed due to the ongoing health crisis. If the case is not in court–meaning, if there is no litigation–then your attorney may be communicating only with the insurance company for the person at-fault, your own insurance, and/or the person or entity at fault.

Most communications have remained open during this time, as the majority occur via telephone, e-mail, or fax. Even when physical offices are shut down, most people are working remotely. Your case may experience a slight delay, as everything will, but that should not prejudice your right to recover in any manner.

If you case is already in court, know that delays are likely to be expected. Most courts are closed except for emergency proceedings. But even then, your case will continue, and you should not be unduly prejudiced or unfairly punished in the legal system based on events that are outside your, or your attorney’s, control.

If you do not have a personal injury lawyer, we advise you to contact one immediately. Our office is in full operation during this time, taking telephone and video calls, and we are able to send and sign documents electronically. We are open 24/7 and offer FREE consultations. Call us at 512-537-3369. 

2. Medical Providers are Considered Essential Businesses

When people are injured in an accident, they need access to medical care. If you live in a place in which a shelter-in-place order has been put into effect, know that for the most part, medical providers are allowed to continue operations. Read the shelter-in-place order in your particular locality, and call your medical provider to confirm if they are open and able to continue providing you with medical care. Most providers have put in place stringent health safety protocols to protect you, the patient, as well as their staff. 

3. If You Are Injured, Do Not Wait

If you were injured in an accident and are waiting for the health crisis to pass before pursuing your legal case, we strongly advise you against it! Delays that are within your control should be avoided at all costs in order to eliminate the risk of insurance companies taking advantage of you or critical evidence disappearing. Don’t forget that our office is in full operation during this time, taking telephone and video calls and sending and signing documents electronically 24/7. Call us today at 512-537-3369 for a FREE consultation.

4. Do Not Try To Handle Your Own Claim

Like many of us, you may have some extra time on your hands. Unless you have already consulted with a personal injury attorney and have been advised by them or have decided yourself not to hire a lawyer, we do not recommend that you try to handle your own case. You could inadvertently volunteer information that is confidential or could prejudice your case. You could miss important deadlines and incorrectly handle payment and reimbursement of certain medical providers and liens. You also may not know what evidence is relevant in your particular case or how to preserve it.

Let us handle your case for you while you protect yourself and your loved ones from this illness. Our office is in full operation during this time, taking telephone and video calls, and we have the capabilities to send and sign documents electronically. We are open 24/7 and offer FREE consultations. Call us at 512-537-3369.