When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

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While there is no set rule or timeline for when you must contact a personal injury attorney, particularly following a car accident injury, it is necessary to retain the services of a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following the accident. You do not want to be without counsel at any point during the procedure, and most lawyers work on a contingency basis.

Consultations with Insurance Companies

The likelihood is that you will need to speak with your lawyer about your medical bills and property damage. Your personal injury lawyer and personal injury law company will ensure that your medical costs and property damage claim for your vehicle are paid promptly so you can get back on the road. That process should begin immediately after you leave the emergency room or are released by the accident investigation team assigned to your accident to set up the driver information exchange.

Avoid Statute of Limitations Issues in Medical Malpractice Cases

If you have a claim for medical negligence, timing is crucial. State statutes require you to notify the doctor within a specified time period. If you suspect you have been a victim of medical negligence, you should seek legal assistance immediately. Medical malpractice claims take time and need a great deal of work on the part of the lawyer. The more time you give them to work on your case, the better.

Insurance Companies Employ Professionals; You Should As Well

Typically, insurance firms have the deck loaded in their favor. They have a plenty of funds and legal resources. You want to ensure that you are working with these organizations on an even playing field, or as close to an even playing field as possible.

That is why, when dealing with these organizations, you should have your own team of professionals on your side. Insurance companies, whether your own or the other driver’s, will prioritize their own interests. They may attempt to nickel and dime you in order to save the company money, much to your detriment. That is why it is critical to have an experienced personal injury attorney represent you during these conversations. You never want to do anything on your own except report an accident.

Assemble the Appropriate Medical Team

It is important that you also consult with the appropriate physicians in order to maximize the value of your claim. Your personal injury attorney, who will be familiar with the personal injury laws in your state, can assist you in locating the appropriate medical experts who can treat you and also serve as qualified witnesses in your case, should it proceed to trial. You want to surround yourself with medical professionals who can not only heal you, but also testify in court and explain the long-term effects of the injury.

Firms That Represent Clients in Personal Injuries Have Support Staff

In some situations, a personal injury law company may also employ medical personnel who can examine your claim and determine the type of personal injury claim you have. They can also translate medical documents received from your physicians and act as a liaison between you and the physicians. Additionally, they will be able to ensure that you receive the finest possible personal treatment for your injuries and that your personal injury case is handled properly by being comprehensive and professional.

Personal injury attorneys frequently have investigative personnel on hand to assist them with your personal injury claim. They can assist in recreating the accident and utilizing the material at trial or during discussions with the carrier in order to obtain the best payment or judgment possible. Private investigators are just as critical as personal injury attorneys since they provide the information necessary for the personal injury attorney to pursue your claim.

Do You Require The Services Of A Personal Injury Attorney?

Even a five-mile-per-hour incident can result in a range of injuries to the back, neck, and spine. Regardless of how straightforward you believe your case is, you should always consult with a personal injury attorney. You should never attempt to navigate this minefield on your own. In most circumstances, you will not be charged unless the lawyer recovers money, so there is no danger in retaining counsel as quickly as feasible.

Dealing with an Auto Accident in Washington State

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Have you been injured in a vehicle accident in the state of Washington? Nobody anticipates being involved in an accident, and it’s a stressful situation. Whether or not if you were responsible for the accident and are now seeking compensation, this article will walk you through the process of resolving an auto accident in Washington State.

We’ll guide you confidently through this tough circumstance, from the rules governing auto accidents in Washington State to the compensation you can expect.

The Fundamentals Of Washington State Automobile Accident Law

Washington is a state with a high rate of comparative carelessness. This means that whomever is at fault in an automobile accident is financially liable for the resulting damages. If many parties share responsibility, the damages obtained will be proportionately reduced.

Consider the following scenario: you are involved in an automobile accident and are determined to be jointly liable with the other driver. You and your vehicle are unharmed, but the other motorist has incurred a $20,000 monetary loss. They may sue you for $20,000, but they will only be awarded $10,000 due to your joint responsibility.

Additionally, Washington State law requires drivers to carry insurance to protect anyone who may be hurt in a car collision for which you are judged at fault.

The Financial Losses Involved In A Car Accident Case

In Washington State, the majority of traffic accidents are resolved through insurance settlement agreements rather than through a formal court proceeding. This is a less formal process that begins with filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier, demonstrating the extent of the harm.

The insurer will then conduct an inquiry of the claim and the supporting documentation. They will issue a compensation offer if they determine that their insurance policyholder is at fault. If you accept the offer, you will sign a contract agreeing not to pursue the issue further.

It is always prudent to check with a lawyer prior to accepting any settlement offer to ensure that you are receiving the best possible bargain.

Which Errors Should I Avoid Following A Car Accident?

Numerous divers make several critical errors following an automobile catastrophe. The following are the top ones to avoid.

 

1. Leaving the Accident Scene

It is illegal to flee the scene of an accident in which you were involved if there has been an injury or damage to another person’s car. You are required to pull over and exchange insurance and contact information in order to file a claim later.

If someone is hurt, it is also considered common politeness to ensure they receive proper medical treatment prior to leaving the site.

 

2. Acknowledgement of Fault

Never mention anything that could be regarded as admitting fault if you were not the cause of the accident. For instance, refrain from apologizing to the other motorist if you were not at blame or are unsure who was at fault.

Additionally, you should exercise extreme caution while communicating with insurance providers. Though you concede fault to an insurance provider, you risk invalidating any subsequent claims, even if you are technically entitled to reimbursement.

 

3. Failure to Compile Evidence

Being involved in a vehicle accident is stressful, even more so if it is severe. However, it is critical to photograph the scene for subsequent use as evidence. You should attempt to acquire photographs or video from as many angles as possible prior to moving any cars.

Additionally, photograph or record any stop signs, lights, or barriers that obstruct your view of the road. Additionally, take a photo of the license plate of the opposing vehicle to confirm you have the correct information.

 

4. Failure to Consult a Physician

If you are injured in an automobile accident, get medical attention immediately. This is especially crucial if you have had a significant injury, such as whiplash.

Even if you do not believe this is essential, you should still see a doctor for an assessment. The physician’s report will provide more evidence in support of your argument. This is one of the first documents that insurance companies will want if you file a personal injury claim.

 

Acceptance of the Initial Insurance Offer

Insurance companies’ initial settlement offers are virtually usually less than what they are ready to pay. However, the majority of people immediately accept this and go on. You may be entitled to substantially more than they are offering, which is why it is prudent to have an attorney analyze the settlement and advise you.

 

6. Refusing to Hire an Attorney

Many consumers feel that they do not require the services of an attorney in order to file an insurance claim. However, as we have seen, insurance companies frequently underpay claimants, and you may receive less than you deserve. Additionally, interacting with an insurance company can be unpleasant, particularly if you are healing from an injury.

What Happens If There Is An Accident In Washington State And I Am Uninsured?

Driving a vehicle without insurance is banned in Washington State. If you are involved in an accident without insurance, the Department of Licensing (DOL) will suspend your license if someone is harmed or a minimum of $1000 in damages is sustained.

Within 180 days after the accident, you will receive a suspension notification informing you how to prevent or appeal the suspension.

Your license may be suspended for up to three years and you may be required to pay a $75 reinstatement fee, depending on the severity of the collision.

Of course, if you’re impaired by alcohol or proven guilty of careless driving and cause an accident, you face legal consequences and a possible prison sentence.

How Much Money Do Car Accidents Typically Recover?

There is no way to determine the average settlement amount in Washington State because each accident is unique. A minor collision with minor damage may result in a maximum of $1000 in damages. On the other hand, a serious accident resulting in catastrophic injury or death may result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages and harm.

 

Several subjective elements that have a substantial impact on the settlement amount include the following:

 

  • The severity of the damage
  • Earnings loss (if a someone is unable to work owing to an injury)
  • Accident cause (whether reckless driving or alcohol was involved)
  • Suffering and anguish (for example, if lifelong injuries have been sustained that cause mental and emotional suffering)

At Caron, Colven, Robison & Shafton, we handle accident cases on a daily basis and has the strategies and relationships necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve.

Do You Require an Attorney to Represent You in a Car Accident Case?

Being involved in a vehicle accident is a very stressful and frequently traumatic experience. If you’ve been involved in an accident and sustained injuries, CCRS can assist you in obtaining fair compensation. Whether you’ve incurred physical injuries, lost wages, vehicle damage, or emotional distress, you deserve compensation.

Caron, Colven, Robison & Shafton specializes in auto accident claims. If you have sustained a personal injury in a car accident, contact them immediately and allow them to handle your case. They’ll ensure that you receive the most favorable settlement possible.

What is Lane Splitting?

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Lane splitting is the act of driving between vehicles in traffic to move past them in the same lane with is only legal in the state of California. It seems to be dangerous, and it’s certainly terrifying for drivers in their vehicles. Imagine driving 70 miles per hour on the highway only to look over and realize you could stick your hand out the window and touch someone on their motorcycle because they are passing you in your lane between you and the car in the lane next to you.

If you ride a bike in California, know you can split lanes within the legal confines of the law. Also, know that you can visit a personal injury attorney directory if you are injured in an accident resulting from lane splitting. With the legal assistance from an attorney, they will help you with your case and the laws surrounding this practice.

 

What is Considered Wrongful Death in the state of California?

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An accident is considered a wrongful death case in the state of California when a member of your family was caused fatal injuries by the negligence of another person, business, or government employee such a police officer or medical personnel. The person responsible for the wrongful death of your loved one may be convicted of a crime and be prosecuted in criminal court, but for your family to receive compensation for your losses a separate wrongful death case is required.

Wrongful Death Case Types

There are a variety of different types of wrongful death situations. A wrongful death lawsuit is needed as a result of any negligent act or failure to act resulting in death. Here are some examples of wrongful death situations in the state of California:

  • Medical Malpractice
  • Deaths involving dangerously defective products
  • Premises liability fatalities
  • Motor vehicle accidents caused by neglectful driver
  • Other transportation accidents caused by a negligent driver

Wrongful Death Statute in the State of California

A wrongful death civil lawsuit is filed by survivors of the crash, by a family member or loved one of the deceased, or by the personal representative of the person who died in a wrongful death accident due to accidental or intentional fatal injury. If the individual responsible for the wrongful death of your loved one is held accountable, that individual will be ordered to compensate the deceased family members for any damages they’ve suffered. Wrongful death statutes vary by state. You can find California’s wrongful death statute at CCP section 377.60.

The Statute of Limitations in a Wrongful Death

According to CCP 335.1, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed within two years of the death of your loved one. There are some exceptions, and a lawyer can inform you of those.

What is Considered Damages in Wrongful Death?

Compensation for wrongful death cases are separated into two categories These are damages awarded to the deceased surviving family members or damages awarded to the deceased estate.  

Damages awarded to the deceased estate include:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical bills associated to the deceased fatal illness or injury
  • Lost income and income expected to be made in the future

Damages awarded to the deceased surviving family members include:

  • Loss of affection, moral support
  • Expected counseling services expenses
  • Loss of future financial support
  • The value of the deceased household services

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Others may be able to bring the wrongful death lawsuit, but generally preferred people are the spouse of the deceased, the children of the deceased or dependent minors of the deceased, and the parents of the deceased can file a wrongful death lawsuit in the state of California.

Even if the loss of your loved one is unclear, if you suspect their death to be wrongful or negligent it is extremely important that you contact a lawyer that specializes in wrongful death cases. It is important that your loved one receives justice and that your family received compensation for the damages caused to your deceased loved one. Please contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible, the call and consultation is always free on any wrongful death claim.

Information on Uber Accidents

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If you are lucky enough to live in a city like Costa Mesa, CA that gives you ridesharing options such as Uber and Lyft, you’ve certainly got no excuses for you to get where you need to go. But, unfortunately, just with any transportation, there is a danger behind it. So don’t think that just because you are utilizing the excellent option of Uber that you won’t be somehow caught up in an accident at one time or another.

What You Need to Know About Uber Accidents

Both Lyft and Uber are major corporations and are worth billions of dollars, so they must ensure that their drivers are covered by $1 million both in uninsured/underinsured motorist and liability coverage. This means that anyone injured in an Uber or Lyft accident that was not at fault for the accident may have the ability to collect a complete package of compensation for medical costs incurred, along with pain and suffering.

You may be compensated if one of the following situations applies to you:

  • A passenger or motorist was injured in a collision where a ridesharing driver was negligent.
  • The driver of a ridesharing car was injured in an accident where another driver was negligent.
  • A passenger injured in a ridesharing car, no matter which driver was negligent.

Here are the three stages of an Uber driver and how responsibility falls within each of those stages:

  • Stage 1. The driver is using his care for personal reasons and is not available to pick up passengers. His own insurance is then responsible for any accidents he is in.
  • Stage 2. The driver is available or waiting for passengers, but he is not carrying any passengers at this time. If the driver is available but not carrying a passenger, an accident will primarily be covered by the driver’s insurance. Uber may provide additional liability coverage to cover property damage.
  • Stage 3. The driver is carrying a passenger. If an accident occurs when a driver carries a passenger, the driver and passenger are covered under Uber’s liability policy.

If you are involved in a car accident while utilizing an Uber service, or while on the clock as an Uber driver, contact an experienced Uber accident personal injury attorney by visiting a personal injury attorney directory today.