Frequently Asked Questions
Karp, Frosh, Lapidus, Wigodsky & Norwind, P.A. is an award-winning group of attorneys who focus on personal injury and general civil litigation, serving clients from our offices in Washington, DC, in Northern Virginia, and throughout Maryland. We have provided below some basic answers to some common questions our clients ask.
- What should I do if I am in a car or truck accident and the other person's insurance company contacts me?
- Do your firm's successes mean you will win my case?
- What happens in probate? What if I die without a will?
- Is my wife entitled to any of my accident settlement if we divorce?
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Karp Frosh is committed to undertaking challenging cases, changing lives, and making justice a reality for our clients. To speak with our managing partner about a major case, call Ron Karp at 800-229-7026 or contact us online.
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What should I do if I am in a car or truck accident and the other person's insurance company contacts me?
Most people are friendly and want to answer questions honestly and fully. But you should say nothing unless your lawyer agrees. Words can be twisted to hurt your case if you say something which somehow increases your own liability or reduces the other driver's. Tell insurance representatives that all further contact should be directed to your attorneys. As your attorneys, we shoulder this burden for you.
Do your firm's successes mean you will win my case?
Just as in life, nothing is guaranteed in personal injuries, truck accidents, or malpractice litigation. That is why we investigate your case thoroughly before agreeing to proceed with it to claim and suit. Our goal is to be successful for you, the client, and for our law firm. We never, ever knowingly take so-called "frivolous" cases or "junk" cases. When we take your case, we have assured ourselves that it is solid and substantial. Then we bring the full force of our knowledge and experience to prosecuting your case on the expectation that we will be able to obtain fair and just compensation for your injuries and the disruption they have caused in your life.
What happens in probate? What if I die without a will?
Probate is the legal process of administering your estate after you die. This is the way that your property passes directly to your beneficiaries. Probate includes the following:
- Proving in court that the deceased person's will is valid
- Identifying and inventorying the deceased person's property
- Property appraisal
- Paying debts and taxes
- Distributing property as directed by a will
- Transferring title and ownership of assets to the proper beneficiaries
State law uses a default will for anyone who dies without a will. Typically, your spouse and children—followed by other relatives—are entitled to your property. If no close relation can be found, your property eventually belongs to the state. Also note that as part of the probate process, your creditors lay claim to the property after certain allowances for your spouse and children.
Is my wife entitled to any of my accident settlement if we divorce?
Yes and no. Usually, payment for pain and suffering resulting from an injury is the separate property of the injured person. However, the portion of the payment that makes up for your lost earnings and expenses resulting from the accident may be considered a marital asset that may be divided between you and your spouse in a divorce. It is best for you to keep your personal injury settlement money separate from other money that might be considered marital property.
