What to Do After a Truck Accident
You have just been involved in a truck accident. You are scared, perhaps even injured, and do not know what to do. How you behave as soon as you get into an accident with a truck is very important and will determine what happens later on. So, if you want to know how to handle a truck accident and what you have to do immediately after such an accident, then keep on reading this article.
Here are the five things to do:
1. Do Not Leave the Premise
It is vital not to leave the accident scene. All the people involved in the accident must remain there until the authorities come. On top of that, you want to make sure that the vehicles remain in their initial position. Only after the accident scene has been thoroughly examined by the police, will you be able to move the vehicles.
2. Call the Emergency Service
The second thing you have to do immediately after the accident is to call the emergency service. You can do that by dialing the universal number 9-1-1. They will be able to send a medical team to check on the possible victims and will also send a police patrol to help examine the accident scene, to gather witnesses, and to write a report.
3. Document the Accident
While waiting for help, and if your health allows you to, start documenting the accident yourself. You can do that by exchanging information with the truck driver. Find out what is the company he is working for, what his license number is, what his insurance company is, and so on.
Taking photos of the accident scene is also a must. Capture everything from the vehicle’s condition, to the road with its signs, to any other things which might seem important. Take videos as well or use your device to record any audio conversations that might take place in the meantime. Exchanging information with the witnesses is also very important. Make sure to get their testimony recorded. The sooner you do it, the fresher it will be in their memory and thus more elaborated.
4, Carefully Choose Your Words
You know what they say, “Anything you say can and will be used against you,” You want to make sure that you do not rush into making any statements, especially when talking to the insurance adjuster of the other party. Do not give them any definitive statements before consulting with a lawyer first.
5. Hire an Attorney
The last, but certainly not the last thing you want to do after a truck accident, is to hire a lawyer. Have him or her look over your case and decide how to proceed in your future actions. Their knowledge and help are unbeatable if you decide that you want to against the at-fault truck driver in court.
To sum everything up, dealing with truck accident cases is both physically and mentally strenuous, but knowing what to do immediately after the accident has taken place can make a whole lot of difference in the outcome.
Who’s At Fault in a Motorcycle and Car Accident? How to Prove Liability
We get on the open road every day. It’s just part of our day to day routine. It’s so normal to us, even, that we forget about the inherent risk involved. Accidents happen every day, and many can prove to cause serious injuries to those involved.
This is especially true in the case of a motorcycle and car accident. These accidents can be quite brutal, with the biker often sustaining serious injuries. Nearly 100,000 of these accidents occur each year.
It can be harder as a motorcycle owner to win the compensation that you truly deserve in a case. Often, juries are predisposed to vote against a motorcyclist due to a perception of the dangers of such bikes. How can you prove fault in a case and get the compensation you deserve?
Read on and we’ll walk you through what you need to know.
Risks of Motorcycle Riding
Part of why proving negligence in a motorcycle automobile can be so difficult is that motorcycles are inherently risky to use. Unlike traditional forms of transportation, motorbikes do not provide a large amount of protection to the user.
They only have two wheels, and they are also much lighter and smaller than a traditional vehicle. Due to the size of motorcycles, they are often less visible to other cars on the road. Accidents are often caused by motorists who did not see a motorcyclist coming.
Most motorcycles don’t have seatbelts, and there is nothing in place to prevent a cyclist from direct contact with the road when an accident occurs. It can require a lot of skill to properly operate a motorcycle, and thus it makes it more dangerous to ride one on the open road.
These factors combine to paint a fairly risky portrait of motorcycle ownership. Due to these factors, most cyclists need to provide a very strong case to show that the driver of the automobile in the accident was at fault.
Negligence in Automobile and Bike Accidents
When it comes to a motorcycle accident claim, a person must be able to prove negligence on the part of the other driver. This can often be difficult and might require the help of a motorcycle accident attorney.
A person is negligent when they exhibit behavior that is not up to par with the ‘reasonable’ expectations of society. A driver who is speeding, texting, inebriated, or behaving in a similar way could be found as negligent.
It is, of course, possible that either or even both parties in an accident could have acted negligently. An attorney will help to gather evidence that both serves to prove that the driver acted in a negligent fashion and that the motorcyclist acted in a reasonable fashion.
One must also prove that the defendant suffered injuries and losses as a result of the accident. These losses can take various forms. The most common types of losses discussed in these cases are medical bills, lost wages, and expenses for pain and suffering. It can also be property damage done to a person’s property, such as their bike.
If the motorcyclist in question did not sustain any damage or loss due to the accident, they might not be able to receive compensation in court.
Negligence On Both Sides
What if a driver can prove that a motorcyclist also acted negligently? Many states practice a policy known as comparative negligence. In this process, the negligence of the defendant is weighed against that of the plaintiff.
A motorcyclist might see the amount they can receive in compensation lowered based on to what degree they were also responsible for the incident.
Building A Case
There are many steps that an attorney can take to help gather evidence to build a case. Many of these steps will take place at the scene of an accident, so it’s important to be aware of what steps you might need to take.
For one, the police report from the scene of an accident can be very important. Police officers dispatched to the accident will conduct interviews and look for evidence. Their report will likely include their perception of the accident and to what degree each individual involved was at fault.
That’s why it’s important to speak openly with a police officer. You should ensure they’re getting down all the pertinent details. You should avoid taking the blame for anything at this stage, even if you think you might have blame to share. You might be unaware, from your vantage point, of the full details of the case.
You should also avoid making assumptions. If statements you make can be proven false later on, it might weaken your case. Stick to things you know are facts.
In addition to the police report, consider taking photos at the scene of the accident. Everyone has a camera in their pocket these days, so you might as well use it. Take pictures of your injuries as well as damage done to your vehicle or the other vehicle.
Larger photos of the scene of the accident can also be helpful to establish how the accident may have occurred. With this evidence in hand, you have a stronger chance of proving fault and winning your case.
Fault In A Motorcycle and Car Accident
A motorcycle and car accident can be a difficult case to win. You need to be able to provide the needed evidence to prove fault and prove that you yourself were not negligent. The above information can help you determine how best to do this.
Need more law advice? Check out our blog for more.
How to Choose a Lawyer After an Auto Accident
Finding a lawyer for an auto accident isn’t too difficult.
Many people struggle to defend themselves in cases that involve auto accidents. This is because there are usually injuries involved, hefty fees, and it’s difficult to find evidence. However, a lawyer can do everything for you.
Some of the best lawyers can handle a case and get their clients the full compensation that they deserve. When it comes to finding one of these lawyers, you’ll have to do a little research, but nothing too difficult.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about how to choose a lawyer for an auto accident!
What Does a Lawyer Do?
Auto injury lawyers exist to ensure that their clients receive compensation for damages. Whether you’re suspected to be at fault for an accident or are a victim, a lawyer will defend you to convince a judge why you’re in the right.
A car accident injury lawyer will go through several steps during the process:
Gather Evidence
Auto accidents can be a difficult thing to gather evidence for if you don’t have anything but your word. However, lawyers will go to local businesses and homes around the scene to see if they can find any witnesses.
Many accidents happen in high-traffic areas that have cameras set up nearby. Intersections and stop lights are the most common areas, but establishments usually have cameras outside, too.
While the lawyer is gathering evidence, they’ll go to the defending party and ask them information about the incident. This lets them know if the stories line up so that they can form a case. In many cases, the defendants won’t speak to a lawyer besides their own.
Represent You In Court
Aside from getting evidence, lawyers represent their clients in court. Most people aren’t sure of how to compose themselves during a trial, so lawyers make sure that nothing is said that could weaken your case.
Lawyers will talk with their clients about the case and the evidence that they have. They’ll prepare them for when the judge asks the client to speak. Whenever the defending party is on the stand, a lawyer can object something that’s said and can’t be used as evidence.
Get Referrals
When it comes to choosing the best car accident attorney, getting referrals is an easy way to see how they are. You can get referrals from someone that you know or you can look on the internet.
If you look up an attorney’s office on Google, you’ll see reviews from people that have worked with them in the past. Go through the reviews and see if people have won their cases with a particular lawyer.
Doing this will prevent you from hiring someone that isn’t known for winning cases. You can also find out how much they charge for their services. Keep in mind that some of the best lawyers will charge more because they’re more likely to win a case, so the demand for them will be high.
Look for a Lawyer with Experience
Experience is one of the most important factors that determine whether a lawyer is good. You don’t want to get someone that’s fresh on the job because auto accidents typically involve a lot of money.
While it’s reasonable to get a newer lawyer for something like a petty crime, auto accidents have to be dealt with by the best, especially if injuries are involved. While you’re looking at reviews or getting referrals, you’ll learn more about their previous cases.
You can also access public records to review cases and see who the lawyers of each party were. Records will show you the events of an incident and what took place in court. While this may seem like a lot of work, you have to remember that you’re trying to find someone that will guarantee you a win.
Ensure That They Communicate with You
The best lawyer for car accident injuries must be able to communicate with you during the entire process. If you’re left out of the loop, you won’t understand what’s happening and what your chances are of winning.
Because compensation is what most people seek, a good lawyer will give you an estimate of how much you could get. Providing that they gather sufficient evidence, you’ll most likely be able to get fully compensated.
If you get a lawyer that doesn’t tell you what’s going on, you’ll run the risk of saying the wrong things or getting your hopes up. Again, this info can be found in reviews or referrals.
Some of the things that a lawyer should tell you are your rights, what evidence they have, and how much compensation you should seek. Knowing your rights will be important in court because it allows you to stay safe and avoid getting pressured into saying or doing something.
Now You Know How to Choose a Lawyer
If you’re looking for the best auto accident lawyer, you don’t want to get someone that will beat around the bush and hide things from you. Inexperienced lawyers often lose cases because they’re not sure how to represent clients or go about getting evidence.
Now that you know how to choose a lawyer, you’ll want to find someone that can communicate with you. They’ll provide you with all the information about the case, such as your rights, evidence, and total damages. You can find a good lawyer by getting a referral, reading reviews, and looking to public records.
Browse our blog to find more articles about lawyers and how they can benefit you.
How to Drive Safely (and Legally) in a Construction Zone
Whether it’s a small rural area or a major highway, road construction is always going on in various areas throughout the country.
You may notice signs telling you that fines are higher if you’re caught speeding in a construction zone, and that’s because these areas present a higher risk of danger.
Before you hit the roadways, read this helpful guide that covers the basics of how you can drive safely and legally through a construction zone to avoid a ticket and an accident.
Pay Extremely Close Attention to the Speed Limit
In a construction zone, the speed limit is usually reduced significantly. There should be signs indicating that the speed limit is changing ahead, and several more as you drive through the construction area.
Depending on where you are, fines for speeding in these areas can be as high as $500 or more. That’s because the risk of getting involved in a serious accident is much greater in construction areas.
Construction and road workers could be just feet away from where you’re driving, and if you’re roaring through, it presents a serious danger. Some jurisdictions will double the fine for speeding in a construction zone.
Even if the signs indicate a specific speed limit, you should be prepared to slow down even more if you need to. Wet roads, heavy traffic, or night time driving are all reasons to slow down even more.
Obey Posted Signs in a Construction Zone
Traffic patterns are constantly changing during highway construction, so it’s crucial to be aware of these changes whenever possible. You can avoid getting into legal trouble if you obey all signs and the speed limit.
Look closely for any lane changes or merges as you’re driving so you can be ready to adapt. If you’re caught blatantly disobeying signs, it’s a separate fine and ticket that can cost you big time.
The purpose of signs is to keep you and the workers safe. Accidents are the leading cause of highway construction safety issues and the death of construction workers.
If you’re caught ignoring signs and get into an accident that results in an injury, you could be in serious legal hot water. To prevent this, slow down and be very wary of all highway signs until you’ve reached the end of the construction zone.
Do your best to follow the flow of traffic and always use your turn signal whenever you change lanes. As long as you pace yourself and pay attention, you should be able to safely travel through construction on the roadway.
Avoid Distractions
Not only is driving while distracted extremely dangerous, but it can also get you into serious trouble. This is especially important when driving through a construction zone since the odds of an accident are much higher.
You can’t afford to look at your smartphone while you’re traveling through a construction area. As traffic patterns change, you need to be paying close attention to the road and keep distractions at bay.
The definition of distracted driving can be anything from using a cellphone to eating while you’re behind the wheel. Save your phone conversations and meals for when you’ve reached your destination.
Fines and penalties for driving while distracted are substantial and are likely a lot more severe if you’re caught while you’re in a construction zone. Stay focused on the road ahead and you shouldn’t have any problems.
Be Patient and Don’t Tailgate
It can be frustrating to drive through construction on the highway, but it’s something most of us can’t avoid on our daily commute. If you’re aware that there’s construction going on, try to plan ahead.
When you pace yourself and give yourself some extra time, getting through the construction won’t be as difficult. Take your time and drive slowly with the understanding that every other driver on the road is likely as frustrated as you are.
To avoid getting into an accident, keep a safe distance between yourself and other drivers. Tailgating can end up with a collision if the vehicle in front of you suddenly slams on their brakes.
Driving or following too closely is yet another charge that can get you into legal hot water. It’s best to plan accordingly and prepare to go slowly when you know you’re entering a construction zone.
You should also expect the unexpected as you drive through these areas. Work vehicles and construction workers may enter your lane or come from the center of the roadway without warning. Other vehicles can also slow down unexpectedly, so always be aware of what might happen as you’re driving.
As long as you pace yourself, obey all traffic signs, and avoid distractions, you should be able to safely (and legally) get through any construction zone. The safety of yourself, your passengers, and others on the roads should always be top of mind.
Use Common Sense to Stay Safe
As long as you follow some simple road safety tips, getting through a construction zone should be a breeze. Avoid all distractions and drive the speed limit or lower to avoid getting into legal trouble.
Pay close attention to the work zone signs, and never tailgate or you could end up in a serious accident. With these easy safety tips, you’re ready to hit the road no matter what lies ahead.
If you need a lawyer to help you with an auto-related incident, visit our website today for a full directory and more information.
Traffic Accident Law 101: 7 Dos and Don’ts After a Car Accident
Around 6 million car accidents occur each year in the United States. That’s over 16,000 accidents happening every single day!
Odds are, you are going to get into a car accident at some point in your driving history. Regardless of whether the car accident was your fault or serious, there are certain steps you should take.
Are you prepared if you find yourself involved in a traffic accident? Keep reading to learn how to stay on top of traffic accident law with the top dos and don’ts.
1. Do Contact the Police
One of the very first things you should do after an accident occurs is contacting the police. If someone is hurt or the vehicles are blocking traffic, call 911. If the injury is minor and everyone is okay you can contact your local department’s non-emergency number.
When you contact dispatch, they’ll send a police officer along with an ambulance and possibly fire trucks.
The police officer will work on gathering information to create the accident report. At the same time, the EMS employees will make sure no one is hurt. Firefighters often help direct traffic and clear debris from the roadway.
At the very least, you always need an officer to arrive after a car accident. Without a police report, your accident doesn’t exist for car insurance companies.
2. Do Take Evidence of the Accident
While the police officer will gather basic evidence for their report, you should also attempt to gather your own evidence.
The major items to gather include:
- Photos from all angles of both vehicles
- Name and contact information of other drivers involved
- Name and contact information of anyone who witnessed the accident
- The badge number of the officer filing the police report
- Your own detailed narrative of how the accident occurred
If you are hurt in the accident, leave this job to someone else. Ask an unhurt passenger or witness to gather a few things for you.
3. Do Consult a Traffic Accident Lawyer
If your accident involves injuries or extensive damage, it’s always a good idea to consult a car accident lawyer.
An experienced attorney will represent you along every step of the accident process, so the sooner you contact them, the better. They are well-versed in traffic accident law and know exactly what you’re entitled to, regardless of whether you’re at fault.
They can help you communicate with the car insurance providers to ensure you’re properly compensated. If you have trouble getting compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, or even repair expenses, they can also help by filing a lawsuit.
4. Don’t Admit Fault
Now let’s talk about things you should never do after an accident. One of the worst things you could do is to admit fault.
This doesn’t mean you should lie to an officer about what happened. Instead, provide an honest and thorough explanation of what happened, while leaving out whose fault you think the accident is. Because once you admit fault, car insurance providers will use this against you when it comes to compensation.
Based on the scene, the officer can determine who they think caused the accident and include this in the report. But, this is much easier for your attorney to work around than if the report says you admitted to causing the accident.
5. Don’t Ignore Medical Attention
If you think yourself or someone else in your vehicle may be injured, don’t ignore medical attention. Even the smallest of injuries could turn into something more serious if they are ignored, and denying medical attention at the scene can affect your compensation.
Seek help as soon as you’re aware of an injury. Sometimes, injuries don’t present themselves for several hours or days — that’s okay. As long as you visit a doctor or the hospital once symptoms occur, you should be covered.
Then, make sure you keep up with any medical instructions given to you. Follow through with all appointments and keep a record of everything injury related to your accident.
6. Don’t Discuss the Accident
After you get into a car accident, all your family members and friends will want to make sure you’re okay. They’ll all be contacting you and asking about the accident’s details. Don’t discuss the accident with anyone else besides your lawyer!
If your accident case reaches the lawsuit stage, anyone you discuss the accident with can be called as a witness. So if you told your mom you were okay and the accident was minor to calm her worries, this could hurt you later on.
We don’t want you to hide the fact that you were in an accident or injured, but just make sure you are only telling people the main facts. Admit that you were in an accident and are receiving medical attention. Don’t tell them about how you think the accident occurred or how you’re feeling mentally or physically.
7. Don’t Enter an Unfair Settlement Agreement
Often times after an accident occurs, the car insurance provider will offer you a settlement agreement. They may even urge you to take this agreement by making it seem like it’s a good deal or any alternative would take a long time.
Never enter into a settlement agreement until you discuss it with your lawyer. These initial agreements are often unfair and will hurt your chances of proper compensation.
Together, your attorney and the car insurance company can work towards a fair agreement. If one is not reached, then you can consider if a lawsuit is right for your accident.
Seek Help with Traffic Accident Law
These dos and don’ts are just a small portion of traffic accident law.
Each vehicle accident is different, which means that different laws apply. The situation changes when you’re dealing with injuries, a driver with no insurance, or intoxicated driving. Never assume you know what the law is and always seek help from a qualified attorney.
For more advice on specific types of vehicle accidents, head over to our blog to learn more.
What Do I Do If I’m Injured in a Car Accident?
There are over 6 million car accidents each year, and many of them result in injury. The moments after an accident can be traumatizing, too– especially if you’re in pain.
But, it’s important to take the right steps afterward if you’re going to seek legal assistance.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know if you were injured in a car accident.
Get to Safety
If you’re able to, get to a safe location on the sidewalk or in the grass as quickly as you can. Even though your accident likely stopped traffic in the surrounding area, you can’t always assume that other drivers are paying attention.
Standing in the road puts you at a high risk of further injury, so it’s best to wait for law enforcement to clear the scene before you worry about anything else.
Document The Damage
Once the roads are clear and traffic is either stopped or redirected, you can focus on assessing the damage to your vehicle.
If you have your phone on you, take as many photos and videos that you can of the damage to both vehicles. If you don’t have your phone (or it was damaged in the accident), take detailed written notes that explain the damage thoroughly.
Regardless of which method you choose, don’t forget to document the other person’s license plate number. This will be instrumental in your case if you can’t obtain any other info from the driver.
Obtain The Other Driver’s Information
After you’ve sufficiently recorded the damage to the vehicles involved in the collision, it’s time to talk to the other driver.
The info you’ll need includes his or her:
- Name
- Home address
- Home phone number and work phone number
- Driver’s license number
- Car registration number
- Insurance policy number
In the event that the other driver doesn’t own the vehicle they were driving, you’ll need to ask them the above information about the owner.
Speak to Witnesses
If there are people who witnessed the accident still at the scene, ask them to tell you everything they saw.
If they allow you to, take a video or audio recording of them speaking so that you have concrete evidence that can’t be later forgotten or misinterpreted. Ask them to state their name, the time of the recording, and exactly what they saw.
This information is vital in building a strong case.
If possible, ask the witnesses to remain at the scene until the police arrive so their presence can be documented in the police report.
Speak to The Responding Officers
Afterward, talk to the police officer(s) at the scene for their name, badge number, and the number of the police report. You can also inform them of any nearby witnesses who may need to speak to them.
If you happened to be taken to the hospital before you could obtain any of this information, contact your local police or sheriff’s office and ask for a copy of the police report. This will at least give you an officer’s account of the scene of the accident.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Even if the other driver was completely at fault, it’s important that you notify your own insurance company about the accident.
This is especially imperative if your vehicle needs repairs. While the other party’s policy may more than cover the damage to your vehicle, it may take over a week for you to hear from them.
Once the repairs to your vehicle are made and any other costs (such as a rental car) are handled by your insurance company, the other party’s insurance will reimburse the expenses after it’s been proven the other driver was at fault.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, you need to have an assessment done by a medical professional to ensure there aren’t any underlying issues.
For example, there is a condition ominously known as ‘Talk and Die‘ syndrome that involves suffering from delayed brain bleeding hours after a minor blow to the head. This scenario is notorious due to the fact that the affected party can behave completely normally up until incapacitation and death.
While it may seem sensationalist, that’s the reality of head injuries. So, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention after an accident.
If you have notable (but not significantly crippling) injuries like whiplash, a sprained muscle, etc., it’s still important to have these documented by a medical practitioner.
This will both help build your case and put you on the road to recovery.
Hire a Competent Legal Professional
In order to get compensation for your injuries, you’re going to need to employ the services of an attorney who specializes in personal injury law.
They’ll help you navigate the often-convoluted twists and turns of your case, serve as a liaison between you and the other party’s insurance, and help you prepare as much as possible before you head into the courtroom.
You can check out the services that this car accident injury law firm in order to learn more.
Injured in a Car Accident? Don’t Worry
But it doesn’t have to be.
With the above information about what to do if you were injured in a car accident in mind, you’ll be well on your way to getting the necessary legal assistance as soon as possible.
From here, you’ll get the compensation you deserve and be able to focus on recovery.
6 Instances Where You Need an Accident Claim Lawyer
Car accidents injure three million people in the United States every year. Chances are high that you will experience at least one in your life.
If you’ve recently been involved in an accident, you likely have several questions.
Was I at fault? Who pays for the damage? Who will pay the medical bills? Can I get compensation for my pain and suffering? What about lost wages?
Car accidents are traumatizing, but they’re also expensive and time consuming. An experienced accident claim lawyer will help you navigate the confusing process of filing an insurance claim and receiving a settlement.
But is an attorney always necessary?
When to Hire an Accident Claim Lawyer
While it’s always wise to seek legal advice following an accident, some cases are a little more complicated than others.
Here are six scenarios where it’s recommended to hire an attorney.
1. You’ve Been Seriously Injured
The term “serious injury” doesn’t always imply hospitalization or surgery. If you have a broken bone or joint injury and require special injections or long-term treatment, you’ve sustained a serious injury. This also includes experiencing chronic pain.
The more serious your injury, the more money treatment will cost. And the less money an insurance company will want to give you.
If you feel you’re entitled to more money to pay your healthcare costs related to your accident, you need an accident attorney.
2. You’re Unsure of Long-Term Injuries
Some injuries may seem insignificant at first, but turn into financial burdens.
You may feel as though your condition is not improving with treatment and want to consult specialists for help. A lawyer can help you find the right specialist to treat your injury and require the insurance company to cover long-term costs.
3. You’re Under Financial Stress
If your bills from the accident are stacking up and you’re experiencing financial stress, your insurance company is not paying you enough money.
An accident claim lawyer will get you the treatment you need and defer the bills until money from the insurance claim comes through. They will also help you with a larger settlement, so you can breathe easy knowing you can cover your bills.
4. You’ve Missed Work
You might also experience financial stress over lost wages following a car accident.
Some insurance companies will underestimate how much time you’ve missed at work and will not pay you enough to break-even. If you’ve missed a significant amount of work, you need representation to recoup your losses.
5. You’re Fighting with the Insurance Company
In some scenarios, the insurance company will try to blame you for the car accident.
This blame can present itself in many forms. The company may claim you reported the incident too late – that you further injured yourself by waiting to seek treatment. They are only delaying and using these tactics to prevent paying for your care.
An attorney knows what is required of the insurance company and will protect you in this scenario.
6. Your Insurance Company Isn’t Taking You Seriously
As much as you’d like to believe otherwise, insurance companies do not care about your injury. Their goal is to pay out the least amount of money possible.
An insurance company might assign a dollar amount to your diagnosis and treatment and fail to follow-up whether or not it worked. Hiring an attorney ensures that there is someone who has your interests at heart, and they will fight for your insurance company to take you seriously.
Benefits of Legal Representation
A car accident injury attorney will help you in all the above scenarios, but they are valuable in many other ways. Hiring a professional to work for you will reduce some stress and legwork involved in your accident claim.
Knowledge of the Law
Accident claim attorneys have to remain knowledgeable about the laws and procedural rules affecting your case. They study former cases and brush up on their knowledge of car accident claims so you don’t have to.
A good attorney will advise you of any statute of limitations that may affect your case. They will help you sue the at-fault driver hastily.
If your case doesn’t settle, and it goes to trial, your attorney will know how to navigate possible defenses raised by the at-fault driver. They will help prepare you so that you experience the best legal outcome possible.
And if you’re going up against an insurance company, you will need a lawyer to balance the playing field. No matter how smart you are, it’s unlikely that you can stand up to the resources of a firm representing a large insurance company.
An Attorney Does the Legwork
After a car accident injury, it’s vital to get back to daily life as soon as possible. Hiring an attorney means you have someone to handle all the ins and outs of your case for you.
Because they have experience gathering evidence, preparing settlements, and filing court paperwork, they can settle your claim much more efficiently than you can. This is extremely important if you’ve been seriously injured and you need rest to recover.
A Necessary Advocate
An accident claim lawyer acts on your behalf, which means they will be your supporter and champion throughout the legal process. They will make sure the court hears your side of the story and that you regain any losses.
An advocate is vital in any legal scenario. If you’re looking for representation, you’re in the right place. Browse our directory to find the right attorney for you.
What to Do When You’re Involved in a Car Wreck
Roughly once every 17 years, you’ll be involved in some kind of a car accident.
Whether it’s a minor fender-bender that only slightly scrapes your mirror of if it’s a much more serious car wreck, what you do on the scene can have a huge impact on the eventual outcome.
However, in the moments after a wreck, it can be impossible to think about what to in a car accident. It’s also incredibly easy to let your instincts and emotions take over — leading you to do (or fail to do) something you might later regret.
That’s why you should know what to do after a car accident before you ever get in one in the first place.
This post is here to help with that.
Read on to learn the right steps to take on the scene and in the days/weeks after the accident.
On The Scene
The very first thing you need to think about if you’ve been in a car wreck is your safety.
If you and your car are able to move, then drive it off on the shoulder of the road, out of the way of oncoming traffic. Doing this doesn’t just protect you, but also the other drivers on the road.
Next, assess yourself for any injuries. Whether you have minor cuts, pain in your arms or legs, or even a head wound, if you’re able to, take pictures and videos of your injuries.
Then, you’ll need to call the authorities — even if the other person involved in the wreck has claimed they already have. Unfortunately, many drivers involved in car wrecks do flee the scene, so you can’t yet take them at their word.
Now is the time to take pictures of the other vehicle’s license plate and even the other individuals on the scene. If possible, try to avoid speaking with the other driver as much as you can before the police arrive on the scene. You could end up saying something that you don’t realize makes it seem like you were at fault for the wreck.
While you wait, try to spot any witnesses and take statements from them. Also, be sure to collect their contact information. You may need to get in touch with them if the case makes it court.
Once the police arrive on the scene, they’ll create an accident report.
Make sure you get their badge numbers and know the precincts they work with, so you can also contact them if need be.
The Day of the Accident
Even if you don’t think that you’ve sustained any injuries from your car accident, we strongly suggest that you still go to an urgent care center.
Keep in mind that many car accident injuries aren’t visible or even instantly noticeable, such as internal bleeding. Plus, your doctor may be able to provide you with valuable information that could strengthen your case in court.
Unfortunately, some injuries, such as whiplash, don’t show up until a few days after your accident. It’s always a smart idea to schedule a follow-up appointment with a medical professional about a week after the accident.
Be sure that you save all of your medical records and billing receipts so that you can submit them to your insurance company.
Now is also the time to contact your health and car insurance companies so that you can start understanding the kind of coverage they will offer you.
The Week of the Accident
So, you’ve been to the doctor’s office, filed a claim with your car insurance company, and are keeping all the receipts you’ve been given for charges related to the accident.
In an ideal world, everything would end here. You’d get all your medical expenses reimbursed, the other driver would take the blame without argument, and your car insurance company would happily pay for repairs.
Obviously, that’s just not going to happen.
That’s why in many cases after a car accident, you’ll also need to learn about your legal options.
A lawyer can help you with a variety of things relating to your car wreck.
They may be able to negotiate with your health and car insurance companies on your behalf, potentially getting you more coverage than these companies initially offered. They can also help you and the other driver(s) involved in the wreck to settle out of court.
Of course, in some cases, your car wreck case will end up going to trial.
In this case, you’ll absolutely need to have an attorney on your side.
Not only will they help to make sure you’re not blamed for an accident that wasn’t your fault. In many cases, they can help you to receive a higher settlement amount.
Need More Help Understanding What to Look for in a Car Wreck Lawyer?
We know that being involved in any kind of a car wreck can take a huge toll on you, both physically and mentally.
Especially if you suspect that your accident could turn into an ugly court case, you need to hire a car accident lawyer to represent you.
Curious about the top traits you should look for to ensure you hire the best one possible? Want to learn more about the most common car accident injuries, and potential signs to watch out for?
Are you concerned that your current car insurance plan isn’t as comprehensive as you’d like it to be?
Our blog can advise you on all these topics and many more.
Keep reading through our daily posts to make sure you know what to do in any kind of crisis.
When to Expect a Car Accident Settlement: The Average Auto Accident Settlement Timeline
Approximately 1.25 million people die on the road every day. As many as 20-50 more become injured as a result of a car crash with 225 million drivers on the road.
Each of those 20-50 million is wondering what the auto accident settlement timeline is going to be. From the second you are in a car accident until that settlement arrives, you are wondering when is this going to be over.
Read on to ease some of that burden, and experience peace of mind from knowing you are not alone, and there are ways to speed up that auto accident settlement timeline.
What is the Average Auto Accident Settlement Timeline?
Everyone wonders what the average auto accident settlement timeline is going to be. There is no one answer.
Multiple factors influence the car accident settlement timeline. The easiest way to speed up that timeline will be to hire a car accident attorney. Handling this yourself will slow things down.
Look at these different cases for car accidents and see for yourself that you are not alone. Every situation may be different, but you will feel more comfortable during this process when you realize that many people are going through the same thing as you are right now, and help is available.
Report and Document Early
The smartest thing you can do after a car crash is to document everything as early as possible. Start taking pictures after everything, and collect reports like it’s your job.
Those reports could cost you money if you don’t use them with the insurance company. And, more often than not, collecting those reports for the insurance company will slow down your auto accident timeline.
Collect every police report, weather report, medical report, everything. If you have to collect them later, you eat uptime.
Your Injuries
The nature and extent of your injuries are going to determine your auto accident settlement timeline, as well. How much you get will depend entirely on the extent of your actual damages.
The case will settle faster if the injuries are minor. The more treatment you need, the longer it will take for your auto accident settlement timeline.
Collect every piece of documentation along the way.
Motivation
You never have to worry about the motivation of insurance companies, the most critical variable in your auto accident settlement timeline is you. Your motivation matters.
Insurance companies are always motivated to settle, and never want a car accident to get to court. That is a costly and public problem for them that they don’t want.
But you are motivated as well. But why?
Sometimes people are so motivated to get their money they will take the first offer. Others want the problem to go away and will settle quickly.
Your auto accident settlement timeline depends on your motivation. But taking the first offer isn’t always the best one.
This accident is a traumatizing experience, and you have earned a fair settlement. Be motivated to get what you deserve, and the auto accident settlement timeline won’t matter when that check arrives.
Trust the Experts
When you are going through the auto accident settlement timeline, it’s very easy to feel isolated and frustrated. But you don’t have to.
There is always help available to help you get through this crisis. You need to take time for your emotional needs, and shouldn’t spend it worrying about your insurance woes or the length of your auto accident settlement timeline.
A good auto accident lawyer can help you through this process and make sure that it’s done right, and you get the settlement you deserve. Trust the experts today that offer a free consultation during this crisis.
5 Ways an Attorney Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Accident claims are unique in several ways, and this usually poses a challenge to many claimants as they seek compensation.
The time that follows after an accident can be both hectic and confusing, and this is particularly true if you are injured or bedridden.
We may try to hide from reality, but automotive accidents are a reality; in Bakersfield, California for instance, there were a total of 3,259 accidents and nearly half of them involved a painful injury.
As such, working with a Commercial-vehicle accident attorney from Bakersfield can help to protect your best interests, protect your rights and ensure that you gain the correct compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and even the anguish and suffering of the accident.
If you are still wondering how an automotive attorney can help, read on as we explore some of the benefits of hiring automotive attorneys.
Handle the Insurance Company on your Behalf
It’s no secret that insurance companies are in the game to make money.
In any case, the insurance will do everything they can to minimize the overall compensation, and some will even go to the extent of denying you even a valid claim.
So, if you still do not have the skills and experience of negotiating with the insurer, it’s always a challenge to get a fair and adequate settlement.
With an automotive attorney, however, the process becomes simpler.
First, the attorney has sufficient knowledge of how to negotiate with the insurance and will represent your best interests to see that you’re compensated for what you deserve.
Besides the negotiation aspect, an automotive attorney will handle all the messy documentation, help in preparing statements, and represent you through the settlement process.
Provide Liability
A complaint or rather valid is deemed valid if you can prove that the other driver is responsible for the accident.
You need to prove that the other driver’s negligence is what caused your injuries.
As simple as it sounds, proving the negligence of another driver is quite challenging. As a matter of fact, it’s one of the popular reasons why most of the auto claims are voided.
This is because every party shifts the blame to the other so that they can get full compensation form their insurance.
With an accident attorney, however, they will carefully sift through the evidence and help to build up a strong case against the other party.
For instance, these lawyers might gather evidence, reconstruct the entire accident, or even have witnesses to back you up.
Determine the Value of Your Claim
As we had mentioned earlier, most of the insurance is there to make a profit.
Sure, few of the insurance companies will deny you a settlement, but it’ always a fraction of what you are entitled to get paid.
However, established attorneys will carefully assess the case, and even the damage inflicted to determine the true valuation of your settlement.
With an automotive attorney, you can be sure that you receive the full settlement that will cover all the extent of your losses.
Negotiate a Fair Settlement
Once you’ve determined your settlement value, the next step is to convince the insurer to pay.
This is always the hard part, and this is true if you lack negotiation skills.
When negotiating for a fair settlement, most of the professional attorneys will always place their client’s interests before anything else.
Filing a Personal Injury
One of the major benefits of having an automotive attorney by your side is they advise you on the available legal options to take.
For instance, if your insurance company is adamant about offering a fair compensation amount, an attorney might advise you to seek alternative compensation methods such as seeking personal injury compensation.
By adjusting the claim, your insurer might be forced to adjust their settlement to a higher fee.
In a nutshell, an automotive attorney is knowledgeable and will give you a variety of legal options and avenues to seek your compensation.
