Dash Cameras: Are They Any Use in a Car Accident Claim?
It’s a beautiful day. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and even though it’s a Monday morning you feel energized and ready to take on whatever the world has to offer you today as you drive to work.
Oh no! Just up ahead, a car pulls out into your lane without checking both sides of the intersection. You slam on the breaks, but KAPOW! You can’t help bowling into this person.
Now, if you had one of those nifty dash cameras installed, you’d be able to prove to the police and the insurance company that the accident wasn’t your fault. Or would you?
Dash cameras seem to be a polarizing subject. Some vehicle owners will swear up and down by their dash camera, refusing to even venture out on the streets without one. Other drivers, on the other hand, don’t really see the point. They aren’t always permissible as evidence in a court of law, so what’s really the point?
In this article, we’ll investigate to see whether putting a dash camera in your vehicle is actually worth the cost and effort.
Are Dash Cameras Helpful in a Car Accident?
So, in a single question: are dash cameras helpful in a car accident?
The answer is a resounding YES!
Dash cameras are extremely helpful in car accidents in a variety of ways. Firstly, they tell you what happened. Accidents often happen so quickly that it’s easy to be in shock right after without having a good memory of what just transpired. A good dash camera will clear that up for you and let you know whether you were in the right or wrong.
Second, when you call the police and file your accident report, they will take a look at the dash camera footage to see who was at fault for their reporting. The other party can later dispute it if they’d like, but chances are that they won’t if they know you have footage.
Without the footage, it would turn into a he-said, she-said situation.
Can Dash Cameras Lower Your Insurance Rate?
Although dash cameras are great while you are filing a claim, they unfortunately do not lower your insurance rate with most insurance providers in the United States. This is because drivers that use dash cameras are not necessarily any less likely to file a claim, they are simply able to provide information on what happened during the claim.
Regardless, the benefits of a dash camera are clear! Now that you know why you need one, make sure to visit https://caraccidentking.com/ to know what else you need to do in the event of a car accident.
Putting It Together
There you have it — armed with this information, you’re ready to decide whether or not to get a dash camera of your car. Quick hint: the answer is that you should!
For more lifestyle advice, be sure to take some time to take a peek at and browse through the rest of the articles on the website!
What Motorcycle Accident Victims Need to Know About the Law
It’s hard to deny the allure the motorcycles provide to many people. They are a fast and fun way to explore the open road. They can also be, unfortunately, quite dangerous. Accidents involving motorcycles are more common than we like to believe, and the injuries involved can be quite serious.
If you’re one of the many motorcycle accident victims out there, it’s important that you take the time to understand the legalities involved with such an incident. Accidents on the roadway of any kind can be legally complicated. But things can even more difficult to figure out when a motorbike is involved.
Read on, and we’ll walk you through what you need to know about motorcycle accidents and the law.
Riding A Motorcycle Is Risky
Motorcycle accidents are legally trickier to work through than normal automobile accidents. Why is this?
This difference is due to the fact that riding a motorcycle is inherently more risky than riding in a normal automobile. No matter how safe and in control you might feel riding a bike, this is just a fact at the end of the day.
Motorcycles are smaller, lighter, and offer far less protection to the rider than an automobile would. There is no wall of metal and glass to protect a motorcycle rider from the outside world. This lack of protection means that a motorcyclist is much more likely to sustain injuries or even be fatally killed in some kind of accident on the road.
In addition to the previously mentioned factors, motorcycles are often less visible to other cars on the roadways. There is less stability when riding a motorcycle, and these kinds of machines also usually require a high degree of skill to properly operate.
Why do these things matter? At the end of the day, isn’t an accident? The answer isn’t quite so black and white.
Determining Fault In A Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents, like most accidents, are governed by the legal concept of negligence.
Negligence refers to a driver or rider’s failure to adhere to a proper standard of responsibility. Operators on open roadways have a legal requirement to drive reasonably responsibly, and they have this obligation to other drivers on the road. This is the basic legal principle of all open roadways.
A number of less-than-responsible behaviors can result in accidents. A driver could be speeding, looking at their telephone, or driving drunk, to name a few possibilities. These are all negligent behaviors, and these behaviors could easily lead to an accident.
In most accident cases, an attorney will work to determine and prove negligence. If an attorney can prove negligence, they can pin the fault for injuries and damage to the driver who behaved irresponsibly.
In motorcycle accidents, it is often other drivers on the road who have acted negligently. A driver might have failed to look when merging lanes, or they have made an illegal turn, or so forth. Sometimes, it is the motorcycle driver who acts negligently: by driving recklessly on the highway, or by running a red light, or so forth.
If you’ve been in an accident, it’s important to hire a motorcycle accident lawyer to help establish your case. Proving fault and providing evidence can be quite challenging, and it’s important to have someone on your side who has the experience to do just that.
Difficulties With Motorcycle Cases
Often the operator of a motorcycle will have an uphill battle in proving their lack of negligence in an accident case. It can be harder for them than a normal driver. This is because riding a motorcycle, in general, is often seen by judges and juries as a less-than-responsible choice.
An attorney will need to go above and beyond to relieve their motorcycle-riding client of the burden of fault. Juries are often predisposed to view a motorcyclist as negligent.
Sometimes, things aren’t black-and-white either. Many motorcycle accident cases don’t end up placing the full fault on just one operator. Sometimes, the concept of comparative fault is used and both the cyclist and the driver are blamed for some percentage of the accident.
Even if a motorcyclist is only slightly at fault for an accident, this fault can reduce the amount they are able to claim in damages. This is a very common outcome in many types of motorcycle accident cases.
It is recommended that cyclists do everything they possibly can to reduce the chance of risk or incident on the roadway. Being able to provide evidence of these steps taken can be a huge asset in court. A cyclist must go above-and-beyond to show that they acted as reasonably and responsibly on the roadway as possible.
Obviously, cases can vary greatly depending on the particulars of each case. If another driver was very clearly in the wrong, it might not be hard for a motorcyclist to retain the compensation that they rightfully deserve.
It can be key to hire a skilled attorney to successfully win such a case. Proving fault and providing evidence of reasonably safe riding can take a skilled and experienced hand, and is not something any rider should take on all alone.
Motorcycle Accident Victims
If you’re one of the many motorcycle accident victims out there, it’s important you understand how these cases generally play out. Motorcycle accidents are legally more tricky than other types of accidents, and the above information lays out why.
Need more legal advice, tips, and tricks? Check out our blog for more information.
Involved In a Crash? 5 Key Signs That You Need A Lawyer After an Accident
The average number of accidents in the U.S. annually is six million. Although it can be hard to prevent accidents, it doesn’t mean we cannot do anything when they happen. If two parties were involved, someone must have done something wrong, leading to an accident.
Today, car accidents are regarded as the most common type of accidents. Although there are laws governing road usage, statistics reveal that 45 percent of car owners in the U.S. don’t know they need a lawyer after an accident.
Of course, if you have been involved in a car accident, you might need to contact your lawyer to get compensation. Even so, how do you know when it is necessary to contact them?
There are several key signs you should check to be certain you need a lawyer. Below is an insight into the five signs that you need a lawyer.
1. Three or More Parties Were Involved in the Accident
If the accident involved more than three parties, there is no doubt that you will need a car accident lawyer. This is mainly because it will complicate your insurance claim.
In such instances, the negotiation process might lead to multiple lawsuits. Besides, if it involved property owners, commercial entities, or pedestrians, it might complicate the process even further.
An example of such instances is when a truck driver enters a wrong intersection illegally, and a driver of a passenger vehicle swerves to avoid the crash. As a result, he or she hits a motorcycle on the other lane. The accident would have involved three cars, which will lead to a complicated lawsuit.
Although it might be a daunting lawsuit, the first thing you should do if you were hurt in the accident is to contact a car accident lawyer. He or she will not only ensure you get the compensation you deserve but also fight to minimize your liability to the other parties.
Note that fighting such a lawsuit alone might not be the best option. Cases that require multiple lawsuits might be complicated, especially if you don’t have enough evidence to prove you were not at fault. For this reason, ensure you get an experienced lawyer from a prominent company.
2. When the Damage on Your Car Is Serious
How bad are the damages to your car? Is it totaled? If the damages are extensive, you will need a car accident lawyer. Typically, your vehicle might be written off if the damages exceed 50 percent of your insurance.
In case you might need a new car, you will have to seek the services of a car accident attorney to win compensation from your insurance company.
Note that even when the damages are minor, it is imperative to have your lawyer go through the process to ensure you get decent compensation. Although the majority of car owners ignore minor accidents, it is advisable you exercise your legal rights and claim the necessary compensation.
Also, if your car was the cause of the accident, your insurance company will ask you not to admit liability and ask you to get a lawyer immediately. Ensure you get an experienced lawyer and let them know you suspect you might have caused the accident. Your lawyer will prepare you on your defense and ensure he or she works with other parties to get an out of court settlement.
Although experienced lawyers might charge a hefty fee, it will be worth it. The lawyer is not only capable of helping you get a new car as compensation but can also talk with your insurance company and agree on a decent amount as compensation. However, it is imperative to check for signs that you need a lawyer first before contacting them.
Sometimes, you might want to settle your disputes off-court, and you will not need a lawyer. As a result, you will get to save a considerable amount of money that would, otherwise, be used to hire the best lawyers. The most important thing is to check for signs that you need a lawyer before deciding to hire.
3. The Accident Caused Serious Body Injuries or Death
A car accident lawyer should be contacted immediately if there were serious injuries or someone died in the accident. Besides, you can also hire a personal injury lawyer if you were injured in the accident. Accidents where someone died or involved severe bodily injury can be quite complicated and might, sometimes, lead to multiple lawsuits.
If you were injured in the accident, you are required to file a personal injury lawsuit against the party involved to get compensation for your medical treatment. If you don’t have a car injury lawyer, you might risk facing charges on wrongful death counterclaim or personal injury. Note that in the event your car is registered under your divorced husband or wife, you might need a divorce lawyer.
Further, you might also be charged a high amount of money for potential damages. For this reason, it is always recommended to have a car accident lawyer represent you in court.
Even if you are certain the other party was in the wrong, such civic legal cases might be tricky when you represent yourself. The complexity of the issues in the lawsuit will require expert advice.
The accident lawyer will not only help you calculate the amount you deserve as compensation but also represent you in the court. Apart from that, the lawyer will ensure they guide you through the legal process as well as shield you from any possible counterclaims.
Lawyers from the other parties might try to reduce your compensation or place you at fault. Therefore, the services of your lawyer will be needed.
Also, the majority of experienced lawyers offer free legal consultation, which means you don’t have to worry about incurring extra charges as consultation fees. The lawyer will guide you on how to go about the legal process and provide legal advice where necessary. Although an experienced lawyer might charge a hefty fee, they will ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
4. You Need to Collect Evidence
If you were hurt in the accident and need to collect evidence, you might need the help of a car accident lawyer. Your lawyer will also help you analyze the evidence to establish who was at fault and the estimated amount you deserve as compensation.
Today, the majority of car manufacturers equip their vehicles with a recorder known as a “black box” that is specially designed to record critical information in case of an accident. If the cars involved in the accident are equipped with the recording technology, you can retrieve the information and use it in claiming compensation.
The information is also capable of establishing how fast the car was traveling and whether the driver had worn a seatbelt. However, you should also note that accessing the driver’s data might not be easy. You might need the help of your lawyer to get a court order to retrieve the data.
Note that in the event your car was the cause of the accident, it might complicate the process of collecting evidence more — thus, you will need the services of an experienced lawyer. All you need to do is search for a prominent law firm and hire the best lawyer.
5. The Amount Offered as Compensation Is Lower Than Expected
Sometimes, compensation can be done at the point of the accident- if both parties agree who is at fault. However, in case there is a disagreement, then you will have to find a lawyer. He or she will help you settle the dispute and help you earn a decent amount as compensation.
Also, if the compensation offered caters for hospitalization only, you can consult with your lawyer to get paid for other damages and the lost hours. That’s not all! If there were lost items, your lawyer should ensure you are fully compensated.
Note that the best way to ensure you get the required compensation is to hire a lawyer to go through the damages and estimate the required amount. If the party involved does not comply with your requests, you can proceed to court and seek more compensation.
You should also ensure you have all the required evidence when seeking bigger compensation. In case your car was written off, you might need the services of an experienced lawyer from a prominent law firm to get a new car as compensation.
Is Checking For Signs That You Need A Lawyer Necessary?
Of course, it is necessary! It is almost a sure way to get compensation. Whenever you are involved in a car accident, your first option should always be to check for signs that you need a lawyer.
Although some damages might seem minor, they can advance with time. For this reason, engaging a lawyer from the start is fundamental.
If you are involved in a car accident or any issue that calls for professional follow up by a lawyer, feel free to contact us. Our top lawyers will work to ensure you get the required compensation. After all, why should you fight the battle alone while we can easily help?
Biking Injury: 9 Key Things to Do After a Bicycle Accident
Did you know that more than 18,000 adults and children were involved in bicycle accidents in 2016 alone? Around 100 of them were killed while the others were seriously injured. A biking injury is not something to joke about because it happens all the time on the streets all over the world.
But what happens if you’re involved in a biking accident? If it wasn’t your fault, what are the next steps to take to protect your rights and obtain compensation from the other party? It’s important to know what to do in case of a biking emergency, so you can be prepared for anything. Keep reading to learn more!
1. Move to A Safer Place First
Before anything else, it’s important to cater to your own safety and well-being, especially if you have been involved in a pretty serious accident. Make sure that you move to a safe place on the road where you can catch your breath and assess your injuries. Check your hands and legs to see if you have been cut or if you’re bleeding. If you’re biking fast, your body might be full of endorphins that act as pain killers, so you might not feel pain right away.
2. Call An Ambulance if Necessary
If you’re in serious pain and you suspect that you have fractured a leg or a hand, do your best to reach your mobile phone and call 911. Try to be as clear as possible when giving instructions related to your location. If you’re unable to call emergency services by yourself, scream for help and ask a passerby to do it for you. In most cases, people are willing to help and they can call an ambulance right away.
3. Call the Police As Well
Especially if the accident left you with injuries and a damaged bike, make sure that you also call the police. The police officers need to arrive at the scene of the accident to file a report. Again, if you’re unable to reach your phone or you’re severely injured, ask someone else to call the cops for you.
4. Take Lots of Pictures
Nowadays almost everyone has a good quality camera on their mobile phone. Use it to snap pictures of what happened. For example, make sure that you take photos of your damaged bike, the scene of the accident, the driver who hit you, his number plate, etc. If you have torn clothes or you’re bleeding, try to shoot pictures of these pieces of evidence as well. They’ll help you later on when trying to obtain compensation for your injuries.
5. Exchange Contact Information with the Driver and Witnesses
Once you have snapped pics of the scene of the accident, it’s important to also communicate with the driver of the car. There might be some strong emotions involved and this is a normal thing. However, try to refrain from having an argument or a shouting match. Just make sure that you obtain his/her contact information and also gather contact details from some of the witnesses who saw the accident.
6. Write Down As Many Details as Possible
If you are able to write (maybe making notes on your mobile phone), make sure that you jot down as many details related to the accident as possible. For example, describe what were your intentions, how bad the traffic was, what were the weather conditions, how many witnesses were present, what car was used by the driver who hit you, etc.
Why should you take all these notes? Because you might forget a lot of precious details very quickly and some of these details can help you obtain better compensation from your insurance agency.
7. Keep Your Evidence Safe
After you have taken photos of the accident and evidence, make sure that you transfer them to a computer as soon as possible. Also, it’s important to preserve the evidence untouched. For example, do not wash the clothes you wore when you were injured and don’t try to fix the bike that has been damaged. Keeping the evidence untouched will help the attorney when he is protecting your rights in the courtroom.
8. Contact An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer is a law professional who can help people involved in different types of accidents, including bike accidents. Once you arrive home, make sure that you contact an attorney and schedule an appointment. It’s important to not discuss with people from insurance companies yet. Speak with an attorney first because anything you say to the insurance company can be used against you later on.
When meeting with the personal injury attorney, make sure that you ask as many questions as possible and put forward all the evidence you have gathered. In most cases, it’s not necessary to go to trial to obtain compensation for the damages and injuries caused to you. The attorney can make a simple phone call and discuss it with someone from the insurance agency to solve the case. You should get help here if you want to speak with an experienced injury lawyer right now.
9. Schedule A Thorough Medical Exam
You probably received appropriate medical attention immediately after you have been injured, but usually, this is not enough. Once you have discussed with your attorney and left the hard work in his hands, it’s time to take greater care of you, especially if you have lingering pains days after the accident.
It’s important to speak with your physician and schedule a thorough medical exam. The doctor will probably take a closer look at your injuries and will try to interpret your symptoms better. This is the right thing to do to prevent pinched nerves, twisted muscles or any type of injury that wasn’t discovered on the day of the accident.
Now You Know What to Do If You’ve Been Involved In A Biking Injury!
As mentioned earlier, a biking injury is not something to take lightly. Do your best to preserve your composure and not panic in such difficult moments. Call your family members and friends for comfort and don’t forget the aforementioned pieces of advice. A good attorney can always help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Additionally, keep reading more articles from our blog to expand your knowledge when it comes to traffic accidents and injuries!
When Should You Seek Legal Advice After A Car Crash?
If you’re unlucky enough to be involved in a car accident or traffic collision, it can be difficult to know what action to take and whether you need to contact a lawyer. While some car accidents result in life-altering outcomes, others may seem uncomplicated at first glance, however they can still have lasting effects and could require legal assistance. Here is a guide to contacting a lawyer after a car accident and what you should consider before seeking legal advice.
Don’t Leave it Too Long
One important thing to note is that it’s never too soon to contact a legal service following a car accident, and often getting in touch sooner rather than later can help your situation. If your crash caused a significant injury, it’s unclear who was at fault or caused the accident, or if the crash involved other people such as pedestrians or cyclists, it’s vital that you seek legal aid. You should also contact a lawyer straight away if the collision occurred in a construction zone, a school area or any similar protected area. A police visit or accident report doesn’t always accurately describe the situation and you could be in difficulty further down the line if there’s no evidence to support your claims. This could even affect your insurance status or liability limits, which a lawyer can assist you with.
Smaller Collisions May Not Require Legal Assistance
If the accident was just a bump, you might not need an attorney to help you – it could even be settled directly with the insurance company. If there’s no visible damage to the cars involved, no-one has sustained any injuries and no-one needs to see a GP, and you can return to work straight away without it affecting you, then there’s probably no need to contact a legal service. However, it can always be worth seeking a consultation with a lawyer just in case, as they can accurately assess your situation and let you know if there is any benefit to hiring a lawyer for your case.
Benefits to Hiring an Attorney
There are several benefits to seeking legal assistance after a car crash. Firstly, they will be able to help you deal with insurance companies and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve after your collision. Many insurance companies want to avoid paying out claims and will attempt to pay out as little as possible, so they will try to get you to sign an agreement as quickly as possible. But having a lawyer such as 1800 injured (who are expert automobile attorneys in Tampa) on your side will ensure that the case goes smoothly and that you get what is owed to you.
Having a legal team behind you also provides peace of mind and confidence. There are often terms and procedures that can be daunting for those who aren’t in the know, but a lawyer will be able to help you through interactions and communications, so you know exactly what to say and when to say it for the best possible outcome.
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.
