Personal Injury Lawsuit

California Bicycle Accidents Can Cause Devastating Injuries | ArticlesBase.com

July 31st, 2009

In fact, as more and more people leave their cars in the driveway and jump on their bikes to go to work and school, the bicycle accidents on the Golden Gate Bridge continue to grow in frequency and severity. Biking for the sake of fun, relaxation, and recreation has been popular in California for decades, but there have never been as many bikes on the Golden Gate Bridge in past years as there are today since people leave their cars at home and take to their bicycles. This means more bicycle accidents each and every year throughout the United States.

Many times, the accidents are the fault of the bicyclist himself. It isn’t uncommon for bicyclists to ride into pedestrians that are walking along the narrow sidewalk of the Golden Gate Bridge. This can obviously lead to serious injuries for the pedestrians. Broken bones have been incurred in these types of accidents, and it wouldn’t be unreasonable to suggest that other critical injuries could result as well. Crash and falling accidents like these have the potential to cause brain damage, spinal cord injuries, and even internal bleeding. Blunt force trauma is another type of injury that commonly occurs in crash and fall accidents, and one which could easily result if a bicyclist hits a pedestrian.

Many bicycle accidents are often determined to be the fault of pedestrians, rather than bicyclists. Pedestrians will often crowd the narrow sidewalk of the bridge without allowing room for a bicyclist to safely pass. Rather than injure the group of pedestrians, bicyclists will often have to swerve out of the way or maneuver unsafely into the line of traffic. Typically, the injuries sustained by bicyclists are worse than those sustained by the pedestrians that may be involved. It isn’t uncommon for bicyclists to get tangled in their bikes during a crash, causing all sorts of physical problems that require medical attention. Bicycle accidents are especially hazardous when the rider has failed to use a helmet. Even a helmet, however, cannot prevent all the serious injuries that could be sustained in a bike crash.

In addition to incurring serious injuries and massive medical bills immediately following the accident, there may be other costs for bicycle accidents victims to consider in the future. If the extent of the victim’s injuries is severe, physical therapy or other types of rehabilitative services may be essential for a long time. All medical bills are expensive, but those injuries that require long-term care can cost millions of dollars over an extended period of time. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, whether you were the bicyclist or a pedestrian, you should consult a Los Angeles California accident attorney to discuss the details of your crash and the extent of your injuries. You may be able to receive monetary compensation for the costs you’ve incurred as a result of the bike crash.

Vehicle Accident Claim

July 30th, 2009

If you are involved in a vehicle accident, it’s almost always important to file a vehicle accident claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. Especially if someone else was involved and they were injured, you must do this as soon as possible. If you do not file it right away, there’s a chance that your insurance company may decide for one reason or another not to cover you and you may be personally liable for a huge financial settlement that could come out of the accident.

Jones Act Compensation | ArticlesBase.com

July 29th, 2009

The sea can be a very dangerous place to work. Ships, barges, rigs, and other sea-faring vessels share a high risk of causing on the job injuries. Even though rights to medical care for seaman have been around for centuries through Admiralty Law and Maritime Law, remedies against employers due to injured seaman have been inconsistent and variable.

The Jones Act, specifically the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, was created to formalize the rights of seaman and provide workers with an opportunity to obtain damages if their employer is at fault.

These benefits are available even if the worker is 100% at fault, but if the employer is at fault or negligent, damages are typically not available.

Maritime Law allows injured sailors to obtain damages from their employers for maintenance (basic living expenses) and cure (reasonable and necessary medical care). However, many times maintenance and cure does not provide for sufficient medical coverage. Maintenance can be as low as $8.00 a day, and cure is largely up to the employers standards of care. In addition, while the obligation to cure is ongoing, a seaman can lose his right to maintenance once he is able to work again. Compensation to cure in maritime law provides for “maximum medical cure” as opposed to “maximum medical improvement”. The former is more extensive and applies to the rights of seaman. “Maximum medical improvement” causes discontinuation of treatment once a condition can no longer be improved, or when treatment options are exhausted. “Maximum medical cure” includes an obligation to provide the injured seaman with medications and devices that improve the ability to function.

In order to be qualified as a seaman, the injured party must be permanently assigned to his or her vessel and spend at least 30 percent of their time in service.

Personal injury cases under the Jones Act are handled through a trial by jury, and apply the legal doctrine of “comparative negligence”, whereby the jury determines what the damages are, and how much is allocated to each party. This is important because even if the injured party is found more than 50% negligent, they are still awarded that portion of monetary damages

Skilled Norwalk Car Accident Lawyers Say, Be Honest About Medical Losses After a Car Accident

July 28th, 2009

Over the years, the most skilled Norwalk car accident lawyers have learned that honesty is the best policy when it comes to declaring medical losses after a car crash. Obtaining fair compensation for your medical losses can sometimes be an uphill battle. And if you drive in Norwalk, California, you face the daily battle of traffic, and the risk of getting into a car crash.

Notable People Who Have Died from Mesothelioma and Those Still Fighting For a Cure | ArticlesBase.com

July 27th, 2009

This article explores the lives of a handful of the brave men and women who suffer from mesothelioma. Learn about those who have lost their lives to the disease, as well as those who live on, pressing for advances in mesothelioma treatment.

Experience Counts When Choosing a Huntington Beach Car Accident Lawyer

July 26th, 2009

Should you ever have the misfortune of being involved in a car accident, most any Huntington Beach car accident lawyer will tell you that experience is a key factor when evaluating an attorney to represent you.

A City with Many Car Accidents

Huntington Beach has been the site of many accidents. In 2006, the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) noted that 10 people were killed and 938 were injured in Huntington Beach car crashes. Two pedestrians lost their lives and 53 were injured in car collisions. Car accidents killed one and injured 105 bicyclists. Motorcycle accidents injured 55. Drunk drivers caused two fatalities and 111 injuries. In 2007, 10 car collisions ended in 10 fatalities.

Going up Against Insurance Companies Yourself Can be Risky

Trying to represent your case in court yourself or attempting to negotiate a settlement with attorneys on the other side can be risky. Most Huntington Beach car collision attorneys will strongly urge you to seek the advice of an experienced lawyer to stand up for your rights. They know that insurance companies often won’t budge unless confronted by a strong advocate. Insurance investigators, adjusters, and insurance company attorneys are constantly under pressure to keep costs down, while giving accident victims the very least compensation allowed under the law.

A Skilled Car Accident Lawyer Can Handle the Endless Details

A Huntington Beach car accident attorney will make sure you are justly compensated for your expenses, pain and suffering. He or she will handle the mounting paperwork, endless court motions and other legal procedures that can tie up your time. An experienced Huntington Beach attorney will see a case through negotiation, trial and appeals. They will also be fully acquainted with state and federal insurance and liability laws.

Finding a Car Accident Lawyer That’s Right for You

The majority of Huntington Beach car accident attorneys will offer free initial consultations and openly discuss whether or not they can help you. And since fees are usually paid on a contingency basis, you’ll pay no fees unless the car accident attorney secures a compensatory settlement.

So how should you go about finding a qualified Huntington Beach car crash attorney? First off, you’ll want to know if they have the financial and legal resources to sand up for you in court against adversarial attorneys. They should express a concern for you and your physical, mental and financial condition. Then, after you’ve hired them, your car accident attorney should be your trusted ally. He or she should guide you through the whole process, keeping you informed, returning your phone calls and answering all your questions and concerns.

Step By Step Guide To Make A Winning Road Traffic Accident Claim | ArticlesBase.com

July 25th, 2009

Making a road traffic accident claim is not easy. But it can be achieved when you have all the evidences pertaining to the accident. You can go step by step to win your road accident claim. Where money is involved people will fight you tooth and nail. You need all the advantages you can get to claim your compensation.

The first step will be to record as much of the accident as you can. Of course, you will be somewhat dazed and disoriented after the incident but acting fast will help you later on. So get a hold of yourself and take pictures of the scene of misfortune. Use the camera in your mobile phone. Even if the resolution is poor, it will still hold good. If you do not have a camera, be resourceful. Sketch the scene or ask someone else to sketch it for you.

Talk to people nearby and get their addresses. They are your witnesses and therefore, the friends who are going to help you win your road traffic accident claim. In fact, they may know more about the accident than you. Each one may have a slightly different version but what matters is that they all agree that you are the innocent one.

Also talk to the guilty party. It is necessary not to shout or make a scene at the accident spot. Just get their contact and insurance details. Do not call them “guilty” to their face. You can do that later through your solicitor.

Be the first to register a complaint in the nearest police station. Act fast and do not delay. It could be held against you, especially if the guilty one registers a complaint against you.

The next step is important both health-wise and claim-wise. You need to visit a doctor. If your injuries are bad, get medical certificates stating the fact. File all your bills. Your compensation amount should cover all expenses.

As soon as possible write down everything you can remember about the accident. You can start from how you were driving correctly following all the road rules. Emphasize how it was the other person’s fault. Note down how the damages looked. Point out all the evidences in your favor.

Then ensure your success by hiring the best solicitor around. When people hear about your accident they are sure to recommend a good one to you. Never hire a solicitor who is new to the practice or one who is unknown. Before you sign them on, make sure they work on a no win no fee policy.

The most important rule when you go for a road traffic accident claim is that you should be the innocent one. Follow road rules. Always have your seat belt on. Do not drink while driving. Drive safely and claim your compensation easily. So when you go to file your case you will be eligible for it. If you follow all the above mentioned points you are sure to get 100% compensation.

So You’ve Had an Accident at Work - Now What?

July 24th, 2009

Have you ever been involved in an accident at work? Hopefully the answer is no, but please realize that accidents at work do happen and more often than you may think. Are you worried about the effects of claiming your rightful compensation? Most of the time it’s a matter of a specific hazard but there are a number of procedures that can prevent an accident at work from occurring in the first place.

Dangers on the Road That Could Lead to Road Accident Compensation | ArticlesBase.com

July 23rd, 2009

Roads present a dangerous challenge, especially when you have to cope with icy roads, bad weather and increased congestion caused by seasonal holiday traffic, not to mention the reckless behaviour of drivers who may have been drinking alcohol or distracted by a phone call. One lapse in concentration and you could become involved in a road accident claim.

10,000 road accidents occur every day, which result in 300,000 injuries, and many of these incidents ending up with road accident claims being made against the negligent driver. Factors leading to accidents include vehicle failure and the poor condition of the roads themselves, but 90% of accidents are as a result of human error.

Most vehicle failures are caused by poor maintenance. As an example, a road accident claim may arise when drivers mistake a car for a motorbike when only one headlight or brakelight is working. It is therefore vital for all road users to ensure that the vehicle they are driving is in good condition.

The roads are now in a worse condition than they were in the 1970s, with one in every 5 miles of road failing skid tests. Inadequate road drainage, badly positioned road signs and pot holes are often the cause of accidents.

Nevertheless, the biggest cause of road accident claims is human error. Distractions such as mobile phones, satellite navigation systems, children screaming in the back seats, or something as minor as a spilt drink are the cause of many thousands of road accident injuries. People illegally using hand held devices whilst driving have 4 times the chance of being in an road accident compared to other drivers. Misjudging the speed or direction of other vehicles is another common error, and alcohol, drugs and fatigue impair co-ordination, the perception of speed and reaction times.

14% of all road accidents and 35% of all road related deaths are as a result of tiredness or drinking alcohol. A vehicle’s speed is only one factor in causing a road accident but excess speed plays a part in countless mishaps resulting ultimately in the payment by insurers of road accident compensation.

Winter weather can change dramatically within a matter of minutes. You may be driving in clear, bright conditions one moment, only to run into fog and sleet the next, which rapidly gives way to blizzards and black ice. One slip or slide and your car could be off the road or in collision with another vehicle.

It is not easy to escape liability for a road accident claim by blaming it on a problem with the road, the car, or wet or icy conditions. It is for you to drive within your capabilities and heed the traffic conditions. Not only may you be responsible for damaging someone else’s car as well as your own, but you could cause major injury to other road users. Your insurance company may pick up the vehicle damage and the road accident compensation claim but responsibility remains with you forever.

Whatever the cause of the accident, it is always best to seek advice direct from a firm of solicitors experienced in handling road accident claim, and who can usually offer a free, no win no fee service.

How Serious Motorcycle Accidents Happen and What You Should Do

July 22nd, 2009

HOME::Legal/Personal-Injury

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At a time when gas prices are steadily increasing, commuting by motorcycle is a tempting notion. Increased motorcycle registrations (6,227,146 in 2005) reflect this rationale, but, tragically, high fatality and injuries statistics accompany this trend.

In 2007, 5,154 motorcyclists died in accidents. In 1997, there were 2,116 fatalities. In the last decade, fatalities have more than doubled. In just one year, from 2006 to 2007, there was a 7 percent increase in fatalities. Since the Highway Safety and National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 was enacted, approximately 142,000 motorcyclists have died.

In 2007, fifty percent of motorcycle fatalities resulted from collisions with another motor vehicle. The most common crashes involved a vehicle that turned left in front of a motorcycle which was travelling straight or passing the other vehicle. In about 78 percent of the fatal crashes, the motorcycle was hit on the front. A substantial number of fatal crashes occurred when both another vehicle and the motorcycle were travelling straight.

Motorcycles are more likely than passenger cars and light and large trucks to be in a single vehicle fatal crash with a fixed object. In 2007, 25 percent of motorcycle fatalities were from impact with fixed objects.

Caucasians suffered the majority (77%) of deaths, while African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans shared 17 percent of the fatalities.

Motorcycle crashes are two times as likely to happen on weekends versus weekdays. Ninety percent of the motorcyclists who died were operators and 10 percent were passengers.

Motorcycles with 501-1,000cc engines were involved in 41 percent of fatal accidents and 1,001 - 1,500cc size engines were involved in 38 percent. Of the motorcyclists killed in accidents riding 1,001 - 1,500cc motorcycles, two-thirds were over the age of 40.

Injuries sustained by motorcyclists have also been on the increase. In 2007, 103,000 motorcyclists suffered injuries, an increase of 15,000 from 2006.

The primary injury sustained in a motorcycle crash is a head injury. Studies have shown that wearing a motorcycle helmet, which meets the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, is the crucial factor in whether a motorcyclist survives a crash. In 2007, helmets saved the lives of 1,784 motorcyclists. Another study revealed helmets are 67 percent effective in head injury prevention.

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration estimates 19,230 motorcyclists survived crashes from 1984 to 2006 because they wore a helmet. Another 12,320 people would have lived if they had been wearing a helmet. In 2007 alone, the NHTSA predicts 800 people would not have died if they had been using a helmet.

Currently, 20 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have laws that make helmet use mandatory for motorcycle operators and passengers. Another 27 states have helmet laws with varying stipulations, such as a certain age, a specified period of driving experience time and medical insurance coverage for injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Three states have no laws whatsoever regarding helmet use.

If you, or a loved one, has been involved in a motorcycle accident, it is important you contact an attorney experienced with motorcycle crashes and traumatic personal injuries to receive legal advice and information regarding limitation times for filing a lawsuit.

Attorney Richard Hastings, for the past two and one half decades, has been helping injured clients and families collect millions of dollars in losses ranging from motor vehicle accidents to wrongful death, to medical malpractice. He is the founder of Selectcounsel, LLC, a free service that helps you find one of the best lawyers in your area and is the author of the books “How To Find A Great Lawyer” and “Understanding And Improving The Value Of Your Personal Injury Case.”

Please visit http://www.SelectCounsel.com to see how they can find you one of the best lawyers in your area for your serious injury or medical malpractice case.

Selectcounsel, LLC is a FREE national service that helps people with serious personal injury and medical malpractice cases find one of the best lawyers in their area to represent them. The lawyers we recommend are independently rated by attorneys and judges as being among the very best in their field of practice. Visit us at http://selectcounsel.com to see how we can help you find one of the best lawyers for your case.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Hastings

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