Roughly 1 out of 4 motorists who are convicted of DUI are repeat offenders. Because insurance premiums tend to increase after a Drunk Driving Accident conviction, many of these drivers are uninsured or underinsured. If you were struck by an impaired motorist who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the resulting damages, you may be wondering how to cover your losses. Unfortunately, defendants in these cases usually do not have the personal assets to pay for the damages they cause, though … [Read more...]
Which Auto Insurer Should Handle My Property Damage Claim?
If you were involved in a motor-vehicle collision through no fault of your own, you may be wondering whether to file a first- or third-party claim for the resulting property damage. Because California is a fault state in regard to auto accidents, you might be inclined to opt for the latter and bring the claim against the liable party’s insurer. It's reasonable to assume that filing a third-party claim has advantages. You won’t have to cover the deductible, for example. Also, you may already … [Read more...]
How to Document a Car Accident Scene
If you’ve ever been involved in a serious collision, then you know how nerve-racking the aftermath can be. This is especially true when a person suffers an injury or dies. The rush of adrenaline can make it difficult to think clearly, but taking the right steps while at the car accident scene not only could help protect your safety and the lives of others, but also could improve your chances of recovering compensation in the subsequent claim. Although your attorney can gather evidence on your … [Read more...]
4 FAQs About Hit and Run Pedestrian Accident Claims
The process of recovering from serious injuries can be long and arduous. This is especially true after a pedestrian accident since the injuries are often catastrophic. Broken bones, scarring, and brain trauma are all common. If the driver who caused the accident fled the scene, you may be worried about both your financial future and your physical health. If you’re not sure how to cover your medical bills and other damages, you should schedule a free consultation with a pedestrian accident … [Read more...]
Woman Dies After Loose Tire Crashes into Her SUV on 405 Freeway
A 61-year-old woman was tragically killed on the 405 Freeway in Long Beach recently when a tire came off another vehicle and smashed into the windshield of her SUV. The victim died before paramedics could arrive. Her passenger was rushed to Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash occurred just after 1 p.m. when the rear-left tire of a southbound Dodge Ram pickup came loose and entered the northbound lanes. Reports indicate that the tire crushed … [Read more...]
5 FAQs About Blind Spot Truck Accident Claims
It goes without saying that driving alongside a massive semi-truck is a jarring experience. Your life is entirely in the hands of the truck driver, and a minor turn of the steering wheel could be all it takes to cause a deadly accident. This nightmare becomes a tragic reality for thousands of people every year. In many cases, these collisions could have been avoided if the truckers involved had checked their blind spots. If you or a member of your family was injured or killed in such an … [Read more...]
What Happens If You Leave the Scene of a Car Accident?
Fleeing the scene of a car accident in California is a serious criminal offense that can result in either misdemeanor or felony charges. Whether or not the crime is prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony depends on whether the accident caused only property damage (misdemeanor) or a physical injury or death to another person (usually prosecuted as a felony). In this blog, we will discuss: The legal definition of misdemeanor hit and run in California, The penalties of misdemeanor hit and … [Read more...]
What Evidence Should I Gather After a Car Accident?
Every car accident claim is unique, but strong evidence is always the key to winning a settlement or verdict. Unfortunately, much of the evidence needed to support your claim may be time-sensitive, and it’s not uncommon for certain evidence to be withheld—especially if the liable party is in possession of such evidence. To give your case the best possible chance of success, it’s important that you gather evidence while at the scene if you are able to do so. You should also contact a … [Read more...]
Can I File an Injury Claim If I Wasn’t Wearing a Seat Belt?
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 Accident Claims Against Government Entities
If you or someone you know has ever been in a car accident, you may already be familiar with the basic process of filing a claim. But there are special rules that apply to tort claims filed against government entities. Suing a city, county, or state government agency is far more complicated than suing an individual because there are more steps involved, and you have a shorter timeframe within which to file an administrative claim. In this blog, we’ll answer a few FAQs about such claims and … [Read more...]