$ millions
recovered For our clients
You Deserve Compensation For Someone Else's Negligence
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Smyrna, DE, the journey towards recovery can be challenging and often overwhelming. Beyond the physical injuries, the emotional trauma and financial strain can create a situation that feels insurmountable. At such times, it’s critical to have a trusted legal team by your side to navigate the complexities of personal injury claims.
At Schmittinger & Rodriguez, we understand the stress and uncertainty that follows a serious car crash. Our Delaware car accident lawyers are committed to helping you through every step of the process. From investigating the accident and gathering evidence, to handling insurance companies and negotiating settlements, we strive to ensure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.
We take pride in our tradition of legal excellence and have a proven track record of winning millions in recovery for our clients. We believe in a client-centric approach, treating each case with the unique attention it deserves. Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure a fair car accident settlement or win your case.
Remember, you are not alone in this fight. If you’re in Smyrna, DE, and need assistance with a car accident case, reach out to us today for a free consultation at our Dover office at (302) 674-0140. Together, we can make this difficult journey a little easier.
TYPES OF CAR ACCIDENT CLAIMS WE HANDLE
At Schmittinger & Rodriguez, we have extensive experience handling a wide range of car accident claims. Our skilled auto accident lawyers meticulously scrutinize the specifics of each case, strategizing the best possible approach to secure maximum compensation. We understand the unique legal issues and complexities associated with different accident types and are equipped to navigate these with solid expertise.
Below are the types of auto accident cases we can handle:
Rear-end collisions: Often due to distracted or reckless driving, we help victims of rear-end collisions seek compensation for their injuries and damages.
Head-on collisions: These devastating car accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities. We’re committed to fighting for justice for victims of head-on collisions.
Side-impact (T-bone) accidents: Occurring at intersections, parking lots, and four-way stops, we handle car accident cases involving side-impact collisions.
Multi-car pile-ups: Complex car crashes involving multiple parties, we’re experienced in handling multi-car pile-up claims.
Hit-and-run accidents: Victims of hit-and-run auto accidents deserve justice, and we strive to help them get it.
Drunk driving accidents: We provide legal services to those affected by intoxicated drivers, seeking to hold the responsible party accountable.
Distracted driving accidents: In this digital age, distracted driving is a growing issue. We’ll fight for your rights if you’ve been injured by a distracted driver.
No matter the type of car accident, Schmittinger & Rodriguez is here to provide comprehensive legal support. Our goal is to ensure your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
CONTACT SCHMITTINGER & RODRIGUEZ FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Don’t let the aftermath of a car wreck overwhelm you; take the first step toward justice and compensation today. At Schmittinger & Rodriguez, we offer a free initial consultation to help you understand your rights and evaluate the strength of your case. Reach out to us at (302) 674-0140 to schedule your no-obligation consultation now. There’s no fee unless we win. Your journey towards recovery begins here.
What Our Clients Say
Most Common Questions
What Steps Should You Take After A Car Accident?
The moments following a car accident can be overwhelming and chaotic, but the steps you take in these crucial moments can significantly impact your ability to pursue a successful personal injury claim. Here are the steps you should follow:
Ensure Safety: Your first priority should be to check your health and the well-being of others involved and move to a safe location if possible.
Contact Authorities: Call the police, even if the accident seems minor. The police report can be a vital piece of evidence in your claim.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. A medical report can link your injuries to the accident.
Document the Scene: Take photos, gather contact information from witnesses, and write down your own account of the incident. This evidence can help prove the details of the accident.
Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Delays can raise questions about the validity of your claim.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer: A skilled lawyer can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and maximize your compensation.
Each of these steps provides essential evidence for your case. The police report, medical records, and photographs can substantiate your claim about the nature of the accident and the injuries sustained. Timely notification to your insurance carrier ensures compliance with policy stipulations, and guidance from an accident lawyer can prevent missteps that may adversely affect your claim. Remember, the more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be.
How Does a Personal Injury Attorney Help After a Car Accident?
In the aftermath of a car accident, an experienced attorney can be an invaluable ally. They bring legal expertise and an understanding of the complex processes involved in filing a personal injury claim, ensuring that you don’t miss any critical steps or deadlines. They’ll take on communication with insurance companies, protecting you from tactics that may aim to devalue your claim or deny it outright. Your car accident attorney will also conduct an independent investigation into the accident’s circumstances, collecting and preserving evidence to build a robust case on your behalf.
A skilled car accident lawyer can also evaluate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They will work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to under the law. Additionally, they can negotiate settlements or represent you in court, if it comes to that, using their litigation skills to advocate for you effectively.
Here are some ways an experienced attorney can help:
Case Preparation: They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and establish the liable party.
Claim Calculation: They assess physical, emotional, and financial damages, ensuring no aspect of your suffering is overlooked.
Negotiation: They handle all interactions with insurers, fighting for a fair settlement.
Representation: If necessary, they will represent you in court, using their legal expertise to ensure your case is compellingly presented.
Guidance: They provide legal advice and emotional support throughout the process, helping to alleviate some of your stress.
Hiring a car accident lawyer after a car accident is not just about pursuing compensation – it’s about prioritizing your recovery and ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT
In Delaware, understanding your legal rights following an auto accident is crucial. One of the first things to recognize is that Delaware operates under a “no-fault” insurance system. This means that regardless of who is at fault in an accident, your own insurance company is responsible for your medical bills and lost wages up to the limit of your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
However, in certain situations where serious injuries are involved, you may step outside this “no-fault” system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Serious injuries typically involve conditions that have caused significant impairment, disfigurement, or severe and chronic pain. If your injuries meet this threshold, you can seek compensation for damages that are not covered under your PIP insurance, such as pain and suffering.
Delaware personal injury law also observes the “Modified Comparative Negligence” rule. Under this rule, you can still recover damages if you are partially at fault for the accident, as long as your share of fault is not greater than the other party involved. However, your compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. If you are found more than 50% at fault, you will not be able to recover any damages.
A crucial consideration is the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident. In Delaware, a lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of the accident. If you fail to file within this timeframe, your claim will most likely be dismissed.
Having an experienced car accident lawyer by your side can help you navigate these complex legal matters and ensure that your rights are protected. They will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident and work to establish the liable party’s degree of fault, ultimately fighting for fair compensation on your behalf.
WHY CHOOSE SCHMITTINGER & RODRIGUEZ FOR YOUR CAR ACCIDENT CLAIM?
At Schmittinger & Rodriguez, we’re proud of our tradition of legal excellence. Our experienced team of Delaware car accident attorneys is committed to providing personal, thorough, and aggressive legal representation for our clients. We bring decades of combined experience to the table, effectively advocating for car accident victims in Smyrna, DE, and helping them secure the compensation they rightfully deserve.
What sets us apart is our tireless dedication to our clients’ rights and well-being. We understand the turmoil and stress that comes in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident. Therefore, we aim to shoulder the legal burdens, enabling you to focus on your recovery. We’re not just your auto accident attorneys; we are your advocates, your advisers, and your confidantes throughout the legal process.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless you do. You won’t owe us anything until we successfully secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf. This ensures you can seek justice and compensation without worrying about upfront or out-of-pocket legal fees.
We invite you to take advantage of our free, no-obligation consultation. It’s an opportunity for you to understand your legal rights and options, and for us to assess your case thoroughly. During this consultation, we’ll answer any questions you may have about the legal process, our services, or our track record. We believe in transparency and ensuring our clients feel well-informed and confident in our representation.
Don’t delay; time is of the essence in personal injury cases due to Delaware’s statute of limitations. Reach out to us today at (302) 674-0140. Let Schmittinger & Rodriguez be your trusted partner in your pursuit of justice and fair compensation.
