An experienced lawyer knows the importance of timing when it comes to settling car accident injury claims. But before getting into the details of when to file and the tactics used by some insurance companies, a quick look at car accident statistics in Compton, California may help.
Car Accidents in Compton Cause Daily Tragedies
Statistics compiled by the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) showed that in 2006, nine people lost their lives and 359 people were injured in Compton car crashes. Three pedestrians were killed and 27 were injured in motor vehicle mishaps. And bicycle accidents injured 18. In addition, motorcycle accidents killed one and injured 20 people. Those who insisted on drinking and driving caused four deaths and 38 injuries. During 2007, eight car accidents resulted in as many fatalities. The following year, nine car collisions caused nine deaths.
Timing is Key when Settling Car Accident Injury Claims
Successful Compton car collision lawyers know that timing can mean the difference between a fair compensation settlement, an unfair one, or none at all. While you certainly want to make sure that your injuries are thoroughly diagnosed and treated, you don’t want to let the statute of limitations – two years in California – expire. Do that and you lose your rights and an insurance adjuster will tell you that the insurance company won’t have to pay you for your injuries or your losses.
Waiting too long for filing your lawsuit leaves you open for another tactic employed by insurance companies–the insurance adjuster becomes hard nosed and/or hard to reach during the last 90 days before the statute of limitations runs out. What they’re counting on is your eagerness to settle at this point, and that you’ll accept a much lower settlement sum. As the filing deadline nears, they hope that you’ll lose the patience and personal fortitude to even file a lawsuit.
This tactic is most often used when dealing with clients who are not represented by a car accident lawyer or with law firms that rarely go to trial. Adjusters are fully aware of law firms that simply settle out of court and they suddenly become hard to reach and even tougher to bargain with.
By: J. Bisnar
Posts Tagged ‘Pedestrians’
When Should You File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident?
January 22nd, 2010Car Accidents In Florida – The Legal Battle
January 13th, 2010
One of the main causes of personal injury and accidental death is car accidents. Thousands of people get severely injured or die in road accidents in Florida. Same picture is seen all over the country. Among all the causes of personal injury, car accident is considered to be most devastating.
Careless driving and failure to stick to the traffic laws bring about thousands of road accidents every year. Speed limits are made for safety of both pedestrians and travelers; unfortunately, some drivers are very keen to break the limits. Such irrational acts often proves to be hazardous; it’s not only risky for the riders but for others too.
Conditions that often lead to vehicle accidents are:
Exhaustion at work Fatigue from long driving Talking over cell phone while driving Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs Negligence
Strict laws have been introduced to stop such incidents and reduce the number of car accident personal injury cases. At least people would think about the consequences before acting unlawfully.
Drivers should always obey traffic rules for the safety of themselves, the passengers and the persons on foot. Top of that, they must be covered with a suitable insurance policy. Most of the states in the U.S. have made driver’s insurance a criterion for granting driving license to the citizens. This definitely provides financial protection to the driver and the car accident victims.
Pedestrians should also be careful always. Sometimes accidents occur due to pedestrians own fault. A bit of caution can indeed save people from road accidents at times. However, if a person still meets a road accident, he should consult Florida attorneys so that chances of receiving compensation become higher.
Steps to follow after an accident in Florida:
Seek medical attention even if there are no visible bruises on the victim’s body Contact local police as soon as possible Do not move the cars involved in the accident unless required by the local traffic law or necessary for safety Do not leave the place of accident unless police says it is ok to do so Collect name, address and contact numbers of the drivers involved in the accident Write down VIN of the cars involved in the mess Take photographs of the accident spot from all angles Take photographs of victim’s wounds and injuries if possible Obtain contact details of the witnesses Consult Accident Attorney In Ft Lauderdale immediately
Car or road accident victims should always practice their rights. State laws allow them to file charges for all damages and the liable party should pay the compensation. Following points are taken under consideration while computing compensation figure:
Property damage Cost of medical treatment Mental trauma Job loss Changes in lifestyle
Victims are compensated only when someone else is responsible for the accident. And this should be established in the court of law before the judge and juries. Hiring expert local accident attorney could help. An efficient lawyer ensures just compensation for the victim so that returning on to the normal track of life becomes easier.
By: Markus Skupeika