Law Office of Michael D. Waks

What Should You Do At A Car Accident Scene? from Michael Waks Car accident scenes can be chaotic, but what you do, or don’t do, at the scene can effect your car accident claim. Here's what you should do at a car accident scene. … [Read more...]

According to a survey conducted on behalf of Nationwide Insurance in 2013, most insured drivers know more about their favorite television show than about their car insurance policy. Half the respondents to the survey did not know how to file a car insurance claim, one-fifth did not completely understand the details of the policy, and only 40% had ever read the policy. Your car insurance policy is a legal contract and many people find it confusing and intimidating. Hopefully you will never need … [Read more...]

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may be concerned you will not receive full compensation for the injuries you sustained in a car accident. For example, before the car accident you sometimes experienced lower back pain after lifting something heavy or standing on your feet for several hours. While this pain limited a few of your activities, it did not dramatically affect your lifestyle. However, after being injured in a car accident that was not your fault, your … [Read more...]

When I meet clients for the first time about their auto accident, there are two questions I am almost always asked; "How long will it take to settle my car accident claim?" and "Will I need to go to court?" As much as I would like to give them a definitive answer, the truth is that every accident is literally different, and so are the cases.  As the case progresses there are some key factors that will determine how long it will take the case to settle - whether … [Read more...]

When a family member is injured in an automobile accident, it takes an emotional and financial toll on the entire family. Victims of an auto accident are entitled to compensation for injuries caused by the negligence of another driver. Under certain circumstances, a victim's family members may also be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver. If a car accident victim’s injuries prevent him or her from being intimate with a spouse, the spouse may have a … [Read more...]

It's no surprise to anyone that there are more distracted drivers on the road today than there were even five years ago. With that increase has come an uptick in traffic collisions involving inattentive motorists. If you were hurt in such a wreck, contact Long Beach distracted driving accident lawyer Michael D. Waks.  Michael Waks has more than three decades of experience in personal injury law and a track record of success in motor-vehicle accident cases. For a free consultation, dial (888) … [Read more...]

One of the most common concerns drivers have after an accident is that their insurance rates will go up. Many of my car accident clients worry if they file any claim with their insurance company, it will lead to a higher premium. That is not always the case. Who was at-fault for the car accident, along with the policyholder's previous driving history, will determine whether or not insurance rates will rise. Insurance companies set rates for their policyholders annually, … [Read more...]

If you have not heard of the mobile-app-based “transportation network companies” (TNCs) known as Uber and Lyft, you are certainly in the minority. These networks have become increasingly popular and now operate in 120 cities and 37 countries. If you need a ride, you can use a TNC app on your smartphone to “order” an independent driver nearby to transport you to your destination. The apps make it easy to get a ride, but if your ridesharing driver doesn’t have a commercial license or insurance … [Read more...]

Car accident scenes can be chaotic. Even though you think you will know what to do, when you have an accident your mind often goes blank. Emotion and fear takes over and obtaining information needed to insure you receive compensation from the negligent driver's insurance company, is sometimes overlooked. In addition to exchanging license and insurance information with the other driver, it is important to identify anyone who witnessed the accident. Getting his or her name and … [Read more...]

What Is An Automobile Accident Claim Worth? by Michael Waks Several components determine the amount of compensation an automobile accident victim will receive. The best way to ensure an automobile accident victim receives the maximum possible compensation is by hiring a skilled car accident lawyer. … [Read more...]