The Most Common Accidents and Injuries in Miami, FL

Car accidents can inflict serious injuries depending on the severity of impact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents contribute to the most significant fraction of accidental deaths in the US every year. While Miami is comparatively safer than the rest of Florida, its roads pose a serious hazard when it comes to the frequency of car accidents. In 2016 and 2017, Florida was listed as the most dangerous state to drive in. In recent years, Florida no longer has the worst drivers in the nation, but Miami’s reputation for putting bicyclists and pedestrians in harm’s way hasn’t faded. Particularly Miami’s 1-95 is considered among the nation’s deadliest patches of road.

On average, an American undergoes three to four-car accident experiences in his lifetime. Most of these incidents don’t translate into serious harm. However, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that car crashes remain the leading reason behind car fatalities and injuries. Annually, 2.4 million injuries and 30,000 deaths are recorded as a direct consequence of car accidents.

Although car accidents are common in Florida, not every accident is the same. From T-bone, accidents to hit and runs, the range of collision resulting injuries have different wavelengths and circumstances. Plus, the victims involved undergo different strains of emotional and physical pain, which is why getting a Miami Personal Injury Attorney is recommended to streamline the legal process.

Here is a rundown of some of the frequent accidents taking place in Miami

1. Hit and Runs

Reckless driving is a leading reason for car accidents in Miami. However, hit and runs aren’t just a result of reckless driving — they’re also a disappointing display of cowardice and indecency. Driven by selfishness, hit-and-run perpetrators first cause a crash, and then immediately make a run for it, leaving their victim stranded and unattended right in the middle of the collision site.

No matter the intensity of the incident, Florida law makes it illegal to leave a car crash scene before the arrival of law enforcement. In the last decade, hit and run cases have been steadily growing in Miami. Since 2011, the county’s hit and run accidents have climbed at an average of 6.8%, out of these, 22,204 hit-and-run accidents were recorded in 2018, alone.

Back injuries are commonly associated with hit and runs. They mostly damage the region surrounding the spinal cord. They can cause sprains, strains, and in severe cases, upset the stability of discs supporting the spine’s structure.

A disc is essentially a cushioned space between vertebrae. It is shock-resistive because it contains a gel-like fluid in its interior. When the disc hyperextends, it ruptures, in which case the person in question is administered injections or undergoes extensive surgery.

Realizing the immediate need of decreasing the incidence of hit and run cases in Florida and Miami-Dade County, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has published hit and run awareness guidelines. The brainchild of this project is called the stay on scene campaign, which aims to educate drivers on the repercussions and penalties of being on the inflicting end of a hit and run collision. According to the authority, you can have your license revoked for a minimum of three years and spend up to 5 years in prison if your hit and run case involves serious injuries. This awareness may act as a deterrent to hit and run collisions and effect their overall frequency and severity positively.

2. T-Bone Accidents

of another, it forms a T-shape, almost like a sharp end of a knife slicing through a square block of cheese; therefore, it’s referred to as a T-bone accident. The most probable scenario of a T-bone accident is when a motorist does a wrong or improper turn, swopping into the trajectory of onrushing traffic. Another plausible cause is when a driver enters a traffic-heavy intersection, unannounced.

T-bone accidents are mainly responsible for chest and spinal cord injuries. Chest injuries are manageable and only cause contusions and bruises. However, severe injuries and broken ribs aren’t off the table when the accident is a critical disaster. The primary culprit behind these injuries is how a person focus on how they drive.

Spinal cord injuries are among the most dangerous car accident aftermaths. At the very least, they cause bruising, or application of excessive pressure on the spine. In full force, they can damage spinal nerves and cause irrevocable impairment in the form of complete or partial paralysis. Sometimes, spinal injuries also have spillover effects and can cause spinal fluid leaks, pneumonia, blood clots, and infection.

3. Rear-End Crashes

Almost all cases of rear-end crashes are the fault of the impatient or inattentive driver who tailgates the cars beyond him too closely or at dangerous speeds. Especially, when you drive too fast, you often don’t recognize when the vehicle ahead of you has made a stop which sidetracks you into crashing into its rear. Some common causes behind these accidents, which cause a major lapse in concentration are texting, drunk driving, and other forms of distracted driving.

As a result of rear-end accidents, you can experience a Whiplash injury. The effects of Whiplash can range from mild to disastrous. It is primarily a soft tissue injury that twists your neck violently after a sudden impact with another car. If the accident isn’t severe, it doesn’t cause much more than a day of neck stiffness. However, in harsh cases, it can aggravate into traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions. If the neck swivels around its axis unnaturally and violently, serious injuries remain a massive possibility.

Furthermore, the symptoms of this injury are delayed; it shows long after the accident. This is the reason why even if you think the accident isn’t a big deal, you should get medical assistance and have yourself checked.

4. Head-On Collisions

Though not as common as the rest of the accidents, head-on collisions account for the most significant part of fatalities. These collisions can inflict serious harm on people since their impact is a product of the combined force of two cars. Head-on crashes happen when a driver is exhausted, dizzy, or under the influence of alcohol, and steers away from the driving lane into the sides of the road, or drives in the wrong way on a one-way road.

Often people ask: can car accidents cause depression? The answer to that is yes. Specifically, head-on crashes can lead to long-lasting emotional trauma and mental health complications. Even if a person comes out of an accident untouched, the mere experience can trigger brooding anxiety and panic disorders. These mental health issues can keep a person fearful of crossing the road or driving a car. A severe apprehension may strangle your ability to function at work or engage in a relationship in some cases.

Furthermore, if the accident causes a disability or a permanent disfigurement, the victim can contract a severe case of clinical depression. In some cases, victims are given compensation if an emotional injury hampers their day to day activities.

5. Rollover Collisions

Utility vehicles are infamous for being involved in rollover collisions. Specifically, SUVs are unstable because of their heavy front tops, which increases their chances of tipping over and rolling down a stretch of road. However, any vehicle that doesn’t obey the speed limit is at serious risk of facing the same fate.

Rollover collisions can result in serious injuries, and sometimes even death. The driver and passenger also need to be immediately taken out of the vehicle to save them from violent fires and explosions. Sometimes, the victims are hurled from their seats from a rolling car onto the hard and abrasive surface of the road, which incurs catastrophic injuries.

Brain and head injuries are a common element in car accidents involving rollover collisions. They mainly occur when the driver’s head crashes against the steering wheel or side window as the car tosses and turns after impact. Therefore, it’s essential to always practice road safety.

There is also a specific type of brain injury called traumatic brain injury (TBI), which occurs when brain function is inhibited due to the lingering aftereffects of a catastrophic crash. Its symptoms vary from mild to severe. A Mild TBI isn’t that serious and doesn’t cause more than a concussion which recovers on its own after a couple of weeks. A severe TBI, on the other hand, can lead to permanent cognitive impairment.

There are also other types of brain and head injuries that these types of car accidents are responsible for, such as facial lacerations and bruises, skull fractures, and bruises. They also have the potential to inflict permanent damage.

Final Thoughts

Many different types of accidents can inflict varying degrees of harm on you and your vehicle. From head-on collisions to rollover collisions, every kind of car crash exposes you to different financial and medical liabilities. Whatever situation you’re confronted with, it’s important to call law enforcement on the scene and have yourself medically evaluated to prevent the possibility of serious injuries. Sometimes your body doesn’t show obvious signs of being hurt, especially when you’ve registered a concussion or internal bleeding. Therefore, you need to make sure you don’t take things lightly and proceed with the utmost caution.

6 days ago Car Accident Lawyers No comment

Car Accident Injury Lawyer – Legal Advice you Need

Many personal injury claims are a result of an accident involving a car, resulting in vehicle damage and physical injury. If you have been involved in a car accident,  because of all the red tape and complicated paperwork, you may want to rope in the efficient services of a Houston car accident lawyer. Certainly car accidents that involve fatalities will warrant the legal representation of an experienced car accident injury attorney. The lawyer will be able to help you get the due compensation.

What should you do if you are involved in a car accident

Visit a doctor even if the accident doesn’t look too serious

A very common mistake a lot of people involved in a car accident make is not visiting a doctor if the accident doesn’t seem too serious. You should know that some wounds take time to manifest themselves and become quite painful and difficult if not treated on time. Another reason that you must consult a doctor is because you’ll require a complete medical report of the injury you sustained in the accident. This will serve as testimony when you file your claim with the insurance company and also to the authorities, in case, the case has to be taken to the court.

Hire the services of a car accident lawyer

It’s important to hire the services of a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The reason for this is that there are deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Not only that, but it is also important simply because of the preservation of crucial evidence and witness testimony.

When you start looking for a reputable car accident lawyer, remember your compensation is at stake and for this reason, you want a lawyer with plenty of experience and skills in this field. You will also want to find out about their standard fee structure and what out-of-pocket expenses you will be responsible for.  An important aspect to look out for is that your lawyer should be well acquainted with the state’s transportation and road laws.

Monetary compensation

A Houston car accident lawyer knows that when someone is the victim of an auto accident, their lives can change drastically. Reimbursement for damages or reparation is aimed to help victims of auto accidents for what they endured. Some most common monetary compensation covers:

• Medical expenses
• Salary loss
• Loss of ability to generate income

Call the Experts

If you’ve been injured in a car crash, don’t waste time wondering who to turn to and what to do. The capable Houston car accident attorney will offer you a free assessment. They have broad experience – are seasoned attorneys and are a strong presence to have on your side – they are waiting to fight for your cause and do what it takes.

1 week ago Car Accident Lawyers No comment

How to Choose a Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer

The moments succeeding a car accident can be both hectic and immensely confusing, more so if you are under treatment for injuries sustained during the accident. As you recuperate so you can resume your normal daily work routine, you need to consider hiring a Philadelphia car accident lawyer to alleviate some burdens off of your plate.

If you don’t have a lawyer you can simply call up from your phone or know very little about them, you don’t have to worry. Below are tips on how you can choose a good Philadelphia car accident lawyer to help you out and how you stand to benefit from doing so.

How to Hire A Good Car Accident Lawyer

The attorney you hire to handle your claim is not a decision you should take lightly. But with so many practicing lawyers out there, how certain are you that you are choosing a trustworthy lawyer? Here’s what you need to consider.

1. Skills and Experience

Handling legal matters is not an easy affair especially when car accidents are involved. Without the right legal backing, you are at the liberties of the insurance company and their executive legal team to award you a fair statement. However, a highly skilled and experienced lawyer can help level the playing field.

Before choosing an attorney, don’t hesitate to make inquiries about their education and training, how long they’ve practiced, and the nature of car accident claims they’ve been involved in. Insight into these questions can help you make a well-informed decision on who to hire.

2. Work with a Reputable Lawyer

Hiring a car accident lawyer with a good reputation is vital. Just as you would ask your friends or family for recommendations regarding a particular restaurant, you could ask to be referred to a good attorney. Compile a list of potential lawyers and proceed to look into their experience and success rate.

How much do they settle for? What do their clients feel about their services? Asking these questions can help you find a worthy Philadelphia car accident lawyer.

3. Willingness to Communicate

Have you ever subscribed for a service or paid for a product and the seller seems to selectively ignore your calls or messages? It is quite a frustrating experience and can tarnish a brand’s credibility.

Law is an intense profession and a lot of lawyers are usually very busy. However, a good lawyer should take the time to address any concerns you have as well as make it easy for you to comprehend the legal situation as it stands. They should also openly state how much the fees will be and what value they are providing.

If the lawyer is not able to give you in-depth insight into how the case is going to progress or is dodgy about any issues you raise, then you should not consider giving them the case.

4. Do They Play Hardball or Are They Easily Swayed

It is important that you understand insurance companies are in business and are looking to make a profit. Therefore, it is in their best interests to pay you the least amount of money possible if they do pay you any damages at all.

Depending on the insurance provider, some companies even try to settle the claim before you have fully recovered from the accident. You need a good Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer who’s going to identify these conniving approaches by insurance companies, advise you accordingly, and hard press the provider to offer better settlement.

5. Professionalism of the Lawyer

As you set up a meeting with the lawyer, request to meet them in their office or place of work. A credible lawyer with enough experience should have an organized office space where they work from. The more organized the lawyer, the more professional they are.

When you visit their office, try and look out for signs that will either serve as evidence of the lawyer’s professionalism or red signs that they are not what they purport to be. Keep an eye on how the staff operates, how organized the lawyer’s desk is, how they communicate with others, and how they handle incoming calls.

You also need to assess whether the potential hire is resourceful enough to prepare for your case. Some claims involve a lot of money and can go up into the hundreds of thousands. The lawyer you hire needs to have available assets that can help them prepare adequately for your case.

Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney

When you get into a car accident, you can either file for insurance claims by yourself or you can hire a Philadelphia car accident lawyer to do that for you instead. Here’s why hiring a lawyer will put you at an advantageous position.

1. A Good Lawyer Will Investigate Your Accident

Some accidents are straightforward while others can be very complex. A lawyer can help find out just who is at fault for the accident, at what degree, and how much compensation you are due.

2. Your Rights Will Protected

In a perfect world, you will file your insurance claim and receive a sizable settlement in no time. Unfortunately, that’s not the way the world works. By hiring a lawyer who knows what rights you’re entitled to, you’ll have someone who can identify unfair or unlawful situations and proceed to correct them.

3. They Understand the Law

Laws regarding car accidents and personal injuries may seem simple, until your insurance provider tries to avoid paying for damages. A lawyer with a comprehensive understanding of your rights will work aggressively to make sure you’re duly compensated.

It Always Pays to be Prepared

If you’ve never been involved in a car accident then you should consider yourself really lucky. Even the best of drivers are susceptible to car accidents. In the event that you are involved in a car accident, a car accident attorney can help you handle your accident claim so you can be rightly compensated for damages incurred.

As you focus on your recovery, a good Philadelphia car accident lawyer can provide sound legal advice, help you fill the right paperwork, provide an accurate settlement estimate, and negotiate with the insurance company. With the tips explained above, you should be able to get a credible and professional lawyer to handle your case.

1 week ago Car Accident Lawyers No comment

Factors That Affects Motorcycle Accident Insurance Claim

No one wakes up in the morning and expects to be involved in a bike accident in Los Angeles. But if this misfortune did happen to you, know that you can always file for a motorcycle accident insurance claim. However, you also need to understand that the insurance adjuster will look for flaws in you and your bike. They’ll make it hard for you to get proper compensation. And push you to a corner where you have no choice but to accept breadcrumbs of money.

To avoid the hassle of bike accident insurance battle, you must be aware of the factors that affect your claim.

The top three aspects that pull your case down the drain

No helmet or wrong helmet type

Los Angeles is following the California helmet law, which is called the Universal Helmet Law. According to the California Vehicle Code Division 12, Chapter 5, Article 7, Sections 27803, a motorcycle rider and passenger must wear helmets at all times while riding. However, the helmet must be in compliance with the standards of the Department of Transportation (DOT). Only helmets that meet the DOT standard can help any insurance claim. And you’ll know if it’s the right helmet thanks to the DOT sticker on the surface.

Helmet minimum requirements:

• Full face helmet and thick interior liner
• Chin straps connected to the helmet shell
• Helmet weight follows the federal standard of three pounds minimum
• Zero protrusion beyond two-tenth inch from the shell

You need to abide by the California state law regarding helmets to have unquestionable claims on your bike accident coverage. And not only will wearing a proper helmet allows you to follow the rule. It can also save you from a traumatic brain damage, which is actually one of the common causes of road accident fatalities. By wearing a DOT standard helmet, you lessen the risk of brain damage by 69%. And that is mainly because a heavy duty helmet absorbs the impact of a road accident.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

The Unites States is very strict with its blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers. In Los Angeles, it is absolutely illegal to be driving your motorcycle in these cases:

• 0.08% BAC or more – blood alcohol content for ages 21 and above in operating typical passenger vehicles like a motorcycle.
• 0.04% BAC or greater – not allowed for driving commercial vehicles.
• 0.01% BAC or higher – illegal to drive for individuals less than 21 years old.

Violation of these rules can lead to suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, large fines, and time in jail. And it gets worst if you get into a road accident while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Modified exhaust system for larger sound

There are many motorcycle fanatics who simply cannot let their bikes be. They constantly look for things to alter and make better. And one of the most modifiable parts of a bike is the exhaust system. But you should know that in California, the Vehicle Code section 27156 exists as an anti-tampering law for motorcycles.

dBA (A-weighted decibels) exhaust system requirements in Los Angeles:

• 96 dBA – exhaust noise limit for motorcycles produced on January 1, 1998, or after that day.
• 101 dBA – exhaust noise limit for motorcycles produced before January 1, 1998.

SAE Standard J-1287 is a test process that is conducted to measure the sound output of your motorcycle exhaust. But if you have modified your muffler to make the sound bigger, then you’ll have a problem with your motorcycle accident insurance claim. Take note that it is illegal to go beyond the required dBA.

Motorcycle accident attorney to the rescue

Find yourself in a road accident with any of the major violations? Then you must contact a motorcycle accident attorney immediately. A legal expert is what you need to get you out of the mess, even if you have violated the state laws. If you choose to file for a motorcycle insurance claim alone, then the dragons of insurance lawyers will eat you alive.

Deserving of high compensation

Even if you have no helmet on, or used a helmet that does not follow DOT standards, or driving under the influence, or has noisy exhaust system, you still deserve high compensation in an accident. A competent and highly skilled bike accident attorney can help you find facts that make you a victim. They can counter the spinning tales of the insurance adjuster, and process your claim with the law by their side.

Bottom line

Do your best to follow the motorcycle laws, since they are created for your safety. But if you have not learned your lesson yet, then make sure that you have a bike accident attorney to bail you out of trouble.

1 week ago Car Accident Lawyers No comment

Steps Involved in a Personal Injury Auto Accident Case

It barely takes a few seconds to find yourself in an accident and have your life turned upside down. No one can predict accidents or be prepared to fight in a way that is desired to pull oneself out of the situation. These situations are sudden, impactful, and more often not, can be life-altering too. However, what one can do is stay prepared as much as possible and keep calm if a situation as such arises. It is essential to stay in the know, learn about how events and investigations could unfold after an accident, and use the knowledge to battle the unforeseen circumstance with utmost perfection. Accidents do not have to mean that your life is over, or you cannot go back to work anymore. Some of these events, as horrific as they might sound, can make for great life lessons. And if anything, you will always learn to stay aware, be cautious and responsible, and take road safety rules seriously.

On a similar vein, to make your search for information about auto accidents and personal injury cases easier, this article enlists the steps that are involved in a personal injury auto accident case. Understanding the steps will make it easy for you to fight the situation rightfully and do what you have to do if you find yourself in such an unforeseen situation.

Check out the steps in the article

There Is An Initial Investigation:

There is always an initial investigation involved in every case, be it personal injury or anything else. That is how one gets hold of the required evidence that will later come handy in the case. It goes without a doubt that the primary importance must be laid on your health before anything when there is an accident. However, if it possible for you to take down crucial numbers, or get some pictures clicked from the accident which you think can corroborate your argument and strengthen the case in your favour, do them by all means. These will act as solid proofs during an ongoing initial investigation. And if you have a lawyer roped in on the case, it might be useful for them.

You Need to File A Claim for Compensation With Your Insurance Company:

Another vital step involved in a personal injury case is that of filing a complaint with your insurance company. Your insurance agency will provide you with compensation if you have the collision coverage in the policy. And they will also contact the insurance agency of the driver at fault and claim for compensation. The insurance company of the driver at fault might ask you to accept some money and sign a release. It is in your best interest to not sign the release without having thought everything through. Once you sign the release, you will not be able to open the claim even if you happen to sustain injuries from the accidents that last for a longer period.

Consultation with an Auto Accident Attorney:

It is important that while you are going about your process of filing claims with insurance agencies and contacting the insurance agencies of the driver at fault, you also contact an auto accident attorney or a law firm that extends such services. In case you are looking for more information about personal injury attorneys, you can click here and gain a better insight. They know the nitty-gritty of the domain better than anyone else and will guide you in the right direction. They might also save you tons of money in the process and save you from falling into a messier situation. In a personal injury case, especially when it is concerned with an auto accident case, there are several latent costs involved. And insurance companies might also want to take advantage of you if you are not careful enough. You might want to avoid the hassle and contact a personal injury lawyer in the very first minute.

Medical Treatment and Investigation:

Some law firms for personal injury might also go a step forward with their services and help you out with the payment of your medical bills by contacting the right people in the case. They will also look into the intensity of your medical condition and help you out in whichever way possible. And this is why, there is a need for a personal injury lawyer in your case. However, not all personal injury lawyers and law firms will help you out in this direction. And that is why, it is better that you always look into the services that they have to offer before hiring a lawyer for your case.

Settling Demands:

Perhaps the most important and a major step in the entire process of a personal injury case is that of settling demands. Without the right lawyers at your disposal, things could spiral awfully out of hands, and it could land you in even bigger troubles. Once your medical condition has stabilized, you need to prepare yourself for this almost daunting task for settling demands. You might have to move back and forth, for way too many times in this step. Your attorneys will get into talks with the insurance agencies involved in the process and submit a claim. Then there will also be quite a few negotiations in the whole process. You might not get what you had initially asked for, and have to settle with the negotiated amount (which is why we call it as ‘settling demands’). Either way, you need to have lawyers ready who can handle the step with much gusto.

Filing Lawsuits When there is No Settlement:

If the case settles in the step we mentioned before this, the process can be deemed to be complete. However, if you are unable to find the right settlement and the case moves a step forward, you will need to file a lawsuit. Things can get pretty ugly in this step. Most insurance agencies know that no one wants to go into lawsuits and legal complications, and that is why they offer lower amounts as compensations. However, if you have the right lawyer or law firm guiding you through, you will know what you are really entitled. They will also tell you if it is advisable to file a lawsuit. And in case there is a lawsuit, your personal injury lawyers will help you win the suit too with mediation and trials. And though the entire process of a lawsuit is quite complex and elaborate, it is better to wait it out patiently if your lawyers think that it is worth fighting.

Wrapping Up:

Personal injury cases are mostly messy, and you must be prepared for the long haul if you find yourself in a situation that calls for a lawyer to be hired. No one likes legal complications, but at times, these situations are unavoidable, and it is then necessary to hire the correct people on it to save you from years of losses. Enlighten yourself about these cases and do what you need to do to get out of the situation with the help of a personal injury lawyer.

1 week ago Car Accident Lawyers No comment

Top 5 Car Accident Safety Tips

A car accident can leave you vulnerable. When you are stuck stranded on the side of the road, you may find yourself being struck again. However, if you follow the car accident safety tips outlined below, you can ensure that no additional harm comes your way as you deal with the aftermath of your accident.

Here is what you need to do following your car accident:

1. Turn on the Hazard Lights

Other drivers and road users in the area might not necessarily be expecting to encounter a vehicle that has stalled on the roadway. If they fail to see you, they may end up crashing into you, too. Use road flares in addition to hazard lights if you are on a busy road.

2. Stay Inside Your Vehicle

If the accident occurred on a busy road such as a highway, you should exercise caution when you get out of the vehicle. It isn’t unusual, though tragic, for victims of car accidents to be struck when walking around the vehicle.

If there’s heavy traffic, it is advisable to contact the police from within your vehicle and stay there until help arrives. The most common type of accident is being rear ended. Research actually suggests that you might be safer not only by staying inside the vehicle but also keeping the seatbelt buckled. That way, you will still be protected in case of a second crash.

3. Be Careful When You Approach the Other Driver

If the other driver seems threatening or belligerent in any way, it’s best not to engage them. Instead, wait for the arrival of police. You can then safely request the other driver’s license and insurance information.

4. Move the Vehicle to Safety

If your vehicle still runs and your injuries aren’t preventing you from driving, it can be a good idea to move the vehicles so that they are not in the path of other vehicles and in harm’s way. Try pulling over in a safe location. Obviously, this is not always possible. If you have to stay put, ensure that the hazard lights are on to alert other road users of your presence.

5. If You Smell Gasoline, Get Out

While you will usually be safest staying inside your vehicle, that isn’t always the case. One scenario when you should not remain inside your vehicle is if there’s reason to suspect that a fire might break out. Fortunately, the vast majority of accidents don’t result in explosions or fires. However, if you smell the unexplained scent of something burning or smell gasoline, get yourself and any passengers carefully out of the vehicle to the safest place within reach.

If you follow the steps above after being involved in a car crash can help ensure that an already bad situation doesn’t get worse. However, there are still other things that you need to do following an accident to protect your legal rights an ensure that you are able to get the necessary medical care.

2 weeks ago Car Accident Lawyers No comment

What Do You Do When You Get Hit By a Car While Riding a Bicycle?

Cyclists tend to come off worse in road traffic accidents. With over 850 deaths a year, this is a serious problem. Bicycle safety should be important for all road users.

Do you know what to do if you get hit by a car while riding a bike? It’s something every cyclist should know.

Read on to learn what do you do when you get hit by a car

Call 911

Immediately following the accident ring 911 or have someone do it for you. Your priority should be your own safety and that of any other injured party.

Call law enforcement and report the accident. Let them know what happened so your version of the events gets into the police report. If the car driver has committed an offense the police officer may issue a ticket to the driver.

Ask the police officer for the reference number of the police report. You can obtain a copy of the report a few days later.

Collect Evidence at the Scene

Collecting evidence about the accident is always easier to do at the time and at the scene.

Get the contact details of the driver who hit you. Write down their name, address, phone number, insurance details, and driver’s license details.

Get their vehicle details. Note the make and model of the vehicle. Get the vehicle identification number and license plate number too.

If there were any witnesses, ask for their contact details. Ask any police officers who attend the scene to take a statement from them. Get a written statement from any witnesses if you can.

Make a note of any road conditions, hazards, and street signs. Use your smartphone to take photos of any vehicles involved and of your bicycle. If there were any hazards such as obstructions or potholes involved, take photos of them.

Get Treatment

If you need treatment, don’t refuse it. Get treatment as a priority. Sometimes, injuries are not obvious at the time of the accident so you should be examined by a health professional.

Have any injuries documented? Follow up on treatment if it is recommended. Refusing any recommended treatment could damage a future claim.

Collect any medical bills and medical records. Keep receipts for any expenses incurred including travel costs and car mileage to attend treatment.

Talk to Your Insurance Company

You may be able to make an injury claim without the help of an attorney. Complex claims and higher value claims may need more expertise.

When you talk to your insurance company remember that they may have an interest in minimizing your costs. To learn more, follow this link on bicycle accident settlements.

What Do You Do When You Get Hit by a Car?

So, what do you do when you get hit by a car while riding a bike? Stay calm and call 911. Your safety is your priority but then make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Are you interested in more legal advice? If so, browse this website for more great tips.

3 weeks ago Car Accident Lawyers No comment

Hit and Run: What to Do If You Hit a Car and They Drive Off

A hit-and-run happens every 43 seconds on U.S. roads, according to research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Not only are hit-and-runs illegal in every state across the U.S. with severe repercussions, but passengers or pedestrians with sustained injuries won’t get the timely medical care they need.

Do you need to know what to do if you hit a car and they drive off? Read below for the first steps you need to take.

What Is a Hit-and-Run?

A hit-and-run is an incident where a driver knowingly leaves the scene after their vehicle hits a person, an object, or another vehicle without giving adequate information.

Hit-and-runs are serious. Leaving the scene is a crime and you can face:

• Fines between $5,000 and $20,000
• Incarceration with a charge of either a felony or misdemeanor
• License suspension
• Sued for damages and suffering
• Cancelation of your car insurance policy

The majority of these incidents aren’t on the road. According to Allstate Insurance, 69% of hit-and-runs involved parked cars, mostly in shopping center parking lots.

These numbers are on the rise. Here are the necessary steps to take if you’re involved in a hit-and-run:

Don’t Leave

Rule number one: don’t leave the scene! If your car hits another vehicle in the middle of the road, move it to the side of the road if possible.

No matter who is at fault and if the other driver leaves the scene, stay where you are. You need to stay and give your account of the situation and gather all the necessary information.

Call the Police

If someone was injured, call 911. If there are no injuries and it’s not an emergency, call the non-emergency line. Having a police report helps your case and the process of filing an insurance claim is easier.

Once the police arrive, give them the details of the scene you’ve written down below.

Take Photos

Most people have a camera on their phone so take it out and take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the scene of the hit-and-run.

Your insurance provider wants these photos for your claim.

Talk to Witnesses

A pedestrian might have seen everything that happened from a different angle. The police and your insurance provider might want to talk to them.

Write down their contact information and details of what they saw.

Write Everything Down

The details are important. It’s impossible to get every last detail when the other person drives away but if you can, write these down after talking to witnesses:

• License plate number
• The make, model, and color of the other vehicle
• Drive description
• Location and time
• The direction of the other driver
• Description of damage

Call Your Insurance Company

File a claim with your insurance provider as quickly as possible. Give them as many details as possible and the contact information of witnesses.

Even if you’re at fault, this is necessary.

Do You Know What to Do If You Hit a Car and They Drive Off?

Involvement in a hit-and-run quickly becomes a bigger issue if you don’t take the necessary steps. By knowing what to do if you hit a car and they drive off, you’re protecting yourself from any legal action that might happen.

Do you have any legal questions? Check out our blog!

3 weeks ago Car Accident Lawyers No comment

Personal Injury and Negligence: A Guide to Proving Fault in a Car Accident Lawsuit

There are around six million car accidents every year. With that many auto accidents happening across the country, it’s important that you know what to do in case you’re ever in one.

Being aware of your own driving is only half the battle. Unfortunately, you can’t control how the other drivers on the road are going to perform. Because of this, it’s important that you know how to prove fault in a car accident lawsuit.

Doing so could end up saving you money and legal trouble. Continue reading and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

What You Need to Prove

When you’re filing a claim with the insurance company of the negligent driver, you will have the burden of proving your right to compensation for the damage and injuries. In order to prove this liability of the other driver, you’ll have to show a few things.

First, you need to prove that the driver had a responsibility to exercise reasonable caution while driving. Second, you’ll have to show that the driver was being negligent and they didn’t fulfill the duty to perform reasonable care while driving.

You’ll also have to show that the negligence of the driver was the cause of the auto accident. And lastly, that you were physically injured because of the negligence of that driver.

How To Actually Prove Fault In a Car Accident Lawsuit

Even if it’s obvious that the other driver caused the accident, his insurance company may place some blame on you in order to reduce or even deny the claim. Luckily, there are actions you can take in order to strengthen your case.

Immediately after the accident, make sure to take pictures. Take photos of the scene of the accident. You should also take photos of your car, the other driver’s car, and anywhere you might have been injured.

You should also contact the police. Failing to contact the police could greatly weaken your case. And in most states, you’re legally obligated to call the police after a serious accident.

You should also speak with witnesses. You want to get the contact information of any witnesses and a statement from them too about what happened. Neutral witnesses are great tools for helping prove someone’s fault in a car accident.

Lastly, you should retain the services of an auto accident attorney. Your attorney can interview witnesses, collect evidence, and hire experts in different fields to help win your case.

The Importance of Knowing How to Prove Who Was At Fault

Going through a car accident can be a traumatic experience. And it can often be extended when going through a complicated and confusing car accident lawsuit. But by knowing what to do after an accident, and how to protect your rights, you can be better prepared.

Are you interested in reading other helpful legal articles like this one? If so, then check out the rest of our blog today for more!

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