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FAQ

Will my legal matter be kept confidential?

As lawyers we are bound by a Code of Ethics. We are required to keep all communications between lawyer and client confidential.

When should I see a lawyer?

Falk & Klebanoff PC can assist you with many legal problems. If you seek legal advice, or if you think you need to speak with a lawyer, we are ready to take your call 24 hours a day 7 days a week. You will have the opportunity to explain your accident to a live person, usually a lawyer from the office, who can provide you with the immediate advice that can help you deal with your legal or personal issue until you can meet with us. We are always prepared to meet you at your home, office, hospital or other location that may be more convenient.

What if I am arrested?

NEVER resist the police officer during the arrest. Resisting can lead to additional charges being filed against you, along with injuries if the police officer needs to restrain you.
Do not give any details about your predicament to the police. Anything that you say to the police will and can be used against you in court.
Never sign any statements.
You may be searched photographed and fingerprinted. Be aware of what is happening and how it is being done. Do not agree to be part of any type of identification lineup until your lawyer arrives.
If you are placed in a jail cell do not speak with anyone in the cell with you about your predicament. You do not know who is listening or watching. The same holds true when using the telephone.
Call your lawyers at Falk & Klebanoff PC as soon as possible.

What can I expect regarding legal fees?

There are three typical contractual arrangements that can cover the work being done for you by our office.  The legal fees can be paid 1) hourly 2) contingency and/or 3) flat. All accident cases, and medical malpractice cases, are treated on a contingency basis. All other legal matters are either handled on an hourly or flat fee basis depending upon the client’s preference, the complexity of the case, the duration of the case and the likelihood that court appearances will be required.

What if I’m in an accident?

  1. Always make sure the police are called to the scene of an accident.
  2. Make sure you give the police your name so that it is included on the police report whether you are the owner of the car, driver or passenger inside the vehicle.
  3. If you are the driver of the vehicle and you are able to speak with the police at the scene, try to avoid admitting to fault or making any other direct comments about how the accident occurred.
  4. If you are hurt always call an ambulance and go the hospital from the scene.
  5. Obtain a copy of the police accident report or at the least get the police accident report number.
  6. If you are injured or need help handling the property damage claims, contact us at Falk & Klebanoff PC any time of the day or night.
  7. Promptly report the facts concerning the accident to your insurance company, but be careful what you discuss about the accident and injuries since most insurance companies record all conversations. If you intend to seek help with a lawyer from our office, avoid filling out any paperwork or making any statements about the accident until after meeting with us.
  8. DO NOT ACCEPT ANY MONEY FROM ANYONE INCLUDING THE INSURANCE COMPANY REPRESENTATIVES THAT MAY CONTACT YOU.
  9. Seek immediate medical care for the injuries you sustained.
  10. If the driver of the other vehicle leaves the scene before the police arrive, that does not prevent you from filing claims for injuries you sustained. Insurance policies contain special provisions that protect you in these situations.
  11. Most states, like New York and New Jersey have “No Fault” laws. These laws provide you with the opportunity to collect for certain out of pocket expenses including lost wages. The lawyers at Falk & Klebanoff PC can help you file a claim to collect these benefits.
  12. If you received injuries from your accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your pain and suffering. The lawyers at Falk & Klebanoff PC can explain your rights to you.

How will I pay my lawyer?

If your case is one handled by our firm on a contingency basis, you are not responsible for paying us until the end of the case after we receive payment from the responsible party first. We will than deduct our legal fee from the payment we receive and deliver your share of the payment to you either in person or in the mail.

If you have agreed to be billed on an hourly basis, you will be asked to pay a reasonable retainer up front. Then you will be billed on a monthly basis. You are not responsible for paying any further money until the retainer you retainer is exhausted. Thereafter, you will be required to pay each outstanding bill in a reasonable time after receiving it from our office.

If you have agreed to pay a legal fee on a flat basis, than your payment can either be made up front or at the conclusion of the legal matter, however it was agreed upon by you and your lawyer.

How does going to court differ in New York and New Jersey?

There are several different courts in New York and New Jersey. Each county has its own courthouse where certain legal matters are handled. Whether these matters are being handled in the Criminal Courts or Civil Court, here at Falk & Klebanoff PC we can handle cases in each of the courthouses located in New York State and New Jersey.

We are also available to handle cases pending in the Federal Court. The civil courts in New York are the small claims court, the civil court in the five boroughs of New York City and the District Courts located in Nassau and Suffolk County. Certain local cities have their own city court where both criminal and civil matters are held.

How do I prepare for my consultation with my lawyer?

Before coming to the office or speaking with us on the phone, you should write down and/or organize all the facts and circumstances relating to your legal issue. If you received documents from a police officer you should bring them as well.

Do I have to pay for the consultation?

If you are the victim of an accident, you will NEVER have to pay for the initial consultation wherever it takes place. Other legal matters that require you to seek our help usually do not require the payment of a consultation fee. Each non-accident case poses different circumstances where a minimal consultation fee will be required. In these instances you will be apprised of the fee before coming to the office.

After I hire an attorney, will I be able to track the progress of my case?

Falk & Klebanoff PC prides itself on keeping its clients informed of the status and progress of the matter we were hired to handle. Most times we will make every effort to have an attorney from the office return any client telephone call within twenty four (24) hours. You are always entitled to receive copies of letters, legal papers and other documents relating to your case.

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