If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, here’s what to do right away: 

• 📸 Document everything: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. 

• 👥 Collect witness information: Get names, phone numbers, and written statements if possible. 

• 🚑 Seek medical care: Even if your injuries seem minor, some symptoms can appear later. 

• 🚓 Contact the police: File a report, especially for car accidents or workplace injuries. 

What NOT to do: 

• ❌ Don’t speak with the other party’s insurance company without legal advice. 

• ❌ Don’t sign any documents without consulting an attorney. 

• ❌ Don’t post about the accident on social media—it can be used against you. 

📞 Pro Tip: Call 800-797-5391 for a free case evaluation before speaking with insurance adjusters. 

The short answer? Yes—if you want the best chance of receiving full compensation AND if you want the least amount of stress possible while you recover from your injuries. 

Here’s why: 

• 💰 Bigger settlements: Clients represented by attorneys typically receive larger payouts. 

• 🔍 Insurance companies have their own lawyers working against you. You need someone fighting for YOUR interests. 

• 🏆 VanDerGinst Law’s proven results: We recover millions of dollars for injury clients each year and are not afraid to take your case to trial. 

💡 No win, no fee: You pay nothing unless we win your case.  

Immediately after receiving initial medical care. Here’s why: 

• 🕒 Insurance companies set their case values early. One of the factors impacting their valuation is whether the injured person is represented by an experienced injury lawyer. Don’t let them lowball your claim. 

• 🔐 Evidence disappears fast—witnesses forget details and physical evidence fades. 

• 🔥 VanDerGinst Law will handle insurance adjusters and paperwork while you focus on recovery. 

 1. Affordability 

If our personal injury attorneys don’t get you compensation for your injury claim, you won’t owe us a dime! 

At VanDerGinst Law we handle personal injury cases on a contingent fee basis.  That means that if we fail to get you money for your injuries, there is NO ATTORNEY FEE.  You will NEVER be out of pocket a penny.  We do not get paid unless and until you do.  Our fee is a percentage of the amount recovered. The percentage depends on the type of case we handle and whether the case must be litigated.  But it is never more than 40% of the recovery and is usually between 20% and one third. 

Additionally, even though other personal injury lawyers say they charge a contingent fee, often they may require a retainer fee for costs (for filing fees, expert fees, court reporter fees, postage, records, etc.)  That can often amount to hundreds, even thousands of dollars.  At VanDerGinst Law we charge NO RETAINER FEE on injury cases.  We forward all costs necessary to pursue your claim. 

2. Convenience  

The VanDerGinst Law Personal Injury Attorneys Make the Process As Easy and Convenient As Possible.  We Handle The Stress and Mess So You Can Focus on Getting Better! 

We understand the impact of serious injuries: dealing with pain, accumulating medical expenses, and possibly being unable to work. Navigating the personal injury claims process can be overwhelming and fraught with complications, adding to the stress of your situation. 

VanDerGinst Law can alleviate this burden, allowing you to focus on your recovery. We streamline starting your personal injury case, offering both, in-person meetings at our accessible offices, and remote options like phone intake, online file openings, and video conferencing for your convenience. 

Our services are available round-the-clock, every day. You can easily start your case by clicking here or calling us at 800-797-5391. 

We prioritize simplifying your experience, ensuring your file is opened swiftly and smoothly. We then proceed to diligently work on your case, aiming for the highest possible compensation. Unlike other firms that might require you to gather medical and other documents, our expert Personal Injury Attorneys and dedicated staff take charge of all necessary documentation. We compile your medical records, coordinate with insurance and benefits providers, and handle negotiations with insurance adjusters and opposing parties' representatives. Our goal is to secure the best possible settlement for you. However, if a fair settlement is not offered, our battle-tested personal injury lawyers are ready to fight for your rights in court to secure the outcome you deserve. 

Choose VanDerGinst Law: Your ally in navigating the complexities of personal injury claims, dedicated to securing the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve. 

3.Maximum Compensation 

The Personal Injury Lawyers at VanDerGinst Law Have the Experience and Passion to FIGHT to Get You the Maximum Amount of Money for Your Injury Claim 

At VanDerGinst Law, our Personal Injury Lawyers are committed to securing you the highest compensation for your injury claim. Of course, anyone can make that kind of statement.  But can they PROVE it?  We can!   

Our record-breaking recoveries across various types of injury cases have earned us nationwide recognition for excellence in personal injury law. Every year, we successfully recover millions of dollars for our clients, fighting tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Over 50,000 injury victims have relied on VanDerGinst Law to help them when they needed it most. 

Click Here to View Some of the Accolades We Have Earned from Peers and Colleagues 

Click Here to View Comments and Testimonials Former Clients Have Made 

We are not just experts in injury law; we also have significant experience and relationships that allow us to maximize our effectiveness.  They say a good lawyer knows the law, but a great lawyer knows the judge! At VanDerGinst Law we know injury law. But we also know the judges, lawyers, medical providers, and insurance adjusters who are involved in injury claims and lawsuits! 

Our national reach and local connections equip our personal injury attorneys with the resources to maximize your compensation.  

Unlike law firms that represent both sides, we solely represent injury victims. Attorneys who sometimes represent victims and other times represent the interests of insurance companies, are essentially serving two different masters who have different goals and agendas.  We ONLY represent injured victims, so we NEVER have a conflict of interest. 

While we NEVER represent insurance companies, our team includes former insurance adjusters and defense lawyers, bringing insider knowledge of the insurance industry to advocate effectively on your behalf. 

For those suffering from severe injuries, it's crucial to choose a law firm dedicated to personal injury, rather than a generalist who handles such cases sporadically. Just as medical specialties exist for a reason, so do legal ones. At VanDerGinst Law, injury law is our sole focus, ensuring you receive specialized and experienced representation. 

Entrust your case to experienced personal injury lawyers at VanDerGinst Law, where we are equipped to expertly manage any injury case brought to our doors. 

4. Communication and Trust 

The Personal Injury Lawyers of VanDerGinst Law Will Keep You Informed Every Step of the Way 

At VanDerGinst Law, our Personal Injury Lawyers are committed not just to fighting for your rights but also to keeping you informed at every stage of your case. It's one thing to promise communication and transparency; it's another to live up to it. We stand out in this regard, as evidenced by our receipt of the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics, a distinction few law firms can claim. 

Our dedication to client satisfaction is further highlighted by other awards, including the Client’s Choice Award from Avvo and the Client Champion Award from Martindale-Hubbell, two prominent attorney rating services.  These accolades are a testament to our commitment to excellence and ethical practice in personal injury law.  In addition, we have received hundreds of five-star Google reviews. 

[Click here to view testimonials from our satisfied clients] 

With over thirty years of experience and more than 50,000 clients represented, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an injury can take. Let us alleviate your stress by managing your case and fighting for the compensation you rightfully deserve. 

Don't wait to start your journey to recovery and justice. Contact us now for a FREE, no-obligation consultation. Click here or call 800-797-5391 to connect with a team that truly cares and is dedicated to your well-being. 

Most personal injury claims don’t require a lawsuit. 
Insurance companies often settle when they know your lawyer is ready to go to court. At VanDerGinst Law, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That’s why we often secure fair settlements without ever stepping into a courtroom. 

It’s unlikely—Even if a lawsuit must be filed to show the insurance company you mean business, MOST cases settle before trial. 
We’ll fight for a fair settlement, but if trial becomes necessary, VanDerGinst Law will be fully prepared to represent you in court. 

Every case is unique, but compensation typically covers: 

• 🏥 Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs 

• 💼 Lost wages: Income lost due to your injury 

• 😖 Pain and suffering: Both physical and emotional trauma 

• ⚖️ Loss of enjoyment of life: Impact on your ability to enjoy activities 

• 💔 Loss of companionship: Effects on relationships with family and loved ones 

•       Scarring of disfigurement. Often occurs from serious injuries. 

📞 Get a personalized case evaluation: Call 800-797-5391 for a free consultation.

Ultimately, the party responsible for causing your accident is obligated to pay the costs for your medical bills and all reasonable and necessary treatment.  That may include medical bills, chiropractic bills, dental bills, physical therapy bills and similar costs.  

CAVEAT- Usually these bills are paid by a liability insurance carrier which is indemnifying the loss for the responsible party.  Typically, they will not pay those bills directly and will only pay or reimburse those costs when the case is settled or otherwise resolved.  Therefore, other arrangements often need to be made to satisfy the bills of treatment providers. 

VanDerGinst Law will coordinate those efforts.  Often these bills will initially be submitted to your own health insurance coverage or another appropriate insurer (medical payment coverages, PIP, workers’ compensation [if applicable] and others).  Sometimes treatment providers will provide services in exchange for a lien on your injury claim, meaning they will wait to be paid until your case is resolved. 

If your injury occurred while on the job, worker’s compensation insurance will generally pay your treatment bills as you continue to treat.   

If you lost wages or income due to injuries sustained due to someone else’s negligence, the party responsible will be obliged to compensate you for that loss. 

Sometimes figuring out lost income is very easy.  It may simply be that you could not work and therefore you were not paid during that time.  However, if you were able to use paid leave you are still entitled to the value of that time off. Afterall, it wasn’t your fault that you had to use your leave time. 

If you were a business owner or a commissioned employee or contractor, figuring lost income can become more difficult.  But VanDerGinst Law can ensure you are properly compensated for such losses. 

At VanDerGinst Law, we work on a contingency fee basis: 

• ✅ You don’t pay unless we win. 

• ✅ Many attorneys who charge a contingency fee still require a retainer to pay for anticipated costs. (E.g. filing fees, medical record expenses, experts, etc.) VanDerGinst Law never charges upfront costs—we cover all case expenses until your case is resolved. 

• ✅ Our fee is typically 20%–40% of your total recovery, depending on the type of case and whether a lawsuit needs to be filed. 

The statute of limitations is the period within which you must file your personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to do so within the appropriate time, you may be forever barred from pursuing the case.  It is usually determined from the date of the injury.   

The SOL laws vary from state to state.  In some states you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of the injury.  In others it may be more, or less.  The time allowed may also be impacted by numerous other factors: 

Was the injured person a minor or disabled adult? 

Is the Defendant a municipal, state or federal employee or entity? 

Was there a delay in discovering the injury? 

Some cases require that a series of steps be taken before an injured person is allowed to file their lawsuit. 

⚠️ Failure to properly consider and address these factors may result in your case being barred from filing a lawsuit.  Contact VanDerGinst Law immediately to protect your legal rights. 

Potentially.  But it depends on the negligence laws of the state.  

Most states follow the law of Modified Comparative Fault. Which allows a plaintiff to recover damages only if their fault is below a certain percentage threshold.  Typically, if they are found to be more than 49% to 51% at fault, they cannot recover anything.  But if their fault is less than that threshold, they can still recover compensation, but it is reduced based on their percentage of fault.   

For example: 

• If you’re less than 51% at fault (in some states), you can still recover damages. 

• Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

• Example: If your damages are worth $100,000 and you’re 30% at fault, you’ll receive $70,000. 

Some states (California, Kentucky, Louisiana, and New York) follow the law of Pure Comparative Fault.  In those states a plaintiff can recover damages even if they are mostly at fault.  Their recovery is simply reduced by the percentage of fault which is assigned to them. 

In other states (Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia) Pure Contributory Fault is the law.  In those states even if the plaintiff is only 1% at fault, they are not eligible for compensation.   

The time it takes to resolve a personal injury claim depends on several factors, including: 

• 🔍 The complexity of your case: More severe injuries or disputes over liability can extend the timeline. 

• 🏥 Your medical treatment: It’s best to wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling. 

• ⚖️ Negotiations and court schedules: If a lawsuit is necessary, the legal process can take several months to a few years.  Some court dockets are much busier than others.  Usually, the dockets of large metropolitan areas are more crowded and take longer, for instance. 

Quick settlements can happen within a few weeks or months, but cases involving serious injuries or other complex issues often take 12–18 months or more. 

To make the most of your free consultation, bring the following documents (if available): 

• 📑 Medical records: Diagnoses, treatments, prescriptions, and doctor’s notes. 

• 📝 Accident reports: Police reports, workplace incident reports, or insurance claims. 

• 📸 Photos or videos: Visual evidence of injuries, the accident scene, or property damage. 

• 💰 Proof of lost income: Pay stubs or employer verification if you’ve missed work. 

• 🛡️ Insurance information: Your own policy and any correspondence from the at-fault party’s insurer. 

• Witness Information.  Names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident or has knowledge of the impact your injuries have had on your life. 

💡 Pro Tip: If you don’t have all these documents, don’t worry. Our team is expert at gathering everything we need with as little inconvenience to you as possible.  We will handle the mess and stress while you focus on your recovery. 

Yes, you have the legal right to switch lawyers at any point during your case—even if a lawsuit has already been filed. 

Here’s how it works: 

• 🔁 Your new attorney will handle notifying your previous lawyer. 

• 💰 You won’t pay double fees—your previous attorney may be entitled to a portion of the final settlement, but this won’t increase your total legal fees. 

• ✅ The switch should not delay your case or negatively impact your settlement. 

At VanDerGinst Law, we offer free second opinions. Call us at 800-797-5391 if you’re unsure whether your current attorney is the right fit. 

Even if the responsible party doesn’t have insurance or significant assets, you still have options for compensation: 

• 🔍 Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): Your own insurance policy may cover your losses if the at-fault driver lacks coverage. 

• 🏢 Vicarious liability: Employers, property owners, or other third parties may share responsibility in some cases. 

• 💰 Personal assets: In rare cases, we can pursue the individual’s personal assets through court-ordered payments. 

At VanDerGinst Law, we leave no stone unturned when finding a path to compensation. 

• 💼 Settlement: An agreement reached between both parties (often before a lawsuit is filed). Settlements usually result in faster compensation and lower legal fees. 

• ⚖️ Verdict: A court decision made by a judge or jury. Verdicts typically happen after a trial and can lead to higher compensation, but the process is longer and more expensive. 

Which is better? 
Most personal injury cases settle before trial. However, at VanDerGinst Law, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial to maximize your leverage during negotiations. 

At VanDerGinst Law, we handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including: 

• 🚗 Car accidents 

• 🏢 Workplace injuries 

• 🏠 Slip and fall accidents 

• 🐕 Dog bites and animal attacks 

• 💊 Medical malpractice 

• Nursing Home abuse and neglect 

• 🚚 Truck accidents 

• 💔 Wrongful death claims 

• 🧠 Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) 

• Many others 

If you’re unsure whether your case qualifies as a personal injury claim, contact us for a free case evaluation. 

Yes.  There are alternative dispute resolution methods which can be very effective. 

Mediation.  Mediation is when the parties agree to have an independent person act as a mediator between the parties to see if he/she can get the parties to understand the respective strengths and weaknesses of their cases from a third party’s point of view.  Doing so, the mediator can often get the parties to arrive at a compromise and settle the case. 

Arbitration. Arbitration is sometimes contractually mandatory, or court ordered.  Other times it is voluntarily attempted by the parties.   

There are several ways the parties can proceed with arbitration.  They may agree to a single person who serves as the arbitrator, or the court may appoint an arbitrator.  Or each party may select one arbitrator, and those arbitrators will select a third arbitrator to make a three-person arbitration panel.   

The arbitration may be formal or informal.  Typically, it includes the presentation of evidence from each side.  That evidence is weighed by the arbitrator or panel, and a decision is rendered.  Usually, the decision is binding in the same way a judgment would be.  Sometimes the decision can be rejected.  However, a rejection usually requires some type of payment to allow the case to proceed with litigation, 

The advantage of mediation or arbitration is that the case is usually resolved much sooner and inexpensively.  The disadvantage or risk is that mediators and arbitrators may often not be as sympathetic as a jury.