According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2013, 3,154 people were killed and 424,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. Distracted driving is defined as any activity which could divert an individual’s attention away from their primary task of driving. These can include cell phone use, texting, grooming, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, reading maps, using a navigation system, watching a video, or adjusting the car … [Read more...]
Auto Accidents and Your Insurance Rates
If you are involved in an auto accident, chances are you will be very grateful to have your insurance company on your side as they help you work through the many decisions you need to make after the fact. Your insurance company will talk you through the process of getting your car inspected and then either repaired or replaced to get you safely back out on the road again. However, once the initial shock of the car accident has worn off, you may be wondering if what occurred will mean an … [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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]