Personal Injury Attorney

Ways You Can be Compensated from a Car Accident

Posted on by Charles E. Martin

When you are injured and your car is damaged in a car accident that is the fault of another driver, you are entitled under the law to compensation for certain damages. In order to get the best result in compensation, you should always talk to witnesses, document the scene (with photos, if possible), call the police, and never sign anything without the presence or support of your personal injury attorney.

With all of those things, here are some of the most notable and common compensation rights for car accident victims:

  • Restitution for property damages. When your car is hit and damaged in an accident – no matter how minimal the damage – the at-fault party’s insurance company should cover a settlement amount to cover the repair costs of the damage.
  • Recompense for medical fees related to your physical injuries. If you were injured in a car accident, whether the injury was extensive or developed later (like whiplash), the personal injury damages award to you should include compensation for any medical care and treatment associated with the accident. This compensation may come in the form of reimbursement for treatments you have already received and paid for, and/or funds for estimated future or continuing costs.
  • Reparation for loss of income. If you had to miss work (and therefore, were docked pay) due to your injury recovery or medical treatment, you may be eligible for compensation for income you have lost and have the potential to make, were it not for the accident.
  • Compensation for emotional distress. Sometimes (and more often for serious accidents), you are entitled to compensation for ‘pain and suffering’ on an emotional level such as anxiety, fear, sleep loss and other responses to trauma. You may also be eligible for recompense for loss of enjoyment in your recreational activities because of the accident, and even for ‘loss of consortium’ – or the loss of companionship or your ability to maintain a sexual relationship with your spouse.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident where the other driver was at fault, please contact the Offices of Martin Law, PLLC for your legal guidance and support. We will use our expertise and knowledge of the law to acquire just compensation for your losses.

Featured photo from here, labeled for reuse.

Safety Tips to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents

Posted on by Charles E. Martin

motorcycle

The fun and freedom of taking your motorbike on the open road is what keeps many devoted cycle fans on the road.  Make sure your experience is not affected by a terrible accident and take some precautions to keep yourself safe as you share the road with motorists.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 34,000 motorcyclists were killed between 2001-2008 in the U.S., and approximately 1.2 million were treated in emergency rooms for non-fatal injuries related to motorcycle accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2006, the rate for fatal crashes involving a motorcycle was 72.34 in every 100,000 motorcycles, versus the rate of fatal car accidents, which was 13.1 in every 100,000 cars.

Start your safe driving practices with appropriate safety gear; it is the only thing between you and the road.

  • Helmet – D.O.T. Approved
  • Eye protection such as a face shield or safety glasses
  • Leather footwear with over the ankle protection and low heels
  • Long pants of denim or comparable durability
  • Long sleeve shirt or jacket
  • Full fingered leather gloves

Before you even get on your bike, be sure you are completely drug and alcohol free for your safety and that of everyone else on the road.

Here are some important safety tips to follow to avoid motorcycle accidents…

Take a quick walk around your bike to evaluate your bike’s condition.  Be on top of possible broken parts, maintain controls and proper oil changes on schedule, as well as check the chain, suspension, tires, signals working and proper tire pressure.

Be seen, be heard.  Lights on and use your horn if signs of danger are imminent.

Ride smooth.  That is to say to keep throttle use consistent and even steering pressure and acceleration. Smooth riding will not only give you better gas mileage and reduce wear and tear on your bike, but it makes it easier for other drivers to see you better and anticipate where you will be.

Always be aware of where you are in relationship to other drivers, including what is happening with oncoming traffic.

Keep a clear line of sight and travel path. If you can’t see as well due to weather, darkness, or curvy roads, slow down to be prepared for what lies ahead.

Allow extra space and time to adjust yourself to other motorists’ movements.

Travel in the part of the lane where you are most visible.

Always use your signals for lane changes, drive as if you are invisible and assume other drivers can’t see you: Ride particularly defensively.

Check left front, right, then left again before proceeding through an intersection. Know what hazards may await you and be prepared to adjust.

Always check your rearview mirror before reducing your speed.  Slowing down too quickly when a car is on your tail can put you at serious risk.

Allow for a 2-4 second following distance. If it is night or any weather conditions, increase that to 4-8 seconds to allow for the best cushion for safety.

Pay attention to turns and curves. They pay a significant role in the majority of motorcycle accidents due to rider error.

Know where driver’s blind spots are and take care not to ride in them.

The far left lane is usually the safest lane due to less vehicles merging from that side.

Also pay attention to highway exits that are on the left, as cars will be merging to exit and entering the highway occasionally from the left also.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is committed to promoting safe driving and rider education nationwide. MSF can connect you with motorcycle safety classes near you.

Their site has a free library with great resources and tips. Check it out!

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and you are not at fault, contact us at Martin Law, PLLC for a free case evaluation.

Charles Martin, Marin Law LLC
Call for a free consultation 206-684-9468

Reasons You Might Need a Car Accident Lawyer vs. Working Alone

Posted on by Charles E. Martin

Car_Accident

When you are the victim of an accident due to another driver’s carelessness or mistakes, it can be a harrowing time to deal with insurance, vehicle damage, and any injuries that were sustained. You have rights under the law as a victim of a car accident, and you should protect those rights to avoid paying for someone else’s missteps or negligence.

There are lots of reasons why a car accident lawyer may benefit your chances to acquire recompense, versus trying to plead your case alone. Here are some of the most important:

  • You can’t always rely on other people or insurance companies for justice. Even if the driver(s) responsible for the accident provide you with all the important information to help you get medical and vehicular reparations, their insurance company may prove difficult. Many – if not most – insurance companies will do their best not to pay or pay as little as possible for claims. They may try to pressure you or rush you into a settlement, which will often be less than fair coverage for your property and personal injury. A car accident lawyer or personal injury attorney can help to get you just compensation for your property damage and any injuries.
  • There are certain rules to follow and steps to take to sue. It’s not always as easy as filling out a police report and ‘pressing charges’. Sometimes there will be other rules that require your compliance, or more requirements that you must meet in order to be eligible for personal injury restitutions after a car accident. A lawyer can help you navigate all of these needs.
  • Lots of potential damages are available – which can you receive? People injured in car accidents are eligible for lots of different damages, beyond just coverage for your medical bills and repairs for your car, and a car accident lawyer can inform you of all of the damages you are eligible for.
  • It’s all in the negotiation and representation. A personal injury attorney will be prepared and skilled to negotiate and represent your interests, both with insurance companies and in court (if necessary), for your fair compensation.

If you have sustained personal injury in a car accident that was not your fault, please contact our offices for a conversation about your situation. We can help you to acquire a fair settlement for your injuries.

Charles Martin, Marin Law LLC
Call for a free consultation 206-684-9468