Personal Injury Lawyer

Pedestrians hit by automobiles generally suffer severe injuries. Besides the pain and suffering associated with recovery, the associated medical bills can be enormous. If you are hurt as a result of reckless driving, you deserve compensation. The odds of receiving restitution, however, are much greater if you understand what happens following an accident. Here is some information you can use following one of these motorized incidents.

Insurance

After calling 911, your next step should be discovering what insurance, if any, the individual operating the vehicle owns. In most cases, the driver will provide this information without trouble. This information is vital for achieving financial recovery.

Discovery

Preparing your case involves knowing everything concerning the accident’s circumstances. Obtain a copy of the police report and return to the scene to take photos and video. Write out your version of events and create a visual representation of how it occurred. This narrative will help your attorney formulate a winning argument.

Your attorney will most likely send a series of questions to the defense, otherwise known as an interrogatory. Oral discovery happens when the defendant becomes subject to a deposition. During discovery depositions, the defendant’s attorney asks the defendant a series of questions. These queries may include matters such as:

• The cause of the accident
• Injuries sustained
• Quantity of lost wages
• Prior accidents
• Criminal convictions

Assuming the defendant is contesting your claim, the defense attorney is likely to cover elements such as the admission of fault, traffic signals and the existence of eyewitnesses.

Requests for Documentation From the Defendant 

Both defendant and plaintiff are allowed to request evidence from each other. Medical records, proof of lost wages and injury photos are fair game. Pictures confirming damage are favorable to your case. Your attorney may also decide that requesting admission of fault from the defendant’s insurance company is beneficial to your case.

Determining Liability

Identifying who is responsible for an accident is the central focus of any personal injury lawsuit. In the case of a vehicle striking a pedestrian, accident witnesses and health care providers are likely to be deposed to provide insight. An experienced personal injury lawyer in Sebastian, FL, like from Tuttle Law, can help secure these individuals, as well as investigate other factors such as proof of texting, the existence of crosswalks and assumption of risk.

If you suffer injury from a motor vehicle, you should be reimbursed for every related expense. When the time comes to build your case, applying the services of an experienced personal injury attorney is highly recommended. Hire a qualified professional before putting the legal process into motion.

If you’re a construction worker who was hurt on the job, you should be eligible for compensation for your injury related damages. Some law firms focus on handling workplace injury cases, particularly those that involve construction workers. A construction accident lawyer has a depth of understanding of all applicable city, state, and federal regulations that govern workers and workplace accidents. They can help you navigate the various complicated laws in order to recover full compensation for your damages, as an attorney, as a construction accident lawyer can explain.

Who do I hold responsible for my construction accident injuries?

As you know firsthand, construction zones are busy places that are often chaotic with various contractors and employees working on site, heavy machinery in use, and vehicle traffic. The circumstances of your accident will determine who should be held responsible for paying you for your damages. There may even be more than one party who should be held accountable. A construction accident lawyer will investigate how you sustained your injuries and determine who is at fault. These specialized lawyers have the resources and experience necessary to handle even the most complex cases. Also understand that if the liable party’s insurance carrier refuses to pay a reasonable settlement, a construction accident lawyer will be prepared to escalate your injury claim to a lawsuit. Highly skilled litigation lawyers should have an outstanding success record in the courtroom. This fact alone often motivates insurance companies to negotiate a fair settlement in order to avoid the cost and negative publicity of a public trial.

Have a construction accident lawyer review your case, and get in touch with one today.

When a construction accident lawyer accepts a case, here is a general outline of the process for obtaining a fair settlement for them from those responsible for their injuries:

1.    A construction accident lawyer will investigate the construction accident and collect the evidence that proves the liability of the at-fault party. During the investigation, they may take photographs, witness statements, security camera footage, the police report, and note any other relevant information.

2.    A construction accident lawyer will amass the documentation that will form the basis of the claim which they will later submit to the appropriate insurance company. The documentation typically includes the client’s medical records and injury diagnoses, medical bills related to the construction accident injury, and a cost analysis of all additional damages.

3.    A construction accident lawyer will submit the claim to the insurance company. After the insurance company responds to the claim, our construction accident lawyer will engage in negotiations with them to obtain the largest possible settlement for the client. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith, a construction accident lawyer will be willing and able to take them to court to obtain a jury award in lieu of a settlement.

4.    A construction accident lawyer will present the settlement or jury award to the client. If you would like to discuss your case with a construction site accident attorney, don’t hesitate. Reach out to one today.

Your lawyer will review the details of your unique situation to determine the types of damages you can seek for the harm you’ve suffered. A seasoned construction accident attorney knows from experience how to strategize your case to get the full compensation that you need and deserve. 

Call The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt to help recover the compensation you deserve today.

You may need to file a personal injury claim if you have been injured on the job, in a car accident or in another event where someone else was at-fault for your injuries. Obtaining money from an insurance company following the accident can be straight-forward or complex depending on a number of factors. Sometimes independent state laws play major roles in claims. These are the top things to look into before filing your claim.

1. Time Limits

If you think you have unlimited time to file a claim or lawsuit, think again. All states have statutes of limitations that define a deadline for filing a claim. The deadline begins as soon as the accident has occurred or as soon as you realize you’re injured. If it passes before you’ve filed a claim, you’re out of luck. The average timeframe for limitations is two to six years, but some states have longer or shorter limits. Always double-check your own state’s laws.

2. State Laws

State laws can also affect other aspects of a claim, including whether or not you need a police report in order to file at all and the definition of negligence. There are various forms of negligence, some that place the fault on only one person and others that split the fault between the two parties. Confusing these laws can have negative consequences on your case, so be sure you understand them fully.

3. Proving Negligence 

If you’re claiming that another person caused the accident and is therefore responsible for your injuries, you’ll need evidence to back it up. Usually, you’ll need to prove that the guilty party had a duty to maintain your safety, that they breached that duty by acting recklessly or carelessly, and that the accident they caused resulted in your injuries. Without that chain of evidence, it can be incredibly difficult to file a claim or lawsuit against another person to receive compensation from their insurance company.

4. Insurance Companies

When it comes to paying for claims, insurance companies aren’t willing to give in so easily. If a claim includes a large sum of money, you may expect to fight the insurance company for your rights to it.

If you struggle dealing with them, try talking to a lawyer, about your claim. Not only does a lawyer know state laws and regulations, but they have ample experience handling insurance claims adjusters and other unpleasant parts of the claims process. They can be your best bet for reaching a successful settlement.

Personal Injury Lawyer

Taxis are convenient and helpful to those that need a ride around town. While most cabs get to and from their destination without any trouble, accidents can and do happen. If you were the driver in another vehicle and you were hit by an ATX Co-op Taxi, you may be struggling to figure out what to do next.

All car accident lawsuits hinge on liability. Liability is the foundation. Who was liable? Was it the driver or the taxi company? You have to determine this to file a lawsuit and the courts have to decide whether there was true negligence for you to get your settlement. How do you prove liability?

Is the Driver Liable?

Taxi drivers are independent contractors. If a driver runs a spotlight and crashes into your car, leaving you with severe injuries, then he or she is liable for your injuries sustained. Since the driver is an independent contractor, he or she must carry insurance for the car. His or her policy must cover accidents. Some drivers will have more than one policy. One policy will cover accidents that occur when he or she is not currently transporting a passenger and another policy will cover accidents that occur on the job. Now, if the driver’s insurance policy maxes out, the company may cover the rest.

Can You Prove the Driver Is Responsible?

When the driver is at fault, you would ask the driver for his or her insurance information after the accident, just as you would a normal passenger vehicle. Likewise, you want to make sure that you gather enough evidence to prove that the accident was the fault of the driver. For instance, witness statements, and police reports are crucial to the case. Also, you will want to collect and organize any medical files. The more documentation you have, the more likely you are to prove your case and to receive a fair settlement.

If you were in an accident, then you need to take it seriously. You must keep all forms of evidence to build your case. Even if you are not sure the full costs of your medical bills, it is never too early to begin a claim. The longer you wait, the less evidence you may have and the more likely you are to run out of time. Consult with a car accident lawyer today to determine who is liable for your taxi accident. Contact an auto accident attorney in Indianapolis, IN, like from Ward & Ward Law Firm, for answers to your questions. 

Personal Injury Lawyer

No bicyclist that collides with a car is going to get off without at least a minor injury, but in most cases, they’re pretty severe. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle collision, you might have a lot on your mind right now. The following are three questions and answers you may want to learn more about.

1. Do I Need to Call the Police?

You should always call the police when you are involved in a collision with a motorist. Sometimes a bicyclist will feel the injuries sustained aren’t serious enough, but that should never be a reason not to call. A police officer should make a report of the accident so when you go to file a claim, you’ll have all the evidence you need. While some police jurisdictions do not require a police report for a bicycle accident, you may want to ask the responding officer to make a report anyway.

2. Do I Need to Have Witnesses?

While witnesses aren’t required to prove the bicycle collision wasn’t your fault, they certainly can’t hurt. The problem with obtaining witnesses to prove your case is many individuals will witness an accident, but not stick around to give a statement or leave a phone number. If you do have time to look around and see who witnessed the accident, quickly ask them to jot down their phone number or send you a text so you can get in touch with them when your lawyer is ready to interview witnesses.

3. Do I Need to Visit the Emergency Room?

If your injuries are obviously life-threatening, it’s probably a good idea to visit the emergency room immediately following your collision. If your injuries seem minor, you could still visit the ER just to make sure you’re not suffering from something far worse than you realize. If you decide not to visit the ER, you should at least make an appointment with your primary care doctor so he or she can conduct a few tests to see how severe your injuries are. Visiting a doctor is also a great way to document your injuries so you have that evidence to use when you’re seeking compensation.

Getting More Questions Answered

Chances are, if you were recently involved in a bicycle collision, you probably have more questions. A lawyer may be able to get them answered for you.

Personal Injury Lawyer

When you are physically and mentally able, you should be wise with your finances and assets. However, there may come a point where you have diminished capacities and can no longer make important financial decisions. Likewise, you want to be prepared for your death so your surviving loved ones can have the security and peace of mind they need. With a revocable living trust, you can decide who will inherit your assets and how the money is distributed.

A Brief Description

A trust is a legal document that states what will happen to your money and other assets when you die. In a revocable trust, you can change the provisions as you desire and as circumstances change. You name beneficiaries and state who will receive what upon your death. In the meantime, you will appoint a trustee to oversee your finances, such as taxes and income. The person who sets up the trust can handle this role.

What it Includes

Your trust grants legal authority for the trustee to handle your money after you die and ensure that it passes to the beneficiaries. It can include savings accounts, checking accounts, retirement accounts, property and other possessions. This document is effective from the day you write it.

Advantages

People who prefer trusts over wills do so because a revocable trust will not pass through probate. These legal proceedings can be lengthy and costly. Skipping this step can help the transition of your estate go much more smoothly. Also, you have more flexibility to alter the trust as you see fit or as your attorney may advise. Setting up a trust will protect your money and help ensure that there is no confusion over your estate. It can also eliminate family squabbles and divisions.

Automatic Transfer

Another aspect of a revocable trust that people like is that there is no need to go to court when you hand over your finances to the trustee. This is an automatic process that will take place if you are deemed unable to make sound financial decisions such as pay bills, apply for a loan, withdraw money or sell your home. You can even specify how much in the trust your minor beneficiaries spend from the accounts they inherit.

Consider the benefits of a revocable trust and why it may make sense to you. Meet with an estate planning lawyer, like from the Yee Law Group, to discuss your next steps and how you can protect your assets.

Personal injury Lawyer

Any person who has received a debt collection robocall probably understands just how annoying it can be. This may be particularly true if the robocalls are threatening, harassing, or just flat-out unprofessional. Consumers who feel frightened when first receiving such calls should know that these collectors are often more bark than bite. Debt collectors may claim you will be arrested or make other empty threats, but there is often no such consequence awaiting you in the days to come.

Why do debt collectors make such threatening robocalls?

Debt collectors tend to not care about the situation of the consumer, as their primary motivation is to make as much money as possible. A person may have fallen into distressing financial times, and doesn’t have money left over at the end of each month to pay back debts. Despite a consumer being behind, this does not mean the debt collection agency is allowed to scare or bully you into making payments. 

Do consumers have rights that protect them against such harassment?

While debt collectors are permitted to take certain actions in an attempt to get payment from a consumer, a person also has rights when it comes to how often and in what manner such contact is made. Depending on your state, there may be laws that protect a consumer from dealing with such inappropriate pestering. 

What can I do to help stop these calls?

If you do actually owe money to the debt collection agency, you can request calls to be stopped through a written letter. If the debt collectors do not abide by your request and continue to keep sending robocalls, then they are likely in violation of your rights. If the calls do not halt, you may want to seek legal intervention and maintain records of any contact they make after receiving the letter. 

Calls from a debt collector are stressful, why does the agency play on my emotions?

Debt collectors may try some very unruly and unkind tactics to get a consumer to pay up. As a response to getting these calls, you may feel embarrassed about not being able to pay your outstanding bills. Debt collections may use shame, fear, and annoyance as a method to get money from you. The best way to handle such calls is to remain calm and collected, and get legal help if you are unable to resolve the matter yourself. 

What can an attorney do for me?

A lawyer, like a debt collection lawyer, can help you decide whether filing a lawsuit is the next step in getting these debt collection robocalls to stop. An attorney can offer advice on other actions to try first, before acting on a lawsuit. However, sometimes it takes a debt collector receiving notice of a lawsuit to stop sending robocalls to a consumer who owes them money. A consumer may be awarded financial restitution for the annoyance as well, permitted they are able to bring forward evidence including the debt collector’s phone numbers and voicemails. 

Personal Injury Lawyer

When you or a loved one are involved in any type of injury incident, your first instinct may be to hold the at fault individual responsible. In most cases, a personal injury attorney would be contacted as soon as possible. However, there are also cases where an individual will simply ask questions, do research, and attempt to handle the legal problems by themselves. This is not out of confidence or even out of knowledge. Most of the times this is because individuals involved in motor vehicle accidents or other personal injury incidents fear they will lose money if they hire a personal injury attorney to represent them. And while this is true, attorneys will receive payment from your settlement once your case settled, it is also more likely that the money pot increases when you have a legal representation. So, ultimately, hiring a personal injury attorney may be more beneficial than not. 

This assumption solely depends on the factors of your case. What makes the biggest difference in the outcome is not whether you or your loved one represented themselves but whether there was any injury and medical treatment had. If you or your loved one handles your own personal injury claim, this may make the healing process more strenuous on you. This can also cause you to miss a few steps that may be especially important in your case. By hiring an attorney, you will not only put your case in the hands of an experienced professional but also be able to focus more on your treatment and getting as close back to regular life as possible. 

In most cases self-representation leads to successful settlements. However, if there is a possibility of receiving a larger claim, you should take it. Personal injury attorneys have experience negotiating with insurance companies and understands what paperwork needs to filed with the court systems to proceed with a case or potential lawsuit. Lawsuits are usually filed once an insurance company is lowballing a victim and a jury needs to hear the case to increase the amount offered. If you are handling the case on your own, to end the case swiftly, you may not pursue a lawsuit. Which is equivalent to you likely being lowballed and not knowing.

Speak with a skilled attorney, like a personal injury attorney in Atlanta, GA from Andrew R. Lynch, P.C., to discuss your options in your personal injury claim. You do not have to go through it alone. 

Personal Injury Lawyer

Getting pulled over for a traffic ticket can be a stressful experience. You may feel embarrassed or fearful about how you will pay for it. You may be confused about why you have been pulled over to begin with. You may dread having to tell your spouse that you got another ticket. If you find yourself in this situation, you have three options: You can admit guilt and pay the fine, take a traffic violation class or contact a lawyer. The option you choose will depend on your exact situation and the circumstances surrounding it.

Admit Guilt and Pay the Fine

If you know exactly why you were given a traffic ticket, your best option might be to admit fault and pay the fine. You can consider this lesson learned, and you will be much less likely to speed or do other traffic violations in the future. Be sure that you pay the fee in a reasonable time frame so that you will not be considered contempt of court for not paying your fees.

Take a Traffic Violation Class

Every state’s laws differ when it comes to traffic violations, and you need to be aware of yours. Some states may allow first-time offenders to take a traffic violation class to receive forgiveness for the first ticket. This allows those without a record of traffic violations to have this one removed from a permanent record and to have a second chance at a clean slate. Once you get this second chance, though, you will likely have to pay for any future violations.

Contact a Lawyer

If you received a ticket for something that you think is wrong or unfair, it is your right to seek representation to have the ticket removed from your record. You can talk to an attorney to find out if your case is worth pursuing or if you need to pay the fees. Be sure that you keep up with any court dates that you are supposed to attend. Be sure that your representation understands exactly what happened so that they can make the best recommendations for your situation.

Traffic violations can be a source of stress for anyone, but with a few key points in mind, you can understand all of your options. For those wanting to seek legal representation over a traffic violation incident, contact a lawyer today to see what can be done for your case. Get started by calling a Traffic Violation Lawyer, like the lawyers at The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, to arrange a consultation.

Personal Injury Lawyer

To be pulled over for a DWI can be an extremely sensitive situation. You may not know what to do next. Before you make any moves, it’s important to clear up three major myths regarding traffic court and tickets.

Cops Don’t Go to Court

Some people believe that cops do not show up in traffic court and hence won’t be there to testify. Some even think that if the cop doesn’t show up, the case gets thrown out. The truth is that if you are charged with a traffic offense, especially a serious offense, then the cop will show up to testify. It is important to have a defense ready.

You Don’t Have to Show Up

You just received your speeding ticket and court date but everyone you know is telling you that you don’t have to show up for court. Perhaps they said that if you don’t show up, it’ll get thrown out. Maybe they said that you can pay your fine and get out of court. Only one of those answers is true.

You can pay your traffic ticket to the clerk’s office. In many cases, this means that you do not have to got to traffic court. Now, this is only for minor crimes. If you have a speeding ticket, for instance, then you probably won’t have to show up for court if you pay it. However, if you have a DUI or any other serious offense, you need to show up for court. If you don’t show up, there will be a bench warrant issued for you.

Traffic Tickets Don’t Cross State Lines

It is a common misconception that if you receive a ticket in one state, that you can go to another and never worry about the ticket again. The problem with this myth is that there are 46 states that report traffic offenses to one another. This means that if you are charged with a traffic offense in one state, it will still affect your license in another.

When it comes to DUI charges, you cannot run from them. They will follow you and you will have to appear in court. In fact, in order to have your DUI penalties transferred to another state, that state has to have the same penalties available.

If you were charged with a DUI, it is crucial that you have a lawyer to defend you. Do not buy into the myths around traffic court and keep in mind that DUIs are serious driving offenses. To find out more about what you can do, contact a DUI lawyer to discuss your options. Get started by calling a Traffic Violation Lawyer, like the lawyers at The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, to arrange a consultation.