You were on the phone, got distracted and before you knew it traffic had stopped, giving you no room to stop and you rear end the girl in front of you. Or, let's say you're driving along and a deer jumps out and rams into the side of your door.
Now, let's say you need to file and claim and get your car fixed. But, are your rates going to go up?
In the first case, more than likely they will depending on how much your insurance company pays out to fix both cars and medical bills if anyone was injured.
But, in the second example, since this will be a comprehensive claim your rates should not see an increase at your renewal. Unless you have a long history of hitting deer then the people from PETA will be out to get you. Or if you file a lot of small glass damage claims then your rates could be affected or you may have to pay a higher deductible for comprehensive in which case small glass damage will be less than your deductible and you will pay out of pocket.
Part 2: How long does an accident stay on my record?
Ok, so back to the example where you rear ended someone. We have already established that you are going to see your insurance rates go up. Now, we need to find out how long and how much will they go up.
State insurance boards usually allow insurance companies to charge for a accident for 3 years from the day they started charging for it. Not from the time you got into the accident. You got in the accident in December and your policy runs from October to April. Your rates won't be affected until April of the next year and the surcharge will drop off 3 years from that April.
How much will your rates go up? Are they trying to get back the money they paid out for my claim? You can usually expect a rate increase of between 20-40% on average per six months. They could go up even more if you lose some discounts you were getting, such as a claim free discount.
The increase is not a recoupment of the monies paid out by your insurance company. It is designed to charge you a premium based on the risk, or chance, that you will get into another accident in the next 3 years. You are a higher risk to the insurance company and they are able to charge you for the higher risk you present to them.
If it was based on how much the insurance company paid out then you wouldn't be able to afford it if you totaled out your 2004 Nissan Maxima at $25,000 and you had to pay that back within the 3 year surcharge period. Makes sense? Good, now get off the cell phone!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Friday, May 25, 2007
Car Accident Statistics
Car accident statistics indicate that at least four people involved in car accidents die every hour. These accidents could be due to the fault of the driver, the other driver, or due to a faulty vehicle. The important thing to consider is the number of deaths occurring every day, excluding the people involved in car accidents and sustaining severe personal injuries.
The main causes for car accidents are reckless and negligent driving and alcohol. Teenagers, according to the statistics, cause most car accidents Inexperience coupled with irresponsible behavior and a lack of respect for the safety precautions are the main causes for such a high number of teenage car accidents.
Another reason is the inattentiveness of the driver. Many people talk while driving, which might prove to be fatal because it distracts the driver from the road. Even though hands free mobile phones are the latest craze, the driver would be unable to concentrate on the road while on the phone. The best option would be to park and then take the call, or not take the call at all while driving. These rules have already been implemented in a number of states.
Inattentiveness can also be caused due to alcohol, drugs, or the driver being distracted by music in the car. This might prove to be perilous to other drivers on the road and might result in either distracting them with reckless driving or causing side or rear end collisions due to inattentiveness. Such negligence can even cause pileups in highways and must be avoided at all costs.
Car accidents can be very traumatic, sometimes affecting the person for the rest of their life. Other than the physical injuries that may result due to the accident, mental pressure might also result. A few precautions can eliminate the prospect of accidents on the roads and provide a safety net. It is advised to follow the safety road rules and not drive while on the phone or while on drugs or alcohol.
Car Accidents provides detailed information about car accidents, car accident injuries, car accident lawsuits, and more. Car Accidents is affiliated with Drivers Ed Games.
The main causes for car accidents are reckless and negligent driving and alcohol. Teenagers, according to the statistics, cause most car accidents Inexperience coupled with irresponsible behavior and a lack of respect for the safety precautions are the main causes for such a high number of teenage car accidents.
Another reason is the inattentiveness of the driver. Many people talk while driving, which might prove to be fatal because it distracts the driver from the road. Even though hands free mobile phones are the latest craze, the driver would be unable to concentrate on the road while on the phone. The best option would be to park and then take the call, or not take the call at all while driving. These rules have already been implemented in a number of states.
Inattentiveness can also be caused due to alcohol, drugs, or the driver being distracted by music in the car. This might prove to be perilous to other drivers on the road and might result in either distracting them with reckless driving or causing side or rear end collisions due to inattentiveness. Such negligence can even cause pileups in highways and must be avoided at all costs.
Car accidents can be very traumatic, sometimes affecting the person for the rest of their life. Other than the physical injuries that may result due to the accident, mental pressure might also result. A few precautions can eliminate the prospect of accidents on the roads and provide a safety net. It is advised to follow the safety road rules and not drive while on the phone or while on drugs or alcohol.
Car Accidents provides detailed information about car accidents, car accident injuries, car accident lawsuits, and more. Car Accidents is affiliated with Drivers Ed Games.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Auto Insurance Accident Fraud - A Crime of Defrauding Insurance Companies
Crime is everywhere and all around us. Not all crime is requires the use of stun guns or pepper spray to thwart a potential assault or robbery. Some crimes are perpetrated by white collar or blue collar people who take advantage of others when they least expect it.
Many car accidents are merely insurance schemes designed to get the consumer to pay through higher premiums.
You are driving down the interstate when all of a sudden you are involved in a car accident. However, this is not just any car accident. You become a victim of a scheme to defraud your insurance company out of thousands of dollars. Nationally, insurance companies fork over millions of dollars a year to defend against misleading car accident claims by people profiting from these claims. How do car insurance schemes affect you? Who do you think pays for the cost of insurance scams? YOU DO!
You can prevent possible car insurance accident fraud by educating yourself on the techniques that are practiced today. Call your insurance provider if you believe you have been scammed or witnessed a scam. An insurance provider could reward you for your efforts in providing such information.
Here is a list of schemes used today by many white collar criminals.
Paper Accident
A paper accident is when a criminal actively solicits other people in the car repair and salvage industry to partake in accidents that only exits on paper. Crooked lawyers, doctors, and insurance agents are normally part of this scheme as well. The perpetrator will knowingly keep the claim less than $1,000 because most insurance companies will not investigate a claim less than this amount.
Hit & Run
A “hit & run” is when a perpetrator reports a false hit and run to their insurance provider.
Swoop & Squat
Swoop & squat is when a perpetrator abruptly pulls in front of a car (the swoop) and quickly slams on the brakes (the squat). An accomplice moves to the side of the targeted vehicle to prevent the trapped car from swerving out of the way. This is called “boxing in” a vehicle. Then all the passengers in the squat car report injuries that are supported later by a crooked medical doctor or chiropractor.
Sideswipe
This is a technique used in multiple turn lanes at an intersection. A perpetrator will continue to take multiple left turns until another car suddenly moves into the lane in which the perpetrator suddenly accelerates to force impact.
T-bone
This procedure is normally done in the absence of any hostile witnesses. The perpetrator sits and waits at an intersection and knowingly rams into a car as it passes. When police arrive to take an accident report, bogus witnesses show up all of a sudden and tell the officer that the victim ran a stop sign or a red light.
Wave
This tactic is normally done in heavy traffic and when there is a merge. The perpetrator waves to the victim and pretends to yield the right of way. As the victim begins to merge into the lane, the perpetrator accelerates his car to force an impact. When police arrive, the perpetrator falsely reports ever giving up the right of way.
Shady Helper
This could happen after an honest auto accident. A stranger accosts you after an accident and gives you phone numbers to an auto body shop, lawyer, or doctor. This could be a scam. The auto repair shop often fattens your repair cost, and the doctor may give you less than the required clinical treatment or none at all. A lawyer may try to convince you to sue the insurance company.
Most insurance schemes are performed by experts who role-play before actually committing the crime. They are normally very professional and skillful in their deeds, but that does not mean that you can take steps from becoming a victim. The following is some measure than can be taken to shift the advantage to your side.
Keep a disposable camera, pen and paper in your glove compartment. If you have a cell phone with a camera feature, this is perfect! A picture can be a valuable tool in an auto accident. After an accident, take a ton of pictures of every car including the passengers. Get as much information about every person in the accident including names and phone numbers of witnesses. The pictures along with your notes will leave little room for perpetrators to lie about the damage to their car and injury to their passengers afterwards. If you believe an accident was a setup, get good details about the accident! Protect yourself always!
What should you do if you are involved in an auto accident?
1. Exchange information with the driver.
2. Have your driver license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance ready.
3. Count the number of people in the car and get their:
• Names
• Address
• Telephone number
• Note if they were wearing seatbelts
• Note if they acted injured only after the police arrived at the scene
4. Get the names, address, and phone numbers of anybody that witnessed the accident.
5. Contact police if you believe the accident is staged.
Remember. Even if you are not a victim in an auto insurance fraud, helping insurance companies deter insurance fraud crime benefits you, the honest consumer. The consumer will end up paying for the cost of auto insurance via higher premiums. This is something that many people do not want to do.
What these auto insurance scams can cost you
Record Blemished--Many insurance companies keep records of your driving history to measure the risk of insuring motorists. The driving history is what determines your eligibility to be insured by the insurance company. Whether an accident is faked or not, your driving record will be affected.
Victims Terrorized, Killed--Staged accidents for insurance claims is very dangerous to your health. It only takes one mistake by you or the perpetrators to take your life of the lives of your loved ones.
Premiums Increased--Everybody’s car insurance premiums go up because the cost of fake insurance claims is passed on to you, the honest consumer.
Many car accidents are merely insurance schemes designed to get the consumer to pay through higher premiums.
You are driving down the interstate when all of a sudden you are involved in a car accident. However, this is not just any car accident. You become a victim of a scheme to defraud your insurance company out of thousands of dollars. Nationally, insurance companies fork over millions of dollars a year to defend against misleading car accident claims by people profiting from these claims. How do car insurance schemes affect you? Who do you think pays for the cost of insurance scams? YOU DO!
You can prevent possible car insurance accident fraud by educating yourself on the techniques that are practiced today. Call your insurance provider if you believe you have been scammed or witnessed a scam. An insurance provider could reward you for your efforts in providing such information.
Here is a list of schemes used today by many white collar criminals.
Paper Accident
A paper accident is when a criminal actively solicits other people in the car repair and salvage industry to partake in accidents that only exits on paper. Crooked lawyers, doctors, and insurance agents are normally part of this scheme as well. The perpetrator will knowingly keep the claim less than $1,000 because most insurance companies will not investigate a claim less than this amount.
Hit & Run
A “hit & run” is when a perpetrator reports a false hit and run to their insurance provider.
Swoop & Squat
Swoop & squat is when a perpetrator abruptly pulls in front of a car (the swoop) and quickly slams on the brakes (the squat). An accomplice moves to the side of the targeted vehicle to prevent the trapped car from swerving out of the way. This is called “boxing in” a vehicle. Then all the passengers in the squat car report injuries that are supported later by a crooked medical doctor or chiropractor.
Sideswipe
This is a technique used in multiple turn lanes at an intersection. A perpetrator will continue to take multiple left turns until another car suddenly moves into the lane in which the perpetrator suddenly accelerates to force impact.
T-bone
This procedure is normally done in the absence of any hostile witnesses. The perpetrator sits and waits at an intersection and knowingly rams into a car as it passes. When police arrive to take an accident report, bogus witnesses show up all of a sudden and tell the officer that the victim ran a stop sign or a red light.
Wave
This tactic is normally done in heavy traffic and when there is a merge. The perpetrator waves to the victim and pretends to yield the right of way. As the victim begins to merge into the lane, the perpetrator accelerates his car to force an impact. When police arrive, the perpetrator falsely reports ever giving up the right of way.
Shady Helper
This could happen after an honest auto accident. A stranger accosts you after an accident and gives you phone numbers to an auto body shop, lawyer, or doctor. This could be a scam. The auto repair shop often fattens your repair cost, and the doctor may give you less than the required clinical treatment or none at all. A lawyer may try to convince you to sue the insurance company.
Most insurance schemes are performed by experts who role-play before actually committing the crime. They are normally very professional and skillful in their deeds, but that does not mean that you can take steps from becoming a victim. The following is some measure than can be taken to shift the advantage to your side.
Keep a disposable camera, pen and paper in your glove compartment. If you have a cell phone with a camera feature, this is perfect! A picture can be a valuable tool in an auto accident. After an accident, take a ton of pictures of every car including the passengers. Get as much information about every person in the accident including names and phone numbers of witnesses. The pictures along with your notes will leave little room for perpetrators to lie about the damage to their car and injury to their passengers afterwards. If you believe an accident was a setup, get good details about the accident! Protect yourself always!
What should you do if you are involved in an auto accident?
1. Exchange information with the driver.
2. Have your driver license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance ready.
3. Count the number of people in the car and get their:
• Names
• Address
• Telephone number
• Note if they were wearing seatbelts
• Note if they acted injured only after the police arrived at the scene
4. Get the names, address, and phone numbers of anybody that witnessed the accident.
5. Contact police if you believe the accident is staged.
Remember. Even if you are not a victim in an auto insurance fraud, helping insurance companies deter insurance fraud crime benefits you, the honest consumer. The consumer will end up paying for the cost of auto insurance via higher premiums. This is something that many people do not want to do.
What these auto insurance scams can cost you
Record Blemished--Many insurance companies keep records of your driving history to measure the risk of insuring motorists. The driving history is what determines your eligibility to be insured by the insurance company. Whether an accident is faked or not, your driving record will be affected.
Victims Terrorized, Killed--Staged accidents for insurance claims is very dangerous to your health. It only takes one mistake by you or the perpetrators to take your life of the lives of your loved ones.
Premiums Increased--Everybody’s car insurance premiums go up because the cost of fake insurance claims is passed on to you, the honest consumer.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Car Accident - Do You Need a Lawyer?
The need for a lawyer in a car accident typically depends on the circumstances surrounding the event. However, in view of a highly litigious environment, it is essential to look at the degree of the car accident and judge accordingly. A simple fender-bender can be settled through your insurer but an accident involving bodily harm or injury may require a lawyer. If no one is hurt, then one can usually do without the services of a lawyer.
The need for a lawyer will thus arise if one has suffered some kind of permanent injury as a result of the car accident causing loss of time away from work, school or household chores. In such an event you may want to consult a lawyer for representation in a claim against the person responsible for such injuries.
An attorney or a lawyer that deals with personal injury is who you need to contact for getting your case resolved. There are some cases that need the immediate attention of a lawyer such as:
Serious injuries resulting in broken bones, permanent injuries and
hospitalization.
The result of the car accident is death.
When there are other parties involved like pedestrians and other vehicles.
The question of who is at fault has not been adequately answered.
Inaccuracies in the police report making you the party at fault.
Involving technical, medical and legal issues.
Insurance matters like low limit on liability insurance, having no insurance, not having paid insurance premiums and problems with the insurer himself.
In some other cases, an attorney can be helpful but not necessary are:
Seeking advice on settling a claim, handling negotiations with an insurer
Requiring clarifications on terms of policy and confused on what rights you may or may not have
Seeking expert advice for paperwork
Determining if insurer is acting in bad faith.
When fault is an issue.
If there is an insurance claim process, it might necessitate the hiring of a car accident lawyer. Typically, lawyers in their advertisements will urge you to contact a car accident attorney so as not to lose your right to sue at a later date. They however, hardly ever specify the circumstances under which you would be required to do the needful. So then, how does one decide whether or not the advice of a car accident attorney is necessary.
Usually, the clear-cut claims do not require much advice or consultation from a car accident attorney. This would be in cases where the liability has been clearly defined and the person has admitted his fault, wherein injuries are only minor and medical and other expenses are negligible. It would also be applicable if there are no extenuating circumstances requiring investigation such as uncertainties about insurance coverage, questions about statute of limitations, previously existing injuries to the same body parts and complicated accident scenario. Most people do not know of these problems when they happen and prefer to handle their claims on their own and only later realize the need for a lawyer to clear out the mess.
The car accident lawyer will help when you are uncertain as to who is liable, how to handle your claim or even when you are unsure of negotiating your own settlement. Similarly, if the adjuster asks you to provide medical records prior to the accident, or makes you an offer that is not in consonance with your claim or even offers to pay you in parts rather than a lump sum, you may need to consult a lawyer for further clarifications.
It is however imperative that you consult a car accident lawyer when:
The insurance company denies your claim
You are seriously injured with huge medical bills or have only
residual disability
The injured person is a minor
Your claim is valuable but proof of loss is intangible
Liability is in question
Complicated facts and circumstances surrounding your accident
The injured party has slapped you with a lawsuit.
William Brister
http://legalproguide.com -An Answer to All Your Legal Needs.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Brister
The need for a lawyer will thus arise if one has suffered some kind of permanent injury as a result of the car accident causing loss of time away from work, school or household chores. In such an event you may want to consult a lawyer for representation in a claim against the person responsible for such injuries.
An attorney or a lawyer that deals with personal injury is who you need to contact for getting your case resolved. There are some cases that need the immediate attention of a lawyer such as:
Serious injuries resulting in broken bones, permanent injuries and
hospitalization.
The result of the car accident is death.
When there are other parties involved like pedestrians and other vehicles.
The question of who is at fault has not been adequately answered.
Inaccuracies in the police report making you the party at fault.
Involving technical, medical and legal issues.
Insurance matters like low limit on liability insurance, having no insurance, not having paid insurance premiums and problems with the insurer himself.
In some other cases, an attorney can be helpful but not necessary are:
Seeking advice on settling a claim, handling negotiations with an insurer
Requiring clarifications on terms of policy and confused on what rights you may or may not have
Seeking expert advice for paperwork
Determining if insurer is acting in bad faith.
When fault is an issue.
If there is an insurance claim process, it might necessitate the hiring of a car accident lawyer. Typically, lawyers in their advertisements will urge you to contact a car accident attorney so as not to lose your right to sue at a later date. They however, hardly ever specify the circumstances under which you would be required to do the needful. So then, how does one decide whether or not the advice of a car accident attorney is necessary.
Usually, the clear-cut claims do not require much advice or consultation from a car accident attorney. This would be in cases where the liability has been clearly defined and the person has admitted his fault, wherein injuries are only minor and medical and other expenses are negligible. It would also be applicable if there are no extenuating circumstances requiring investigation such as uncertainties about insurance coverage, questions about statute of limitations, previously existing injuries to the same body parts and complicated accident scenario. Most people do not know of these problems when they happen and prefer to handle their claims on their own and only later realize the need for a lawyer to clear out the mess.
The car accident lawyer will help when you are uncertain as to who is liable, how to handle your claim or even when you are unsure of negotiating your own settlement. Similarly, if the adjuster asks you to provide medical records prior to the accident, or makes you an offer that is not in consonance with your claim or even offers to pay you in parts rather than a lump sum, you may need to consult a lawyer for further clarifications.
It is however imperative that you consult a car accident lawyer when:
The insurance company denies your claim
You are seriously injured with huge medical bills or have only
residual disability
The injured person is a minor
Your claim is valuable but proof of loss is intangible
Liability is in question
Complicated facts and circumstances surrounding your accident
The injured party has slapped you with a lawsuit.
William Brister
http://legalproguide.com -An Answer to All Your Legal Needs.
Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=William_Brister
Sunday, April 8, 2007
How to Prevent Car Accidents & Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrian Safety Tips & Safe Driving Tips for Everyone Be Safe & Be Seen!
Did you know that more than 5,000 pedestrians die each year in the United States because they are hit by motor vehicles or bicycles? To be safe when sharing sidewalks and streets, it's important to be aware of your surroundings. By taking simple precautions, you can prevent injuries and possible death.
Three of the most common accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians are caused when pedestrians make the following mistakes:
1) Cross a road not at the intersection (jaywalking).
2) Walk in the road, not the side of road.
3) Walk in the road in the same direction as moving vehicles.
To help prevent these accidents, follow these simple Pedestrian Safety Tips:
BE SEEN: Avoid common traffic dangers.
Wait for drivers to stop and make eye contact before crossing a street. Don't assume they see you.
Cross at a corner or marked walkway, following traffic signals.
Sidewalks obviously are safer than roads, but watch for driveway traffic.
If there's no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
Bicyclists should ride with the flow of traffic, preferably in marked lanes.
Look left-right-left before crossing any street, and keep looking until across.
Don't start crossing if a red signal is blinking.
When crossing on a green light, watch in all directions for turning cars.
Put a safety flag on a wheelchair, motorized cart or stroller for visibility.
Sharing public spaces with vehicle traffic takes extra care and attention by everyone. When everyone is courteous and cautious, it's safe to get around on foot, by bike, with skates, in wheelchairs or even via scooters. We all need to avoid risky situations, and when drivers follow these safety tips we all get where we're going safely!
BE SAFE: Slow down, look, anticipate.
Careful driving starts when you turn the ignition key.
Driveways and parking areas are hazardous. Pull out slowly, watching on all sides for pedestrians or any passers-by.
In public garages, drive-through businesses and commercial lots, watch out for those on foot or two wheels. Look in each direction, especially when they are crossing sidewalks and marked paths.
Before turning right on red lights, drivers must stop fully.
Make sure no pedestrian, jogger, bicyclist or wheelchair user is crossing or waiting to cross. They have the right of way.
Motorists turning left on green lights also must yield to anyone crossing.
Attorney Marya Sieminski joined the Law Offices of Sam Bernstein in 2003. She is admitted to practice law in Michigan state courts and in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduated magna cum laude from Wayne State University Law School. Marya has worked as a trial lawyer for 10 years and exclusively represented victims in personal injury litigation and in workers compensation claims. She also was appointed by the Governor to serve on the State of Michigan Workers Compensation Qualifications Advisory Committee.
Article Source:expert=Marya_Sieminski
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Car Accidents are Common in Los Angeles--Good Personal Injury Lawyers Aren't
Every year tens of thousands of California and Los Angeles vehicle drivers are involved in a car accident resulting in injuries to themselves or others. A high percentage of these accidents result in personal injuries. If you have suffered a personal injury you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Personal injury cases can become very complicated.
In all automobile accident cases it is essential that steps be taken immediately to preserve evidence, investigate the accident in question, and to enable physicians or other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate any injuries. Therefore, is important to choose an experienced personal injury attorney in pursuing a claim to recover for your personal injuries.
Traffic Accidents in Los Angeles and Orange County are the most common types of personal injury cases. Cases involving personal injury resulting from accidents are litigated under the principles of negligence, (link to negligence) unless the state has determined to do away with fault as an issue. The injured plaintiff is required to prove that someone was negligent, that the negligence caused the accident, and that the accident caused the plaintiff’s injuries. In some cases your gut feeling may tell you that the other driver, cyclist, or pedestrian acted carelessly, but not what rules they violated.
Types of Car Accident Injuries
Side-impact injuries
A side-impact injury occurs as a result of another vehicle barreling into you from the side. It is the deadliest form of car accidents leaving 10,000 persons dead each year. In a head-on collision you are protected by several feet of steel, engine, and bumper. A side-impact accident leaves only a few inches of door and some window glass between you and the other vehicle.
Every vehicle on the road is required to pass the government implemented side-impact standards. Many people feel these standards are outdated. The government tests have been criticized for failing to test head standards in all vehicles. It uses a dummy representing an average size male that doesn’t register head injuries, and its test only looks at what happens when similar size vehicles collide.I was a passenger involved in a car accident and I suffered injuries, can I get recovery for my personal-injury damages?
Passenger Injuries
If you were a passenger in a vehicle involved in an accident, and if you have sustained injury as a result, you are entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. As a passenger, you have a claim against both the driver of the vehicle in which you were riding as well as the drivers of any other vehicles (or any other negligent party) involved in the collision. As a passenger you generally cannot be considered to be at fault or partially at fault for causing an accident unless you do something to cause the accident such as distract the driver.
Paraplegia
Paraplegia is a type of paralysis which affects both the legs and the trunk. Persons affect by paraplegia have no movement in their legs, and are often limited or have no movement in their torso. Paraplegia results from spinal cord injury. (Link to Spinal Cord Injury) Many accident victims are paraplegic as a result of unsafe or defective vehicles.
Paraplegia interrupts sensory messages to the brain so that the affected individual cannot "feel" their affected body parts, and are generally insensitive to pain or heat. As a result, a victim’s health and safety is jeopardized because of this inability to differentiate pain. Some victims have damaged nerves resulting in phantom pain and heat sensations. Paraplegia significantly impacts the patient's quality of life by affecting sexual drive, digestive capabilities, bladder control and shortened life expectancy.
Car accidents have often caused the major trauma (link to traumatic brain injury) that result in paraplegia. Vehicles such as SUV's are prone to roll over and do not have adequate roof structure. As a result, the roof crushes and caves in causing spinal cord injuries. Fortunately, there are steps to be taken to reduce such injuries including paraplegia. There are step that auto manufacturers should take to ensure that vehicles are safe and have the best airbags, seatbelts to prevent ejection, sound vehicle design and roof stability
Spinal Injuries
Although the spinal cord is only 18 inches long, and is made up of tiny, delicate nerve cells, a spinal cord injury (SCI) can be a traumatic and devastating injury resulting in a lifetime of pain, suffering and huge medical expenses. At the California Attorney Group, we know how devastating these injuries can be.
An SCI typically involves some type of trauma to the nerve cells that form the spinal cord. As the spinal cord carries messages from the brain to various parts of the body to control functions such as movement, breathing, speaking, and other critical body functions, an injury to the spinal cord disrupts this communication, leading to the impairment of the body's sensory, motor and involuntary reflex functions. Depending upon the nature and extent of the SCI, these disruptions can lead to two devastating conditions: paraplegia (paralysis of the lower portions of the body) or quadriplegia (paralysis of the upper and lower parts of the body).
The principal causes of SCI are automobile accidents [link to Car Accidents, slip and falls [link to Slip and Falls], acts of violence, sports-related injuries, injuries at work, and other incidents that cause injury or compression to the nerve cells of the spinal cord. Approximately 250,000 Americans currently suffer from some form of SCI, and there are about 11,000 new cases annually.
The costs related to SCI can be staggering. More than half of all spinal cord injuries result in quadriplegia, resulting in an average hospital stay of 95 days and approximately $140,000 in medical expenses. For individuals who sustain SCI at the age of 25, the average lifetime medical costs for quadriplegia is $1.35 million. And these figure does not take into account the physical and emotional suffering of the victims, the loss of wages and other income, and the financial and emotional burdens that SCI places on the victims’ care givers, who are more often than not close family members of the victim.
Moreover, if you are in a car accident, you could have injuries such as Brain Injuries and Spinal Injuries. It is important for your attorney to understand the possibility of theses injuries and not overlook them. Many unscrupulous attorney’s will push to settle their personal injury cases as quickly as possible to generate revenue for themselves. They will overlook symptoms such as simple headaches which could be an indication of a brain injury. {link to brain injury] A poorly timed or crafted settlement can leave you liable for thousands of dollars in medical bills. Our goal at California Attorney Group is to make you whole. This means our first goal is to assure the medical fitness of our clients and settlement of our cases second.
Brain Injuries
Most often brain injuries are caused by serious vehicle accidents, drastic falls, bus or train accidents, amongst other sever accidents. Every 15 seconds someone suffers a brain injury. The impact of a brain injury on someone's life can be devastating, but a brain injury attorney can help lessen the strain the brain injury has caused by recovering damages the brain injury patient is entitled to. Of all the injuries that an individual can suffer, brain related injuries are among the most frightening and the most deadly. At California Attorney Group, we can handle brain injury cases, and we know how traumatic they can be.
There are several different types of traumatic injuries that can damage the brain. A skull fracture occurs when the bone of the skull cracks or breaks. A depressed skull fracture occurs when pieces of the broken skull press into the tissue of the brain. This can cause bruising of the brain tissue, called a contusion. A contusion can also occur in response to shaking of the brain within the confines of the skull. Damage to a major blood vessel within the head can cause a hematoma, or heavy bleeding into or around the brain.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury, commonly referred to as TBI is sudden physical damage to the brain. The damage may be caused by the head forcefully hitting an object, such as hitting the wheel, window or dashboard of car (closed head injury) or by something passing through the skull and piercing the brain, such as a bullet or a knife (penetrating head injury). A closed head injury can also be experienced when the brain undergoes severe shaking or twisting, such as whiplash.
The common symptoms among adults are:
low-grade headaches or neck pain that won't go away
having more trouble than usual with mental tasks (e.g., remembering, concentrating, making decisions)
slowness in thinking, speaking, acting, or reading
getting lost or easily confused
feeling tired all the time, lacking energy or motivation
changes in sleeping patterns (sleeping a lot more or having a hard time sleeping) *
feeling light-headed or dizzy, losing your balance
increased sensitivity to sounds, light, or distractions
blurred vision, eyes that tire easily
loss of the sense of smell or taste
ringing in the ears
mood changes (e.g., feeling sad or angry for no reason)
Among children, the symptoms are:
listlessness or tiring easily
irritability or crankiness
changes in eating or sleeping patterns
changes in the way the child plays
changes in performance at school
lack of interest in favorite toys or activities
loss of new skills, such as toilet training
loss of balance, unsteady walking
Brain injuries can result from a number of different causes, with the leading causes being motor vehicle crashes, slips and falls, sports-related injuries strokes, anoxia, tumors, viral infections, degenerative diseases, near drowning, and other conditions not involving external force. Approximately 1 million Americans are treated and released from hospital emergency rooms each year as a result of TBI, and an estimated 5.3 million Americans are living today with some form of TBI-related disability.
Moreover, if you are in a car accident, you could have injuries such as Brain Injuries and Spinal Injuries. It is important for your attorney to understand the possibility of theses injuries and not overlook them. Many unscrupulous attorney’s will push to settle their personal injury cases as quickly as possible to generate revenue for themselves. They will overlook symptoms such as simple headaches which could be an indication of a brain injury. A poorly timed or crafted settlement can leave you liable for thousands of dollars in medical bills. Our goal at California Attorney Group is to make you whole. This means our first goal is to assure the medical fitness of our clients and settlement of our cases second.
Michael E. Williams is the Chief Marketing Officer for California Attorney Group. Mr. Williams leads the Firm’s Marketing Department and serves as a consultant to the Firm’s management, practice leaders and partners focusing on business planning and new business development. He has successfully integrated marketing and business development systems, programs and behaviors into the Firm's culture and operations. For more information, visit http://www.californiaattorneygroup.com
Article Source: expert=Michael_Eric_Williams
all about your car
best car videos
tuning car videos
Common Questions About Car Accident Claims
Q: Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to make an insurance claim? A: No. U.S. citizenship is not a pre-requisite to making an insurance claim, even if you are not here legally.
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit? A: Each state varies. In many states, you only have two years from the date of accident; minors usually have more time (they have until they are 20 years old in the state of Nevada, for example). It is critical to check with an attorney to make sure you know the right time limit for your case. Failure to file in time will forever bar your case and your recovery.
Q: What is the minimum automobile coverage I must carry in my state? A: In many states you have to carry a minimum of $15,000 per person $30,000 per occurrence liability coverage. However, I recommend you carry more: med pay, UM/UIM, towing and car rental coverage. I believe you should carry at least a $50,000/$100,000 liability policy.You will be surprised how low the premiums are. Check with your insurance agent to compare prices. Don’t wait until you are in an accident before realize you needed more coverage. These rules are governed by each state. Some states are “no-fault” states, meaning you only insure yourself. Check with state officials or your insurance agent to determine the minimum coverages and the types of coverages you need to carry.
Q: If I am cited by police officer or trooper in an accident, can I still collect a settlement? A: If you are cited for an infraction that was not the cause of the accident, you may still make a insurance claim. If you are cited for factors that caused the accident, you may still collect a settlement if you are not the primary cause of the accident—that is, more than 50 percent at fault. This is true if you live in a comparative fault state (like Nevada). Some states are pure contributory states, and even if you are primarily at fault, you can still obtain a settlement. Again, check your state’s statutes.
Q: Does the insurance company have to pay for all of my medical bills? A: The insurance must pay only for the bills that are reasonable in charge, necessary to your recovery, and related to the accident. Also, they are not required to pay for more than they contracted with their insured. For example, a $15,000 policy means they only need to pay $15,000, even if the case is worth $60,000.
Q: What if the other driver does not have any insurance? Can I still collect? A: If the other driver has no insurance, it will be much more difficult to collect unless you live in a no-fault state. Sometimes DMV can require that person to post a bond with them or they can no longer have a driver’s license. If the at-fault party has money, you may still recover, but it will be harder. The best thing is to carry uninsured and undersinsured motorist coverage on your own policy and let your insurance company worry about that.
Q: Will using my own insurance increase my rates? A: No in some states (such as Nevada): if you are not at fault for an accident, your insurance company cannot raise your rates, cancel your coverage or fail to renew you. States like Nevada expressly prohibit this by statute.
Q: How long can I treat for my injuries? A: In most states, as long you need to. But there other considerations, including the amount of insurance coverage available and whether the treatment you are receiving is helping you get better.
Q: Do I have to hire an attorney to help me with my claim? A: No, any person can represent themselves, but there are many good reasons why you should. First consultations are usually free, so it usually does not cost any money to investigate whether you should retain an attorney.
Craig Perry is an attorney practicing law in the State of Nevada since 1989. He has handled thousands of cases and settled millions of dollars in personal injury and workers compensation claims. He does not charge a fee for first consultation. He has a bilingual office staff (Spanish) and he speaks Italian fluently.
Article Source:expert=Craig_Perry
all about your car
best car videos
tuning car videos
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
