Decades ago, if you were involved in a minor traffic accident, you could simply exchange insurance information and go about your day.
Today, not only are people much more litigious, but there are many more vehicles on the road.
In 2000, there were just over 225,000,000 registered vehicles on highways in the United States. In 2017, there were over 270,000,000 according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
If you are involved in an accident, after ensuring everyone gets the proper medical attention, consult with a personal injury attorney.
The chance that someone will be able to live their life without ever getting into a car accident is exceptionally small. Quite the opposite, in fact. The likelihood that a person will get into multiple accidents in their lifetime is much higher.
In every city around the world, minor car accidents occur daily. In movies or television shows, we have seen people exaggerate fake injuries after a minor fender bender. They hobble into court on crutches and are barely able to turn their heads in their neck brace.
Unfortunately, art often imitates life. If you get into a car accident, regardless of how small, it’s best to know how to handle the situation.
If luck is on your side, the collisions you experience won’t be significant. The most common type of car accident is the fender bender which commonly involves damage to vehicles and no personal injuries. If a person believes they are a great driver, their pride may be hurt. However, insurance doesn’t cover a bruised ego.
Insurance companies classify fender benders as minor because claims are settled quickly and lawsuits are rarely filed.
But even a minor accident can be disruptive to your life and inconvenient, to say the least.
Knowing how to resolve the situation quickly will not only save you money but time and frustration as well.
Minor accidents occurring at a low speed and causing minimal damage are commonly the result of:
To help ease traffic congestion, many major metropolitan areas offer motorized scooters as an option. In Chicago, for example, major thoroughfares downtown have lanes dedicated to both buses and scooters or bicycles.
A factor that was unforeseen by city officials, however, is the reckless behavior of many scooter operators. As a result, scooters will eventually make their way onto the list above. In 2018, the number of scooter fatalities reached double digits in the United States.
After a minor collision, a party may file an insurance claim to recover remuneration for any expenses that are out of pocket. If pain and suffering are involved, they may attempt to recover compensation for that as well.
It’s simple to determine the cost of out of pocket expenses such as prescriptions or medical bills. Establishing pain and suffering, especially in a minor car accident, is much more difficult.
In the U.S., car accidents are the number one cause of personal injuries. The amount of property damage when translated into dollars may be small. But the event can leave someone with injuries that may take weeks or months to heal.
There are many different factors involved in a car accident (even a minor one), so it’s extremely difficult to calculate what the exact settlement amount will be. The only fact that’s certain is insurance companies will pay as little as possible in a minor accident case.
Therefore, hiring a legal professional is very important.
The temptation to negotiate a car accident settlement on your own may high if the accident is minor. But if the scope of damage or injury is outside of your purview, consult with a personal injury attorney.
To potentially get the compensation you deserve after a car accident, you will have to file a car insurance claim to recover damages that will cover any expenses related to bodily injury, vehicle damage or a combination of the two.
After filing your claim with the other party’s insurance provider, you will be given a claim number. You will also be assigned a claims adjuster.
You or your personal injury attorney will work closely with the adjuster who will be responsible for investigating the accident and making the determination of how much the insurance company will disburse.
Keep in mind the insurance industry would exist for very long if they paid out exorbitant sums of money after each accident. Their business model is designed to pay as little as possible to maintain high profit margins.
Be vigilant if you are signing any releases (especially medical) or providing any statements.
Why is this important?
Because any document you sign or statement you provide could potentially hurt your claim and significantly reduce or eliminate and money to which you are entitled.
After being injured in a car accident, you’ll have the opportunity to negotiate with the insurance provider directly. But many people choose to work with a reputable lawyer who can devise a strategy to avoid any unnecessary pitfalls that can destroy their case.
Next, ensure you are keeping precise and comprehensive records during this entire process.
To properly evaluate your claim after an accident, it’s imperative you provide proof that damage occurred. Maintain complete copies of everything related to your accident such as receipts, medical bills, medical records, police reports and anything else you feel is relevant.
All this time and energy is meaningless if you are unable to establish the other driver was the one at fault.
You may be able to glean some information from the police report, but testimony from credible witnesses is evidence that will be hard to refute as are photos and any available video from the scene.
If the insurance company still denies their driver is at fault after you provide your evidence, immediately stop negotiating and contact a personal injury attorney so the process can move forward.
To properly negotiate with the insurance company in an effective manner, it’s a good idea to calculate the approximate worth of your claim as closely as you can. The estimation of an approximate value is one of the most important steps in the process.
As you calculate the value of your claim, tabulate items such as:
Establish the amount you will accept to resolve your claim. Then, present your settlement demand to the other driver’s insurance provider.
Draft a letter to the insurance company detailing the evidence that proves you were not at fault.
Write about how the accident has negatively impacted your life. Mention how the incident will affect your future. Close with the cost of your property damage, lost wages, out of pocket expenses, and medical bills.
Request no less than double the amount of what you are willing to settle for. This will give you room to negotiate.
Include the proof you have accumulated to back up your claim, then send the letter to the claims adjuster.
The adjuster will contact you with an offer that, most likely, will not be the full amount requested in your letter. If not, explain you feel your offer is worth more than the adjuster’s suggestion. See if they will increase their amount.
Do not accept the first offer you receive unless it’s the full amount listed in your letter.
The financial compensation you may receive from a personal injury case is referred to as “damages.” If you have a successful case, you will receive damages from the at-fault party in the matter.
The purpose of damages is to “make the plaintiff whole” after sustaining injuries. Unfortunately, after an accident, a person may never be made whole again.
Attributing a dollar figure to intangible matters like pain and suffering is challenging. So, the objective then becomes putting the injured party back to the place he/she would be if the accident hadn’t occurred in the first place.
Damages come in different forms.
An injured party may receive recompense to pay for medical expenses that are a result of the accident. Some expenses include:
The bills always come due and paying them is the responsibility of the defendant.
Anyone who has spent one minute as a patient knows how expensive hospital costs can be. Americans spent more than $1 trillion on hospital services in 2017.
Medical expenses are extremely costly especially if the injured party needs long term care or becomes permanently disabled.
The calculation of medical expenses should encompass every single bill the plaintiff is required to pay during the entirety of his/her treatment. The estimate should include future costs as well.
Juries tend to award hefty sums for pain and suffering. Because of this, insurance companies are more apt to settle cases where this is a factor. When settling, an insurance provider may use a “pain multiplier” which multiplies real financial losses (i.e. lost wages and medical bills) times a subjective figure the insurer considers appropriate for the situation.
Lost wages constitute compensation for work the injured party missed as a result of his/her injuries. Even if someone was able to use sick time, PTO or vacation days, they should still be awarded some form of monetary compensation for those lost days at work.
If injuries sustained by the plaintiff are permanent, then lost wages would need to be paid throughout their lifetime. This could be devastating to the at-fault party in the accident.
Even if the plaintiff sustains a disability that will reduce his/her ability to perform their job or decrease their future earning ability, compensation will have to be paid over the course of their lifetime as well.
If a person’s death is the result of another party’s negligence or malicious intent, certain members of the victim’s family can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
In all 50 states, spouses are permitted to file such a suit. If a child is under 18 years of age, parents can file.
Rules that govern the filing by siblings, cousins, and parents of adult children vary.
Other forms of damages include loss of consortium where the injured spouse loses the ability to perform sexually and punitive damages. Though not permitted in all cases and not enforced in all states, punitive damages are intended to punish the negligent party for particularly appalling behavior.
Now that you understand the various types of damages, there are considerations that should be made before working with a personal injury attorney.
The filing of a personal injury claim is a decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s one that could have a colossal effect on your life.
While a successful claim can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs, a claim with an unfavorable ruling can cost money and time with nothing to show for your efforts.
Because hiring a lawyer is so pivotal to your case, there are five points you must consider to increase the likelihood of walking away with a favorable decision.
If you have been hurt after a car accident, contact a personal injury lawyer who can help make the process less overwhelming.
As a legal content writer, I research relevant topics to create original digital copy.
Disparities between parties of a contract will lead to construction disputes. There are few reasons disputes may arise such an unclear understanding of the contract, delays or unsubstantiated claims made by those involved.
The dispute itself may not constitute a breach of contract. However, it may become one or result in the contract’s termination. Also a legal claim may be made against the surety bonds of the contractor.
Ways to Resolve Construction Disputes
When drafting a construction contract, there are several clauses that may be listed in the section detailing dispute resolution.
1. Negotiation: Basically, a negotiation clause stipulates that, if a dispute arises between the owner of the project and the contractor, the parties will endeavor to resolve the issue between themselves first.
2. Mediation: A mediation clause implies that an impartial third party be included if a dispute arises. The neutral party can help resolve any disagreements, but this option isn’t legally binding. However it may be an efficient way out of an adverse situation.
3. Adjudication: This method also involves an impartial third party. The difference is an adjudicator will provide a decision. A mediator will only help the parties resolve the dispute. An adjudication clause may also stipulate the possibility of having the decision enforced by a court.
4. Arbitration: Arbitration is another option where parties will engage an impartial third party. Those involved in the dispute mutually agree on who the arbitrator will be. The chosen arbitrator will review the documents and facts regarding the dispute. They can then decide in one parties’ favor if the parties are unable to reach a consensus. Depending on the location of the jurisdiction, arbitration may be legally binding.
5. Litigation: If the parties of the dispute can’t find any other way to resolve their issue, litigation may also be listed in the dispute clause. This involves heading to court for trial. Any decision is legally binding, but may be appealed.
Specialties of an Experienced Construction Dispute Lawyer
A knowledgeable construction dispute lawyer in Miami will be able to handle a broad spectrum of disagreements including:
A Double Board-Certified Construction Dispute Lawyer Can Help
When driving around Florida, it seems there is always a construction project going on. As a result, construction disputes are virtually inevitable. The complex nature of small or large construction projects requires expert legal advice to avoid or settle any issues that occur during all phases of the process.
At ABC Law Firm, we handle all facets of construction disputes ranging from arbitration, mediation and negotiation to litigation. Construction disputes cause substantial increases in costs that may put business relationships and profits in jeopardy.
Our legal counsel and representation will protect not only your current interests, but your long-term ones as well.
Schedule a free consultation or call (555) 555-1212 to discuss mediation, arbitration, construction litigation or other circumstance related to your
specific situation.
Legal Content Writer
Law Blogger
In North America, the interstate trucking industry is an indispensable component of the economic system. Though valuable for commerce, they can be financially detrimental to a person if an accident occurs. Federal regulations, considered lenient by many, appear to concentrate more on revenue than the safety of other drivers on the road.
A big rig or 18-wheel commercial truck can weigh almost 20 times more than a passenger car. If the two have a collision, even one minor in scale, it could be catastrophic for the much smaller vehicle and the occupants inside.
Because so many trucking companies and their drivers disregard federal regulations for safety, it is best to have an experienced truck accident lawyer in Daytona Beach work with you. You will need a sound strategy to possibly receive compensation for damages if the trucking company or contractor is found to be negligent.
Possible Reasons for Your Accident
Motorists behind the wheel of a tractor trailer or other large rig drive hundreds of miles with minimal breaks. Because they are operating such a large mode of transport for long periods of time, truck drivers need to be more alert and attentive than other drivers. Due to the truck’s size and added weight from its contents, the vehicle has the capacity to cause immense destructive force.
Even with the volume of safety standards and federal laws in place, several thousands of accidents involving trucks occur annually.
We have compiled the list below to provide a few reasons:
Injured in a Truck Accident? Hire an Experienced Attorney in Daytona Beach
At ABC Law Firm, our personal injury lawyers are experts in various forms of litigation, including auto accidents. We have the knowledge and expertise to win intricate cases of this nature.
If you are in an accident with a truck or other vehicle, we will work directly with you to ensure you are treated fairly and receive justice. Our firm has earned very substantial results for our clients. We can do the same for you.
Call (360) 555-1212 to schedule a free consultation or click here today.
Working as a legal content writer + legal blog writer, I create thoroughly-researched content.
Every divorce is unique with its own set of problematic situations. Though each is different, and laws vary from state to state, there are a few common practices. Keep reading and we will provide you with a high-level overview of the divorce process, but it’s best that you consult with an experienced Tampa divorce attorney to get a better understanding of the procedure.
The Distinct Types of Divorce
The steps needed for a successful divorce will depend on the relationship. A brief union that has no children and few assets will require less energy to dissolve than one that lasted 30 years, produced five children, and has two homes.
So, there are quite a few types of divorce available including:
There are other forms of divorce as well. If you or your spouse have made the decision to proceed, work with an attorney that can look into your particular situation.
Divorce Procedure
To start the divorce process:
Knowledgeable Divorce Attorneys in Tampa are on Your Side
Our attorneys can provide assistance and make sure you are aware of all your legal options. Your Tampa divorce lawyer will leverage their knowledge and experience in a way that is most advantageous to you.
Click here to set up a free consultation or call (360) 555-1212 to speak with one of our staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
As a legal content writer in Chicago, I am often hired to create quality copy about divorce.
There are not many physical traumas a person can endure that are more distressing than a spinal cord injury.
When a person incurs this type of damage, the nerves of the spinal cord can be permanently damaged causing emotional pain that is immeasurable. If the accident is unexpected, no one is prepared for how their life will be altered.
The frame that encompasses the nerves in the backbone, the spinal cord, are called the vertebral column. The severity of one’s injury depends on how hard the shock is at the time of trauma.
The most serious injury to the spinal cord occurs when it is severed. Even if the cord isn’t cut, an injury could be severe enough to affect an individual’s ability to complete ordinary daily activities such as:
The inability to do tasks that were once commonplace is one of the greatest hurdles to face.
Composition of the Spinal Cord
The spinal cord consists of a collection of nerves protected by a casing of myelin, a mixture of proteins that form a whitish insulating sheath around nerve fibers. That bundle is protected by a series of bones called the vertebrae.
To better understand how to prevent an injury to the vertebral column, let’s take a closer look at its five distinct regions:
1. The Cervical Spine
This is the region of the backbone consists of the vertebrae that start from the base of the skull moving downwards. The vertebrae have numbers assigned to them starting from top to bottom. So, the vertebrae in this region are numbered C1 down to C8. The pinnacle of the cervical spine must be protected. It is the location of the connection between the spinal cord and the brain. Injuries in this area typically happens when the head is forcefully shaken backward and forward. A car that is rear ended in an accident or a distressing fall or other comparable type of incident can be the cause.
2. The Thoracic Spine
This is the central area of the backbone consisting of the vertebrae numbered T1 down to T12. Thoracic injuries commonly involve fractures or herniated discs. Injuries to this region are not a prevalent as those to the cervical or lumbar regions of the spine. Though less frequent, injuries to the thoracic spine can cause grave pain that radiates throughout the body or paralysis.
3. The Lumbar Spine
The lower region of the spinal column that starts to curve is the lumbar region. This consists of the L1 down to the L5 vertebrae. Injuries to the lumbar spine commonly result from falls or auto accidents. As we age, a person’s lower back shows signs of degeneration resulting to more frequent injuries. Also common are disc herniations which put pressure on the sciatic nerve sending pain and/or numbness to the feet, legs, or butt.
4. The Sacral Spine
Triangular in form, the sacral spine is at the bottom of the spinal column. The spinal cord ends before entering this area of the backbone that consists of only five vertebrae. These vertebrae protect the roots of the nerves that exit from the spinal cord.
5. The Coccyx
This section is also referred to as the tailbone, but the coccyx is the last vertebrae at the base of the vertebral column. Hard falls or blows to the tailbone are the most common injuries to this area.
Contact Us Today for Help
When you are the victim of an injury to your back, your life may be permanently altered. If the injury is the result of a catastrophic event or negligent act, it is vital that you determine what happened, so you may potentially recover monetary damages. With offices in Miami Beach, the knowledgeable attorneys at ABC Law Firm are here to help. Contact us today for assistance.
For more information on spinal cord injuries visit:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20377890
Injuries are one of the many subjects I write about as a legal blogger and legal content writer.
A sign of the times, there are new terms that now refer to alimony- spousal support or spousal maintenance. Thought to be commonplace, spousal support is not awarded in all divorces. The determination whether to grant support is up to the court and is based on several factors.
A few include:
There are other criteria calculated into the decision as well. Our firm of highly trained alimony attorneys in Seattle can provide with all of the necessary information to ensure you receive the support you deserve.
The Various Forms of Alimony in Washington
After evaluating the financial needs of one spouse and the other spouse’s ability to meet those needs, alimony is awarded (or not awarded in some cases). In Florida, courts have the ability to tailor support so that it is specific to each situation.
This flexibility allows several types of alimony to exist in the state:
The party providing spousal support is not necessarily obligated to pay for the rest of his or her life. Spousal support will terminate automatically if the party receiving the support remarries or if either spouse passes away.
A court may also terminate or amend an award of permanent alimony if the party receiving the support in a “supportive relationship.” Many criteria are used to verify the existence of a supportive relationship.
A few are:
These are just a few of the determining factors. Let our team provide further detail on any questions you may have.
Knowledgeable Spousal Maintenance Attorneys in Seattle
The myriad of issues faced when seeking spousal support can be daunting. Fortunately, our experienced spousal support attorneys are able to help guide you through the most difficult of cases.
To set up a free consultation, click here or call (360) 555-1212. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to work with one of our bilingual specialists. It doesn’t matter if you are seeking support or defending yourself against it.
We will fight for you every step of the process. We are a team of skilled litigators who will be your advocate in court!
As a legal content writer, I'm often hired by firms seeking to add to their library of digital copy.
The global market for cannabis is growing quite rapidly. The market for legal cannabis is projected to reach over $23 billion and provide jobs for almost 500,000 Americans by the year 2022. From now until then, that’s an annual growth rate of 27%.
This rate of growth is very impressive and as a result, many investors are scrambling to invest in cannabis stocks that are publicly traded.
So, what is the best method to do so? Consider the following.
Understand the Two Main Forms of Cannabis Products
Primarily, there are two categories of products related to cannabis.
The first category is medical marijuana. This is widely available legally in 30 states currently. Other countries like Germany and Canada have made it legal as well. To obtain medical marijuana, an individual must provide a prescription from an authorized healthcare professional. Often, it’s prescribed for pain, depression, stress or anxiety.
Medical marijuana (medical cannabis) can be inhaled by “vaping” the concentrates or smoking the dried flower. A person can also ingest it by eating edible products containing cannabis or by drinking beverages infused with it. The market has evolved to a point where people may acquire lotions and topical creams that contain cannabis or its chemical ingredients.
A widely used medical marijuana product is CBD (cannabidiol), which is one of several chemical compounds in the actual cannabis plant. Referred to as a cannabinoid, it does not have any of the properties that would affect the mind unlike other cannabinoids.
The possible health benefits of CBD are so promising, the FDA approved Epidiolex, the first drug with CBD as the key ingredient. Epidiolex will be used to treat two uncommon types of epilepsy.
Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration approved three drugs with THC as the main ingredient- Cesamet, Marinol, and Syndros. They will be used to treat some of the adverse side effects of chemotherapy like vomiting and nausea. But unlike CBD, these three drugs will be created using an artificial form of THC instead of the actual compounds found in cannabis plants.
The second category of products related to cannabis is recreational marijuana. It’s now legal for adults to use it in the District of Columbia and nine states in the U.S. The country of Uruguay legalized cannabis country-wide back in 2013. In Canada, Parliament took a vote to make recreational marijuana legal. The vote passed in October of 2018.
As one can imagine, the popularity of cannabis is due to the psychoactive properties of THC. Though many people still smoke the cannabis flower, eating edibles and vaping concentrates are growing in popularity.
Business Law Attorneys in Santa Monica
At ABC Law, we are committed to serving our clients with enthusiasm and excellence. Contemporary law, even in the newly formed cannabis sector, has become confusing and complicated to navigate. We can be your guide when you are faced with matters that require experienced counsel and advice.
If you have a startup or are considering investing in the cannabis industry, call us at (123) 456-7890, schedule an appointment or email us at info@abc123.com to learn how we can assist you with any legal concerns you may have.
In addition to being a legal content writer, I also offer my services as a cannabis copywriter.
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