When I meet clients for the first time about their auto accident, there are two questions I am almost always asked; "How long will it take to settle my car accident claim?" and "Will I need to go to court?" As much as I would like to give them a definitive answer, the truth is that every accident is literally different, and so are the cases. As the case progresses there are some key factors that will determine how long it will take the case to settle - whether … [Read more...]
Category: Car Accidents — Page 21 of 22
Can Family Members Sue After an Automobile Accident?
When a family member is injured in an automobile accident, it takes an emotional and financial toll on the entire family. Victims of an auto accident are entitled to compensation for injuries caused by the negligence of another driver. Under certain circumstances, a victim's family members may also be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver. If a car accident victim’s injuries prevent him or her from being intimate with a spouse, the spouse may have a … [Read more...]
Long Beach Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer
It's no surprise to anyone that there are more distracted drivers on the road today than there were even five years ago. With that increase has come an uptick in traffic collisions involving inattentive motorists. If you were hurt in such a wreck, contact Long Beach distracted driving accident lawyer Michael D. Waks. Michael Waks has more than three decades of experience in personal injury law and a track record of success in motor-vehicle accident cases. For a free consultation, dial (888) … [Read more...]
How Will A Car Accident Effect My Insurance Rates?
One of the most common concerns drivers have after an accident is that their insurance rates will go up. Many of my car accident clients worry if they file any claim with their insurance company, it will lead to a higher premium. That is not always the case. Who was at-fault for the car accident, along with the policyholder's previous driving history, will determine whether or not insurance rates will rise. Insurance companies set rates for their policyholders annually, … [Read more...]
Free Report: Are Uber and Lyft Drivers Properly Insured?
If you have not heard of the mobile-app-based “transportation network companies” (TNCs) known as Uber and Lyft, you are certainly in the minority. These networks have become increasingly popular and now operate in 120 cities and 37 countries. If you need a ride, you can use a TNC app on your smartphone to “order” an independent driver nearby to transport you to your destination. The apps make it easy to get a ride, but if your ridesharing driver doesn’t have a commercial license or insurance … [Read more...]
Why is An Independent Eyewitness Of A Car Accident Important?
Car accident scenes can be chaotic. Even though you think you will know what to do, when you have an accident your mind often goes blank. Emotion and fear takes over and obtaining information needed to insure you receive compensation from the negligent driver's insurance company, is sometimes overlooked. In addition to exchanging license and insurance information with the other driver, it is important to identify anyone who witnessed the accident. Getting his or her name and … [Read more...]
What Is An Automobile Accident Claim Worth?
What Is An Automobile Accident Claim Worth? by Michael Waks Several components determine the amount of compensation an automobile accident victim will receive. The best way to ensure an automobile accident victim receives the maximum possible compensation is by hiring a skilled car accident lawyer. … [Read more...]
Will My Insurance Rates Go Up If I Make A Claim Under My Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
An automobile accident is a traumatic event, and when the person who caused your injuries has minimal or no insurance to cover your damages, the event becomes even more traumatic. If you are involved in a serious accident, you expect your damages (medical bills, lost wages, property damage, etc.) to be paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance. If; however, the at-fault driver does not have any, or enough, insurance coverage, you will need to be covered by your own uninsured or underinsured … [Read more...]
Calculating Pain And Suffering in CA Auto Accident Cases
In personal injury cases, pain and suffering is the term used to define the emotional and physical pain caused by injuries a victim sustains in an accident. Pain and suffering damages assigns a monetary value to non-economic damages such as the physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of the enjoyment of life a victim experiences as a result of an accident. California does not have a formula for calculating pain and suffering damages. While economic damages are easier to … [Read more...]
Do I Have To Report An Auto Accident to the Police?
Automobile accidents, even minor ones, can be terrifying. We assume if we're ever in an accident we'll know exactly what to do, but when an accident actually happens, many people become overwhelmed. I recommend my clients keep an accident checklist in their glove box so if they do have an accident they'll know what to do at the scene (feel free to download the checklist I provide to my clients at the home page of my website at www.michaelwaks.com). Even after leaving the accident scene … [Read more...]