Resources

What To Bring To Your First Visit

• Police Report / Operator's Report
• Insurance Coverage Declaration Page For Your Vehicle
• Health Insurance Card
• Discharge Instructions From The Hospital
• Medical Bills

What To Expect At Your First Visit

Discuss the Accident

You will obtain immediate consultation with Attorney Cava to discuss the facts of your accident.  We will review the Police Report and your Operator's Report.  If no reports are available, we will discuss the position of the vehicles upon impacet and how the impact affected the occupants of the vehicles.  We will discuss Emergency Room and urgent care visits you have had to make, along wiht necessary medical treatment for the future. 

Disscuss the Injuries

If the car accident happens in Massahusetts, Attorney Cava will explain the law as it relates to Bodily Injury claims in Massachusetts.  Generally, you need $2,000 of medical treatments which include emergency room, ambulance, x-rays, etc., to have a claim for pain and suffering.

If there is a fracture, scar, bulging, herniated disc, fractured tooth or any other injury which is considered permanent in nature, then your case is immediately eligible for a Bodily Injury Settlement. 

Discuss the Medical Bills

Attorney Cava will explain how your medical bills will be paid under the Personal Injury Protection portion if the Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Policy.  This coverage must be coordinated with your Health Insurance coverage.  Also, any lost wages you have will also be covered up to 75% of your average weekly wage over the past year.

Discuss the Claim and Settlement Process

At the completion of your treatment, Attorney Cava will request your records from the treating doctors and he will make a demand for settlement upon the insurance company of the fault party.  Settlement offers are generally received within thirty days of demand for settlement. 

Other Support

• Phone Support - (413) 737-3430
• No Car - Attorney Cava will come to your home, place of work or hospital bed to obtain information necessary to advocate for you.
• Transportation - Many medical providers provide rides to and from necessary medical appointments.
• Contigent Fees - Free Initial Consultation and no fees until your case is settled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have a Case?
In most cases a settlement/award is obtained.  Call for a free case analysis.

Will my insrance go up?
Under Massachusetts law, premiums can only increase if you are at fault in the accident. 

What is the Attorney Fee?
You pay no fee until a settlement is reached.  A written fee agreement will be given to you at your appointment.

How long will it take to get my settlement?
Once you have finished treatment, generally about 3-4 months.
  
Will my property damage by covered?
If you have collision on your insurance, you are automatically covered. If you are not at fault, you are covered whether you have collssion insurance or not.

Can I get a rental car?
If you have rental on your insurance, you are automatically covered.  If you do not have rental, we will contact the insurance company to obtain authorization for a rental vehicle.

What happens in a hit & run and the at fault person can not be identified?
Your bodily injury will be covered under the uninsured/ underinsured portion of your auto policy.  Your medical bills and lost wages will be covered under the Personal Injury portion of your auto insurance.

How long will I need to treat?
Your need to treat until you are released from the doctor coordinating your care.

Will I receive lost wages?
Yes. Lost wages are recovered in the award for damages.  Additional lost wages are also recovered as part of Personal Injury Protection(P.I.P.) under your insurance.
Who pays the medical bills?
The first $2,000 of medical bills in an auto accident  case is covered by P.I.P. benefits of your insurance.  The remaining bills get submitted to your health insurance.  Ultimately, medical bills are recovered in the final settlement.