All posts tagged injury lawyer

How to Protect Yourself after Being Hit by a Drunk Driver

by Anica Oaks on 2015/11/06 in Auto Accident with Comments Off on How to Protect Yourself after Being Hit by a Drunk Driver

Car accidents are dangerous. The aftermath of a car accident can often be a significant portion of the overall danger, because it is then the financial realities, medical issues and the overall burden of car repairs, wasted time and inconvenience manifest themselves.

All of these things are only magnified if the accident involves a drunk driver.

Technology to the Rescue

In the age of mobile technology, phones and tablets, every human being is equipped with virtually unlimited capacity to document any event on their own. Photographic and video evidence are both incredibly powerful and often conclusive in any legal matter.

The practical ramifications of this are clear. After an accident, you should be taking pictures of everything, especially anything with letters or numbers on it. License plates, VIN numbers, driver’s licenses, insurance cards, and so forth.

Secondly, don’t forget to take pictures of the surroundings, starting with the road in both directions. Take pictures of the pavement and nearby structures. Photograph the accident from every angle and be sure to photograph any accident evidence: skid marks, glass, metal, paint, dents, scrapes, car parts, etc.

The Authorities

If it is at all possible, anyone involved in a drunk driving accident should interview all of the relevant authorities, starting with the responding police department. However, you should not answer any questions until you have a chance to speak with legal counsel, even if you aren’t at fault.

Firefighters and ambulance drivers or emergency medical personnel should be at least identified. Get numbers and names if possible. All of these people will become crucial sources of information and possibly testimonies at a later date.

Legal Advice

Even if you don’t think you’ll need an attorney, it is often a good idea to at least speak with someone involved in personal injury or vehicle accident litigation. Firms like Racine Olson will often alert you to things you may not have considered. A qualified and experienced attorney can also often be a good candidate for organizing all the information related to your case.

Insurance

It goes without saying that if you are ever in a car accident, your second call should be to your insurance company. This is doubly and triply true when dealing with an accident with potential criminal liability, even if you are not at fault. Your insurance company can coordinate their efforts with your legal representatives and assist you in obtaining any official documents related to the accident, the aftermath and your case. You pay premiums for this service. You might as well use it.

Keeping your cool and making sure you approach an accident with a calm and reasoned attitude will often be the difference between major financial problems an accompanying legal trouble versus a favorable outcome.

Motorcycle Mishap: 4 Keys for Picking up the Pieces after Your Crash

by Anica Oaks on 2015/02/20 in Motorcycles with Comments Off on Motorcycle Mishap: 4 Keys for Picking up the Pieces after Your Crash

All auto accidents are traumatic, but motorcycle accidents are especially so. Motorcyclists tend to sustain more severe injuries, have more damage to their vehicle, and even to have more emotional distress over the accident. However, there are ways that you can help yourself to begin the recovery process.

Document All Injury

Many people do not get adequately compensated for their injuries because they failed to document all expenses. These include medical bills, medications, tests, special devices like neck braces, transportation and parking for appointments, and missed work. In addition, you need to document the impact on your life. Do you have pain? Nightmares? PTSD-like symptoms? Emotional distress? Fear of riding? Buy a notebook and write down whenever you are in pain, upset, or cannot handle daily activities as a result of the accident.

Get a Lawyer Immediately

Insurance companies deal with accidents on an hourly basis and are skilled at finding ways to not pay settlements. You do not have the experience needed to go up against them. However, motorcycle accident lawyers Naqvilaw.com and similar firms deal with these companies every day and know how to advocate for you. Get a lawyer while it is early enough to collect evidence and document your case.

Follow Doctor’s Orders

Many people initially feel fine and are eager to resume their daily activities. However, many of the injuries incurred in a motorcycle accident can become chronic or life-threatening if you do not follow your doctor’s orders regarding rest, work restrictions, and other parts of recovery. It is important to follow your doctor’s orders even if you think you can handle doing more.

Do Not Discuss the Case without Your Lawyer’s Approval

Anything you say can be used against you. Insurance companies will take things out of context or misrepresent your words to make it look like you were at fault or like you aren’t as injured as you claim. They may even try to interview your friends, coworkers, and neighbors. Do not discuss your accident unless your lawyer says you may, and even then be sure they have approved your statement.

Motorcyclists are often blamed for accidents that were not their fault and denied the insurance settlements to which they are entitled. These four tips will give you a better chance at getting the medical care and payment that you need to pick up the pieces and move on with your life.

Injured After Your Car Accident? Here’s Why You May Need an Injury Lawyer

by Anica Oaks on 2015/02/04 in Auto Accident with Comments Off on Injured After Your Car Accident? Here’s Why You May Need an Injury Lawyer

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, year after year an excess of 10 million motor vehicle accidents are reported annually. While no one ever anticipates being involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is clear that they can often be unavoidable.

What Injuries May Occur in an Accident?

While drivers are often fortunate enough to walk away from motor vehicle accidents without a scratch, often times this is not the case. Edmunds reports that approximately one third of motor vehicle accidents result in injury. Common injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents include whiplash, broken bones, and even brain or spinal damage, all of which can have severe consequences.

What Should I Do If Involved in an Accident?

Should you ever be involved in a motor vehicle accident, the first thing all of the drivers involved should do is confirm that there are no life threatening injuries, followed by relocating to a safe place. Next, exchange information with all drivers involved, file an accident report with the police, and photograph the scene if possible. If you are injured, you should contact a personal injury lawyer or a similar firm before contacting the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). Consulting with a personal injury lawyer before contacting ICBC ensures that your claim is reported properly in order to avoid costly mistakes.

Who is Liable for My Injuries?

Any injury resulting from negligent operation of a motor vehicle, including motorcycles, trucks, and buses, may be grounds for legal action. There are a number of potential parties who may be liable for your injuries.

What Is an Example Situation Wherein I May Need a Lawyer?

For example, suppose you are sitting at a traffic light and your car is rear-ended by a bus, resulting in severe whiplash and neck pain. After following the appropriate steps at the scene of the accident, you go directly to hospital to be assessed, having your injuries confirmed and documented by a health professional. The driver or owner of the bus may be liable for any expenses incurred as a result of your injury, expenses you may not have to cover with the assistance of a personal injury lawyer.

Consulting with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible is the best way to determine how to proceed with your personal injury case. You may have rights that you may not even be aware of, rights that can help ease the anxiety and consequences resulting from your personal injuries.