BOSE LAW FIRM MISSION:  Maximize Claims and Help Clients Return to a Normal Life.

The effects of Virginia auto accidents and other personal injury issues are devastating to individuals and their families - particularly accidents caused by reckless or drunk drivers.  

The Bose Law Firm helps Virginia accident victims recover from their losses of income, pain and suffering, stress, and complications as these are the benchmarks of every accident case involving drunk drivers.  The Bose Law Firm understands the special aspects involved in litigating claims against drunk drivers. 

What can the Bose Law Firm do for you?

Evaluate your bodily injury claim to determine the amount of money that should be received for your injuries.  Insurance companies often attempt to settle for ten cents on the dollar for unrepresented victims and often do not inform you of the special punitive damages element often applicable to victims of drunk drivers.

Settle the property damage portion of your claim (no fee charged) so you may regain some normalcy in transportation. 

Relieve you of much of the worry, inconvenience and paperwork involved in processing your claim. 

Lay the groundwork for a MAXIMUM settlement.

Work with your doctors to obtain your medical records, reports & billing statements, and notify medical providers who to bill. 

File a lawsuit and present your claim to a jury, if necessary. Most lawyers despise taking cases to trial - we welcome the opportunity when we believe insurance companies are dragging their feet on a claim.

Document the Accident
As soon as possible you should document the facts of the accident. Begin a folder to keep all the information together. Be sure you have the information you need about any witnesses. You might want to take photographs of the cars involved, the location of the accident, and your injuries. Draw a diagram of the accident scene with sufficient detail as to locations of landmarks and vehicles to assist your recollection later on.

The insurance company for the driver at fault may want you to give them a statement, either in person or on the phone. We recommend that you not give such a statement, at least without first consulting with an attorney. You do want to talk with your own insurance company, however, so that you can receive any medical payment or personal injury protection benefits that may be available.

Keep An Injury Diary
People either forget or repress many of the problems they suffer after a serious injury. You should begin keeping your diary up-to-date immediately. This information can be invaluable at the time of settlement negotiations or trial. You should record the following information in your diary:

A list of your injuries. 
Explain your pain and discomfort. 
Explain how your injuries have affected your job performance. 
Explain how your injuries have affected your day-to-day activities. 
Do you have any trouble getting dressed, driving a car, sleeping? 
Have you been unable to ski, dance, garden, golf or participate in your other hobbies? 
Have you missed any family outings, vacations or church activities? 
Recovering From Your Injuries

The most important matter to keep in mind is that you recover fully, or as much as possible, from all your injuries. You should faithfully follow any instructions from your doctor, and be sure to keep any appointments with specialists, physical therapists, etc. In our view, legal issues should be secondary to your full recovery.

Type of Injury

Soft tissue: Soft tissue injuries are the most common injuries from auto accidents and include sprains and strains of the muscles and/or ligaments of the neck, back, shoulder, knees or other parts of the body. Insurance companies consider sprains and strains less serious because they are not usually expected to be permanent or life-impairing, regardless of how painful they may be. Also, sprains and strains are difficult to prove because they are not visible and cannot be objectively verified by x-ray.

Dislocations, separations, and ligament or cartilage tears: These injuries can cause more pain and have a longer recovery time than a strain or sprain. Even when the healing time and pain is the same as a sprain, these injuries are generally considered more serious.

Fractures: There are many types of fractures. If an x-ray shows even a minor fracture of a bone, including a chip or crack, the value of the claim increases. The particular bone that is fractured and the seriousness of the fracture influences the amount of the recovery. As an example, a person with a fractured rib may return to a desk job, whereas a person with a fractured arm who is employed as a construction worker may be unable to work for several months.

Spinal disc or vertebrae injury: If the accident results in either a herniated or bulging disc of the neck or back, a spinal nerve may be affected. X-rays, an MRI or other diagnostic imaging tests can reveal an abnormality either in a disc or in the space between vertebrae. Disc injuries may require long periods of conservative care or ultimately, surgery. Discomfort or lack of mobility may persist or recur as a person gets older. The degree and extent of injury, type of treatment, and time of recovery influences the value of spinal injuries.

Wounds and scars: Any tear or cut serious enough to require treatment, including stitches, increases the value of a claim. If the wound leaves a permanent scar, the value increases even more. The value can vary substantially between the facial scarring of a young female, and scarring that is not normally visible on an older male. Also considered is whether the scar can be surgically revised, and what impact the scar has on the person's life: facial scarring on a model would be valued higher due to the effect on his or her career.

Amputations, brain damage, and catastrophic injuries: Amputations include the removal of a fingertip or an entire limb. A brain injury can affect certain mental and bodily functions, or leave a person totally incapacitated. The effects of these injuries may last a long time and can even recur after recovery seems to be complete. Paralysis usually results from spinal cord damage. These injuries result in lifetime medical treatment and loss of earning capacity. These claims have a high value.

Wrongful death: Physical and emotional suffering before death, the accident victim's occupation, age, sex, and marital status influence the value of this type of claim. These claims have substantial value.

Psychological damage: Injuries can cause depression, stress, and tension among family members. The relationship between psychological damage and physical injuries is now becoming more accepted. However, in order to claim psychological damage, a psychologist or other therapist must be involved in the diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
 

Doctor Reports
Please be aware and assume that everything stated and/or observed by your doctor may be taken down in detailed notes. These notes, or a report made from them, are later read by the insurance company when it is time to negotiate the value of your personal injury claim. The value of your claim largely depends on your doctors' reports. If your doctor is not aware of your limitations, pain, etc., he/she will not provide that information in the report. If your doctor feels an injury is exaggerated, it may be put in a report.

Give Complete Information To Your Doctor
Remember to tell your doctor about all your pains, discomforts, and limitations. Your doctor will determine whether the complaints are related to the accident. Some problems may seem minor, but relate to another injury in another part of your body. Your doctor will need this information in order to properly treat you. Try to be as accurate and objective as possible; under no circumstances should you fabricate or exaggerate any problems. 

Income Loss Verification
If you lost any income through employment or odd jobs, those losses must be documented. You may also have wage benefits available under your auto policy, or another auto policy, such as the driver or owner of the car. In addition, if you were employed there might be wage loss benefits available through your employer or union. If you are going to be off work for any length of time, it is important to explore every avenue.

Medical Bills
Be certain to contact all your own insurance carriers immediately regard payment of bills. You may have Personal Injury Protection or Medical Payments coverage available through an auto policy. You might also have health insurance that can help.

Out of Pocket Expenses
Keep receipts from any prescriptions or medications that you have had to purchase and any other out-of-pocket expenses. Also keep track of mileage to see medical providers, particularly if you are required to travel significant distances to get treatment for your injuries. Some of these expenses may be reimbursable at the time of settlement with the insurance company. 

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Bose Law Firm, PLLC

McLean Offices:
8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 775
McLean, Virginia 22102

Springfield Offices:
6354 Rolling Mill Place, Suite 102
Springfield, Virginia 22152

Telephone 703-926-3900