Personal Injury For the past two decades, Michael Raifsnider has vigorously represented persons injured in motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian and automobile accidents. Attorney's fees are based entirely upon the settlement or judgment obtained. If nothing is recovered, there is no fee at all.

STEP 1: Settlement out of court is the first avenue explored. We obtain the traffic collision report, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, medical records and bills, employment records regarding wage loss, and documentation to support any other damages. STEP 2: A letter to the insurance company is drafted outlining the theory of liability, the type and extent of damages, and a demand for settlement. No demand is made to the insurance company without prior authorization from the client. STEP 3: Negotiations with the insurance company often result in settlement, with the client's consent. If we cannot settle, a lawsuit is filed. STEP 4: Settlement through litigation is the second avenue pursued. Once a lawsuit is filed, information is exchanged through written questions, swapping of documents, and deposition of the people involved. The information gained form that expenditure of energy is usually sufficient to allow the parties to reach a settlement. If not, we seek judicial help. STEP 5: When settlement remains elusive, we often seek help through mediation. Mediation is a process that allows the parties to express their opinion to a mediator, whose job it is to reach a compromise. There are various forms of mediation, including court appointed mediators, and private mediators. Most cases that haven't settled earlier, settle through mediation. STEP 6: Trial occurs in those rare cases where the parties just cannot come to an agreement on the value of the case. Although depending upon a judge or jury to decide a case is risky, sometimes it cannot be avoided. In those cases, we vigorously prosecute the case to a judge or jury.