In this interview, personal injury attorney Elan Wurtzel sat down with Allyson, a client who shared her story of overcoming a pedestrian accident. Allyson detailed her experience from the moment she was struck by a car through her journey of medical treatment and the pivotal role Elan’s legal expertise played in her recovery and compensation. Highlighting the firm’s exceptional communication, efficiency, and unwavering support, Allyson expressed deep gratitude for the professional and compassionate care she received. Her journey underscores the importance of seeking skilled legal representation in the wake of personal injury incidents.
Elan Wurtzel: Good morning, my name is Elan Wurtzel. I’m a personal injury attorney with a dear and very good client, Allyson, with me today. Allyson, how are you doing today?
Allyson: I’m doing good, Elan. How are you? Thank you for inviting me.
Elan Wurtzel: I’m doing great, and I want to thank you very much for spending some time with me this morning. I wanted to share your experience working with our office with members of my networking group. I’ll ask you a few questions, and you can tell me how it is and how it was, okay?
Allyson: Wonderful.
Elan Wurtzel: All right. So, Allyson, you were involved in an accident of some type. Were you?
Allyson: Yes.
Elan Wurtzel: What kind of accident was that?
Allyson: It was a pedestrian accident. I was on my way to a doctor’s appointment. When I reached an intersection in Oceanside, the light was red. I looked at the cars to my left; they were standing still. I proceeded to start walking. As soon as I looked to my left, I was already on the floor.
Elan Wurtzel: So, what happened? Did a car hit you?
Allyson: Yes, I was hit by a car. The driver was trying to make a right turn and was looking in the opposite direction. He wasn’t paying attention.
Elan Wurtzel: And what kind of injury did you suffer due to that?
Allyson: Initially, they told me I had a metatarsal fracture, which was a fracture of the fifth toe on my foot. Later, I discovered it was a broken ankle and a couple of toes. I had knee pain, hip pain, back pain—a slew of different issues. But I’m thankful that I’m alive.
Elan Wurtzel: Well, that’s good to hear. After the accident, I guess you sought medical care and treatment, and doctors gave you some idea about what your injuries were. When did you first think, hey, maybe I should talk to a lawyer?
Allyson: When the accident first happened, the driver who hit me came out of the car and asked if I was okay and if he could take me to a hospital. He then offered me $20 for my trouble. We told him we didn’t need the money, but he insisted and drove off. My mom was furious and said we needed to get a lawyer because this was unacceptable.
Elan Wurtzel: Did your mom come to the accident location, or did you speak to her by phone?
Allyson: She was at the accident location with me that day.
Elan Wurtzel: Your mom recommended you to our office. How did your mom know to call us?
Allyson: It was about 20 years ago, in the year 2000. She had a minor injury at work, and at the time, my dad saw your commercial on TV and suggested she contact you. My mom spoke with you but could never continue with the case. Years later, I got hurt and contacted you. You guys were amazing.
Elan Wurtzel: Every year, we send out a magnet around Christmas to say hello to people. I know your mom said she kept receiving the magnet every year. It was on the fridge, and you called us. When you hired us as your lawyers, what were your expectations? What did you think was going to happen, and what did you hope would happen?
Allyson: My mom told me I shouldn’t worry and that I was in good hands. I should focus on whatever you and your team recommended. The first thing you did was send me to a podiatrist, which was great because a previous lawyer had told me to go back to the ER and do various things. My mom insisted we contact you instead. Initially, I was uncomfortable contacting someone else, but she ensured everything was handled smoothly when I called and spoke with Chrystina. My expectations were high, and you exceeded them.
Elan Wurtzel: You got injured, received medical care, and no fault paid for your treatment. You also lost time from work, didn’t you?
Allyson: Yes, I did. Seven months.
Elan Wurtzel: Were you able to get compensation for your lost wages while you were out of work through no-fault insurance?
Allyson: Yes, absolutely. Through you. Thank you.
Elan Wurtzel: Well, we did a lot of work, but you did the hard work. You got injured and got better. You did the more important stuff. What was one thing that surprised you about your experience working with our office?
Allyson: The speed and organization. Every time I went to a doctor’s appointment or physical therapy, you guys were on top of things. You contacted the therapy centers, handled transitions between doctors, and ensured everything was in order. Katrina and Chrystina were excellent. I didn’t even need to go to court. By the time 2023 was almost over, you sent me an email, and the case was settled. I was astonished by how smoothly everything went. I don’t think any other lawyer could have moved as quickly and smoothly as you did.
Elan Wurtzel: You were one of our most organized and proactive clients. As a lawyer, I appreciate the open lines of communication. You updated us on everything, from your treatment to your return to work. An injury to your foot is a big deal when you have to stand all day long. What kind of work do you do?
Allyson: I’m a licensed cosmetologist, but I work at CVS as a beauty consultant. I’m on my feet all day for eight hours straight. The nature of my accident prevented me from standing because my ankle was broken. Even after it healed, I couldn’t bear the weight on my foot. If I had taken crutches to work, I would have been considered a liability.
Elan Wurtzel: Having gone through this experience, what would you say to others who might find themselves in a similar situation?
Allyson: First, take care of your health. Find a good lawyer like Elan Wurtzel if you’re in the area. Be focused, work with your lawyer, and get all the medical attention you need. I’ve seen people become lazy with their physical therapy and still struggle with pain. One thing I appreciated about you was your transparency. You were straightforward and clear about everything. I’m extremely pleased with how everything played out.
Elan Wurtzel: We pride ourselves on being transparent and truthful. If we have good news, we’ll tell you; if we have bad news, we’ll tell you that too. Every case is different, but you had a strong case with significant injuries. What does the future hold for you?
Allyson: I’m continuing to heal, returning to work, and looking for future endeavors. I have an orphanage to build in Ghana, West Africa, and I may continue my master’s degree in management. I’m also considering relocating out of New York.
Elan Wurtzel: I’m very impressed with your plans to work and help people in Ghana. We’re trying to make the world a better place, too. Thank you so much for your time today — best of luck in all your future endeavors.
Allyson: Thank you so much, and you’re very welcome. My mom also thanks you a great deal.
