1. Do I have a case?
At Shim & Chang, we will talk with you on the phone, in person or communicate by e-mail to discuss whether you have a case.
2. Do you charge for a consultation?
The answer is "NO." We do not charge you just to talk about your case or answer your questions. There is no risk to you.
3. How do you get paid?
We only get paid if we get a recovery for you. Our fees are based on a percentage of the total amount recovered for you. If we are not able to obtain a recovery for you, you don't pay us for our services.
4. Do I have to give you a retainer fee?
The answer is "NO." To help our clients, we advance the necessary costs and only get reimbursed if a recovery is made. Costs are things we pay for to pursue your claim, like filing fees, copying charges, etc.
5. If I don't have any medical insurance, who pays for my medical care?
Depending upon your type of accident, some medical insurance may be available to you. You need to call us to discuss your case before we can answer this question.
6. Should I talk to the other side's insurance company?
Absolutely not! Always remember that the other side's insurance carrier is definitely not on "your" side no matter what they may promise you. Don't talk to them without us!
7. Do I need a lawyer?
We won't know the answer to this question unless you talk to us. Some people may not need a lawyer, but that's the rare exception. Since we do not charge for a consultation, you have nothing to lose by calling us, but you may have everything to lose if you don't.
8. When should I retain a lawyer?
As soon as possible after you've had an accident or injury. The party responsible for your injury already has a lawyer if they are insured. You're at a disadvantage if you don't have a lawyer or if you try to handle it by yourself. If you wait too long, valuable evidence could be lost or you may miss the time within which the law allows you to file a claim or lawsuit.
9. What if I feel uncomfortable about suing someone?
Most clients are, especially if they've never been involved in a lawsuit before. Let us explain the process to you. If you've been injured, and you've suffered some out-of-pocket losses, you're being victimized again if you don't make a claim. In the great majority of cases, you only deal with an insurance carrier and not the person who injured you.
10. What if I don't want to go to court?
Most cases do not go to court or a trial. Many are simply resolved with the other side's insurance carrier. But if we have to go to court, we will prepare you for the process and be with you the whole time. Our many years of trial experience will guide you through the legal process, step by step.
11. The other side's insurance carrier is rude, uncaring and made it seem like it's all my fault. What can I do about it?
By hiring a lawyer immediately, you can avoid dealing with these people and companies. They're motivated to protect their insured's interest and by saving money for their company. They are not there to help you. You need us to speak for you and to look out for your best interest. No one else will.
12. Are you conveniently located?
We are centrally located in downtown Honolulu, near the courts and other government offices. We also have validated parking in our building, which saves you from having to find on-street parking.
13. What if I physically can't come to your office?
We have met clients at the hospital, at their homes or at a mutually comfortable place if you physically can't come to us. We would prefer meeting at our office where it's more comfortable and where we can better explain your case and the legal process to you, but special accommodations are possible.
14. They told me that someone will call me, but no one has. What should I do?
Many companies won't call you because they hope you won't go through the effort of hiring an attorney. If you're hurt, you need us to make that call for you.
15. The other person never even said they're sorry for hurting me. Why are they like this to me?
Some people are told to not say they're sorry by their attorney or insurance carrier because it becomes an admission of fault. It's not a reflection on you. Most people are concerned about getting sued and therefore will not admit anything. You need our help if you want to be compensated. Compensation for your injuries is the other side's acknowledgment of their responsibility for your injuries.
16. What evidence should I save after an accident?
It's very important to take photos of the scene of your accident, your vehicle and your injuries. If you contact us shortly after your accident, we can do this for you. Save your footwear if your injuries resulted from a slip and fall. If you have not yet reported your accident to the premises owner, police, your insurance company or appropriate party, let us do it for you.
17. Why should I retain your law firm?
You should select a lawyer whom you feel is competent, caring and with whom you can easily talk and relate. Call or meet with us and judge for yourself whether you're comfortable with entrusting your case to us.
