Legal Question in Personal Injury in Pennsylvania

personal injury-automobile

My first client is about to be my mother, she was in a car accident, and fractured her thumb and wrist. I have written P.I. complaints, but do not know which steps to take BEFORE I get to the complaint. Could you please tell me what steps I am supposed to take before the complaint.

I do have a claim no. and have told my mother not to make any statements to the insurance co.

''Thank you for mentoring me''. Also, is there a mentor program for new attorneys in Pennsylvania?


Asked on 11/13/01, 6:51 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

William Marvin Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C.

Re: personal injury-automobile

I don't know of a formal mentoring program, but welcome to the bar. Most attorneys are happy to help out new members, but there are limits, which include ethical considerations.

Representing family members is a minefield even for experienced attorneys so I've got misgivings about what you intend to do.

PBI puts on many excellent CLE programs including some on the basics of personal injury practice.

They also sell course books which are generally excellent. Check at www.pbi.org.

The PA auto insurance law, the MVFRL, is extremely complicated and not at all intuitive. You need to analyze and understand your mother's own insurance policy and make sure medical bills are paid by the correct source.

I'm assuming you're still looking for a job. If you're starting out, or maybe thinking about just hanging a shingle, one strategy is to find an office sharing arrangement where you can rent space, maybe handle overflow work for other lawyers in the suite, and get pointers.

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Answered on 11/14/01, 9:05 am


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