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]]>The chances that you will wind up in a car accident are higher than you may think. Approximately six million people get in a car accident every year. It is essential to keep a calm demeanor and follow these steps to maximize the compensation you can receive for your recovery.
Immediately following the accident, make sure that everyone is safe. Call an ambulance if someone needs one, but also call the police. A police report is a valuable resource in establishing your compensation claim. Police provide an unbiased description of what happened, which is part of what makes it so useful.
Take as many photos and videos of the accident from as many angles as possible. Your word can only go so far with insurance companies and lawyers, so make sure you can back up your statements with hard evidence.
The at-fault driver may be reluctant to offer any personal information. Take the lead and ask them to show you a copy of their license and insurance to take a picture of. Also, collect their license plate and phone number if possible, and the make, model, and color of their car. This information can help you pursue the compensation you need to recover.
Car accidents can leave victims with traumatic brain injuries that can take days for symptoms to appear. A paramedic at the scene may not recognize that you received a brain injury. A doctor can also document your condition immediately following the accident. This documentation can also fight claims that your state was the result of something after your accident.
Insurance companies hope that victims do not call a lawyer. Without legal representation, victims are more likely to accept a settlement that is far less than they deserve for their injuries. Lawyers know how to negotiate for fair compensation on behalf of their clients.
The sooner you begin acting on your behalf, the sooner you any compensation may arrive. Anything you do to protect your best interests can improve your claim’s outcome, so be sure you are looking out for yourself in your accident.
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]]>The post How experienced motorcyclists can rethink their safety appeared first on Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyer | Accident Attorney | Wrong Death Law.
]]>According to the National Safety Council, the motorcycle accident fatality rate in the country in 2017 is over two times the rate recorded in 1997. Also, over one-third of all motorcycle accident deaths in 2017 were riders 50 years of age and older. So, although you might like the warn-in feel of your gear or trust your skills, there are small changes you can make to help prevent a minor or fatal crash.
Even if you used to travel solely by motorcycle at one point in your life, you can lose skills you don’t consistently use. So, if you only take a few trips each summer, then you might be due for a refresher course. Going back to the basics can allow you to master skills that are a lot different on bikes than in cars, like hitting the brakes, controlling the throttle and counter steering.
You wouldn’t just fill your bike with unleaded gas if it required premium fuel to function. In a similar sense, you should be mindful about what you fuel your body with ahead of or in between riding. Riding to local bars with your friends may be an activity you’ve always participated in. However, it’s crucial to remember older age may impact your alcohol tolerance level. You can try to come up with other motorcycle outings or plan a safe ride if you aren’t sure you’ll have enough time to sober up before the bar closes.
You should also keep in mind that there isn’t a drink quite as hydrating as water. Drinking plenty of water can prevent dehydration or fatigue while riding, which can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.
If you find yourself still using the same protective gear after several years or throwing on your trusty black leather jacket, then it might be time to reconsider your riding attire options. Helmets, boots and gloves can all wear down with age and not offer the same support they once did. Investing in a new helmet alone can save you from head injuries, which are a common outcome of motorcycle crashes. Adding some splashes of fluorescent or reflective clothing to your riding wardrobe can also save you from the dangers of a crash, as it could help other motorists see you.
Since anyone can fall victim to a collision — seasoned and beginner motorcyclists alike — it’s important to do regular self-check of your skill level, riding habits and safety gear.
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]]>The post Insurance could offer help while you build a case appeared first on Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyer | Accident Attorney | Wrong Death Law.
]]>Car accidents cause millions of dollars in injuries every year, and they can also come with plenty of property damage. A solid case takes time to build, but those costs don’t always wait patiently by the wayside. New York lays out requirements for insurance that every driver must have, and that means you might have help in place when you need it.
Drivers need to meet the basic standards for insurance to register their cars. More than just a barrier to getting plates, these policies could come in handy when you need help after a collision:
Insurance that the state asks you to purchase in order to register a vehicle could support you in a big way while you’re waiting for your recovery. You may be able to spend more time working on a substantial claim when there’s help to carry you through.
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]]>The post How bicyclists can stay safe this spring appeared first on Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyer | Accident Attorney | Wrong Death Law.
]]>Biking is excellent for exercise as well as for the environment, but it can be dangerous. No matter how experienced you are with biking, it’s important to remember how you can stay safe on the road this spring.
While it might be tempting to zip down the roads in-between other cars to reach your destination quickly, there are rules you must follow as a bicyclist. In New York, the same laws that motorists follow also apply to bicyclists. This can include:
Understanding where you can ride your bike is one of the best ways to ensure you are visible to other drivers and will protect you on the road.
There are plenty of tips you can follow to guarantee your safety further while you ride your bike. Consider any of the following options:
Bicycling is a fun alternative to driving and can be a great way to commute during the warmer months. You have as much right to be on the road as a motorist. With these tips in mind, you’ll likely feel safer on the road this spring season.
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]]>The post Three claims commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents occurring in New York appeared first on Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyer | Accident Attorney | Wrong Death Law.
]]>(1) Property damage claim. Property damage claims involve damages sustained to property – most commonly, your car. If your vehicle is hit by another vehicle in an accident, you can file a property damage claim. Often a vehicle owner will file a property damage claim with their own insurance company, assuming they have collision insurance. Collision deductibles apply. If you know who caused the accident, you may also have the option to file a property damage claim against that person’s insurance policy.
(2) No-Fault claim. No-Fault claims involve claims for economic losses associated with a car accident, regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Common economic losses are medical expenses and lost wages. If you are injured in a car accident and you sustain economic losses, you can file a No-Fault claim with the company that insures the car that you were in when you were injured. This insurance coverage is also referred to as Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
(3) Bodily Injury claim. Bodily injury claims involve claims for personal injuries sustained in a car accident. Bodily injury claims address non-economic losses – pain and suffering. Bodily injury claims are filed against the person who is at fault for the accident. If you are injured in a car accident, you can file a bodily injury claim with the company that insures the vehicle that caused the accident.
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]]>The post What steps should I take if I’m involved in a car accident? appeared first on Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyer | Accident Attorney | Wrong Death Law.
]]>The first thing to remember is to remain calm. Keeping a cool head can be a challenge until you know whether anyone is hurt but will help everyone in the aftermath.
Assess the damage thoroughly and accurately
Regardless of whether the accident is your fault, remain at the scene, especially if anyone is injured as leaving could result in serious charges against you. Next, take these steps:
Beware of quick settlement offers
Before accepting any offer from an insurer, make sure that any injuries have been treated and whether they will require ongoing care, which will keep pushing medical bills higher. Before accepting any offer, consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you receive a favorable outcome, whether it’s paying for medical bills and other expenses, or defending you in court if police believe you are at fault.
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]]>The post Halloween safety tips for drivers and parents appeared first on Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyer | Accident Attorney | Wrong Death Law.
]]>The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says children are four times more likely to be hit by a vehicle on All Hallows’ Eve than on any other day during the year. Researchers say there’s a 43% greater risk of pedestrian deaths, and most occur around 6 p.m. when kids are out, and drivers are heading home from work.
Tips for motorists
If you plan to be on the road on Halloween, here are some safety tips to follow:
Tips for parents and trick-or-treaters
Parents can help their children stay safe by taking the following steps:
Keep this spooky holiday from turning deadly
Halloween is one of the nights each year that kids most look forward to, and it should remain one known for scary costumes, fun parties and candy instead of death or devastating injuries that could have been avoided. If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, an experienced personal injury attorney here in New York can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
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