Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of firm is Commander+Pound?
- Isn't that a conflict of interest?
- Are you trial attorneys?
- Do I have to go to trial if I hire you?
- How much does it cost to hire you?
- The driver who hit me claims to have no insurance. Should I bother to try to recover damages?
- What do I do if I've been in an accident?
What kind of firm is Commander+Pound?
We are a law firm that represents Georgians seriously injured in personal injury and wrongful death cases and defends doctors, hospitals and others in the health care industry.
Isn't that a conflict of interest?
No. We do not represent injured people in medical malpractice cases against the health care industry. Instead, we utilize the vast network of medical resources we have won through representing doctors to work for people injured in car accident, trucking accidents, construction accidents and other serious personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Since the vast majority of such cases do not involve any claim against a doctor or hospital for wrongdoing, we are able to put those experiences and resources to work for Georgia accident victims.
Are you trial attorneys?
Scott Commander and Ted Pound have handled a combined total of more than 65 trials. Many firms have one trial attorney - or they will farm your case out to a trial attorney if it is not resolved. At Commander+Pound, both founding attorneys have extensive trial experience. Before choosing a law firm, we suggest you ask them how many trials they have handled.
Do I have to go to trial if I hire you?
No. The truth is the vast majority of cases do not go to trial. However, having a law firm backed by strong trial attorneys is critical to gaining the proper respect in the negotiating room so that we can get your case the compensation it deserves.
At Commander+Pound, the other side knows if the case is not resolved in favor of our client, we are headed straight for the courtroom.
How much does it cost to hire you?
Nothing! Commander+Pound stands on its ability and its reputation. We offer free appointments to discuss your case. If we take your case, there is no fee unless we are successful in making a recovery on your behalf. If we make a recovery, our fee is based on a percentage of the recovery, like most firms, and is regulated by the rules governing attorney fees in the State of Georgia.
The driver who hit me claims to have no insurance. Should I bother to try to recover damages?
Yes. At Commander+Pound, we believe it can be even more important to seek the advice of a qualified personal injury or wrongful death lawyer in the event you are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Sometimes, at-fault drivers will minimize the amount of insurance coverage they are carrying or even indicate there is no insurance in an attempt to reduce the chances of a claim.
Even if the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may be able to recover damages from other insurance polices in place on vehicles in the household, from assets owned by the at-fault driver or even from your own insurance company.
What do I do if I've been in an accident?
What you do in the aftermath of a car accident, can have a long-term impact on your case.
Get to Safety: Move your vehicle to the side of the road, if possible. If your vehicle is disabled, get away from it and well off the road. A significant number of people are injured or killed each year in an accident after the accident.
Call for Help: Call the police and for medical assistance. Check on the occupants of the other vehicle(s) but do not engage them in conversation. People react differently to the stress of an accident and anger and belligerence are common. It is best to wait by your own vehicle until law enforcement arrives.
Get medical treatment: It is important to seek proper medical treatment after an accident. Serious and even fatal injuries are not always readily apparent. Adrenaline and delayed onset of potential life-threatening injuries (such as head injuries) can occur hours or even days after an accident. Allow medical personnel to examine you thoroughly.
Cooperate with law enforcement: Do not be belligerent with law enforcement. Their accident report will become an important part of your case and they have a job to do. Tell them your version of what happened. It is not necessary to admit fault.
Contact your own insurance company: Many insurance companies require you to notify them soon after an accident in order for your coverage to remain in effect.
Do not talk to other insurance companies: You are under no obligation to speak with representatives of other insurance companies involved in the accident.
Make notes/Take Pictures: Try to get the name and contact information for the other driver, law enforcement, medical personnel and witnesses at the scene of an accident. It is also a good idea to write everything you recall as soon after the accident as possible and keep it for your records. Make note of road conditions, weather conditions, obstructions, inoperable street lights, traffic control devices, etc. Taking pictures also can be a good idea. Vegetation can be trimmed, changing season can alter the accident area and road construction and repair can also change the scene. Personal injury cases that make it to court or negotiations are often several years removed from the accident and having such evidence can have a positive impact on your case.
Contact a personal injury lawyer: Commander+Pound offers free appointments to discuss your case after a car accident or other personal injury or wrongful death situation.