Naturally, you want to avoid the chances of being involved in an automobile accident at all costs. This is primarily because these accidents can be deadly; approximately 92 people are killed on the roads in the United States each day. However, even minor accidents can have severe financial and health repercussions. Below are some very simple steps you can take to be more prepared and safe in your daily travels. Make sure the driver’s seat is positioned properly for you. You should not … [Read more...]
Personal Injury Awards and Bankruptcy
Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy allows you as an individual to cancel out many, and sometimes all, of your debts. When you file for bankruptcy, you will be asked to inform the court of any property you own (both land and personal property, such as clothing and jewelry), your income, your living expenses, your debts, and two years’ worth of expenses and information on the sale or exchange of property. People filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy often wonder if they are required to disclose money … [Read more...]
Do I Need a Lawyer Even if I Have Insurance?
Simply put, even when you have insurance, a personal injury lawyer will be able to simplify your journey through the legal process. Attorneys are allowed to collect evidence on your behalf, record eyewitness statements, file legal paperwork, and negotiate with the insurance companies of other parties involved. All of this enables you to better focus on your mental and physical health in the aftermath of your accident. Below are some more detailed reasons why hiring a personal injury lawyer … [Read more...]
What to Do in the Event of a Car Accident
While you may hope that you will never be involved in a car accident, statistics unfortunately say otherwise. Insurance industry experts state that the average person files a collision claim approximately once every 17.9 years. While you may beat the odds, it is always best to be prepared in case an accident occurs. First, you should be sure your car is stocked with items you may need in case of an accident. Load your trunk with a safety kit containing a set of traffic cones and emergency … [Read more...]
What is a Contingency Fee?
When you hire a lawyer to represent you in a personal injury case, they may tell you that they operate on the basis of a contingency fee. This means that the attorney’s fees and any expenses they incur related to your case will be deducted from the final verdict or settlement. If you do not win your case, your attorney will not collect fees; however, they may collect any expenses that have been incurred. This system allows an injured party the opportunity to hire an experienced attorney to … [Read more...]
Tips on Working with Insurance Companies
If you have been involved in an automobile accident, it is advisable to contact your car insurance company as soon as possible to provide them with details of the event. If the other driver involved follows the same advice, you may very well receive a call from their insurance company before you have the chance to contact an attorney for advice. If you are still shaken up from the accident, you may inadvertently say something that could have a negative impact on your claim in the future. … [Read more...]
Driving Safe in the Holiday Season
The holiday season is a festive time filled with friends, family, and parties. It is also filled with lots of driving. The American Automobile Association estimates that almost 90 percent of travelers, which is over 41 million people, will take a road trip sometime over the holiday season. With all of these people on the road driving to places that are not part of their normal routine, safety is paramount during this time. Below are some tips for holiday driving aimed at helping you and your … [Read more...]
Wrongful Death Cases
The legal definition of wrongful death is a death that is “caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default” of another person or entity. The death can be the result of something as straightforward as an automobile accident, or as complex as a mechanical failure caused by an issue known to the manufacturer. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, wrongful death lawsuits can be filed by family members or dependents of the deceased. The right to file is first held by the surviving spouse, children, … [Read more...]
Workers’ Compensation
If you become ill, are injured, or die while in your place of employment, you or your family may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation claims can be filed for a wide range of work-related issues, such as repetitive motion stress injuries, psychological stress issues, or lung conditions made worse by the air quality where you work. The major caveat is that the illness or injury must have occurred while “in the course of employment.” This means that injuries which occur … [Read more...]
Determining Fault in an Auto Accident
The period of time immediately following a car accident can be a confusing one. Once you have called the police to report the accident and checked to see if all of the people involved are doing okay, your mind will most likely jump to wondering who was at fault. However, this is not the time you want to confess if you believe it is your fault, or to throw accusations at the other driver. Remember that it is up to the law to determine fault in this scenario, and any statement you make regarding … [Read more...]
Driving Under the Influence
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 30 people in the United States die each day in motor vehicle crashes involving a driver who is impaired by alcohol. Furthermore, drugs other than alcohol, such as cocaine and marijuana, are involved in approximately 18 percent of motor vehicle driver deaths. In the State of Virginia, the law sends a clear message that driving under the influence will not be tolerated. If you are ever unsure about your … [Read more...]
Medical Malpractice
According to the law, medical malpractice has occurred anytime a health care provider deviates from the recognized “standard of care,” which is what any reasonable medical provider would or would not do in circumstances that are the same or similar, when treating a patient. In other words, it is considered medical malpractice when a provider has been negligent. Unfortunately, the consequences of medical negligence are deadly; the Journal of the American Medical Association reports it is the … [Read more...]
The Importance of Paying Attention While Driving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2012, 3,328 individuals in the United States died and 421,000 were injured in automobile accidents caused by distracted driving. NHTSA defines distracted driving as “any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving.” This includes not only talking (with or without a hands free device) or texting on a cell phone, but eating and drinking, grooming, talking to passengers, reading … [Read more...]
What are Your Options if you are injured in a Place of Business?
If you have been injured at a store or business, it is only natural to consider suing for compensation. However, it is very important to meet with an experienced attorney to see if you have a case. While it is typically assumed that you are automatically entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if you are injured in a place of business, laws vary by state. In your state, it is possible that the business is only responsible for injuries occurring on their … [Read more...]
What to do if you are bitten by a Dog
While a dog may be man’s best friend, not every dog is perfectly behaved. Unfortunately, by spending time with any dog, you run the risk of being bitten. In fact, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that over 4 million Americans are bitten by a dog each year, and one out of every five of those bites results in an injury that requires medical attention. Therefore, it is important for you to know the proper steps to take in the event that you are bitten by a dog. First, if the owner … [Read more...]
The Benefits of Having Legal Representation in a Car Accident Case
Automobile accidents are always frightening, definitely unexpected, and sometimes even life changing. After a car accident, you may be in shock, and wondering what to do next. Regardless of if you have been involved in a fender bender or an accident with catastrophic injuries, it is important to have an attorney with whom you can consult regarding the proper steps. You will find that there are many benefits to working with an attorney following an automobile accident. After an accident, … [Read more...]