If you are a pedestrian, always remember that drivers aren’t necessarily looking out for you.  You never know when you might be struck.

Just ask Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon.  She was struck on September 7, 2011, while out jogging.  Details of the accident haven’t been released, but Witherspoon evidently suffered only minor injuries.

Whether any action against the driver will be taken is also uncertain.

This just serves as reminder to follow some basic rules while out for a stroll or a run.

1. Remember what you learned as a kid and always look both ways before crossing the street.  This is especially important for runners who may want to try and keep their pace by jogging through an intersection without looking.
2. Avoid wearing headphones.  It may be nice to have music playing while you are meandering around town, but you won’t be able to effectively detect cars coming up behind you.
3. Use sidewalks when possible.  Unfortunately, sidewalks aren’t everywhere.  You should then obey your state laws as to how you should use the street.  Just do your best to stay alert and stay safe.

Obviously, we never want anyone to experience being struck by a car.  But, if you do need legal advice after an accident, contact the law office of Ben Glass at (703)591-9829.

Despite the widespread education regarding the dangers of drunk driving, every year thousands of lives are still claimed in alcohol-related crashes. Not only is this a national problem, it is an issue that falls at the doorstep of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

According to the latest traffic crash statistics released by the Virginia Highway Safety Office, there were 8,221 alcohol-related crashes in our state. Sadly, 274 people were killed in these Virginia drunk driving accidents, which accounted for 37 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2010. In addition to these deaths, 5,578 people were injured in alcohol-related accidents across the state.

Drunk driving accident killed Fairfax man
A drunk driving accident that claimed the life of a 54-year-old Fairfax County man in 2011, only drives home the dangers of drinking and driving. According to reports, Paul J. Krause was killed when 31-year-old Carlos Sanchez-Ramos struck his vehicle and pushed him into oncoming traffic.

Allegedly, Sanchez-Ramos was illegally in the United States at the time of the crash. He was charged with having a blood-alcohol content of between 0.15 and 0.20, as well as aggravated involuntary manslaughter. Sanchez-Ramos had fled the scene of the accident with a 3-year-old boy. Police found them not far from the crash.

Sadly, this story is one of many that are reported regarding drunk driving. Virginia drunk driving accidents continue to act as a public menace, claiming needless lives.

A little over a month ago, a motorcyclist was killed when his motorcycle hit a car. According to police, the Fairfax County motorcycle accident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, June 8, 2011.

Forty-three-year-old Hassan Lowe of Alexandria, was heading southbound on North Kings Highway when his bike struck a car turning onto Fort Drive. The force of the impact caused Lowe to be thrown from his motorcycle. He was taken to the hospital by emergency crewmembers, but sadly, he succumbed to his injuries.

Virginia Motorcycle Accidents are a Major Problem
Stories such as the one of this fatal motorcycle crash bring to light the dangers of the road. In 2010, there were 2,207 motorcycle accidents reported in Virginia, which led to 78 deaths and 1,981 injuries. The Virginia Highway Traffic Safety Office issued a report citing the following facts and data regarding Virginia motorcycle wrecks:

• 53.5% of the crashes occurred when the vehicle was going straight
• Motorcycle defects were cited in less than 5% of accidents
• Nearly 8% of motorcycle wrecks involved speeding
• Alcohol was a known factor in 3.4% of accidents
• 1,834 drivers were injured, while 147 passengers were hurt in motorcycle crashes
• Motorcycle accidents accounted for 11.3% of all fatal crashes

If You’re The One Injured
Reading statistics is one thing, being included in them is another. If you have been hurt in a Fairfax motorcycle accident, you need to learn your rights by ordering the FREE book, Five Deadly Sins That Can Wreck Your Injury Claim. This book will open your eyes to how personal injury claims are handled and what actions can be harmful.

Personal injuries can lead to accident compensation claims if the accident has been brought on by the negligence of some other person. The amount of accident compensation claims granted for personal injury in a motorcycle accident compensation claims depend upon the severity of the injury and whether or not there are any long term consequences of disabilities. In addition to claiming damages for personal injury, your motorcycle accident claims solicitor can even ask you to provide whole details about some other losses including damages to personal property, as well as your motorbike, loss of wages and any changes in life’s opportunities or enjoyment because of the injury.

Future losses and expenses is often estimate and also included in the overall claim. Occasionally in motorcycle accident compensation claims where the cause of an accident is not clear and it could be that both drivers were partly to blame. In these circumstances, either or both drivers could take legal action in claiming compensation for just about any injury that they may have experienced. If one party takes action, then the other party may possibly counterclaim and both activities are heard together by the same judge who’ll apportion blame between all parties involved on a percentage basis.

The practical effect of this situation is that although a driver may have been partly responsible for causing the accident, it’s still possible to make accident compensation claims for more than two parties involved with legal action and an innocent passenger could file a case against the different driver who then promptly joins in the passenger’s driver alleging a contribution. In these cases, the passenger is paid fully by receiving a contribution from each of the drivers in accordance with the relative blame apportioned regarding the drivers by a judge.

The two motorists can also claim against each other but will suffer a reduction in compensation payable for their injuries in accordance with the judge’s apportionment of the blame. An accident victim who’s considering legal actions may have several questions. It is important to understand the accident claims process. Motorcycle accident compensation claims needs to be produced immediately.

The amount of time in which you have to issue your claims for personal injury in a court of law is three years from the time of the accident. There are exceptions to this general rule for anyone under the age of 18 years and for the mental incapacitated.

There are numerous requirements you have to meet in order to bring a successful motorcycle injury claim. When you are in the midst of recovering from your injuries, trying to file a claim on your own may be confusing and frustrating. A solicitor may help you by taking on all of these obligations and filing the accident compensation claims as a representative.

When it comes to determining a fair settlement in a car accident there is no set formula. It will all depend on the unique circumstances surrounding your accident and the various factors that may play into it. It is best to consult with a personal injury attorney to get a better understanding of what your legal options are and the types of compensation you can expect to potentially receive.

In general, there are certain considerations made when it comes to determining a fair settlement in a car accident claim. The first element that you need to determine is who was responsible for the accident. It must be proven that another party was responsible for your car accident, which can be done with different types of evidence.

Documents that would determine negligence in a car accident would be the following:
the police report;
pictures from the accident;
witness statements;
expert testimony;
and other documentation.

Deciding who is responsible for a traffic accident will depend on a number of factors. It would be in your best interest to speak to a personal injury lawyer if you have been involved in an accident and want to file an accident claim.

In order to hold someone liable for damages related to an accident, it will be necessary to prove that person’s fault. While in some cases it may be obvious, in other circumstances, it may be very complicated.

Typically what constitutes fault for an accident is negligence or carelessness. Even if more than one party contributed to the accident, the one who was most at fault will likely be responsible for paying some or possibly all of the damages suffered.

Liability is also based on whether the individual had a duty to make sure another party wasn’t injured. There may be circumstances in which an accident in was not preventable. It is a possibility that the driver did not follow a traffic signal or became distracted, such as changing the radio, or talking or texting on a cell phone.

An accident case has the potential to be more complicated if not only one party was at fault. If an injured party is found partly responsible, the amount of damages received may be decreased by their percentage of fault.

Another consideration that is made in determining a fair settlement for a car accident is the amount of monetary damages you sustained. This can include property damage, your medical bills, any wages you lost from missing work, and other items with set values (bills, receipts, etc.).

Your non-economic damages, such as psychological pain, are the last factors that you need to take into account in determining your settlement. Your personal injury attorney can help you determine a fair amount for these subjective damages.

Since each car accident is unique, it is best to consult with a personal injury attorney who will take the time to carefully evaluate your case. An attorney can make a determination as to whether or not you have a valid claim and provide you an estimate on how much compensation you may be entitled to recover once they become familiar with your case.

Our brain injury lawyers have considerable expertise representing individuals who have sustained traumatic brain injuries and closed head injuries. We understand how these injuries impact the victims and their families.

What Is A Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. Not all injuries to the head result in TBI and the severity of the brain injury can range from “mild” to “severe.”

Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.4 million people sustain traumatic brain injuries each year in the United States. Of these people 50,000 die, 235,000 are hospitalized, and 1.1 million are treated and released from an emergency department.

Who Has The Highest Risk For Traumatic Brain Injury?

Males are 1.5 more times likely to sustain a traumatic brain injury than females. 0 to 4 year olds and 15 to 19 year olds are the age groups that are at the highest risk and African Americans have the highest death rate from traumatic brain injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injury Functional Changes

The CDC estimates that at least 5.3 million Americans currently have a long term or lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury can cause a wide range of functional changes. These changes affect your thinking, sensation, language, and emotions.

Traumatic brain injury can also cause:

-Epilepsy
-Alzheimer’s disease
-Parkinson’s disease
-Other brain disorders

Brain Injury Support Groups

There are many excellent support groups for brain injury patients and their families throughout the United States that promote treatment, prevention, and education. Most states have strong local chapters of the national associations.

Legal Rights As A Traumatic Brain Injury Victim

Individuals who have suffered traumatic brain injury due to an accident do have legal rights. Due to time limitations, the victim, or a concerned family member should contact our office immediately after the accident so that their claim is not lost forever. Depending on how the brain injury was caused, whether it was from a slip and fall accident, car accident, or motorcycle accident, for example, determines the statute of limitations for your case.

Commercial liability insurance is more than a luxury, it’s a requirement for many contractors and even freelancers that may not consider themselves “contractors”. Having liability insurance coverage will protect you from unexpected losses and unforeseen events.

Commercial liability insurance is also for many professional that do not fall under the typical contractor label. Freelancers such as consultants in design and engineering give opinions to clients who then act on their advice. If a client will be acting on your advice and making decisions based on your opinion, you could be liable if anything goes wrong later on.

Some other professions that fall under a freelance umbrella are management consultants, project managers and program managers. As an independent contractor neither worker’s compensation nor employers liability will give you protection against liability claims. One serious claim could cost you your business.

How much coverage do you need?

Contractor liability base coverage of two millions dollars is generally recommended as a good starting point. Even with that amount of coverage, a reasonably priced policy can be found. Usually a down payment is required and the remaining payments are spread out over nine to ten months, so there’s no reason not to have the proper coverage.

When choosing an insurance company, make sure it is financially stable. Insurance companies have ratings that run from A plus to B minus. Be sure to choose a company with a high rating.

You can purchase coverage that will protect you from liability for accidents, personal injury, property damage and even defective work done by a sub contractor or employee.

General contractor insurance also provides protection against claims for property damage and bodily injury. Additionally, it provides an attorney for any legal action that may arise.

Just imagine what would happen if one of your subcontractors called you to tell you he just “accidentally” stuck his ladder through a $5,000 plate glass window. Wouldn’t it be nice to know you’re fully covered for accidents such as that? Hey, accidents like that happen all the time, and the dollars can add up quickly. Why take chances when you don’t have to?

When shopping for a policy, try to get at least three different quotes. You may be surprised at just how much each quote will differ in price. Also be sure to ask your agent or broker exactly what is covered and what is not covered, before you sign onto any policy.

Commercial liability insurance gives contractors and other freelance professionals protection and peace of mind. And you may just find that you’ll get far more jobs when your potential customers know you’re covered.

Motorcycle accidents usually have dire consequences. Because the driver is not as well protected as they would be in a car or truck, the injuries can be much more serious. The driver also has to keep watch for other vehicles that are not paying attention to their surroundings. Since there are so many factors involved, there are many other legal ramifications when an accident happens that go beyond the simple property damage issue.

Essentially the owner is hit twice in any crash. The first hit, of course, is the crash itself. The injuries and property damage can be devastating. The second hit comes from reduced claim payments by the insurance industry. There are many factors that are included in the insurance that may exclude certain claims depending on the circumstances.

Many claims go unpaid or are settled for less. The industry often takes a bigger hit on the claims for injury in this type of crash. Because of this, they often make it much more difficult to receive the claim payment. Often, people simply give up and settle for much less than they should expect to receive. This can leave someone who is permanently injured struggling to pay bills that built up during an extended hospital stay.

There are often special laws that deal with motorcycles and accidents that involve them. The reason is that they are such a different type of vehicle. Some states require helmets, while others do not. Since the laws vary widely from state to state, the insurance process can as well. This puts those involved in a crash in a difficult position as they try to navigate the process.

The extent of the accident plays heavily on the process. Often these types of crashes cause permanent injury or death. Since this can eliminate part of the family income, the insurance company may find themselves in a situation where they will be forced to provide a lifetime of compensation. This is part of the reason they are reluctant to process the claims and look for ways to reduce the payout through a lower settlement number.

Property damage is often total. The motorbike itself may cost as much as a car. When involved in a serious crash it is often totaled. This adds to the cost of the insurance payout. Though reluctant to process a medical claim, this part may be the easiest part to get a settlement on. The insurance company can easily calculate the value of the bike and make the payment. Doing this may also distract the rider from pursuing extensive medical claims.

Finding an experienced attorney involves some homework. Not every attorney is versed in the world of motorbikes. If they are not at least an enthusiast, they are less likely to be appreciative of the entire situation. When looking for a lawyer it is important to find out what involvement they have had with this world besides processing previous claims.

Motorcycle accidents are devastating, but the claims process should not be. The legal ramifications of not wearing a helmet when required can severely reduce claims. The legal system sees these as different types of vehicles and often has a separate set of laws to deal with them.

Looking for the top Toronto spinal cord injury lawyer? Visit Toronto’s specialized legal team in car accident lawyers, disability lawyers. Visit these slip and fall lawyers Toronto today.

You get into an accident with a truck and immediately your mind is racing with thoughts about what to do in order to get things back to the way they were. You are propably not thinking about hiring a personal injury attorney right away, but it something that you should consider so that your rights are protected. This way you can focus more on recovering, instead of on the financial burdens of an accident.

When You Are Still at the Crash Scene

If events were to transpire in such a way that you are able to get your bearings after a truck accident, put a call out to 911 immediately. The odds of getting in a truck accident and having minor damages are very small; therefore, you should call 911 immediately to secure the scene and provide medical care to injured victims.

The following additional 6 tips can help you in determining what to do after an accident:

Stay where the accident occurred until the police tell you that it is okay to leave;
take photos of where the accident occurred, if possible;
record every detail possible about the truck that hit you;
collect the names of anyone who saw the accident take place;
go to the doctor even if you feel as though you are alright;
and be careful what you say (do not say sorry or accuse anyone).
If your injuries prevented you from being able to take the desired actions after a truck accident, don’t assume the worst about your potential claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer who has dealt with truck accidents before can assist you by protecting you throughout the claims process.

Watch Your Actions in the Coming Weeks and Months

Your attorney can help you to establish good habits to help protect your truck accident claim in the coming days, weeks and months. The main things to remember are:

keep records of your accident-related costs, such as medical bills and lost wages;
make sure to go to all of your appointments with your doctor and do exactly what he or she tells you to do;
forgo any activity on social media networks in order to prevent posting any evidence that might harm your claim;
and allow your attorney to speak with your insurance company and the truck driver’s.

A truck accident claim is the most complicated claim involving a motor vehicle. Be aware that the company of the truck driver can eliminate evidence soon after the accident occurs. With an attorney on your side from the start, you have better odds at obtaining vital records before they get sent through the shredder.

Michigan wage and Income loss benefit may be received when injured in a car accident. You are entitled to receive 85% of your gross pay, including overtime, or loss of income for the first three years from the date of the accident, if you are disabled as a result of the accident. This applies to self-employment and many times to those who were not employed at the time of the accident.

To file this type of claim you submit it to the insurance adjusted assigned to your claim. You should submit your claim for wage loss benefits every thirty days, but claims for wage loss claims must be submitted within one year of the date of your disability.

Michigan medical bills, prescription costs, and other expenses benefit can be collected if all medical bills that are reasonable and necessary and related to your car accident are covered by the no-fault insurance company. There is no limit on the amount of money the no-fault insurance company must pay for. The only requirement is that the medical bills are reasonable and necessary for your care, recovery, and rehabilitation.

In-home nursing care/attendant care benefits are also included in these medical benefits for those who need attendance to their personal needs while recovering from injury. Also, case management services are included as well under these benefits. These services include coordinating with multiple doctors, scheduling doctor’s appointments, finding the best medical specialists, and more.

It is highly recommended that you consult with an attorney immediately following the crash to review your car insurance policy, as for some policies have limitations such as what doctors you are allowed to see. If one were to deviate from their policy then their medical bills will not be covered.

Michigan special transportation benefit is for a van or specially equipped van or vehicle to take you to and from medical appointments, usually for someone in a wheelchair. In addition to this benefit, you may also receive reimbursement for gas mileage expenses to and from your medical appointments.

Michigan survivor’s loss benefit is for those who lost the person they are financially dependent on in a car accident. Those who qualify can receive money from the no-fault insurance company for the loss of their financial support and loss of household services as well as payment for a portion of the funeral bill.

Michigan home modifications and accommodations benefits are received when the injured cannot comfortably live in their home due to physical limitations. Therefore, the insurance company is responsible for remodeling for items such as wider doorways and handicapped ramps.

WARNING! It is important to know that not everyone meets the requirements for all these benefits. Therefore, it is highly recommended to contact and consult with a lawyer immediately to find out if you are eligible for any of these benefits.

If you are a victim of an auto accident then contact our office now to speak with an experienced Michigan auto accident lawyer. Call us now at (800) 606-1717.