It's been
a great year for us at HomeApproved! We have tweeted, posted, blogged,
given away fantastic prizes on Facebook, and updated our friends and
fans over the course of the last year.
As
we approach the start of another year the question in our office is what
are the trends and predictions for UK car insurance in 2013? We take a
look below at a number of topics which are likely to feature high on the
list of many drivers, journalists and industry insiders in the new
year.
Black Box Insurance
We predict a big year in the UK for vehicle smartbox technology! The take-up of blackbox insurance
policies in the UK is now gathering pace and will continue into 2013.
With greater emphasis being placed on reducing premiums, particularly
for young drivers we see this technology coming to the fore and
potentially saving drivers a lot of money on their next motor quote!
EU Gender Directive
This
is not a prediction! It's already here - thanks to the EU! The 'Gender
Directive' came into force on December 21st 2012. In a nutshell this
stipulates that insurers are not allowed to discriminate, when
determining car insurance premiums, by gender. As a consequence young
women drivers are sure to see their next quote rise by as much as 40%!
In addition, rates for young male drivers are not falling by anything
near as much, if at all!
Not More Comparison Websites?!
In
2012 Google entered the fray with the launch of their car insurance
comparison offering. Having previously purchased BeatThatQuote, it
seemed like a natural next step! Motorists in the UK now have a
bewildering choice of where to compare their next motor insurance quote!
Even post Google car insurance we are continually seeing new entrants
into this market. One has to wonder what these new players can really
offer/deliver over and above the established players such as QuoteZone, MoneySupermarket, GoCompare et al.
Investigation into the UK Car Insurance Market
During
September 2012 the Office of Fair Trading announced that it had
referred the UK's private car insurance market to the Competition
Commission for further investigation. The groundswell of opinion was
that motorists in the UK were not getting a fair deal on car insurance
premiums. Even though the OFT has two years to complete the
investigation, reporting back in 2014, we expect that through 2013 the
debate will heat up as to the practices, restrictions and distortions
happening in the motor insurance sector.
Tougher Laws on Drink Driving
Government proposals are paving the way to ensure individuals
who drink and drive are hit harder then ever in 2013. Around this time
of the year we always see an increase in the number of adverts warning
of the dangers of drinking and driving. Just how effective these are is
open to debate. If you are a serial offender you could face the future
prospect of your vehicle being confiscated and even sold! Look out for
other changes which could mean there is no longer a need to prove the
driver was impaired in their ability to drive!
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Tips for getting cheaper car insurance
This is normal as you are seen as more of a risk
on the roads by insurers, but there are some ways to make sure you do
get the best value for your money.
Make sure you get a lot of different quotes and then go through them and make sure that everything you want covered is included, and that you aren't paying for services or cover that you don't need.
It is also better to insure a car that has no modifications on it; as modified cars will increase your car insurance premiums. Getting a certified alarm or immobiliser system installed could save you money on your car insurance premium. But have it installed by a professional or your insurance company might not give you the reduction on your premium.
Where possible park your car in a garage or off the street instead of on the side of the road as this could lower your car insurance premium . If you will also be doing low annual mileage, make sure to inform your insurer as you may be entitled to a low mileage discount.
If you will be driving your parent's cars then you can get yourself added to their insurance policy, but if you own the car you will have to take out a policy in your name.
Lastly keep your licence clean as the loss of points off your license is a one way road to more expensive premiums.
By taking the time to do the research you should be able to find a car insurance policy to suit your pocket.
Make sure you get a lot of different quotes and then go through them and make sure that everything you want covered is included, and that you aren't paying for services or cover that you don't need.
When deciding what car to buy, there are some factors
that could help keep your car insurance premiums down. If you buy a car
with a lower engine capacity then your premium should generally be
cheaper.
Determine what choices you have when it comes to voluntary excess, if
you are willing to pay more excess, make sure that you can afford
whatever the excess you set for yourself!It is also better to insure a car that has no modifications on it; as modified cars will increase your car insurance premiums. Getting a certified alarm or immobiliser system installed could save you money on your car insurance premium. But have it installed by a professional or your insurance company might not give you the reduction on your premium.
Where possible park your car in a garage or off the street instead of on the side of the road as this could lower your car insurance premium . If you will also be doing low annual mileage, make sure to inform your insurer as you may be entitled to a low mileage discount.
If you will be driving your parent's cars then you can get yourself added to their insurance policy, but if you own the car you will have to take out a policy in your name.
Lastly keep your licence clean as the loss of points off your license is a one way road to more expensive premiums.
By taking the time to do the research you should be able to find a car insurance policy to suit your pocket.
Car insurance types - what suits your needs
Here are some hints and advice to help you find the right car insurance policy at the right price for you.
Firstly, make sure that you are not paying more than you should be for your car's make and model by getting a couple of different quotes. This should give you a reasonable idea of what you should be paying. Also ensure that your car insurance policy reflects your true mileage every year. This is very important and simply checking that this is correct could save you a lot of money for minimal effort.
Also if you add your spouse or partner to your car insurance policy it may bring your premiums down further. By adding a named driver you could also help them build up a no claims history that they could use to gain a discount if they were to take out Tesco car insurance in their own name.
If you are over 50 and need to hire a car but the company says that they can't insure you, however if you already have insurance on your car then your current car insurer might allow you to extend your policy to cover your hire car as well. You may be asked to pay a fee towards this, but you could get away with not having to pay separate car insurance on you hire car. We hope these tips will help you to happy and cheap car insurance!
Firstly, make sure that you are not paying more than you should be for your car's make and model by getting a couple of different quotes. This should give you a reasonable idea of what you should be paying. Also ensure that your car insurance policy reflects your true mileage every year. This is very important and simply checking that this is correct could save you a lot of money for minimal effort.
Also if you add your spouse or partner to your car insurance policy it may bring your premiums down further. By adding a named driver you could also help them build up a no claims history that they could use to gain a discount if they were to take out Tesco car insurance in their own name.
If you are over 50 and need to hire a car but the company says that they can't insure you, however if you already have insurance on your car then your current car insurer might allow you to extend your policy to cover your hire car as well. You may be asked to pay a fee towards this, but you could get away with not having to pay separate car insurance on you hire car. We hope these tips will help you to happy and cheap car insurance!
Friday, April 26, 2013
after accident
A car accident is a frightening and sometimes even traumatic event
which can have serious consequences for all parties involved. Depending
on the severity of the incident,
the results could be as minor as a broken headlight or a dented fender,
or vehicles can be totally destroyed, and drivers or passengers may be
critically injured or, worse, even killed.
Aside from the immediate concerns of damage to your vehicle, physical and emotional trauma and financial losses due to lost work hours, you also have to deal with the complex process of navigating through the legal system once the matter becomes a case in a court. In order to successfully defend yourself should you be sued after a car accident, you must invest time and effort into careful preparation in order to prevail in court should it come to that.
Once you know that you are the defendant in a legal proceeding related to the accident, you should first consider retaining legal counsel. A car accident lawyer can help you understand the legal proceedings you are going to face and can help you negotiate an out-of-court settlement or if the case has to go to court, help you through the process.
You or your legal representative should contact the plaintiff and try to reach an amicable agreement, but keep in mind that an attorney has more in-depth understanding about civil cases involving automobile accidents and is qualified to negotiate on your behalf. Working out the dispute informally is preferable to having to go to court, and in many cases plaintiffs and defendants agree to settle without resorting to a judge to make a legal decision.
However, there are instances where no agreement can be mutually agreed to and the matter is sent to a civil court judge. To help your legal adviser prepare your defense, you need to take proactive steps to gather all the evidence that is needed in court should your case go that far
First, collect all the necessary documentation and evidence that will be needed in your case. Gather all the photographs of the accident, written repair estimates or damage reports, the police report about your incident, and any insurance or medical information. Your attorney is also entitled by law to examine the documentation and other evidence that the plaintiff possesses, while at the same time extending the same right to the opposing side’s counsel.
Second, be mentally and emotionally prepared for the legal proceedings themselves. Make sure that you and your legal counsel have interviewed witnesses and that they are ready to present their testimony in court. Additionally, if you plan to present any exhibits to present evidence or to explain the particulars of the case to the presiding judge, keep them to a minimal amount and make sure that they are concise, clear, and are not confusing. If asked to testify, do not get overly emotional, rant, or exhibit signs of uncertainty while speaking. Be factual and use clear, unequivocal phrases.
Aside from the immediate concerns of damage to your vehicle, physical and emotional trauma and financial losses due to lost work hours, you also have to deal with the complex process of navigating through the legal system once the matter becomes a case in a court. In order to successfully defend yourself should you be sued after a car accident, you must invest time and effort into careful preparation in order to prevail in court should it come to that.
Once you know that you are the defendant in a legal proceeding related to the accident, you should first consider retaining legal counsel. A car accident lawyer can help you understand the legal proceedings you are going to face and can help you negotiate an out-of-court settlement or if the case has to go to court, help you through the process.
You or your legal representative should contact the plaintiff and try to reach an amicable agreement, but keep in mind that an attorney has more in-depth understanding about civil cases involving automobile accidents and is qualified to negotiate on your behalf. Working out the dispute informally is preferable to having to go to court, and in many cases plaintiffs and defendants agree to settle without resorting to a judge to make a legal decision.
However, there are instances where no agreement can be mutually agreed to and the matter is sent to a civil court judge. To help your legal adviser prepare your defense, you need to take proactive steps to gather all the evidence that is needed in court should your case go that far
First, collect all the necessary documentation and evidence that will be needed in your case. Gather all the photographs of the accident, written repair estimates or damage reports, the police report about your incident, and any insurance or medical information. Your attorney is also entitled by law to examine the documentation and other evidence that the plaintiff possesses, while at the same time extending the same right to the opposing side’s counsel.
Second, be mentally and emotionally prepared for the legal proceedings themselves. Make sure that you and your legal counsel have interviewed witnesses and that they are ready to present their testimony in court. Additionally, if you plan to present any exhibits to present evidence or to explain the particulars of the case to the presiding judge, keep them to a minimal amount and make sure that they are concise, clear, and are not confusing. If asked to testify, do not get overly emotional, rant, or exhibit signs of uncertainty while speaking. Be factual and use clear, unequivocal phrases.
Car Accidents: How to Prepare and Act
According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation, the average American
motorist drives about 12,500 miles per year. The chances are high that
you will be involved in an automobile accident at some time or another.
The following is what you should do to be prepared for an accident and
what actions you should take in the event of an accident.
In case of an accident, you should have the following in your car:
In case of an accident, you should have the following in your car:
- Your insurance card and vehicle registration.
- A camera.
- A first-aid kit.
- A flashlight.
- Jumper cables.
- Tools to change a tire.
- A card with both your medical information and emergency contact information.
- Stop immediately after the accident; leaving the scene of an accident is illegal.
- Make sure that you and anyone else involved in the accident are not injured.
- Call 9-1-1 immediately if anyone appears injured.
- Move your car somewhere safe and away from traffic; but again, be sure not to leave the scene of the accident.
- Contact the police. They may or may not come to the accident site.
- Remain calm.
- Try to think logically. It is important that you remember everything that is happening. If you have the means, take a video or audio recording of the events following the accident;
- Communicate with others involved in the accident, police, and/or emergency personnel as calmly as possible. Being angry or hysterical will only make the process of clearing the area longer;
- Regardless of who is at fault, do not discuss the accident with anyone who was involved in it.
- When speaking with a police officer:
- Do not admit fault. Simply recount the events of the accident truthfully.
- Get the contact information of people at the accident scene, including:
- Witnesses;
- Police officers.
- Gather information about everyone actually involved in the accident;
usually if there is a police officer present, they will have a form
that you can fill out that specifies which information you need. If
not, you will need the following information from everyone involved in
the accident:
- Car make, model, and year;
- Insurance carrier name and policy number;
- License plate number;
- Address and phone number.
- Take a lot of pictures of:
- All vehicles involved, damage or not.
- The surrounding area.
- Call a tow truck if it is obvious that your car is not drivable; tow trucks can take time to arrive at an accident scene.
- If a police officer was not present at your accident, you need to file a state vehicle accident report at a police station in the area where the accident occurred.
- Go to the doctor and get checked out. Many times, adrenaline, shock, and other things can prevent you from realizing that you are hurt.
- Write down as many details of the accident as you can. Draw diagrams of how you remember the accident happening to refresh your memory later.
- Contact your insurance company to notify them of the accident.
- Keep all of your accident information (i.e. accident report, bills, contact information, pictures, etc.) in one place that is easy for you to remember and locate.
- Contact the DMV if any property, yours or another’s, was damaged.
- You need to sue and/or are being sued:
- Find a lawyer who has experience with car accident cases;
- Make sure to bring all accident related materials and receipts of any bills you incurred as a result of the accident.
- You are unsure of your rights:
- For example, some insurance companies will ask you to consent to a recorded recount of the events. You need to protect yourself and many of us are not fully aware of what rights we do and do not have.
- Remember, if you or a loved one has been in a car accident, you’ll need an experienced car accident lawyer to represent you in the court of law for the best chances at getting the maximum financial compensation that you deserve.
Taxi Accidents
The traffic on our city streets is often so congested that taxi
accidents are a frequent occurrence. When an accident takes place
because of the negligence or careless driving
of a taxi cab driver and you were a passenger at the time, you can put
in a claim for compensation through a lawyer for any loss or suffering
that you have incurred.
Taxi drivers tend to be in more of a hurry to reach their destination than the average driver of an automobile, as their income is determined by the number of trips they make. This sort of situation may encourage negligent driving behavior that could cause an accident.
Typical risks taxi cab drivers might take
Additionally, taxi companies normally have sufficient insurance coverage, which makes reaching a settlement far less complicated and, of course, the whole procedure is far faster as well.
Injuries that result from a taxi cab accident can be anything from cuts and bruises, which normally don’t take long to heal, to broken bones and head and neck injuries such as whiplash. Any injury that entails rest and recovery time places pressure financially and often involves extra care provision from your family and friends. These are the sorts of things that are covered by a compensation payment.
The aim is to minimize the recovery period and ensure that you and your family are not financially disadvantaged by an accident that was not your fault. Anaccident lawyer knows how to negotiate a generous claim for compensation and only takes on cases that have a good chance of success. This does not give any false hopes to victims like yourself, and also ensures that no excessive legal fees have to be paid either
If you or a family member has been a victim of a taxi accident and you have sustained injuries that mean you are in pain and are suffering financially then you should not delay contacting an accident attorney and discuss your case for compensation. You can be assured of getting a far more generous amount if you use an attorney and do not undertake negotiations on your own. Insurance companies have a habit of watering down just compensation payments by offering on the spot payments to those victims who deal with them directly.
Taxi drivers tend to be in more of a hurry to reach their destination than the average driver of an automobile, as their income is determined by the number of trips they make. This sort of situation may encourage negligent driving behavior that could cause an accident.
Typical risks taxi cab drivers might take
- Running a red light
- Not keeping a safe distance
- Driving too fast
- Driving in bad weather
- Poor maintenance of taxi cab e.g. brakes
Additionally, taxi companies normally have sufficient insurance coverage, which makes reaching a settlement far less complicated and, of course, the whole procedure is far faster as well.
Injuries that result from a taxi cab accident can be anything from cuts and bruises, which normally don’t take long to heal, to broken bones and head and neck injuries such as whiplash. Any injury that entails rest and recovery time places pressure financially and often involves extra care provision from your family and friends. These are the sorts of things that are covered by a compensation payment.
The aim is to minimize the recovery period and ensure that you and your family are not financially disadvantaged by an accident that was not your fault. Anaccident lawyer knows how to negotiate a generous claim for compensation and only takes on cases that have a good chance of success. This does not give any false hopes to victims like yourself, and also ensures that no excessive legal fees have to be paid either
If you or a family member has been a victim of a taxi accident and you have sustained injuries that mean you are in pain and are suffering financially then you should not delay contacting an accident attorney and discuss your case for compensation. You can be assured of getting a far more generous amount if you use an attorney and do not undertake negotiations on your own. Insurance companies have a habit of watering down just compensation payments by offering on the spot payments to those victims who deal with them directly.
How Car Accident Lawyers are Different than Other Lawyers
Because the legal profession is tasked to deal with so many complex
aspects of society and the law that, like the world of science and
medicine, it works best when its practitioners specialize in one
particular area of expertise. For example, lawyers who work for
corporations are well versed in the arcane details of business and financial laws,
while attorneys who work in the criminal justice system are trained to
prosecute or defend defendants who are accused of committing crimes.
While all lawyers are taught the same basic principles of law early on in their legal education, they generally choose specializations in the latter stages of their training. This entails, among other things, becoming familiar with all aspects of their chosen area of expertise, and car accident-related civil law is no exception.
Generally speaking, a car accident attorney is a lawyer who practices civil law related to cases involving vehicular accidents and personal injuries that result from them. Because most cases of this nature almost always deal with injuries suffered by their prospective clients, car accident attorneys are also referred to as personal injury lawyers and are well-versed in how to deal with insurance companies, the ins and outs of medical issues, and the concepts of no-fault law, culpable negligence, and personal liability.
This type of specialized knowledge is an important determinant that sets car accident attorneys apart from other lawyers. While it is true that any attorney can handle a case given enough time and resources, car accident lawyers have the training and skill sets required to ensure that their clients get financial compensation for medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and – in extreme cases – wrongful death. They know how to gather the proper evidence and documentation, the sometimes-difficult process of negotiation with insurance companies and their lawyers, and how to properly present a case in court should negotiations fail to get results without going to a judge or jury.
Retaining an experienced car accident attorney is vital to your case.
While all lawyers are taught the same basic principles of law early on in their legal education, they generally choose specializations in the latter stages of their training. This entails, among other things, becoming familiar with all aspects of their chosen area of expertise, and car accident-related civil law is no exception.
Generally speaking, a car accident attorney is a lawyer who practices civil law related to cases involving vehicular accidents and personal injuries that result from them. Because most cases of this nature almost always deal with injuries suffered by their prospective clients, car accident attorneys are also referred to as personal injury lawyers and are well-versed in how to deal with insurance companies, the ins and outs of medical issues, and the concepts of no-fault law, culpable negligence, and personal liability.
This type of specialized knowledge is an important determinant that sets car accident attorneys apart from other lawyers. While it is true that any attorney can handle a case given enough time and resources, car accident lawyers have the training and skill sets required to ensure that their clients get financial compensation for medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and – in extreme cases – wrongful death. They know how to gather the proper evidence and documentation, the sometimes-difficult process of negotiation with insurance companies and their lawyers, and how to properly present a case in court should negotiations fail to get results without going to a judge or jury.
Retaining an experienced car accident attorney is vital to your case.
Car Insurance
Every state in the Union requires that motorists carry minimum levels
of auto insurance coverage (or the equivalent in financial
responsibility waivers) in order to ensure that its drivers can cover
the cost of damages to people or property in the event of an automobile
accident.
We have compiled all the car insurance requirements on a state-by-state basis so you can see at a glance what the minimum coverage is―and what other regulations you may need to comply with in your home state. This information can be especially useful when you are new to a state, or if you are a newly licensed driver. Choose your state below for car insurance requirements in your neck of the woods.
Beyond the state regulations, you will also find a wealth of opportunities to learn more about auto insurance as we continue to expand the information within our Car Insurance Center. Everybody looks for the best deal on car insurance rates, so we also offer you information and quotes from some of the most-respected insurance carriers around.
Safeguarding your financial security is only one of the reasons it makes sense to purchase car insurance. And the more you know about auto insurance, the smarter the choices you'll make when it comes time to renew or buy that new policy. Spend a little time learning about car insurance; while you may never need to file a claim, if you do, you'll be very glad you did.
We have compiled all the car insurance requirements on a state-by-state basis so you can see at a glance what the minimum coverage is―and what other regulations you may need to comply with in your home state. This information can be especially useful when you are new to a state, or if you are a newly licensed driver. Choose your state below for car insurance requirements in your neck of the woods.
Beyond the state regulations, you will also find a wealth of opportunities to learn more about auto insurance as we continue to expand the information within our Car Insurance Center. Everybody looks for the best deal on car insurance rates, so we also offer you information and quotes from some of the most-respected insurance carriers around.
Safeguarding your financial security is only one of the reasons it makes sense to purchase car insurance. And the more you know about auto insurance, the smarter the choices you'll make when it comes time to renew or buy that new policy. Spend a little time learning about car insurance; while you may never need to file a claim, if you do, you'll be very glad you did.
Personal Injury Attorneys
If you've been injured in an auto accident, you're
probably entitled to more financial restitution than you think. Our
state-specific guides to personal injury attorneys can help you get it.
For example, did you know that personal injury
can go beyond physical damage? It's true. You can suffer mental distress
after an auto accident as well. Then there's financial hardship; how
much work did you miss due to doctor's appointments and recovery time?
All this falls under the legal umbrella of personal injury law, also
known as tort law.
But imagine the cool reception you'll get if you go back to your insurance company to ask for a higher settlement. These companies have large legal departments dedicated to minimizing what they pay out to policyholders; by yourself, you're the David against their Goliath.
Luckily, our state-by-state guides to personal injury attorneys can put you in touch with someone who can advocate on your behalf. We can lead you to lawyers in your state who specialize in personal injury cases and are experts at working with insurance companies to get you the settlement you deserve. Many will gladly give you a free initial consultation.
If you seek legal advice, it's important that you do so as soon as possible after an accident. You're more likely to get the compensation due to you if your attorney is able to act quickly. Our state attorney guides can help you find the right lawyer as soon as possible.
Consult DMV.org for your state to find information about personal injury attorneys who can help you get the financial relief you need.
Our Guide to Personal Injury Attorneys
If you are recovering from an injury caused by an auto accident, you might be entitled to compensation in addition to what your insurance company initially offers for your medical costs. In fact, you might be able to receive a settlement to help with lost wages, additional medical bills, domestic help while you're incapacitated, and even emotional pain and suffering to you and your family.But imagine the cool reception you'll get if you go back to your insurance company to ask for a higher settlement. These companies have large legal departments dedicated to minimizing what they pay out to policyholders; by yourself, you're the David against their Goliath.
Luckily, our state-by-state guides to personal injury attorneys can put you in touch with someone who can advocate on your behalf. We can lead you to lawyers in your state who specialize in personal injury cases and are experts at working with insurance companies to get you the settlement you deserve. Many will gladly give you a free initial consultation.
If you seek legal advice, it's important that you do so as soon as possible after an accident. You're more likely to get the compensation due to you if your attorney is able to act quickly. Our state attorney guides can help you find the right lawyer as soon as possible.
Consult DMV.org for your state to find information about personal injury attorneys who can help you get the financial relief you need.
Factors Contributing to Car Accidents
A number of factors contribute to car accidents, and many are the
result of some form of negligence. Some of the most common are:
Driving While Distracted. Distracted drivers account for approximately 80 percent of auto accidents and 65 percent of near accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Each year, motorists cause thousands of driving accidents while texting, making cell phone calls, putting on makeup and performing other tasks. Many states have outlawed texting while driving, and/or driving while talking on handheld devices.
Traffic Law Violations. Most car accidents can be traced to negligence in the form of one or more traffic violations. Common violations include speeding, tailgating, improper lane changing, and failing to yield the right of way. When a traffic citation is issued at the scene of a car accident, any claims are strengthened.
Driver Error. Driver error is the cause of most traffic violations leading to car accidents. Factors contributing to driver error include fatigue, drowsiness, distractions (cell phone use, eating, etc.), inattention, intoxication (drugs, alcohol, medications) and aggressive driving. A study conducted by Virginia Tech University in 2006 showed 80 percent of motor vehicle crashes involved distraction, fatigue or looking away from the road. The same study showed that 93 percent of rear-end collisions occurred as a consequence of inattention. Note that harm caused by driving under the influence is not just a criminal violation — it can also be grounds for a civil suit.
Equipment Failure. Mechanical failures leading to car accidents often involve brakes, tires, steering mechanisms or suspension. A malfunction might point to negligence on the part of the owner or operator of the car, a mechanic or auto repair shop or the manufacturer for designing flawed equipment (e.g., seatbelts, airbags or roofs). Some of the best known cases of equipment failure involve manufacturer design flaws and often result in class action lawsuits involving large settlements. If you suspect equipment failure or a manufacturing defect contributed to an accident you were involved in, be sure to retain possession of your car so that it can be used as evidence in a trial, if necessary.
Road Conditions. Road conditions can be affected by weather, road construction, debris on the roadway and other factors. When road conditions contribute to car accidents, negligence is often involved. Sometimes the government is the negligent party. For example, if a dangerous pothole has gone without repair for an extended length of time, the government may be liable. There are specific rules and time limits for filing a car accident claim with a government entity. For more information, you will need to contact a car accident attorney.
Road Design.F lawed road design can involve intersections, merging lanes, traffic control devices and other factors. When the design of the road is a contributing factor in a car accident, the government may be liable.
Driving While Distracted. Distracted drivers account for approximately 80 percent of auto accidents and 65 percent of near accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Each year, motorists cause thousands of driving accidents while texting, making cell phone calls, putting on makeup and performing other tasks. Many states have outlawed texting while driving, and/or driving while talking on handheld devices.
Traffic Law Violations. Most car accidents can be traced to negligence in the form of one or more traffic violations. Common violations include speeding, tailgating, improper lane changing, and failing to yield the right of way. When a traffic citation is issued at the scene of a car accident, any claims are strengthened.
Driver Error. Driver error is the cause of most traffic violations leading to car accidents. Factors contributing to driver error include fatigue, drowsiness, distractions (cell phone use, eating, etc.), inattention, intoxication (drugs, alcohol, medications) and aggressive driving. A study conducted by Virginia Tech University in 2006 showed 80 percent of motor vehicle crashes involved distraction, fatigue or looking away from the road. The same study showed that 93 percent of rear-end collisions occurred as a consequence of inattention. Note that harm caused by driving under the influence is not just a criminal violation — it can also be grounds for a civil suit.
Equipment Failure. Mechanical failures leading to car accidents often involve brakes, tires, steering mechanisms or suspension. A malfunction might point to negligence on the part of the owner or operator of the car, a mechanic or auto repair shop or the manufacturer for designing flawed equipment (e.g., seatbelts, airbags or roofs). Some of the best known cases of equipment failure involve manufacturer design flaws and often result in class action lawsuits involving large settlements. If you suspect equipment failure or a manufacturing defect contributed to an accident you were involved in, be sure to retain possession of your car so that it can be used as evidence in a trial, if necessary.
Road Conditions. Road conditions can be affected by weather, road construction, debris on the roadway and other factors. When road conditions contribute to car accidents, negligence is often involved. Sometimes the government is the negligent party. For example, if a dangerous pothole has gone without repair for an extended length of time, the government may be liable. There are specific rules and time limits for filing a car accident claim with a government entity. For more information, you will need to contact a car accident attorney.
Road Design.F lawed road design can involve intersections, merging lanes, traffic control devices and other factors. When the design of the road is a contributing factor in a car accident, the government may be liable.
Compensation for Car Accidents
Receiving compensation usually means having your property repairs,
medical expenses, lost income, physical and psychological pain and, if
applicable, lost prospects paid for by the negligent party or parties.
Insurance adjustors and juries typically use standard formulas to come
up with a dollar value for car accident settlements.
No-fault insurance laws affect settlements in some states. In general, these laws prevent injury claims and lawsuits from being filed in trivial accidents. While they usually guarantee immediate insurance payment for medical expenses and lost wages, many other expenses are not covered. If you have been the victim of a car accident in a no-fault insurance state and have not been fully compensated for your losses, a lawyer can help determine if you are eligible for additional compensation.
No-fault insurance laws affect settlements in some states. In general, these laws prevent injury claims and lawsuits from being filed in trivial accidents. While they usually guarantee immediate insurance payment for medical expenses and lost wages, many other expenses are not covered. If you have been the victim of a car accident in a no-fault insurance state and have not been fully compensated for your losses, a lawyer can help determine if you are eligible for additional compensation.
Auto Insurance Coverage and Accidents
Car Insurance coverage is one of the most important things to have
when it comes to car accidents. Without insurance, the negligent party
alone is financially responsible for the damages. If you’ve been a
victim of a car accident, the unfortunate news is that in many cases, if
the other party has no insurance, then they usually cannot afford the
high amount in damages. Maintaining Uninsured Motorist Protection is
always recommended.
The hardest part, however, is dealing with insurance companies after an accident. Most insurance companies make it difficult to be compensated the rightful amount after a collision, and gamble on the fact that you probably don’t know the legalities of the issue and in turn will settle for less. An experienced car accident lawyer understands the tactics that insurance companies use and will combat back in order to help you win the maximum financial compensation that you deserve.
The hardest part, however, is dealing with insurance companies after an accident. Most insurance companies make it difficult to be compensated the rightful amount after a collision, and gamble on the fact that you probably don’t know the legalities of the issue and in turn will settle for less. An experienced car accident lawyer understands the tactics that insurance companies use and will combat back in order to help you win the maximum financial compensation that you deserve.
First Steps After a Car Accident
The steps you take after a car accident are some of the most crucial
aspects of a personal injury case. If the proper steps aren’t taken, it
could potentially end up costing you missing evidence and a ton of extra
time. For example, one of the first things you’ll want to do, if
possible, is take pictures of the accident. Of course this isn’t always
possible if you don’t have access to a camera or if you’ve been taken to
the hospital. However, critical evidence such as pictures will make it
easier for you to prove your case.
Keep in mind, however, that if you’ve been seriously injured, the first step you’ll need to take is to seek immediate medical assistance. If you feel you can take pictures and gather a witness list, you should do so, but be certain to seek medical assistance soon after, even if you feel fine. Whiplash and other injuries may surface months later, and you’ll want to have medical documentation that your injuries stem from the accident. An experienced car accident attorney can assist you in handling all of your medical documentations, but bear in mind that it’s up to you to seek medical attention as soon as you can after the accident.
Keep in mind, however, that if you’ve been seriously injured, the first step you’ll need to take is to seek immediate medical assistance. If you feel you can take pictures and gather a witness list, you should do so, but be certain to seek medical assistance soon after, even if you feel fine. Whiplash and other injuries may surface months later, and you’ll want to have medical documentation that your injuries stem from the accident. An experienced car accident attorney can assist you in handling all of your medical documentations, but bear in mind that it’s up to you to seek medical attention as soon as you can after the accident.
Car Accident Lawyer
Each day, thousands of car accidents take place throughout the
nation. Many of these accidents are minor altercations, but you may
suffer from physical injuries as a result of the wreck. If the other
party feels you’re at fault, they may decide to sue you. In some
instances, people may act as their own attorney when faced with a car accident lawsuit,
or when pursuing the other party for damages, as a means to save time
and money. In other instances, people may think that the accident was
too minor to involve an attorney. The above scenarios run the risk of
you being unsuccessful when it comes time for financial compensation, medical reimbursement, and other legal issues surrounding the consequences of a car accident.
A car accident attorney handles a variety of car accident cases, ranging from fender benders, minor physical injuries, severe crashes, serious bodily injuries, and even death as a result of a car crash. Typically, victims think that lawsuits are reserved for more serious car accidents, but the truth is that if you’ve been a victim of a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation regardless of how minor or severe the accident is. For example, if you’ve been involved in a car accident that only led to minor scratches on your vehicle, you shouldn’t be responsible for paying for the damages.
In addition, even a minor accident can have serious repercussions in the future that’s not noticeable at first, such as back and neck pain that surfaces months or even years later. Since there are statutes of limitations in each state that mandate you file for damages within a certain period of time, it’s recommended that seek legal representation immediately, regardless of how minor or major the accident is.
Of course, major car accidents pose a more serious problem, and can lead to a wide range of economical and physical problems that the average person isn’t equipped to handle. Mounting medical bills, lost wages, emotional stress, and disabilities can all stem from a severe car accident. With an experienced car accident lawyer, however, you have a better chance in damage recovery.
A car accident attorney handles a variety of car accident cases, ranging from fender benders, minor physical injuries, severe crashes, serious bodily injuries, and even death as a result of a car crash. Typically, victims think that lawsuits are reserved for more serious car accidents, but the truth is that if you’ve been a victim of a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation regardless of how minor or severe the accident is. For example, if you’ve been involved in a car accident that only led to minor scratches on your vehicle, you shouldn’t be responsible for paying for the damages.
In addition, even a minor accident can have serious repercussions in the future that’s not noticeable at first, such as back and neck pain that surfaces months or even years later. Since there are statutes of limitations in each state that mandate you file for damages within a certain period of time, it’s recommended that seek legal representation immediately, regardless of how minor or major the accident is.
Of course, major car accidents pose a more serious problem, and can lead to a wide range of economical and physical problems that the average person isn’t equipped to handle. Mounting medical bills, lost wages, emotional stress, and disabilities can all stem from a severe car accident. With an experienced car accident lawyer, however, you have a better chance in damage recovery.
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