Law Office of Michael D. Waks

A Lawyer You Can Trust

No Fee Unless You Win

Call888.394.1174

Available 24/7

Welcome to the Michael Waks Blog

Can I File an Injury Claim If I Wasn’t Wearing a Seat Belt?

December 28, 2018 by

It’s no secret that wearing a seat belt can greatly reduce the risk of injuries in the event of an accident. But at some point, most drivers hit the road without buckling up. If you were hurt in a collision but you weren’t strapped in, you might be wondering how this fact might affect your car insurance claim. In many states, the “seat belt defense” is commonly used by insurance companies and personal injury defendants to reduce their liability. Even if the injured party played no role in … [Read more...]

3 FAQs About Car Accidents Involving Shared Liability

December 21, 2018 by

Some car accident claims are fairly straightforward because the injuries are minor and everyone agrees on the relevant facts. But in other cases, such as those involving shared liability, it is not uncommon for disputes to arise that complicate and delay the proceedings. In this blog, we’ll answer three FAQs about car accident claims involving shared liability. If you were injured in a crash and you foresee a liability dispute, it is important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. … [Read more...]

4 Differences Between Pedestrian Accident vs. Auto Accident Claims

December 13, 2018 by

You may already be familiar with the basic process of filing an auto insurance claim. You gather evidence at the scene, get a police report, seek medical care, calculate your damages, and you or your attorney submits the claim package. Although these same steps apply to pedestrian accident cases, the laws that govern liability are slightly different when a pedestrian is involved. Also, the injuries suffered by pedestrians tend to be severe, which can affect settlement negotiations. If you were … [Read more...]

Why You Should File a Police Report After Any Car Accident

December 10, 2018 by

After a minor car accident, calling the police may seem like a waste of time. But some injuries have latent symptoms, and vehicle repairs often cost more than expected. In either scenario, a police report will serve as valuable evidence to strengthen your case. Even if the other driver admits fault at the scene, there’s no guarantee they will accept blame when you file the claim. In fact it has been my experience that defendants will often change their recollection about how the accident … [Read more...]

What If the At-Fault Driver’s Car Insurance Lapsed Before the Accident?

December 6, 2018 by

Few events can upend your life like a car accident with an uninsured motorist. If you suffered an injury or property damage due to another driver’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to pay for medical bills and vehicle repairs out of your own pocket. Fortunately, even if the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage has lapsed, you may still be able to recover compensation. Depending on the facts surrounding your case, your attorney might recommend the following options: 1. Filing a Claim Against Your … [Read more...]

5 Reasons to Hire an Attorney After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident

December 4, 2018 by

There’s no easy way to cope with the sudden loss of a loved one. Feelings of depression and guilt can consume your life and make every day feel like a struggle. You may also be facing medical bills, funeral costs, and lost financial support if the deceased was a primary source of family income. If someone you love has been killed in a motorcycle accident and you intend to file a wrongful death claim, you can expect the insurance company or opposing party to do everything in their power to … [Read more...]

6 Most Common Bicycle Accident Injuries

November 29, 2018 by

Even the most safety-conscious bicycle riders cannot control the actions of the drivers around them. With little protection from the force of impact, a cyclist is likely to sustain devastating injuries in the event of a crash. Below is a brief overview of the most common injuries suffered in bicycle accidents: 1. Road Rash Falling off your bike at a high speed can cause serious burns and skin abrasions. Also known as “road rash,” this injury can be excruciatingly painful due to the number of … [Read more...]

3 Types of Therapy for Personal Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents

November 27, 2018 by

A serious car accident can injure just about any part of your body. The types of therapy you might require will depend on the specific injuries you suffered, their severity, your age and medical history, and a variety of other factors. In this blog, we’ll discuss a few common kinds of therapy that are often beneficial to car accident victims. We’ll also provide some general tips that may speed up your recovery time. 3 Common Types of Therapy for Car Accident Victims It’s easy to focus only on … [Read more...]

8 California Bicycle Riding Regulations You Should Know

November 20, 2018 by

With beautiful landscapes, an eco-friendly culture, and thousands of miles of scenic trails, California is home to some of the most enthusiastic bicyclists in the entire country. But with more riders on the road comes a higher accident rate. In fact, California had more cyclist fatalities in 2016 than any other state. To curb this statistic and keep riders safe, state legislators have enacted laws aimed at preventing cyclists from putting themselves and other people at risk. Below are eight … [Read more...]

Motor-Vehicle Driver Responsibilities & Personal Injury Liability

November 19, 2018 by

All motorists have a duty to avoid behaviors that would threaten the safety of other people. Yet every day, millions of drivers breach this duty by speeding, texting behind the wheel, and engaging in other negligent misconduct. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a crash that another driver caused, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to dispute liability and attempt to pay claimants less than what they deserve. … [Read more...]