What Happens After I Contact Pava Law?

Short answer: After you reach out, a team member responds within one business day (usually faster), reviews your information, and schedules a free consultation. During the consultation, we listen to your situation, answer questions, and give you honest guidance. If we take your case, you pay nothing upfront, only a percentage of the recovery if we win. You're never obligated to move forward.

The Full Process, Step by Step

Calling a lawyer after a Springfield-area car accident can feel like a big step. Here's exactly what happens from the moment you reach out to the moment your case is resolved.

Step 1: We Review Your Information

When your phone call, email, or contact form comes in, a team member reviews what you've shared. We look for:

• When and where the accident happened
• Who was involved
• Injuries and medical treatment so far
• Insurance involvement
• Any deadlines or urgent concerns

This review usually takes just a few minutes. We want to be prepared and respectful of your time when we call you back.

Step 2: We Reach Out to You

You'll hear from us within one business day, often much sooner. Usually this is a phone call, but we'll match whatever contact method you prefer (email, text, or phone).

• Calls during business hours (Monday-Friday 9 AM - 5 PM ET) are typically returned within 1-3 hours
• After-hours inquiries are answered the next business morning
• Urgent situations (recent accidents, insurance pressure) are prioritized

Step 3: The Free Consultation

This is the real conversation. Depending on what works best for you, consultations can happen:

• By phone (most common, easiest if you're injured or recovering)
• By video call (Zoom, Google Meet, or FaceTime)
• In person at our Springfield office at 1380 Main Street, Suite 301
• At your home or hospital if you can't travel because of serious injuries

The consultation typically takes 20-45 minutes. You'll talk directly with attorney Daniel A. Pava or a senior team member, not a screening service or paralegal.

Step 4: We Ask Questions and Listen

During the consultation, we want to understand:

• How the accident happened
• Where it happened (Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, I-91, a parking lot, etc.)
• The injuries you've experienced, even minor or delayed ones
• The medical treatment you've received and any ongoing care
• Your current situation with insurance companies
• Financial impact (missed work, medical bills, property damage)
• What outcome you're hoping for

Be as open as you can. Everything you tell us is confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege, even if you don't end up hiring the firm.

Step 5: We Give You an Honest Assessment

Based on the conversation, we'll share our honest view of your situation:

• Whether you likely have a valid claim under Massachusetts law
• What your case might be worth (range, not a promise)
• What challenges or complications we see
• What deadlines you need to meet (PIP 2-week rule, 5-day RMV report, 3-year statute of limitations)
• Whether you need a lawyer or can handle the situation yourself

Sometimes the honest answer is, "You don't need a lawyer for this." We say so when that's true. Other times it's, "You absolutely need representation, here's why." Either way, you'll know where you stand.

Step 6: You Decide What Happens Next

At the end of the consultation, the ball is in your court. Your options are:

• Hire Pava Law. We sign a contingency agreement and get to work immediately.
• Take time to think. There's no rush, no pressure. Call back when you're ready.
• Handle it yourself. If your case is straightforward, we'll give you guidance on how to proceed alone.
• Consult another attorney. You have every right to get a second opinion. We'll help you think through what to ask.

Whatever you choose, you walk away with clarity. And if you don't move forward with us, you pay absolutely nothing.

If You Hire Us: What Representation Looks Like

If you decide to move forward, here's what changes once you sign the contingency agreement.

We Handle the Insurance Companies

Once we represent you, the other driver's insurance company must communicate through us. No more harassing phone calls. No more pressure to give recorded statements. You focus on healing.

We Investigate Your Accident

We obtain the police report, interview witnesses, gather photos, secure surveillance footage if relevant, and build a complete picture of what happened. For accidents on I-91, I-291, or Massachusetts highways, we may also involve accident reconstruction experts.

We Coordinate Your Medical Care

We help make sure you're getting the right treatment and that medical providers are billing correctly. We can connect you with trusted doctors in Springfield, Holyoke, and throughout Hampden County when needed.

We Track Your Damages

We document every medical bill, lost wage, therapy session, medication, and out-of-pocket expense so your claim reflects the full impact of the accident.

We Negotiate Settlement

When you've reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), we send a demand package to the insurance company outlining your injuries, losses, and what you're owed. Then we negotiate aggressively on your behalf.

If Needed, We File Suit

Most personal injury cases in Massachusetts settle without a lawsuit, but if the insurance company won't offer fair compensation, we file in Hampden County Superior Court and prepare for trial.

We Keep You Updated

You'll receive regular updates on your case. You can call or email any time for the latest status. Our job is to handle the legal work so you can focus on recovering.

Typical Timeline of a Massachusetts Car Accident Case

Every case is different, but here's a general timeline to set expectations:

• Weeks 1-4: Consultation, hiring, investigation begins, medical treatment starts or continues
• Months 1-6: You focus on medical recovery. We gather evidence, manage insurance communication, track damages.
• Months 6-12: Once you've reached maximum medical improvement, we assemble and submit a demand package.
• Months 12-18: Negotiation phase. Most cases resolve here.
• Months 18-24+: If settlement isn't possible, we file suit. Litigation can extend the timeline.

Minor injuries can resolve faster. Serious injuries with long recoveries take longer, but produce larger settlements.

What You'll Pay

Nothing upfront. Nothing hourly. Pava Law operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• You pay no money out of pocket to hire us
• You pay no hourly fees during the case
• You pay only a percentage of the final settlement or award
• If we don't win, you owe us nothing

This structure means you can afford top-tier legal representation even if you're drowning in medical bills and missed work. And it means we only make money when you do, so our interests are fully aligned with yours.

Common Questions After Reaching Out

What if I already spoke to the other driver's insurance?

Don't worry. Many people do this before knowing better. We can still represent you, and we'll take over communication from here.

What if I already accepted a small settlement?

Once you've signed a release, it's very difficult to reopen a claim. But some situations have exceptions. Call us to discuss.

What if my accident happened months ago?

Massachusetts gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. But evidence weakens over time. The sooner we can look at your case, the better.

What if I'm worried about my immigration status?

You have the right to legal representation regardless of status. Pava Law offers consultations in Spanish and has experience helping Spanish-speaking residents of Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee navigate personal injury claims safely.

What if my case is complicated (truck accident, multiple parties, government vehicle)?

Complex cases are exactly where having an experienced attorney matters most. Call us and we'll walk through the specifics.

What if I can't travel to your office?

No problem. Phone, video, home visits, and hospital visits are all available.

Ready to Contact Us?

Attorney Daniel A. Pava has represented accident victims throughout Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, West Springfield, and all of Hampden County for over 40 years. Free consultations are available in English and Spanish. No pressure. No obligation. No fees unless we win.

Phone: (413) 781-8700
Email: daniel@pavalaw.com
Office: 1380 Main Street, Suite 301, Springfield, MA 01103
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET

Updated on: 04/19/2026