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Can I File an Injury Claim If I Wasn’t Wearing a Seat Belt?

December 28, 2018 by Michael Waks

Men's Hand Fastens The Seat Belt Of The Car. Drive Safely Concep

It’s no secret that wearing a seat belt can greatly reduce the risk of injuries in the event of an accident. But at some point, most drivers hit the road without buckling up. If you were hurt in a collision but you weren’t strapped in, you might be wondering how this fact might affect your car insurance claim. In many states, the “seat belt defense” is commonly used by insurance companies and personal injury defendants to reduce their liability. Even if the injured party played no role in … [Read more...]

3 FAQs About Car Accidents Involving Shared Liability

December 21, 2018 by Michael Waks

Highway Car Accident

Some car accident claims are fairly straightforward because the injuries are minor and everyone agrees on the relevant facts. But in other cases, such as those involving shared liability, it is not uncommon for disputes to arise that complicate and delay the proceedings. In this blog, we’ll answer three FAQs about car accident claims involving shared liability. If you were injured in a crash and you foresee a liability dispute, it is important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. … [Read more...]

4 Differences Between Pedestrian Accident vs. Auto Accident Claims

December 13, 2018 by Michael Waks

Driver Squatting Above Pedestrian After Car Accident On Road

You may already be familiar with the basic process of filing an auto insurance claim. You gather evidence at the scene, get a police report, seek medical care, calculate your damages, and you or your attorney submits the claim package. Although these same steps apply to pedestrian accident cases, the laws that govern liability are slightly different when a pedestrian is involved. Also, the injuries suffered by pedestrians tend to be severe, which can affect settlement negotiations. If you were … [Read more...]

Why You Should File a Police Report After Any Car Accident

December 10, 2018 by Michael Waks

Siren On The Roof Of A Police Car And An Accident On The Road Wi

After a minor car accident, calling the police may seem like a waste of time. But some injuries have latent symptoms, and vehicle repairs often cost more than expected. In either scenario, a police report will serve as valuable evidence to strengthen your case. Even if the other driver admits fault at the scene, there’s no guarantee they will accept blame when you file the claim. In fact it has been my experience that defendants will often change their recollection about how the accident … [Read more...]

What If the At-Fault Driver’s Car Insurance Lapsed Before the Accident?

December 6, 2018 by Michael Waks

Car Accident

Few events can upend your life like a car accident with an uninsured motorist. If you suffered an injury or property damage due to another driver’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to pay for medical bills and vehicle repairs out of your own pocket. Fortunately, even if the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage has lapsed, you may still be able to recover compensation. Depending on the facts surrounding your case, your attorney might recommend the following options: 1. Filing a Claim Against Your … [Read more...]

3 Types of Therapy for Personal Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents

November 27, 2018 by Michael Waks

back injury

A serious car accident can injure just about any part of your body. The types of therapy you might require will depend on the specific injuries you suffered, their severity, your age and medical history, and a variety of other factors. In this blog, we’ll discuss a few common kinds of therapy that are often beneficial to car accident victims. We’ll also provide some general tips that may speed up your recovery time. 3 Common Types of Therapy for Car Accident Victims It’s easy to focus only on … [Read more...]

Motor-Vehicle Driver Responsibilities & Personal Injury Liability

November 19, 2018 by Michael Waks

Closeup Two Cars In A Car Accident On Street

All motorists have a duty to avoid behaviors that would threaten the safety of other people. Yet every day, millions of drivers breach this duty by speeding, texting behind the wheel, and engaging in other negligent misconduct. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a crash that another driver caused, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for insurance companies to dispute liability and attempt to pay claimants less than what they deserve. … [Read more...]

3 FAQs About Car Accident Claims Against Government Entities

November 2, 2018 by Michael Waks

Long Beach, CA Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you know has ever been in a car accident, you may already be familiar with the basic process of filing a claim. But there are special rules that apply to tort claims filed against government entities. Suing a city, county, or state government agency is far more complicated than suing an individual because there are more steps involved, and you have a shorter timeframe within which to file an administrative claim. In this blog, we’ll answer a few FAQs about such claims and … [Read more...]

When Can A Driver Avoid Car Accident Liability Because of An “Act of God”?

July 11, 2018 by Michael Waks

LightningOverEdson-300x225

Drivers who cause car accidents blame many things. At-fault drivers often blame the weather, bushes and trees, road conditions, highway workers, cyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers. Occasionally they blame God. In my 35 years of advocating for accident victims, I have seen a few cases where drivers tried to avoid car accident liability by claiming that act of God caused the crash. Is an "Act of God" a Defense to Car Accident Liability? Car insurance policies may exclude acts of God from … [Read more...]

Who Pays for Injuries Caused By Poor Road Conditions?

July 2, 2018 by Michael Waks

Pothole

Poor road conditions are costly and dangerous. One auto insurance industry study looked at car damage and injuries caused by poor road conditions from 2009 to 2014. It concluded that over five years, the price tag for automobile damage resulting from potholes was at least $27 billion. The study found that 50% of vehicle owners experienced auto damage attributed to potholes. In addition to vehicle damage, potholes can lead to serious head, neck, and spine injuries. The impact of hitting a deep … [Read more...]

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Michael Waks is The attorney you want to resolve your accident issues, period. He is knowledgeable, efficient, and gets maximum results when you are injured.

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