Patrick C. Smith, Attorney at Law

08/26/2026

After a vehicle collision, understanding your rights regarding compensation for medical expenses and lost earnings can impact your overall recovery. Knowing when a claim involves complex issues like permanent injury or disputed fault helps protect your financial well-being.

Expert accident resources built on real first responder experience from firefighters and paramedics.

08/18/2026

Involved in a car accident? Knowing what steps to take—from securing a police report to documenting scene evidence—can significantly impact your insurance recovery. Read this guide to protect your rights after a crash:

Learn how to file a car insurance claim with this expert guide. Get tips on documenting damage, working with adjusters, and maximizing your settlement.

08/17/2026

Failing to report a car crash can jeopardize your legal rights and leave you responsible for unexpected costs. Most state laws and insurance policies require prompt reporting whenever an accident involves injuries or property damage above a certain limit. Official accident records help verify the facts and ensure your insurance coverage remains valid.

Criminal charges, license suspension, insurance denial — the serious consequences of failing to report a crash.

08/03/2026

When an insurance company declares a vehicle a total loss, owners are generally paid the actual cash value of the car right before the incident, rather than the original purchase price or repair cost. Understanding how insurance policies handle vehicle depreciation and payouts can help drivers protect their financial interests after a major accident.

https://www.kbb.com/car-advice/totaled-car/

07/29/2026

After a car accident, your immediate priorities are securing the safety of all passengers, gathering evidence, and reporting the incident to law enforcement and your insurer without admitting fault. Consulting a personal injury attorney ensures your medical expenses are fully documented and helps maximize your compensation during insurance fault determinations.

You want to be prepared in case you’re in a car accident, whether or not you caused the collision. Preparation will help you protect your ability to make a car insurance claim against an at-fault driver, and also help you if another driver falsely blames you for the accident. Here’s what to do i...

07/21/2026

If you are injured in an accident, Medicare might cover your initial medical bills while your injury case is ongoing. However, federal rules state that Medicare has a legal right to be paid back once you receive a settlement. Understanding how these healthcare claims work ensures you protect your rights and keep what you are fairly owed.

A Medicare lien is a legal claim that Medicare places on money you receive from a personal injury settlement, judgment, or workers’ compensation case.

07/20/2026

When filing a car insurance claim after an accident, knowing your rights regarding vehicle repairs and coverage limits is essential. Insurance policies are binding contracts, and policyholders have a right to a fair evaluation of their vehicle's damage. Understanding the specific terms of your policy helps protect your financial interests during the claims process.

Learn how to file a car insurance claim with this expert guide. Get tips on documenting damage, working with adjusters, and maximizing your settlement.

06/29/2026

The aftermath of a car accident is critical for protecting both your physical health and your legal rights. Learn how meticulous scene documentation, formal police reports, and immediate medical evaluations establish the foundational evidence needed to secure a successful personal injury claim.

Keep calm, document everything and call the police

06/24/2026

Filing a third-party auto claim means dealing with adjusters looking out for their bottom line, not your recovery. Before signing a "release for damages" or letting comparative negligence laws slash your payout, learn how a personal injury attorney can protect your right to full compensation.

Learn how to file an auto insurance claim effectively after an accident. Discover steps for handling claims, dealing with denied claims, and understanding your rights.

06/16/2026

Hit-and-run motorcycle accidents can leave injured riders facing medical expenses, property damage, and uncertainty about their legal options. Learn more about the rights of accident victims and the potential avenues for financial recovery after a hit-and-run crash.

Learn your legal rights after a hit-and-run motorcycle accident. Discover how uninsured motorist claims work and steps to take when the driver flees the scene.