With the growing popularity of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, it's important to understand how to navigate the legal landscape in the event of an accident. Being involved in an accident as a passenger or driver of a ride-sharing vehicle can be overwhelming, but knowing your rights and the insurance coverage available to you is crucial. In this blog post, we will explore the topic of ride-sharing accidents in California, providing you with valuable information to help you navigate … [Read more...]
How to Determine Liability in Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents in California
Car accidents involving multiple vehicles can be complex, leaving victims and insurance companies grappling with the task of determining liability. Understanding how liability is established in these situations is crucial for seeking fair compensation for injuries and damages. In this blog post, we will explore the process of determining liability in multi-vehicle car accidents in California. By familiarizing yourself with the factors considered and the legal principles involved, you can … [Read more...]
How Are Car Accidents Investigated?
If you were hurt in a motor vehicle collision, a personal injury attorney can conduct a thorough investigation to gather the evidence needed to prove liability, causation, and damages. The initial police investigation—and corresponding report—could still prove valuable, however, because it may provide preliminary information that guides your legal team. How Do Police Investigate Car Accidents? When officers arrive at the scene of a crash, their first priority is safety. Once traffic is … [Read more...]
Is My New Car Covered by My Old Auto Insurance Policy?
If you buy a new car and then get in a wreck on your way home from the dealership, would the insurance policy attached to your old vehicle cover the damages? Unfortunately, this is a question that most motorists don’t even consider—until they’re facing just such a predicament. Crashing a brand-new vehicle—or a vehicle that’s new to the motorist, at least—happens more often than you might realize. After all, when you’re driving a car you’re unfamiliar with, maneuvering it safely in traffic can … [Read more...]
Types of Home & Auto Insurance Exclusions: Always Read the Fine Print
The denial of a home or auto insurance claim can be frustrating, disappointing, and costly. Unfortunately, many people don’t read through their insurance policies carefully, and when it comes time to file a claim, they find out that an exclusion applies to their particular circumstances. Despite the length of these contracts and the complicated legalese therein, you should always read your policies in their entirety so you know exactly what’s covered and what’s not. In this article, we will … [Read more...]
How Do Car Insurance Companies Determine Fault After an Accident?
If you suffered an injury or significant property damage in a car accident, the outcome of your insurance claim could have a huge impact on your financial future. You may be wondering how the insurance adjuster will investigate your claim and what you can do to increase the odds of approval. We’ll discuss both in this blog. How Auto Insurance Companies Determine Fault After an Accident When you file a claim with an insurance company, a claims adjuster will be assigned to your case. It’s the … [Read more...]
Can I Recover Compensation for PTSD After a Car Accident?
The psychological effects of a car accident can be just as devastating as the physical injuries. Depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders can impact a person’s ability to earn an income, and the cost of psychotherapy, medication, and other treatments can add up quickly. If you were hurt or witnessed a loved one die in a collision, you may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD is a psychiatric diagnosis resulting from the development of characteristic symptoms after … [Read more...]
What If My Car Accident Injuries Didn’t Show Symptoms Right Away?
Some of the most common car accident injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Whiplash, soft tissue damage, and even brain trauma might not be immediately apparent to the victim. If you were hurt in a collision but your symptoms were latent, you may still be able to recover compensation for healthcare expenses, lost income, and other damages; however, it is critical that you visit a doctor as soon as possible to document your injuries. You should also speak to a personal injury attorney about … [Read more...]
Why You Should File a Police Report After Any Car Accident
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...]
When Can A Driver Avoid Car Accident Liability Because of An “Act of God”?
Drivers who cause car accidents blame many things. At-fault drivers often blame the weather, bushes and trees, road conditions, highway workers, cyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers. Occasionally they blame God. In my 35 years of advocating for accident victims, I have seen a few cases where drivers tried to avoid car accident liability by claiming that act of God caused the crash. Is an "Act of God" a Defense to Car Accident Liability? Car insurance policies may exclude acts of God from … [Read more...]