Strong evidence is the bedrock of any successful truck accident claim. Without it, the insurance company might find opportunities to dispute liability, causation, or damages. This not only could draw out the proceedings, but it may also threaten the outcome of your case.Much of the evidence needed to support your claim could be time-sensitive, so it’s important that your attorney is able to conduct an immediate investigation. A seasoned truck accident lawyer can also file subpoenas to obtain evidence that’s being withheld and bring in expert witnesses to assist with the investigation, settlement negotiations, and any litigation that may follow.Let’s explore a few kinds of evidence your … [Read more...]
What Tactics Might the Insurance Company Use to Dispute My Claim?
If you were seriously injured and either you or the at-fault party carries insurance, you’re probably hoping the applicable policy will cover at least a portion of your medical bills, lost income, and other damages. Unfortunately, insurance carriers will go to great lengths to reduce the amount of compensation they have to pay or to deny claims outright. After all, their profits increase with every dollar they don’t have to pay out.Insurance bad faith laws are intended to prevent insurers from engaging in unethical and fraudulent practices to delay, deny, or reduce the value of claims. Despite these laws, there are many tactics insurance companies still use to protect their financial … [Read more...]
3 FAQs About Bus Accident Claims in California
Both private and public buses are relatively safe modes of transportation, but they're certainly not immune to accidents. Collisions involving buses can result in devastating injuries to bus passengers and drivers as well as pedestrians and the occupants of other vehicles.If you were injured or lost a family member in a bus crash, you may have grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Depending on the circumstances, there are many parties who might be liable for the resulting medical bills and other damages.Read on to learn the answers to three FAQs about bus accident claims in California:1. Who Might Be Liable for a Bus Accident?There are several parties who might be … [Read more...]
How Do Car Insurance Companies Determine Fault After an Accident?
If you suffered an injury or significant property damage in a car accident, the outcome of your insurance claim could have a huge impact on your financial future. You may be wondering how the insurance adjuster will investigate your claim and what you can do to increase the odds of approval. We’ll discuss both in this blog.How Auto Insurance Companies Determine Fault After an AccidentWhen you file a claim with an insurance company, a claims adjuster will be assigned to your case. It’s the adjuster’s job to determine whether your claim should be approved or denied and how much to pay in a settlement.The more significant your damages, the more comprehensive the investigation will likely … [Read more...]
How Soon Should I Contact a Car Accident Lawyer?
There's nothing unique about getting into a car crash in California, where roughly half a million traffic accidents occur each year. But no two collisions are exactly alike. Some are fender benders with minor to moderate vehicle damage, but nearly half result in injuries. Even when a crash seems minor and you feel just fine afterward, signs of whiplash or other soft-tissue injuries may not surface until later—but by then, you may have already accepted a settlement that doesn't account for lost wages or ongoing medical treatment.Accidents that happen in the blink of an eye can have lifelong consequences, so you want to be absolutely certain you're protecting your interests. Was another … [Read more...]
Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Cars: 10 Tips for Injury Claimants
You’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash. Now what? No doubt you have a lot of questions about the claims process: how to file, when to contact the insurance company, and what evidence to provide. It’s natural to feel confused and even overwhelmed, especially if your financial security is at stake. But with the right approach, you may be able to recover the compensation you need to move on with life.Below are a few tips to keep in mind after being injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a car. If you still have questions or if you’d like advice regarding your particular case, contact the Law Office of Michael D. Waks. Call (562) 206-1939 to set up a free consultation.1. Call the … [Read more...]
Can I Recover Compensation for PTSD After a Car Accident?
The psychological effects of a car accident can be just as devastating as the physical injuries. Depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders can impact a person’s ability to earn an income, and the cost of psychotherapy, medication, and other treatments can add up quickly.If you were hurt or witnessed a loved one die in a collision, you may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD is a psychiatric diagnosis resulting from the development of characteristic symptoms after exposure to a traumatic stressor—usually a direct personal experience or witnessing an event that involves actual or threatened serious injury or death.Symptoms of PTSD include: Reliving the trauma … [Read more...]
Can I File a Bicycle Accident Claim If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
If you were injured in a bicycle accident, whether or not you were wearing a helmet at the time could become a point of discussion during settlement negotiations or litigation. The insurance company might argue that your failure to wear a helmet was negligent and you should therefore be held partially or entirely liable for your own damages. Fortunately, there are many potential ways for a seasoned bicycle accident lawyer to overcome such a dispute.Arguments Your Attorney May Use to Combat Allegations of Comparative FaultIf you believe the insurance company might argue that you are partially liable for your own damages, you should consult a personal injury lawyer right away. Your … [Read more...]
4 FAQs About Car Accidents Caused by Poor Road Conditions
Driver errors are responsible for more than 90 percent of all car accidents in the United States. If you were hurt in a crash with a negligent motorist, you can file a claim against the at-fault individual's insurance company for any lost income, property damage, and medical bills you incurred as a result. But what if poor road conditions were to blame for the collision?Read on to learn the answers to four FAQs about car accidents caused by dangerous road conditions:1. Who Might Be Liable for a Car Accident Caused by Poor Road Conditions?There are many parties who might be liable for such a collision. Depending on the specific cause of the crash, you might have grounds for a claim … [Read more...]
What If My Car Accident Injuries Didn’t Show Symptoms Right Away?
Some of the most common car accident injuries don’t show symptoms right away. Whiplash, soft tissue damage, and even brain trauma might not be immediately apparent to the victim.If you were hurt in a collision but your symptoms were latent, you may still be able to recover compensation for healthcare expenses, lost income, and other damages; however, it is critical that you visit a doctor as soon as possible to document your injuries. You should also speak to a personal injury attorney about your case because it is likely that the insurance company will dispute your claim since you did not seek immediate medical attention.At the Law Office of Michael D. Waks, we know what it takes to … [Read more...]
