Car Accident Attorney w. Robert May

Robert May

Car Accident Attorney w. Robert May is a California personal injury podcast hosted by Robert May, founding attorney of The May Firm. Each episode takes one real California accident, whether a car wreck, a truck crash, a motorcycle collision, or a wrongful death claim, and walks through what happened, who paid, and what shaped the number at the end. The show covers Bakersfield, Fresno, and Long Beach, plus the Central Coast where the firm started, and the corridors those cases come from on Highway 99, the Grapevine, the 710, and Highway 101. Robert May built The May Firm with his brothers Garrett and Cameron, and the firm has recovered more than $400 million for over 10,000 injured clients across nine California offices. Past case results do not guarantee a similar outcome. New episodes post on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Free consultations are available at mayfirm.com. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Episodes

  1. Sep 5

    What Is a Car Accident Settlement Actually Worth in Fresno?

    What a car accident settlement in Fresno is actually worth is built piece by piece: the medical bills tied to your treatment, the wages you lost, and the pain and suffering you can prove, and what you take home depends on how well the medical liens and subrogation claims get negotiated down. Robert May, founder of The May Firm, sits down with McCartney to walk through every piece of the claim and everything that comes out of the settlement before the check reaches your pocket. Questions answered in this episode: How do medical bills factor into what a car accident case is worth? How are lost wages calculated after a car accident? How are lost wages proved if you are self-employed? What does pain and suffering really mean? How do you put a dollar figure on pain and suffering? How do medical liens and unpaid bills come out of a final settlement? What is subrogation? How does a health insurer take a piece of a car accident recovery? After fees, liens, and costs, what actually lands in your pocket? Why does lien negotiation change what a client takes home? Why do crash victims settle for less than the case was worth? What should you never sign after a car accident? Topics covered: medical billing codes, past loss of earnings, vocational rehabilitation experts, pain and suffering and its subcategories (loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, physical impairment, emotional distress), jury instructions on damages, attorney's fees, case costs, medical liens, subrogation, health insurer reimbursement, settlement releases, and lien negotiation. Robert May on signing a release: "Nothing can kill your case faster than signing anything the insurance company gives you, period. Full stop." Robert May on lien negotiation: "Clients get way more when their lawyer knows how to negotiate that big chunk, that lien, those medical expenses, whatever you want to call them, when they go from fifty to twelve thousand, that's a thirty eight thousand dollar difference. That's for the client." Robert May on subrogation claims: "There's a better chance you're gonna end up sending them a check for twelve thousand dollars when you might only owe them forty two hundred dollars." Robert May on facing an insurer alone: "Going against an insurance company alone is like coaching your own football team against Bill Belichick." The May Firm has recovered more than $400 million for over 10,000 clients across nine California offices, and works on contingency: no fees unless your case is won, with 24/7 intake. Watch the video version on YouTube. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe for new episodes of Car Accident Attorney w. Robert May. Free consultation: mayfirm.com Phone: (559) 385-2090 Office: 7111 N Fresno St Ste 240, Fresno, CA 93720, United States  #MedicalLiens #Subrogation #PainAndSuffering #LostWages #SettlementRelease #FresnoCarAccident #CaliforniaPersonalInjury This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome back to Car Accident Attorney w. Robert May 00:01:04 How Do Medical Bills Factor Into What a Car Accident Case Is Worth? 00:02:44 How Are Lost Wages Worked Into a Car Accident Claim? 00:04:04 What Does Pain and Suffering Mean and How Do You Value It? 00:06:21 How Do Medical Liens Come Out of a Final Settlement? 00:07:52 What Is Subrogation and How Does It Reduce Your Settlement? 00:10:55 After Fees, Liens, and Costs, What Actually Lands in Your Pocket? 00:15:02 Why Do Fresno Crash Victims Settle for Less Than the Case Is Worth? 00:16:45 Robert May's One Piece of Advice for Fresno Crash Victims

    What Is a Car Accident Settlement Actually Worth in Fresno?
  2. Sep 5

    How Much Is a Car Accident Case Worth in Bakersfield, CA?

    What a California car accident settlement is worth comes down to damages: the economic losses you can calculate, like medical bills and lost work, and the non-economic harm you prove through credibility and storytelling. Robert May, founder of The May Firm, sits down with McCartney to walk through what really decides the number for Bakersfield drivers, why two identical crashes can be worth completely different amounts, and what it takes to prove a case is worth everything it should be. Questions answered in this episode: What actually decides what a California car accident case is worth? What is the difference between economic and non-economic damages? How much does the type and severity of injury change a case's value? Why do soft tissue injuries like whiplash get treated differently from broken bones? What happens to a case's value if you had a pre-existing condition? What documents and evidence prove a case is worth more? Does where the crash happened change what a case is worth? How do you find out what your case is really worth? Topics covered: economic damages, non-economic damages, the California jury instruction on pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, whiplash and soft tissue injuries, objective imaging evidence, the eggshell plaintiff rule, aggravation of pre-existing injuries, medical records and itemized bills, expert reports, county-by-county jury verdicts, and insurance coverage limits. Robert May on what decides case value: "It comes down to credibility on the client side and narrative storytelling on the attorney side." Robert May on the eggshell plaintiff rule: "You might be more susceptible to injury, but you're just as entitled to the damages and to the compensation whether you were or were not someone that had a low back injury before." Robert May on finding out what your case is worth: "If you wanna know what your case is worth, sign nothing." The May Firm has recovered more than $400 million for over 10,000 clients across nine California offices, and works on contingency: no fees unless your case is won, with 24/7 intake. Watch the video version on YouTube. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe for new episodes of Car Accident Attorney w. Robert May. Free consultation: mayfirm.com Phone: (661) 244-2704 Office: 5500 Ming Ave Ste 390, Bakersfield, CA 93309, United States  #EggshellPlaintiff #EconomicDamages #NonEconomicDamages #SoftTissueInjury #BakersfieldCarAccident #KernCounty #CaliforniaPersonalInjury This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome back to Car Accident Attorney w. Robert May 00:00:33 What Decides What Your Bakersfield, CA Car Accident Case Is Worth? 00:05:10 What Are Economic vs Non-Economic Damages in a California Claim? 00:06:43 How Much Does Injury Severity Change What Your Case Is Worth? 00:08:07 Why Is Whiplash Treated Differently From a Broken Bone? 00:10:58 What Happens to Your Case’s Value If You Had a Pre-Existing Condition? 00:12:05 What Documents and Evidence Prove Your Case Is Worth More? 00:14:24 Does Where the Crash Happened Change What Your Case Is Worth? 00:15:25 How Do You Find Out What Your Bakersfield, CA Case Is Really Worth? 00:16:42 How to Contact The May Firm in Bakersfield, CA

    How Much Is a Car Accident Case Worth in Bakersfield, CA?
  3. Sep 5

    How Do Insurance Adjusters Value a Car Accident Case in Long Beach?

    Insurance adjusters value an unrepresented car accident claim at the lowest number that will close the file, and a documented demand letter built on past and future economic and non-economic losses is what pushes a case toward what it is actually worth. Robert May, founder of The May Firm, sits down with McCartney to walk through the adjuster's math, the lowball first offer, property damage and diminished value, and how the Long Beach venue shapes a settlement. Questions answered in this episode: How does an insurance adjuster decide what a car accident case is worth? Why is the first offer from the insurance company almost never what a case is worth? How do insurance companies make money on claims? How does a demand letter build the case for a settlement figure? How is property damage valued separately from the injury claim? Do personal injury lawyers help with property damage claims? Can you claim diminished value in California? Which vehicles lose the most value after a crash? How does the court a case is filed in change what it is worth? What is the first step to finding out what your case is worth? What is the difference between what a case is worth and what is recoverable? Topics covered: insurance adjuster valuation, lowball first offers, demand letters, life care plans, economic and non-economic losses, property damage claims, loss of use, rental car costs, diminished value, vehicle appraisers, venue and jury pools, and free case reviews. Robert May on lowball offers: "It's just a fake number. It's what emotionally will get you out of the system for pennies on the dollar." Robert May on how insurers operate: "It's like asking a shark why they eat a fish." Robert May on demand letters: "It's a narrative to tell your story in written format." Robert May on case value vs recovery: "What a case is truly worth and what is recoverable are totally different things." The May Firm has recovered more than $400 million for over 10,000 clients across nine California offices, and works on contingency: no fees unless your case is won, with 24/7 intake. Watch the video version on YouTube. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe for new episodes of Car Accident Attorney w. Robert May. Free consultation: mayfirm.com Phone: (562) 800-0529 Office: 111 W Ocean Blvd Ste 2450, Long Beach, CA 90802, United States  #InsuranceAdjuster #DemandLetter #DiminishedValue #PropertyDamageClaim #LossOfUse #LongBeachCarAccident #CaliforniaPersonalInjury This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome back to Car Accident Attorney w. Robert May 00:00:34 How Does an Insurance Adjuster Decide What Your Case Is Worth In Long Beach? 00:02:29 Why Is the Insurance Company's First Offer Almost Never Full Value? 00:03:34 How Does a Demand Letter Build the Case for a Settlement Figure In Long Beach? 00:05:17 How Is Property Damage Valued Separately From the Injury Claim? 00:06:53 Can You Claim Diminished Value in Long Beach, California After a Crash? 00:10:33 How Does the Long Beach Court Venue Change What a Case Is Worth? 00:11:56 What Is the First Step to Finding Out What Your Case Is Worth in Long Beach? 00:13:07 Robert May's One Piece of Advice for Long Beach Crash Victims

    How Do Insurance Adjusters Value a Car Accident Case in Long Beach?
  4. Aug 19

    How Do Insurance Adjusters Value a Car Accident Case in Long Beach?

    Insurance bad faith can mean recovering far more than the policy limit: Robert May, founder of The May Firm, points to a case where a $100,000 policy led to a far larger recovery once the carrier's conduct crossed into bad faith. May sits down with McCartney to walk through what a lawyer actually does after being hired, why insurance companies treat represented claims differently, and what's different about resolving a case in Long Beach. Questions answered in this episode: What happens in the first weeks after hiring a car accident lawyer in Long Beach? How does a lawyer investigate and build a car accident case? Why do insurance companies treat a represented claim differently from an unrepresented one? What is insurance bad faith, and can it get you more than the policy limit? Should you give the insurance company a recorded statement? Does a car accident case end with a settlement offer or a jury verdict? How can a client's own social media activity hurt the case? When does a car accident case settle, and when does it become a lawsuit? How does filing in the LA County Superior Court change a Long Beach case? What's the first step after a car accident in Long Beach, and what does it cost? Topics covered: the first-weeks investigation process, black box data and traffic camera evidence, represented versus unrepresented insurance claims, insurance bad faith and policy limits, recorded statements, settlement offers versus jury verdicts, social media and injury claims, pre-litigation settlement versus a filed lawsuit, and the Los Angeles County Superior Court venue in Long Beach. Robert May on the first weeks: "Once you've hired The May Firm, you immediately have a team of people that are working behind the scenes to advance your case as quickly as possible." Robert May on insurance bad faith: "We've had cases where the policy was a hundred thousand. We ultimately recovered far beyond that because the insurance company was acting in what we would call bad faith." Robert May on recorded statements: "Any criminal defense lawyer will say, shut up, say nothing. Civil lawyers say effectively the exact same thing." Robert May on social media: "A client's social media activity, I would argue, can almost only hurt the case." The May Firm has recovered more than $400 million for over 10,000 clients across nine California offices, and works on contingency: no fees unless your case is won, with 24/7 intake. Free consultation: mayfirm.com Phone: (562) 800-0529 Office: 111 W Ocean Blvd Suite #2450, Long Beach, CA 90802, United States #InsuranceBadFaith #RecordedStatement #LongBeachCarAccident #LosAngelesCounty #CaliforniaPersonalInjury #CarAccidentLawyer This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome back to Car Accident Attorney w. Robert May 00:00:45 What Happens in the First Weeks After Hiring a Lawyer in Long Beach, CA? 00:01:25 How Does a Lawyer Investigate a Car Accident in Long Beach, CA? 00:02:55 Why Do Insurance Companies Treat a Represented Claim Differently? 00:03:35 What Is Insurance Bad Faith, and Can It Get You More Than the Policy Limit? 00:04:35 Should You Give the Insurance Company a Recorded Statement? 00:05:35 Does a Car Accident Case End With a Settlement Offer or a Jury Verdict? 00:06:00 How Can Social Media Posts Hurt Your Car Accident Case? 00:07:15 When Does a Car Accident Case Settle, and When Does It Become a Lawsuit? 00:08:30 How Does Filing in the LA County Superior Court Change a Long Beach, CA Case? 00:09:25 What's the First Step After a Car Accident in Long Beach, CA, and What Does It Cost?

    How Do Insurance Adjusters Value a Car Accident Case in Long Beach?
  5. Aug 19

    How Much Is a Car Accident Case Worth in Bakersfield, CA?

    Hiring a car accident lawyer statistically does not mean less money in your pocket, and in Bakersfield the real dividing line is simpler than people expect: minor, no-injury claims can often be handled directly with the insurer, but any case needing extensive medical treatment calls for an attorney. Robert May, personal injury attorney at The May Firm, sits down with McCartney to walk through that decision, how contingency fees and case costs actually work, and California's filing deadlines. Questions answered in this episode: After a crash in Bakersfield, how do you know if you need a lawyer? Does hiring a car accident lawyer mean less money in your pocket? What's the difference between attorney fees and case costs? How can a letter of protection get you medical care before your case settles? Why can waiting near California's two-year deadline hurt your case? Is your filing deadline shorter when a government agency is involved? What's the first step after a car accident in Bakersfield, and what does it cost? Topics covered: contingency fees, gross recovery, case costs versus attorney fees, medical liens and letters of protection, California's two-year filing deadline, the six-month government claim deadline, and Highway 99 traffic corridors specific to Bakersfield and Kern County. Robert May on whether you need a lawyer: "If you have any extensive medical treatment needed, if you have treatment that's gonna be needed for a few months, I would say you need a lawyer." Robert May on whether a lawyer costs you money: "Hiring a lawyer statistically does not mean ending up with less money in your pocket." Robert May on case costs: "The costs are effectively a 0% loan the lawyer is paying along the case." Robert May on the two-year deadline: "What you really have is two years to file a lawsuit." The May Firm has recovered more than $400 million for over 10,000 clients across nine California offices, and works on contingency: no fees unless your case is won, with 24/7 intake. Free consultation: mayfirm.com Phone: (661) 244-9712 Office: 5500 Ming Ave Ste 390, Bakersfield, CA 93309, United States #ContingencyFee #LetterOfProtection #BakersfieldCarAccident #KernCounty #CaliforniaPersonalInjury #CarAccidentLawyer This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome back to Car Accident Attorney w. Robert May 00:00:45 After a Crash in Bakersfield, CA, Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer? 00:01:25 Which Car Accident Cases Actually Need a Lawyer, and Which Don't? 00:01:55 Does Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Mean Less Money in Your Pocket? 00:02:55 How Do Contingency Fees Align Your Interests With Your Lawyer's? 00:03:50 What Do You Actually Pay in a Contingency Fee for a California Case? 00:04:20 What's the Difference Between Attorney Fees and Case Costs? 00:05:50 How Can a Letter of Protection Help You Get Medical Care Before Your Case Settles? 00:07:25 Why Can Waiting Until California's Two-Year Deadline Hurt Your Case? 00:08:55 Is Your Filing Deadline Only Six Months When a Government Agency Is Involved? 00:09:50 What Makes Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Different in Bakersfield, CA? 00:10:40 What's the First Step After a Car Accident in Bakersfield, and What Does It Cost?

    How Much Is a Car Accident Case Worth in Bakersfield, CA?
  6. Aug 19

    What Is a Car Accident Settlement Actually Worth in Fresno?

    How much of your settlement a Fresno car accident lawyer actually keeps comes down to one number Robert May, founder of The May Firm, lays out plainly: about a third of the recovery before a lawsuit is filed, up to 40 percent once litigation starts. May sits down with McCartney to walk through that fee structure, what to look for in a firm, how a medical lien and case value actually work, and what's different about hiring a lawyer in Fresno and the Central Valley. Questions answered in this episode: If the insurance company already made an offer, is it too late to hire a lawyer in Fresno? How much of your settlement does a California car accident lawyer keep? What should you look for when choosing a car accident attorney? Does The May Firm offer a free case consultation before you hire a lawyer? What questions should you ask in a free legal consultation? Does a free consultation cover the Government Tort Claims Act? Does it matter whether a law firm has actually gone to trial? What is a medical lien, and how does it reduce your settlement? What's the difference between economic and non-economic damages in a car accident case? What is a demand letter, and why does it matter that a lawyer writes it? What does The May Firm do that no other law firm does? What makes hiring a lawyer different in Fresno and the Central Valley? What's the first step after a car accident in Fresno, and what does it cost? Topics covered: contingency fee percentages, the risk of signing an insurance release too early, choosing a trial-tested law firm, the Government Tort Claims Act, medical liens and letters of protection, economic and non-economic damages, demand letters, AI-assisted lien negotiation, and the Highway 41 and Highway 99 corridor specific to Fresno and the Central Valley. Robert May on insurance offers: "If the insurance company has made an offer, absolutely not, not too late." Robert May on contingency fees: "The baseline, the historical baseline has always been a third and then 40%, upfront that's what we use." Robert May on medical liens: "You are going to have a gross recovery, and then it's offset by a few factors: fees, costs, and most likely medical expenses." Robert May on case value: "There's something called non-economic damages. Those are human damages. Those are the real cost of being injured." The May Firm has recovered more than $400 million for over 10,000 clients across nine California offices, and works on contingency: no fees unless your case is won, with 24/7 intake. Free consultation: mayfirm.com Phone: (559) 385-2090 Office: 7111 N Fresno St Ste 240, Fresno, CA 93720, United States #ContingencyFee #MedicalLien #FresnoCarAccident #CentralValley #CaliforniaPersonalInjury #CarAccidentLawyer This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome back to Car Accident Attorney w. Robert May 00:00:50 Is It Too Late to Hire a Lawyer After an Insurance Offer in Fresno, CA? 00:01:25 How Much of Your Settlement Will a California Car Accident Lawyer Keep? 00:02:35 What Should You Look for When Choosing a Fresno Car Accident Attorney? 00:03:40 Does The May Firm Offer a Free Case Consultation Before You Hire a Lawyer? 00:04:20 What Questions Should You Ask in a Free Legal Consultation? 00:04:55 Does a Free Consultation Cover California’s Government Tort Claims Act? 00:05:50 Does It Matter Whether a Law Firm Has Actually Gone to Trial? 00:06:50 What Is a Medical Lien, and How Does It Reduce Your Settlement? 00:08:00 What's the Difference Between Economic and Non-Economic Damages? 00:09:05 What Is a Demand Letter, and Why Does a Lawyer Write One? 00:10:25 What Does The May Firm Do That No Other Law Firm Does? 00:12:55 What Makes Hiring a Lawyer Different in Fresno, CA and the Valley? 00:14:20 What's the First Step After a Car Accident in Fresno, CA, and What Does It Cost?

    What Is a Car Accident Settlement Actually Worth in Fresno?
  7. Mar 18

    The YOU Interview with Robert May

    Before you hire a personal injury lawyer, you should know who they really are. In this debut episode of Car Accident Attorney w. Robert May, founding attorney Robert May sits down for an unfiltered, story-driven conversation about his life, his law career, and the values that drive everything he does. This is Episode 1 and it starts exactly where it should: with the man behind the firm. If you've ever been in a car accident, dealt with an insurance company that wouldn't budge, or simply wondered whether you even need a personal injury attorney, this episode was made for you. Robert doesn't just talk about the law - he lived it. As a teenager, he was the victim of a serious personal injury and had to navigate the legal system as a plaintiff without knowing what he was doing or what he deserved. That experience became the foundation of everything: his decision to attend California Western School of Law, his relentless approach to fighting for clients, and his mission to build a firm where every person who walks through the door is treated like family. Today, The May Firm has offices across California, has recovered over $100 million for clients, and carries a 99% win rate. In "The YOU Interview," Robert opens up about his journey from student to founder, his philosophy on negotiation versus going to trial, how he defines success beyond settlements, and where he sees the future of personal injury law heading - including the role of technology and AI. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: Robert's origin story: How a personal injury he suffered as a teenager led him to law school and to founding one of California's most recognized personal injury firms What personal injury attorneys actually do: Robert busts common myths and explains the real role a car accident attorney plays in protecting your rights and maximizing your accident compensation Case strategy and philosophy: How Robert approaches each injury claim- from early investigation to negotiation and, when necessary, trial ABOUT THE MAY FIRM: Founded by brothers Robert, Garrett, and Cameron May, The May Firm is California's award-winning personal injury law firm - 100% dedicated to representing accident victims, never insurance companies. With offices in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Fresno, Bakersfield, Long Beach, and San Diego, they have recovered over $100 million for clients and maintain a 99% win rate. No fees unless they win. Free consultation available 24/7 at mayfirm.com CONNECT WITH THE MAY FIRM: Website: mayfirm.com Phone: 1-844-MAYFIRM Instagram: @mayfirm Facebook: facebook.com/TheMayFirmInjuryLawyers Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome and Introduction to The You Interview 00:01:24 Robert's Path to Law: A Personal Injury at Age 13 00:02:23 From Wall Street to Law School in Two Years 00:03:14 Growing Up on California's Central Coast 00:04:13 Why Personal Injury Law: Following Heart and Experience 00:05:30 Building The May Firm Across California 00:06:42 What People Don't Know About Personal Injury Attorneys 00:07:34 The Apple Standard: Creating a Frictionless Client Experience 00:09:24 The Client Success Department 00:10:22 Managing Expectations: The Timeline Question 00:11:32 Defining Success: Process, Results, and Something Deeper 00:12:36 Treating Clients Like Family: The Foundation Story 00:15:01 Early Years: Taking on Toyota and PG&E 00:16:30 Cases That Stay With You 00:18:43 250 Million Plus: Looking Forward, Not Back 00:19:36 The Human Side: Drawing from Personal Experience 00:21:35 Who Is The May Firm: Good People Doing Great Work 00:22:45 The Mission: Human Connection in a Tech-Driven Future 00:24:36 Building Technology In-House, Not Bolting It On 00:26:23 The Future of Personal Injury Law: Scale vs. Personal Service 00:29:49 What Motivates Robert: Obsession and Setting an Example 00:31:02 How to Reach The May Firm and What Happens Next 00:33:16 Final Thoughts: Honoring What the Job Has Given

    The YOU Interview with Robert May

About

Car Accident Attorney w. Robert May is a California personal injury podcast hosted by Robert May, founding attorney of The May Firm. Each episode takes one real California accident, whether a car wreck, a truck crash, a motorcycle collision, or a wrongful death claim, and walks through what happened, who paid, and what shaped the number at the end. The show covers Bakersfield, Fresno, and Long Beach, plus the Central Coast where the firm started, and the corridors those cases come from on Highway 99, the Grapevine, the 710, and Highway 101. Robert May built The May Firm with his brothers Garrett and Cameron, and the firm has recovered more than $400 million for over 10,000 injured clients across nine California offices. Past case results do not guarantee a similar outcome. New episodes post on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. Free consultations are available at mayfirm.com. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.