Nick Johnson asked:
An auto accident lawyer sees the damage done in a drunk driving accident almost as often as police officers do. Unfortunately, after a drunk driving accident, a significant personal injury settlement or a hefty award from an auto accident lawsuit will never take away the devastation left behind from a drunk driver.
Auto accident lawyers work with the victims of drunk driving accidents as well as the families and surviving members of fatal accidents. Sometimes even the emotional stress of having to go through an auto accident lawsuit after a drunk driving accident can take a significant toll on a family, and sometimes it represents a sense of closure for other victims.
Consulting with an auto accident lawyer after a drunk driving accident does not necessarily mean that you or your family is required to follow through by filing an auto accident lawsuit. While many victims are afraid of the toll an auto accident lawsuit may take on them, they may find relief in the fact that most cases end in a personal injury settlement.
This is usually due to the very obvious nature of the accident, and the very high level of public awareness of the dangers of drunk driving. Drunk driving education starts in high school, and from there on out, there isn’t a single driver who isn’t aware of how dangerous it is to crawl behind the wheel of a car when affected by alcohol.
Being aware of how affected one is doesn’t mean that there will be any additional control over the vehicle. Being aware of how affected one is means that the driver knows full well that they do not belong behind the wheel of a car.
An auto accident lawyer can meet with the victim, if able, and the family members and go over the victim’s and family members rights in the event of a drunk driving accident. Nobody should have to go through the aftermath of a drunk driving accident alone, and an auto accident lawyer can make helpful recommendations in receiving the quality care that a victim and their family may need.
There has been an increase in the publicity of drunk driving accidents involving a single car, numerous passengers, and only one or two survivors. These cases typically involve teenagers and young adults who are interested in partying, but these cases can be a little more difficult.
The argument has been made that the victims knew the driver was drunk and still got in the car with them. Some people have disagreed with the high jury awards and personal injury settlements that have come from these cases. An experienced auto accident lawyer can fully explain the rights of the victims in these cases, and also explain why the filing of an auto accident lawsuit is not inappropriate in these cases.
The victims are not responsible to know the condition or the blood alcohol level of the driver. These cases can become very terse and tense if the auto accident lawsuit goes to trial, as the defending lawyer will attempt to blame the victims. In these cases, having strong representation from a well qualified auto accident lawyer is imperative.
However, it should remain clear that just because the victims were in the car and made a choice and perhaps were even a bit drunk themselves, this does not absolve the driver from his or her responsibility and may very well still end up with a high jury award or a high personal injury settlement.
Drunk driving accidents account for a large percentage of deadly car accidents on the road today. With public awareness as it is, there really is no excuse for drunk driving accidents.
Many people have tried to lessen their responsibility for their own actions by filing an auto accident lawsuit against bar tenders and bar owners, even filing auto accident lawsuits against friends who should have stopped them from getting behind the wheel, sometimes even after an effort was made to stop the driver from leaving the bar or residence.
Drunk driving auto accident lawyers are seeing an influx of defense cases involving not auto accidents, but citations and the loss of licenses and even jail time for individuals who pull over and stop driving due to the level of affect the alcohol has had on them.
In these cases, the driver attempted to do the right thing and correct his error in judgment by pulling off the road to sleep while he or she sobered up. It seems a little incredulous to punish someone for correcting their irresponsibility before it caused bodily or property damage to someone else.
In light of these charges being valid, auto accident lawyers are finding that many people are trying to get all the way home, having considered stopping but knowing that the consequences are still quite harsh.
Don’t drink and drive.
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Herman White asked:
Do you have a car and enjoy driving it in Orlando, Florida? That’s great to have a perfect car to drive in Florida, isn’t it? It surely is amazing, but you may have to face some issues while driving in this part of the world. The biggest issue is that you can find many people with pathetic driving skills. What’s more, these drivers and motorists don’t care about others, and many of these are uninsured, or underinsured.
What it means is that driving in Orlando may make you lose a lot of money after getting an accident. The reason is that there are incidents where people have experienced severe injuries in auto accidents. Brain injuries, neck injuries, head injuries and injuries to the spine are the most common ones. But, as you can see, all of these are serious injuries and require prompt medical attention.
To deal with all these issues, you need an auto insurance, to cover your medical expenses and future medical costs. These insure policies also cover loss of wages and damages for mental anguish. All this implies that an insurance policy is going to help a lot if you undergo an accident. But, it is also crucial to mention that these benefits can only be obtained if you have a right Orlando auto accident lawyer by your side.
Apparently it seems like you don’t need a lawyer to get compensation, but that’s not true at all. The reason is that there are so many issuers that always try to take advantage of your ignorance. As these insurance providers work with legal advisers and attorneys they always try to find an excuse to give lower or no compensation whatsoever. In this situation, it is becomes impossible to get maximum compensation on your own. And, that’s the time when many people opt for Orlando auto accident lawyer.
There are many reasons why it is important to have an auto accident lawyer by your side. One reason is already mentioned above, but there are others as well. For instance, if you have a lawyer by your side, you won’t have to think about dealing with all legal formalities on your own. Obviously, you will not be in a position to handle the whole thing after undergoing an accident. So, the presence of a lawyer will surely give you the piece of mind. Moreover, the involvement of a lawyer will always help you deal with cases where someone else may have been hit by your vehicle.
The fact of the matter is that though there are several benefits of auto insurance, but sometimes you need an auto accident lawyer to reap all benefits. This is the time when you have to search for the right Orlando auto accident lawyer. So, keep searching and hire the best lawyer in town!
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Lindsay Nolan asked:
After having an auto accident understanding the claim process is important as delay in claiming can lead to unnecessary hassles. After an auto accident has occurred, it can be a difficult time for those involved. By proper understanding of the claim process, problems associated with the claim and compensation procedure can be alleviated to a certain extent. There are many areas in which a person should familiarize oneself with.
Primarily, it is essential to be familiar with the auto policy availed by you. An auto policy is a contract between two parties. They are the purchaser of that policy and the insurance company providing coverage. When a policy is purchased, the purchaser would receive a written document describing the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the policy. Such a document is also known as the insuring agreement. An important part of the policy is the Declarations page. This page describes what vehicles are covered, which drivers are covered, the limit of the policy, and the responsibility of the insured person. Understanding the insurance agreement will help the insured person to be aware of what is covered by the policy and what is not.
After having an auto accident understanding the claims process also involves becoming familiar with important definitions of the auto policy. The adjuster will be referring to these terms during the claim process. Therefore understanding the terms would be vital to make the claim process smoother. Some important terms are:
Insured: The first party or direct customer of the contract, usually the policyholder;
Damages: What will be specifically paid out if a loss occurs?
Claimant: The third party to any claim against an insured. They do not have a direct contact wit the insurance company but they have implied coverage when the insured is deemed responsible for the loss;
Claim: Declaration of damages incurred for a loss by either the insured or claimant.
After an auto accident, once an insurance company is notified, it will assign a representative to investigate the claims. The representative would determine if the policy is valid and is relevant for the type of accident that has occurred. The next step would be to determine the liability. After interviewing all parties involved, get accident reports and witness statements, in order to determine who is responsible fro the losses incurred. The insurer would then review the damages claimed and only damages covered by the policy are considered. Immediate expenses like medical bills, lost salary and expected future expenses, if required, are gathered during this time. This part of the process allows the insurance company to decide the amounts that should be paid out before claims are settled.
The crucial step in the process is the actual payment of damages to the insured and/or claimant party. Proper understanding of the claim and good handling of claims would result in a better compensation for the loss.
After having an auto accident understanding the claim process enables oneself to be confident about the outcome. By being aware of the damages that are covered by the insurance policy, and being realistic of the damages that have occurred, it is possible to have an accurate expectation of the settlement thus making the claims process quicker and smoother.
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Terro White asked:
Life is really unpredictable. It is all about facing unexpected things and missing the expected ones. There are times when we have to face sudden crisis, as a result we require help from external forces. The most unexpected things are accidents that can intrude our way anytime. Therefore, it is extremely important to be ready to face the emergencies with proper insurance plan. However, after the accidents, it becomes necessary to consult an auto accident lawyer to recover the losses incurred in the accident.
Orlando, Florida US is a city where accidents are on rise. So, the victims are found in constant need to seek help from Orlando Auto Accident Attorney in Florida. This is because; an auto or personal injury lawyer can fight against the accident case of the victim in a professional way. An Orlando attorney specializes in injury cases ranging from minor ones to the major like car accident.
An auto injury lawyer plays a vital role in handling these cases with skill and diligence. Well aware with latest changes in the laws, he or she can help you recover your losses in the best possible manner. Hiring the services of such a professional will help you claim any kind of injury: be it related to spinal cord, or brain. You can easily file a suit against the accused.
But, the most important thing is to find a right professional to get right guidance for your case. Thus, before hiring the services of an accident attorney, you must know what he or she can do for you. Since, the streets of Florida are not safe and are flooded with uninsured drivers or motorists, seeking the help of an injury attorney will represent your case in a better way against personal injury, wrongful death, and road accidents. The services offered by auto injury lawyers provide coverage against:
* Brain injury
* Injury to the spine
* Neck injuries
* Fractures
* Broken bones
* Head injuries
They help you recover compensation and damages against:
* Medical expenses incurred due to injuries
* Future medical costs
* Compensation for loss of wages
* Mental pain and anguish
* Alcohol-Related Crashes
* Motorcycle Accidents
* Passenger Injuries
* Bicycle Accidents
* Pedestrian Accidents
* Driver Injuries
* Hit- And- Run Accidents
The attorney will let you avail immediate medical aid to recover the loss. But, don’t forget that hiring a lawyer for any reason is very important. Thus, if you are looking for legal assistance against your case, Orlando auto accident lawyer would make a best choice for you. In this perfect world, if you have got injured physically, consult a legal insurance adjuster to get the compensation that you deserve.
To conclude, an auto attorney makes sure that you get relieved of the problems related to your accident and ensure to grab enough returns from accused. So, taking a help from such professionals when injured in an accident would really make sense as these lawyers will help you sail through your crucial times. Visit an injury lawyer if you are a victim of an accident and know your rights and ways to recover your damages.
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Tyler Goldstein asked:
u know that every 10 seconds, an Auto Accident takes place on the roads of the United States! Shocking isn’t it? Looking at these statistics, it is no wonder then that the highest number of personal injury lawsuits in the courts of America involve auto accidents.
About Auto Accident Claims
The first and perhaps most important element of an auto accident lawsuit is that of negligence. In order to receive any kind of compensation from your auto accident claim, it is vital that you can prove the negligence of another person, company, or entity. In addition to proving negligence, here are some of the other factors that should be present to uphold your claim:
The negligence should have directly been the cause of the auto accident. You, or some property of yours, should have been injured or damaged due to the auto accident. The negligent party should have sufficient auto insurance. If you can prove all these conditions to be true, you can have a legal personal injury claim. The best person to gauge whether or not you do have a valid claim is a personal injury attorney.
Proving Negligence In Auto Accidents
In most auto accidents, it may not be easy to determine who was at fault for the crash. If you are involved in the auto accident, you are likely to be in shock and may miss out vital signs. Thus, eyewitness accounts, accident reports, and traffic rules can help you to figure out where to lay blame for the auto accident. Here are some things that you should look out for:
- Was the driver of the other vehicle drunk?
- Were they speeding or driving recklessly?
- Did the other driver disobey traffic signals?
- Was any pedestrian at fault?
In addition to the other driver being responsible for the auto accident, a number of people could also be help liable for it, such as:
Maker of the vehicles involved, especially if the vehicle turns out to have a defect in it. Government entities that are responsible for maintaining the roads, ensuring that traffic signals are functioning properly, and ensuring adequate lighting on the roads. All this seems quite complicated, doesn’t it? Thus, to help you with your auto accident claim, you should enlist the services of a personal injury attorney immediately.
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C.L. Hendricks asked:
If you have never been a motor vehicle accident that resulted in having to file a suit against the at-fault driver, then you still have time to learn: Don’t ***** up your auto accident settlement. That may seem harsh, but sometimes you can innocently mess up your chances of receiving what you should in the settlement.
I asked a group of folks for what they had learned when they went through the auto accident settlement process. The advice covered what to do at the accident scene, what and how to document everything, how to deal with the other guy’s insurance company, and when it may be time to hire an attorney.
Here are the top 10 bits of hard-earned wisdom:
1. While at the accident scene: call for medical assistance immediately if anyone is injured. Remain at the scene of the accident.
2. Get information concerning the time, place, date, location, as well as the other driver’s auto license number and driver’s license name and number. Write everything down!!! Get names and phone numbers of witnesses and passengers.
3. Take pictures at the scene of the accident…of everything; your vehicle, the other vehicle involved, the area the accident happened in, and any personal property that may have been damaged in your vehicle. If the police are there, point out what is damaged to them or to the witnesses.
4. Contact your insurance company and be sure to get the claim number assigned to the case. If the police are called, get a copy of the report and DO NOT sign or admit any guilt.
5. DO NOT ADMIT CAUSE. Don’t admit to doing anything. Even if you think it was your fault, don’t say it to anyone at the scene of the accident.
6. Document everything. If you miss work or school, document the days you missed, the reasons why you missed, and what that day was worth to you financially. Have it signed by someone in authority at work or school.
7. Be sure, if you are injured, to seek medical attention. Keep a journal and record the names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors, hospitals and clinics. Record the date and reason for each office visit. Make an entry every day in the journal describing any sort of physical, mental or emotional problem you experience which may have been caused by the accident.
8. If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, do not respond. Send their correspondence to your insurance company or attorney, and let them respond on your behalf.
9. Don’t settle for just whatever the insurance company tells you they will pay for the damages to your vehicle or property.
10. If there is a significant amount of money involved, consider hiring a lawyer.
Here’s what a couple of folks learned, in their own words:
“I was in an auto accident 3 years ago and I got a settlement. It was not as much as I should have received, but I got all I could. The one thing I learned is that since my major medical insurance paid my medical bills, they had a lien on my settlement. If I had not taken the person to court that was at fault, my major medical insurance company would have gotten the settlement instead of me. Consult with a car accident attorney as soon after an accident as possible so that you know your rights.”
“One thing I have learned from being in an auto accident is that one must remain firm with the other driver’s insurance company. They will try to play games and push time limits etc. Stay on them. Keep track of the times you called and who you spoke to. Then if you have to file a complaint with the Department of Insurance (which we did) or seek the assistance of an attorney, then you have proof of your attempts to communicate and their unwillingness to help.”
If you will follow the advice of those who have “been there done that” then there’s a good chance you won’t ***** up your auto accident settlement.
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Kirk Bernard asked:
An auto accident in Seattle can change your life forever. There are vehicle repairs to worry about, of course, but those costs are often negligible compared to the other possible consequences. You may have to deal with medical issues that will affect you for the rest of your life; you may need to miss work for a long period; or you might even be unable to continue working. Most people know that as a driver they are eligible for damages if someone else was at fault, but people are often less clear about their rights as a passenger. If you have been injured in Washington State in an auto accident while you were a passenger, you should be aware that you do have rights.
As a passenger injured in an auto accident, you are eligible to receive the same types of damages as a driver. However, you cannot receive compensation for damages to another person’s vehicle since you did not incur any of the repair costs.
If you were a passenger during a car accident and another driver was at fault, you are eligible to receive full compensation. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future income, pain and suffering, and other types of damages depending on the details of the case. What you may not realize is that if the driver you were traveling with was at fault, you also have rights. All persons operating motor vehicles in the state of Washington have a duty to drive in a safe manner that does not expose passengers to unnecessary risk. If the driver was speeding, was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or failed to obey the laws of the road, then they neglected to operate their vehicle in a safe manner. If an accident occurred because of this negligence, you as the passenger are eligible to receive compensation. You may qualify for the same damages as you would if another driver was at fault.
A big question for many passengers is whether they should seek compensation if the driver was at fault. In many cases, the driver is a loved one or friend, so making the decision to take them to court is often difficult. In these instances, though, your first priority has to be protecting yourself. Injuries you sustained in an auto accident may affect your ability to work for years to come and medical bills can quickly add up. Furthermore, the driver’s insurance company will most likely be stuck with the bill. If the driver was at fault in the accident, his or her premiums will almost certainly increase regardless of whether you file a claim.
If you are injured as a passenger in an auto accident—regardless of who was at fault—you should take the following steps to ensure that you receive any entitled money. The first is get checked by a medical professional right away. Have the doctor document all of your injuries, no matter how minor they may seem at the time. Second, you should not sign anything from the insurance company. Their job is to get you to settle for the least amount possible, so it’s quite probable they will offer you far less than they know you deserve. Finally, you need to seek legal counsel from a Washington auto accident attorney like Kirk Bernard who knows the laws regarding auto accidents and the rights of passengers.
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Paul Justice asked:
Auto accidents occur all the time despite all efforts to avoid them from responsible drivers. However, auto accidents that involve serious injuries do not happen all the time but they do occur frequently. A serious injury due to an auto accident is the last thing someone wants to go through, but without proper driving skills the risk of incurring one is there. Philadelphia auto accident lawyers want the public to fully realize how and why an auto injury occurs. It is important to learn this information so that you can be prepared every single time you step on the road. In order to realize the true extent of auto injuries, Philadelphia auto accident lawyers suggest that you sign up with the local hospital for their auto injury programs. They will show you what the realities are and what it means to not practice safe driving tactics. But until then, some specific realities of auto injuries are given to give you a general look at what it truly means.
Serious auto injuries can occur at any time of day, anywhere, and to anyone. Drunk driving is a big contributor to major auto injuries because the driving practices of a drunk driver are so unpredictable and dangerous. Cars going the wrong way on the street or freeway is a common move made by drunk drivers. Their driving is very unpredictable and stable due to their current state of mind; therefore it is almost impossible for another driver to practice safe defensive driving when dealing with a drunk driver on the road. Head on collisions are one of the most dangerous auto accidents that lead to fatalities of all members in the car. Philadelphia auto accident lawyers have a simple message to relay about this type of driving, is simply do not drink and drive.
Another reality of severe auto injuries is usually a victim will find himself or herself paralyzed from the waist down, depending on the way that they are sitting and if they are wearing a seatbelt. Many of the time, victims will have to have some of their extremities amputated. This is due to the way that the other car collided with their car and the amount of time they were sitting in the injured car. Another dangerous aspect of major auto injuries is severe burning due to the car engine catching on fire. Painful skin grafts that require multiple surgeries will have to be present leading to a very painful process. Much of the time severe scaring is present depending on the severity of the case. Sometimes so many nerve endings will be destroyed that a victim will loose all sensations in the extremity that was damaged.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident that has left them with major injuries, contact a Philadelphia auto accident lawyer as soon as possible. They will be able to assess your situation with great care and determine how to go about recovering a settlement to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, and for pain and suffering.
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Art Gib asked:
When the inevitable happens and you are in an automobile accident, the first thought that flashes through your head is am I ok, and are the other people involved in the accident ok? If you had an auto accident and you weren’t to blame, the anger then begins take its shape and you are faced with injuries and auto repair damages that you can’t pay for.
Finding a reputable auto accident lawyer who can guide you step by step on what to do next as well as counsel you on going after damages from the other party at fault in the accident or even the insurance agency is key to getting the damages that you deserve.
Insurance companies tend to take the easy way out with many insurance claims that either pay out in large amounts or tend to have some form of liability involved. If you are a victim you should not be afraid to go up against the insurance companies no matter how big they are. If you pay your insurance premiums and you were not at fault in the accident, then you should go after damages.
Here are a few key questions to ask an auto accident lawyer so that you can make a wise decision on which one to choose.
How many cases have you won? Asking the lawyer how many cases they have won that are similar to yours is a good first step in the right direction. Some lawyers have extensive knowledge and experience in litigation and mediation when it comes to auto accident cases. You need an attorney who has the expertise to be able to be aggressive in the court room with both the defending party as well as the insurance company.
How much do you charge? Many attorneys that represent injury and accident cases do not charge an initial fee if they feel they can really win the case. An attorney that asks for hundreds of dollars up front may not be the right attorney to go through. If they are willing to go the extra mile with your case and put up a good fight in the courtroom, you want an attorney like that on board.
Do they take the time to answer your questions? Does your attorney take the time out to answer all the questions you have or do you feel rushed when you talk to them? If they are not willing to answer all of your questions and won’t return your phone calls, chances are they won’t work hard at defending your case. Someone you feel comfortable with as well understands your situation with compassion is the auto accident lawyer that you will want on your side.
By asking a few key questions and feeling comfortable with talking to the auto injury attorney should be solid steps in finding the best attorney for your own individualized case.
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Patricia Woloch asked:
What should I do if I am in a car accident?
The police should immediately be called so a repot can be filed. Medical treatment should be administered at the scene, if necessary. Bear in mind that the shock of being involved in an auto accident can often mask any pain for hours, or even days. Be sure to exchange information with the other drivers involved. Obtain names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance information. Avoid speaking to other drivers’ insurance adjusters.
Should I contact an attorney?
You should consult the advice of an automobile accident attorney right away. There are many steps you need to take to ensure you receive full coverage and payment for the costs and injuries you suffer as a result of an auto accident. An experienced attorney can provide the assistance you will need to be sure you receive payment from the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
What if the at-fault driver does not have insurance?
If the other party involved in the car accident does not have liability insurance that does not mean no coverage may be provided. If you have purchased uninsured motorist insurance, coverage may be available for the injuries and costs you have suffered as a result of the accident. In addition, there may be other third parties that can be held responsible that are unknown. This is another reason why it is important to consult an attorney right away. A good example of this is that you may have a cause against the Department of Transportation for negligent or faulty road design.
Will I have to go to court?
Personal injury cases are more often than not settled prior to having to go to court. Usually parties involved in an auto accident only have to go to court when there is a discrepancy involving the insurance company, or the insurance company refuses to pay the full value of the claim.
Should I take pictures?
Definitely. If you have a camera available, and even if the police take photos, be sure to take as many photos as you can. Always take pictures of the vehicles, the accident scene itself, from multiple angles, and of all the parties involved, especially if they have suffered an injury.
What do I do if the other parties’ insurance companies call me?
Always refuse to speak to insurance companies. If they do call, and they most likely will, be polite, but simply decline any comment. Insurance claims adjusters are professionals and even though it may seem as though you said nothing damaging, they are trained and will make it seem as though you said something entirely different. They ask questions designed to hurt you and help them to avoid having to pay the claim.
Should I go to the doctor?
As mentioned above, many times the shock of being involved in an auto accident can mask pain for over 12 hours, sometimes even days. However, it is always advisable to see a doctor, even when you think you are fine. It is especially important to see a doctor if you do feel any pain whatsoever. Many wait for weeks, hoping the pain will subside on its own. Not seeking the medical assistance of a doctor is not only bad for your health but can ultimately damage your chances of obtaining an appropriate settlement.
Following the advice of the doctor is also very, very important. If you miss an appointment, or fail to follow his or her directions to the letter, it may be used against you.
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