FAQs
The Law Offices of Joseph J. Steffen Jr
Do you charge for a consultation?
We provide initial consultations at no charge. During this meeting, we will review all future fees, costs, and the terms under which we would represent you.Why can't I just negotiate with the insurance company myself?
While handling your claim without legal representation may appear cost-effective, insurance companies understand that unrepresented claimants rarely proceed to court and typically fare poorly if they do. Claims adjusters view these situations favorably because they can settle for less and provide information that may not serve your best interests. If your case doesn't warrant experienced legal representation, we'll tell you directly. However, most claimants recover substantially more with skilled legal counsel, particularly when insurance companies know the attorney is prepared to litigate if necessary.What if the person who hit me has no insurance or flees the scene? Am I SOL?
Our office has successfully recovered full compensation in numerous cases involving uninsured or unidentified drivers. We may be able to identify and locate the at-fault party through our own investigation. Additionally, even if the other driver cannot be located, you or a member of your household likely has uninsured motorist coverage that can provide compensation.But won't my insurance rates go up?
Your rates will not increase for claims where you are not at fault. Furthermore, you've been paying premiums for this exact type of coverage, often for many years. This protection exists specifically for these situations.How long will my case take?
Because we work on a contingency basis and are only compensated upon successful resolution, we have every incentive to advance your case as efficiently and quickly as ethics allow. However, opposing parties and sometimes the court system do not share this same urgency. While it's nearly impossible to predict exactly how long securing full value for your case will take, our office provides personalized attention and will keep you regularly informed about upcoming timelines throughout the process.Can you settle my case without my consent?
No. Your case belongs entirely to you. You will receive the benefit of 35 years of experienced legal advice regarding both the risks and potential outcomes of your matter. While I may strongly recommend settlement if I believe it's the appropriate course of action, the final decision always rests with you.Have you ever been cited for an ethical violation or sued for malpractice?
No, never.What is your win percentage?
Ethical attorneys do not maintain such statistics or guarantee specific outcomes or monetary values for cases. Juries can be unpredictable, and occasionally unexpected facts emerge during litigation that weren't apparent when the case began. While these situations are uncommon, they demonstrate why outcome guarantees would be inappropriate.


