Frequently Asked Questions

How much will Carter Mario Injury Lawyers charge?

At Carter Mario:

• There is no charge for your first visit or telephone call. All your questions will be answered and there is no obligation.

• We never charge a fee unless we obtain a recovery for you. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery.

• We will advance all costs for investigators, experts, filing fees and other expenses associated with obtaining the maximum recovery possible.

• If a recovery is not made, you pay nothing.

• We do not charge any fee for helping you settle your claim for damage to your vehicle.

Will I meet with a lawyer?

Yes. At the initial consultation, a lawyer from Carter Mario will meet with you. Throughout the remainder of our representation of you, a lawyer and a legal assistant will be involved in the handling of your claim.

What if I can't travel?

In the event your injury prevents you from traveling to our office, an attorney from Carter Mario Injury Lawyers will meet with you at your house, the hospital, or any meeting place you designate.

Are you available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

Yes. Our law firm is staffed in such a way that a Carter Mario Injury Lawyers employee can be reached 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. If appropriate, this employee can contact a firm attorney at any time. We are ready, willing, and able to discuss a claim with you 24/7.

Will I have to go to court?

Not necessarily. If the insurance company for the person who caused the injury is willing to volunteer a fair settlement, you do not have to bring a lawsuit in order to obtain a recovery. We are skilled at negotiating settlements without filing a lawsuit. In the event the insurance company is not willing to negotiate fairly, we will then proceed with filing a lawsuit if you so desire.

Who may bring an action for damages in a personal injury case?

A competent adult, who is over the age of 18 and injured, must bring the lawsuit in their name. A minor or an incompetent adult must have suit brought by either their parents or a court-appointed guardian.

How much money is my case worth?

Your case is worth either what we tell the insurance company it's worth or the amount of an award granted by a judge and jury. We examine all of the conditions surrounding your case in order to arrive at a figure that we believe the insurance company must pay for your injuries. These conditions include how the accident happened, what injuries you suffered, future medical problems, the amount of medical expenses and lost income, as well as future medical costs and future loss of income. We study every detail so that we can get you the money you deserve for your injuries.

How long do I have to bring a case?

You must file your case within the statute of limitations, a fixed period of time dictated by the law. In many cases you are required to bring your case within two or three years from the date of the event that caused the injury. For an explanation of these time limits, always consult with an attorney experienced in these matters.

Can I change my attorney?

You have the right to change lawyers, however your initial attorney will usually be entitled to payment for services rendered up to the time of dismissal. The lawyer will be paid from the fee earned at the conclusion of the case. Your new lawyer will usually work out an arrangement whereby the fee is split between the two lawyers.

Should I get a second opinion if an attorney thinks I do not have a case?

Yes. Different lawyers will see a potential case differently. Some lawyers may not be familiar with the type of case you have. If a lawyer rejects your case, it is always a good idea to seek a second opinion.

I was injured but may have been partly at fault. Can I still sue?

Yes. Under Connecticut's comparative negligence rules, you may still have a case even though you were partly at fault in causing an accident. These cases are very fact-specific and you should consult with a lawyer.

An insurance adjustor wants to settle and says I do not need a lawyer. Should I get one?

Remember whom the adjustor works for: an insurance company. They have one goal: to settle your case for the least amount of money possible. What may seem like a fair offer to you could fall far short of any amount of money settled through a lawyer. It is a good idea to consult with an attorney at Carter Mario Injury Lawyers before accepting any offer made to you by an insurance company.

Does Carter Mario handle other types of cases in addition to personal injury?

Yes. We have decades of experience in handling various types of claims in addition to claims involving personal injury or death. We are actively representing individuals and businesses that have suffered economic losses as a result of trade violations, breaches of contract, and other improper and illegal activities. We also work closely with other attorneys who practice in specific areas of the law where we may not. If your specific case is not the type of case we handle, we can certainly put you in touch with a respected attorney to assist you and evaluate your case.

Will my insurance rates go up if I pursue a claim or obtain a recovery?

No. Based on the information insurance agents and insurance carriers provide us, simply because an injured person pursues a claim does not mean that their insurance premium will be increased. It is when a person's negligent or wrongful acts cause injury that their own insurance premiums are increased.