Geoffrey Trachtenberg's Answers

How long do out of state parties have to Answer a Complaint in Arizona?

Yes, you have 30 days per Rule 4.2(m), Ariz.R.Civ.Proc., to respond to a complaint when served outside the State of Arizona. Yes, if the damages are not stating in the Complaint, and sometimes even when they are, the Court will hold a hearing to determine damages. It is not a "default hearing," because by that time default will have already been established. It is simply a "damages hearing" where the plaintiff's put on basic damages evidence and request a judgment for the specific amount....

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If my front airbag did not deploy during an accident to front of vehicle, can i sue the auto company for damages to the vehicle?

Maybe I don't understand your question, but if I do the answer is "no, you cannot sue a manufacturer for damage to the vehicle." You can, however, sue the manufacturer for damage to your body (i.e., bodily injury) that was caused as a result of the vehicle's airbag failing to properly deploy. A cautionary note: these cases are extremely tough and it will be very hard to find an attorney willing to handle the case unless (1) you have some meaningful bodily injury and (2) you can show...

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Hit by a car while walking in gas station parking lot what can I expect in a lawsuit and how long dose it take

Sorry to hear about what happened. Even though statements were taken, no matter what what said at the time, stories change. So, aside from advising you that you have two years to get a complaint on file from the date of the accident, you need to consider whether there are any witnesses. Also, because this occurred at a gas station, there may be video recordings of what happened, but you have to act quickly to get these things or they will, undoubtedly, be routinely erased to discarded....

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I hired an attorney for a Wrongful Death, Personal Injury and car accident. my Mother was killed in the accident

Based on what you have said, it is impossible to say what additional claims you have or may have had. Among other things, there could be legal malpractice against the attorney who handled it for not tapping additional assets or investigating additional insurance. Of course, the time is important because the statute of limitations applies to when you knew or "should have known" about potential claims.

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6 months ago we had a major car accident. My vehicle was totaled. My now 7 yo, 5 yo & 3 yo daughters were in the car.

It's impossible for anyone to tell you what your claim is worth without looking at your medical records and bills. Someone with low bills can sometimes have a very valuable claim (e.g., it does not cost much to amputate a leg, but the claim is worth a lot). Best advice is keep good records of your expenses and seek an attorney's help. By the way, all of your kids have claims as well, but any money they get will need to be approved by the court and will need to be put into a restricted...

I hired an attorney for a car accident, personal injury, and wrongful death case. I am getting a second opinion

I agree with others, it is very difficult to answer your question without more. But here's a couple of pointers: 1) To the extent there is a minor involved, most claims are tolled for minors -- except wrongful death claims against an estate where you are seeking more than the auto policy limits. 2) Unless the grandkids were injured in the car accident, they do not have claims. They do not have wrongful death claims in California. 3) If you are concerned about whether your attorney...

Do I need a new attorney?

Answer: Yes. And, I agree with others. Unless you've been told otherwise (such as your attorney is on vacation or in trial, etc.), you should expect to hear back from your attorney within 24 hours. If he/she cannot be bothered to communicate with you, how lazy will they be in handling your claim? Find someone new.