How Compensation Amounts are Calculated for Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash injuries can be more than just a pain in the neck. They can disrupt daily life, lead to unexpected medical expenses, and affect one’s ability to work. If you’ve suffered from whiplash due to someone else’s negligence, you may wonder how compensation amounts are determined. Read on to find out more.

Understand Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash is a type of neck injury that often results from rear-end car collisions. When the head jerks forward and then abruptly snaps back, the rapid motion can damage soft tissues, ligaments, and vertebrae. The symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain, can last for a few days or even become chronic.

Factors Influencing Compensation Amounts

  • Severity of the injury: The more severe the injury, the higher the compensation. A minor strain may only warrant reimbursement for medical bills, whereas a chronic condition can lead to higher settlements.
  • Medical expenses: This encompasses everything from initial emergency room visits to prolonged physiotherapy sessions. Your vehicle accident lawyer will advise you to keep all medical records and bills as they play a crucial role in the compensation calculation.
  • Loss of income: If you’ve missed work or cannot perform your job duties due to the injury, this loss of earnings will be factored into the compensation.
  • Pain and suffering: This is a bit more subjective but equally important. Chronic pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life contribute to this category.
  • Future medical needs: If your injury requires long-term care, future medical expenses become a consideration in the compensation amount.

The Impact of Whiplash on Day-to-Day Living

While many might dismiss whiplash as a minor injury, its effects on daily life can be profound and far-reaching.

Physical Discomfort and Daily Activities

Everyday tasks we often take for granted can become a challenge. Turning your head to check for traffic while driving, looking up to grab a book from a shelf, or even just laying your head on a pillow can become sources of pain.

Emotional and Psychological Effects

The strain doesn’t stop at the physical. Emotional and psychological impacts often accompany the injury. With persistent pain, the sufferer might experience:

  • Mood fluctuations: Irritability and mood swings can be common, as pain takes a toll on your emotional wellbeing.
  • Sleep disturbances: Neck pain can make finding a comfortable sleeping position difficult, leading to insomnia or disrupted sleep.
  • Anxiety and depression: The limitations from the injury can lead to feelings of isolation or sadness.

Social Implications of Whiplash

Beyond personal suffering, whiplash can strain social interactions and relationships.

  • Avoiding social gatherings: People might skip social events because of discomfort or the inability to engage in activities.
  • Strained personal relationships: Loved ones might not fully understand the extent of the injury, leading to misunderstandings or feelings of frustration.

Seeking Treatment and Rehabilitation

While the aftereffects of whiplash can be daunting, seeking the right treatment can aid in recovery.

  • Physical therapy: Engaging in physical therapy can improve range of motion and reduce pain. Exercises tailored to strengthen neck muscles can be beneficial.
  • Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, prescribed medications, or even alternative therapies like acupuncture can provide relief.
  • Counseling and support: For those grappling with the emotional repercussions of their injury, speaking to a counselor or joining a support group can help.

The Financial Implications of Whiplash

Whiplash, though often perceived as a fleeting injury, can carry long-term financial consequences that affect various aspects of an individual’s life.

Hidden Medical Costs

While initial treatments for whiplash might be apparent, the long tail of medical expenses can catch you off-guard.

  • Follow-up visits: Continuous monitoring is essential to track recovery and can lead to additional doctor’s appointments.
  • Specialist consultations: Sometimes, the injury might require a specialist’s input, such as an orthopedic doctor or neurologist.
  • Alternative therapies: Treatments like chiropractic care or massage therapy, not always covered by insurance, can accumulate costs.

Indirect Financial Strains

Beyond the immediate medical bills, whiplash can introduce subtle yet significant financial burdens.

  • Transportation: Regular medical check-ups or therapy sessions might mean more frequent commutes or even the need for specialized transport if driving becomes challenging.
  • Home adjustments: Severe cases might necessitate changes at home, like ergonomic furniture or supportive bedding, leading to unforeseen expenses.

Job Productivity and Career Progression

The repercussions of whiplash aren’t limited to personal expenses. They can spill over into your professional life.

  • Diminished output: Constant pain or discomfort can reduce a person’s productivity at work, impacting their performance.
  • Missed opportunities: Extended recovery periods might mean passing up on promotions or new job offers, hindering career progression.

The Legal Aspects of Whiplash Injuries

Understanding your rights and the legal avenues available is essential when considering compensation for whiplash injuries.

  • Statute of limitations: Each jurisdiction has a timeframe within which you must file a claim. Familiarize yourself with these limits to ensure you don’t miss out on potential compensation. Contacting a personal injury accident attorney as soon as possible is paramount.
  • Proving negligence: For a successful claim, demonstrating that another party’s negligence caused your injury is paramount.
  • Document everything: From medical reports to photographic evidence of the accident scene, thorough documentation strengthens your claim.

Insurance Companies and Whiplash Claims

While insurance companies play a crucial role in compensation, navigating claims with them can be tricky.

  • Understanding policy terms: Know what your policy covers and any limitations or exclusions. This knowledge ensures you’re adequately prepared when making a claim.
  • Being wary of quick settlements: Insurance companies often aim to close cases quickly, which might not be in your best interests. A personal injury accident lawyer can provide guidance on whether an offer is fair.
  • Recording conversations: If you speak to an insurance representative, consider recording the conversation (with their consent) to ensure all details are accurately captured.

At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, we recognize the profound impact injuries can have on your life. From medical bills to emotional trauma, the aftermath can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to go on this journey alone. With a track record of success and dedication, our attorneys stand ready to champion your rights.

4 Steps to Take If You’re Involved in a Car Accident

Accidents are always a possibility for everyone on the road, and even a minor car accident can be challenging to handle. It is better to have a sound knowledge and understanding of what you should be doing if you ever find yourself in such a situation. The following few steps and suggestions should help with that quite a bit.

 

Call for Help

You should always call for help first even if nobody gets seriously hurt in the accident. All accidents need to be reported to the police because the ensuing police report will be required for claiming in your insurance at the very least. In any case, you can never really rule out the possibility that you or someone else may have suffered a less obvious, unnoticed internal injury. If it’s a severe accident, then a timely 911 call could make the difference between life and death.

People injured in a car accident will often drift in and out of consciousness, so call 911 or the local equivalent as soon as you are able to. In case you cannot remember things properly or if you are unable to speak, do not hang up. It’s true that help will get to you much faster if you can talk to the operator and let them know the details, but it’s not always necessary. They should be able to find you from your cellphone’s location if you keep the line open.

 

Check the Situation

After making the call for help, go through the following checks.

  • Check yourself for injuries.
  • If there are other passengers, check them for injuries.
  • Check the car’s interior and exterior for signs of fire and deep, dark smoke.

Provided that you are not seriously injured yourself, get everyone out of the car and away from the wreck, even if the car is not on fire. However, if someone seems to have been gravely injured and the car is not on fire, don’t move them from their position until the paramedics get there. If there is a fire though, you will need to move them away from the wreck with care. Check the other car(s) to see if they need help, provided that it’s a multicar crash. Exchange names, contacts, license and registration info, and insurance details with them after the initial steps to ensure everyone’s safety as best as possible.

 

Collect Evidence

If you believe that the accident was not your fault but there is a party who should be held accountable, then you will need to consult with a car accident injury lawyer. The more evidence there is to support your claim, the better your chances of winning a personal injury lawsuit. You will want to show your vehicle accident lawyer as much relevant evidence that you can, so that they can estimate the case with greater accuracy. To do so, follow the instructions as stated below.

  • Take several photos from multiple angles, as well as a few videos to properly show the scene of accident.
  • Be sure to focus on the damages and injuries from multiple angles.
  • Get a copy of the accident’s police report number so your lawyer can obtain the report.
  • Save all bills, prescriptions, test results, and other documents related to medical treatment that had to be administered as a result of the accident.
  • Save all bills, damage estimates, repair estimates, insurance reports, and other documents related to the cost of your car’s repair.

If you were seriously injured at the accident and could not be active at the time to collect evidence, don’t worry too much about it. Your state’s Statute of Limitations should provide you with ample time to recover sufficiently from your ordeal before going about it. Nevertheless, you should not delay any longer than you absolutely must. There might be more evidence to collect, but you will have better resources to guide you by then. This brings us to the next step.

 

Contact Your Personal Injury Accident Attorney

Call Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys.  At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys you can rest assured that you are with top notch lawyers who specialize in personal injury cases.  We do not charge for the first consultation.  In fact, we do not get paid unless we win your case.  We will provide you with a free estimation of the case in terms of liability determination, winning potential, possible compensation amount, and more.

After getting in touch with your personal injury lawyers, you will gain access to investigative resources that only experienced accident injury lawyers can bring to the case. The resources will be used to collect more evidence in addition to what you may have already collected. Provided that the personal injury law firm can build a case strong enough, you may not even need to go to court.

If the defendant decides to settle the matter outside of a courtroom by agreeing to pay the compensation, you will receive your dues much faster. The actual outcome depends on the case’s merit and the motor vehicle accident lawyers involved on both sides, but it happens frequently. There will be negotiation sessions of course, but a defendant who is willing to negotiate is also more likely to settle quickly.

As far as preparation is concerned, the steps discussed here should provide readers with a general guideline. In case you or anyone you know is already suffering from the impacts of a past car accident, contact a road accident attorney as soon as possible. You should never delay the first consultation, especially if the accident is already several months old.  Call Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys today.

The 7 Types of Personal Injury Cases Oakland Lawyers Usually Work On

A personal injury lawsuit arises when a person suffers an injury(s) due to another person’s actions. In most cases, these actions amount to negligence, where a person fails to provide the care that a reasonable person would in the same situation. In other cases, those actions can be classified as recklessness, which is more serious than negligence and is often associated with a person’s deliberate and unjustified actions without regard for their consequences.

You can seek compensation with the help of experienced personal injury attorneys if you are injured in an accident or through the actions of another person. Let’s look at the most common cases accident injury lawyers handle in Oakland.

 

Car Accidents

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says there were over 39,500 car accidents that resulted in close to 43,000 fatalities in the United States in 2021. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), on the other hand, says that there are about 7,500 people injured in car accidents every day.

These numbers mean that car accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injuries and the resulting lawsuits.

There are various reasons for the prevalence of these types of accidents, including reckless and distracted driving, poor vehicle maintenance, poor weather and road conditions, ignoring traffic signals, speeding, and driving under the influence.

You should always collect as much evidence as possible and get medical attention following a car accident because some injuries only present with symptoms later. You should then hire a vehicle accident lawyer to help you file a lawsuit and navigate the process of getting compensated. The right personal injury accident lawyer will also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf if they make an offer.

 

Pedestrian Accidents

Drivers must be acutely aware that pedestrians could be using the road at the same time and take necessary precautions to avoid hitting them. Pedestrian accidents are so serious because they are unprotected, unlike the vehicle’s occupants. For these reasons, the types of injuries a person can sustain range from minor cuts and bruises to broken bones and even traumatic brain injuries.

Some common causes of pedestrian accidents include speeding, failure to yield, ignoring traffic lights, and distracted driving. Even though drivers are often to blame for these accidents.

 

Motorcycle Accidents

As with pedestrians, there is nothing to protect a motorcycle when struck by a vehicle. Motorcycle accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and road rash. They can also lead to fatalities depending on their specific circumstances, such as the speed of the motorcycle and vehicle and angle of impact.

Because the catastrophic injuries they cause can lead to life-changing injuries, you should contact a motorcycle accident lawyer immediately following an accident. They will help you recover damages, including lost wages, inability to get back to work, medical bills, pain and suffering, and even property damage related to your motorcycle.

You can also file a wrongful death lawsuit with the help of wrongful death lawyers if a loved one passes away following a motorcycle accident. You can contact the attorneys at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys for a no-obligation consultation to discuss the accident.

 

Slip and Fall or Premises Liability Cases

Property owners and operators must ensure their premises are safe for residents, guests, and anyone else with access, such as mail carriers. Slip and fall accidents are the most common type of premises liability cases filed and can be filed against businesses and individual owners.

The owner or operator must repair all issues that could cause accidents, remove them, or place adequate warning signs close to the hazard. Failure to do this could lead to serious accidents, including broken bones, head injuries, and others. Contact a personal injury attorney if you have been injured on a property so they can help you determine whether you have a case and who to sue if you do.

 

Animal Attacks and Bites

Most cases of animal attacks and bites involve dogs. Owners must take reasonable measures as outlined in the law to ensure their dogs do not cause these types of injuries, lest they be liable in case they happen.

Animal or dog bites are dangerous because they can cause various infections, with the main concern being rabies. There is no treatment for rabies, and it is almost always fatal once the victim starts showing symptoms. For this reason, you should seek medical attention immediately to get a series of shots that prevent an infection.

 

Bicycle Accidents

Oakland has a very supportive bike culture and has been designated the most bike-friendly city in California. Since there are so many cyclists in the city, bicycle accidents are common. Bike accidents occur when a vehicle strikes a bicycle while a rider is on it, or when cyclists strike them as they appear from intersections and parking garages.

As with motorcycle accidents, these accidents are very serious, resulting in road rash, broken bones, and head, neck, and spinal cord injuries. Accident injury lawyers CA can help you navigate the complicated laws surrounding traffic and bicycles so you can know who is liable and file a lawsuit.

 

Defective or Malfunctioning Medical Devices

We expect the best outcomes when a doctor assures us that a new medical device will improve our health, well-being, and quality of life. However, that is not always the case if the device is defective or malfunctions. Such devices can cause harm, including pain and tissue damage, negating the benefits the doctor told you about.

Personal injuries have devastating effects, especially if they lead to life-long pain or the victim becomes disabled. The lawyers at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys lawyers can help you with different types of personal injury cases depending on the cause and the person responsible. Get in touch today for a free consultation through our contact page.

The Role Speeding Plays in Car Accidents

Speeding remains a leading cause of road accidents and deaths in 2023. Even though the dangers are well publicized, and the law is absolutely clear, it still happens at an alarmingly frequent rate. The consequences are severe, and the aftermath is difficult to navigate. What role does speeding play in accidents and why is it such a big risk factor out there on the roads?

 

Stopping is Harder

Bringing a vehicle to a complete stop is never easy when an emergency situation is taking place. It has happened to every driver out there going along their route. Something up ahead, or a sudden intrusion means that you need to brake and do it quickly. If you aren’t speeding, this is always going to be easy as long as you feel confident to carry out an emergency stop. For drivers who are going too fast, stopping in time is just not an attainable thing. They won’t be able to react quickly enough or put their foot on the right pedal in time to make the necessary adjustments. There is an increased chance that their vehicle will hit another, or the hazard they were trying to avoid.

 

The Ability to Control the Vehicle is Impacted

The next point is about control. A fast car going at ridiculous speeds is difficult, or impossible to properly control. Safety should always be a priority, yet if there is a bend in the road, or you need to weave away from something minor like debris, it just won’t be possible. Losing control is easier than you think when in charge of a speeding vehicle. It is harder to turn the wheel without overextending, and there is no way at all to maneuver around things without veering too far or too hard. This means a crash is likely, regardless of whether there is another person involved or not.

 

You Will Miss Things

A big part of safe driving is about being aware of all the things around you. Having a good perception of your driving environment is non-negotiable. If you want to stay crash-free, then you have to know what is happening outside of your vehicle. This means taking note of pedestrians, animals, stop signs and other traffic management systems, construction zones, buildings, turns, and more. There are so many things that require your attention and if you are exceeding the legal speed limit, you just won’t notice them. Therefore, the risk of an incident occurring is significantly larger. Any vehicle accident lawyer will tell you the same thing, you have to be aware, it is your duty of care.

 

The Vehicle Won’t Respond

Your car is designed in a very specific way. It has taken years of expertise and precision to pull it together, and the engineering behind it is extremely intricate. This means that if you push it outside of its comfort zone, things will start to fail. Speeding is a primary factor behind malfunctions, and if your car breaks or doesn’t do what is expected at top speeds, then a crash is bound to occur.

 

Speeding Is Against the Law

Every state in the country has a law against speeding and every car accident injury lawyer knows it. If a driver is found to be breaking the law, they risk hefty fines and even a ban from driving. Yet, these facts alone are not enough of a deterrent because these accidents keep on happening regardless. Make sure you know what the limits are in your area so that you don’t end up hurting yourself or someone else while driving about.

 

Other Road Users Can’t Respond Safely

When a vehicle is traveling fast, it is impossible for other road users to respond safely. This means their life and vehicle are put in harm’s way and there is very little that they can actually do about it. Speeding causes so many accidents because people can’t get out of the way, and this is extremely unjust. It is never acceptable for another car user who is driving safely and legally to become the victim of someone who isn’t playing by the rules. Even if they react in good time and spot the hazard, it could still be all too late because the other vehicle is simply traveling too fast to be able to do anything in a timeframe that matters.

 

Don’t Give In

Never give in to speeding drivers. If they are breaking the law, and you get hurt, our expert team can help by providing you with an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer or road accident attorney. This will be essential when trying to move forward with your life after the accident is over and done with. You may be feeling a range of impulsive emotions, and while that is completely normal, there is value in stepping back and assessing what the best course of action could be. If you are a victim of this action, you are able to seek out damages and file a compensation claim against the offending party. Talk to our team today to see what is required.

 

The Sum Up

In short, when a compensation claim is first filed, it will be observed and acknowledged by the opposing party. An insurance party will want to see concrete, irrefutable evidence that speeding was the cause if that is what you are stating. You will need to show how you have been negatively impacted and represent the facts for what they are.

Car accidents are always a major event, regardless of what caused them. Yet, when speeding plays a part, the impact can be even more devastating. It makes it so much harder to stop, and more likely that a driver flees the scene if they manage to come out of the accident unscathed. Whatever the case may be, there are paths forward if you turn to the right line of support.

Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys are here for you. Visit us at our LA office, or find us in California, Nevada, and Texas as well. Don’t delay your visit any longer.

What to Do After a Car Accident in California

A California car accident is generally an unexpected and traumatic event that leaves most of us overwhelmed and with many questions about what to do next. Do I need to call the police? What information do I need from the other driver? How do I protect my rights? From notifying law enforcement to consulting with a California car accident lawyer, we have outlined a step-by-step guide of what to do after a car accident in California below.

 

Step 1: Stop and Stay at the Accident Scene

You must stop and stay at the accident scene until it is appropriate to leave. If someone has sustained injuries, needs assistance, or was killed, and you leave, you could be charged with a hit-and-run. You should stay until the police arrive. If the accident only caused property damage, you can leave after you have exchanged important information with the other driver.

 

Step 2: Check for Injuries and Ensure Everyone’s Safety

Your top priority after a car accident in California is to check yourself for any visible injuries and check on the safety of the other parties involved. If you or anyone else is injured, call 9-1-1 immediately to request emergency medical attention.

 

Step 3: Call Law Enforcement to Report the Accident

Even if the accident seems minor, you should call 9-1-1 to report the accident. Authorities will decide whether to come to the accident scene. If police officers arrive at the scene, they will investigate the accident and create a police report.

A police report can be significant evidence if you need to file a car accident claim. It includes information about all parties involved and an unbiased account of the accident, which can help establish fault.

 

Step 4: Exchange Information With the Other Driver(s)

You should exchange important contact information and insurance details with the other driver. If the crash included multiple vehicles, exchange information with every driver involved. Our California car accident attorneys recommend obtaining the following information:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Driver’s license number
  • Information about the vehicle, like its year, make, and model
  • License plate number
  • Insurance company name
  • Insurance policy number

 

Step 5: Document the Accident Scene and Your Injuries

If possible, take pictures of the accident scene to preserve evidence. You should take photos of the vehicles involved and any injuries sustained. Also, write down details about the accident, like the date, time, location, road conditions, and weather conditions.

 

Step 6: Talk to Witnesses

If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get their names and contact details. Witness statements can be invaluable for determining accident liability and supporting your potential car accident claim.

 

Step 7: Seek Medical Attention

You should seek a complete medical evaluation as soon as possible after leaving the accident scene. Even if you feel fine right now, some injuries may not be immediately apparent due to adrenaline or delayed symptoms. If you sustain injuries, you want to receive medical treatment immediately. Additionally, medical records serve as critical evidence for your potential accident claim.

 

Step 8: Inform Your Insurance Company About the Accident

Your auto insurance policy likely requires you to report the car accident to your insurance company. Provide your insurer with the necessary information about the crash. However, we do not recommend providing a detailed statement or making any assumptions about the cause of the crash or the severity of your injuries. Anything you say could be used against you if you need to file a claim with your insurer.

 

Step 9: Report the Accident

If law enforcement does not come to the accident scene, you may be required to report the accident to your local police or the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You must report the accident to the local police or the CHP within 24 hours if anyone was injured or died in the accident.

Additionally, in California, you must report a car accident to the DMV using its SR-1 form within 10 days if any of the following factors exist:

  • Anyone involved in the crash sustained injuries, no matter the severity
  • Anyone involved in the crash died
  • The accident resulted in property damages exceeding $1,000

 

Step 10: Consult With a California Car Accident Lawyer

After a car accident, we recommend scheduling a consultation with an experienced California car accident attorney. An attorney can answer your questions and help you determine whether you may have a viable claim to obtain compensation for your injuries and damages. Getting an attorney early in the process is beneficial for multiple reasons. For example, an attorney can help you preserve evidence, communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf, and protect your best interests.

 

Get a Free No-Risk Consultation With Our California Car Accident Lawyers

At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, we help car accident victims get the compensation they need and deserve after serious accidents. We have offices throughout California and encourage you to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with us about your situation. Call us at (888) 779-1180 or contact us online to discuss your potential legal options.

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What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident

Being involved in a motor vehicle accident can be a stressful experience, often leaving accident victims feeling overwhelmed and unsure of the next steps to take. However, your actions after an accident can significantly impact your health and your potential auto accident claim. Therefore, knowing what to do after a motor vehicle accident is critical to protect yourself and your claim. Below, our motor vehicle accident lawyers cover essential steps to take after a serious accident.

 

1. Call 9-1-1 to Report the Accident to Law Enforcement

The initial shock and adrenaline may distract you from any immediate pain, so look for any visible injuries before moving or getting out of your vehicle. Then, if you are physically able, check on any passengers and the other motorist.

You should call law enforcement to report the accident. If anyone needs medical attention, request emergency medical responders at this time. Police officers may come to the scene to investigate the accident and create a police report of the crash.

2. Exchange Information With the Other Driver

Once you have addressed immediate safety concerns, you need to gather and exchange information with the other driver. Our motor vehicle accident attorneys recommend obtaining the following contact and insurance information:

  • Name
  • Contact details
  • Driver’s license number
  • Insurance provider
  • Insurance policy number
  • Make and model of the other vehicle
  • License plate number

If there are any witnesses to the accident, request their contact information too.

3. Preserve Evidence by Documenting the Accident Scene

Before you leave the accident scene, spend time documenting the accident with pictures. These photos may be critical evidence to support your potential accident claim. Important things to photograph include:

  • Visible injuries
  • Vehicle damages
  • The other vehicle
  • Road conditions
  • Weather conditions

4. Get a Medical Evaluation

Regardless of how you feel, always get a complete medical examination after an accident. We recommend getting one during the first 24 hours after an accident.

Certain injuries, like whiplash, may not show symptoms right away. You want to make sure you do not have any injuries that may get worse if untreated. Additionally, a medical evaluation gives you the necessary medical documentation to support your claim.

5. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

In the following days, contact your insurance company to report the accident. Be factual and avoid speculating about accident liability or your injuries. You should avoid providing a detailed statement until you have consulted with an experienced attorney.

6. Discuss Your Situation With a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Consider contacting an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney soon after the crash to discuss your case. If you have suffered injuries and damages due to the accident, filing an accident claim may be your only way of recovering your costs. An attorney can help you understand your best legal options for protecting your legal rights and moving forward.

 

Get a Free Case Review From Our Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys

At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, we help accident victims seek justice and compensation for their injuries. Our law firm has extensive experience and success in handling motor vehicle accident cases throughout California, Nevada, and Texas. We may be able to help you on your journey to recovery too.

Our firm provides a free, no-risk consultation to discuss your unique situation and your options for recovering compensation. We can also determine whether we can help you. Call us at (888) 779-1180 or contact us online to schedule yours.

 

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5 Essential Questions You Should Ask Your Car Accident Lawyer

lawyers for auto accidents

One of the most important decisions you will be making after being a victim of a car accident is to hire a lawyer that you can trust. Hiring lawyers for auto accidents will skyrocket your probability of getting the maximum claims and compensation from the party at fault.

 

Road To Success With Your Lawyer

Best lawyers for auto accidents will work closely with you and you with them. That means complete transparency is expected and all of the information and minute details of the accidents should be divulged. Considering the pain and suffering you experienced, going religiously to the doctor seems to be an effort but this has to be done. All the documents which will include medical records and bills have to be organized and submitted. Rest assured though that your auto accident injury lawyers will provide all their knowledge, experience and resources to get what you deserve.

 

What Are Your Choices After Being In a Car Accident?

One thing that comes up in your mind when you were involved in an auto accident is what are my choices to address the situation and what is the best option for me.

When you are hurt, you may:

  • Handle everything on your own, pay your medical bills and even future medical expenses (seems less complicated but not the best option for your best interest).
  •  Work for an injury claim with the responsible party with bodily injury liability, you will get what they will just give.
  • Take advantage of an injury claim such as workers’ compensation plan as provided by another form of insurance.
  • File a lawsuit against the responsible driver, their insurance company and if needed another third party.

Your auto accident injury lawyers will explain to you all the choices that you have, the advantages and disadvantages and set expectations on what is required for the recommended option. Ask all the questions to get all the information you need as best lawyers for auto accidents would like you to have the confidence that when you hire them, you know they have your best interest in this battle.

 

What Are The Chances Of Getting The Compensation I Deserve Compared To Other Cases?

Your auto accident injury lawyers are not clairvoyant. However, based on their past experiences and knowledge, they may provide you with an educated guess.

When lawyers for auto accidents evaluate your case, they look into other cases similar to yours. Using a hypothetical “generic” case, the cause of the accident, the injuries, medical diagnosis, treatment and even documentation is easy to determine and accomplish.

In cases such as this, then the insurance company at fault may settle a reasonable amount as they want this to be settled at the shortest possible time.

Reality bites though that this easy and ideal situation where everything will be settled without much of a fuss only exists in our minds. Every case has its own peculiarities. Investigation will take time and the party at fault will do everything to look into loopholes to negate your claims to ensure compensation will be at the minimum.

There are many factors to be considered in determining what would be the amount of claims and compensation. And this is what lawyers for auto accidents will look into and further delve into things that will work best for your case.

 

What Should I Be Ready With Considering The Process of Claiming Compensation?

Just like any situation in life, it is always best to prepare for the worst (in this case a very tedious task and process for you) so it will be easier to digest whatever tasks that have to be done.

Most cases are settled out of court. This doesn’t mean that it is as easy as it sounds. A settlement is reached as your lawyer was able to present a very compelling case on your behalf. As expectations have been set, there will be a back and forth discussion for both parties.

Your auto accident injury lawyers need to prepare for litigation, just like you, they need to prepare for the worst. So it may seem like a walk in the park as all the hard work has been done.

Generally, knowing all these facts and processes will give you a more realistic gauge in terms of timeline on how long your case may go or your claims and compensation be settled.

 

How Many Cases Have You Handled Similar To Mine?

To increase your confidence that you are hiring the best lawyers for auto accidents, you have to ask the number of cases that the firm handles that is similar to yours and what were the results of these cases.

Of course you want someone who is not just an expert in auto accidents in general but also handles more cases that are like yours. That means getting an idea how efficient and effective your lawyer will be in handling your case. Again, this will give you more confidence with your firm. Not only do they know the law, but they had the numbers where they practiced legal strategies and arguments to get what you deserve.

No one can guarantee 100% success but you need the highest probability to win.

 

What Is The Next Step I Need To Take?

After gathering all the answers to these questions, analyzing all the information at hand and analyzing all the facts by weighing all the pros and cons of your options, the ball is in your court as to what path or legal path you will take.

Consider what is important to you; how things will impact you and your loved ones, what is the best scenario for you to recover and have the quality of life you desire.

Once you hire a lawyer, you will be guided on the step by step tasks that need to be done including visiting a medical specialist for a comprehensive accurate and medical diagnosis. You will also be advised not to discuss the case to anyone and be extra careful speaking to insurance companies. Remember, they have their own interest to protect which may be different from yours.

 

Work With The Best, Hire The Best

Call Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys and ask all these questions as time is of the essence. You need to unburden yourself of all these worries, instead, focus on your health as Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accicent Attorneys will do all the work on your behalf, for your best interest.

4 Steps to Take When Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

When someone is physically and/or psychologically harmed by the action of another, that harm is legally termed as an instance of personal injury. If someone victimized by such an action sues the responsible party through their personal injury attorney, the ensuing case is called a personal injury lawsuit.

Note that in order to launch a successful personal injury lawsuit, it is not necessary for the responsible party to have caused intentional harm to the victim. As long as their actions led to harm, they can be held liable for paying compensation.

Therefore, if you or someone else in your family has been harmed by the actions of a third party, there could be a viable opportunity to seek compensation from the responsible party. The task may seem daunting for obvious reasons at first, but this step-by-step guide will simplify the process for you.

Carefully Collect All Documents

You should pay extra attention to collecting and safely filing all documents related to the incident. At the very least, make sure that you have copies of:

  • The initial police reports, further communications, and investigative reports.
  • The insurance report, communications, and documents.
  • All medical prescriptions, test reports, medication, bills, receipts, and more.
  • Damage assessment reports from experts.
  • Photos, videos, statements, written reports, names, etc. related to the scene of the incident.
  • All of the above directly or indirectly related to the final incident or its aftermath.

Given how varied the cases can be, there is no universal list of documents that can comprehensively include everything. Do not consider any document to be unnecessary without consulting with your personal injury accident attorney first. If you have not yet connected with a personal injury law firm, just keep collecting everything related to the incident for now.

Get to Know the Different Types of Personal Injury Lawsuits

As already explained, any intentional or unintentional injury caused by a third party can qualify as an instance of personal injury. All legally acknowledged instances of personal injury are broadly divided and subdivided into various classifications. It is advisable that you take some time and learn about the different categories and subcategories.

Having only the basic knowledge should be enough for you to identify your own case’s probable category. The following list should provide you with a decent idea about what we are discussing here.

Vehicular/Motor Accident Lawsuits: Personal injuries suffered by a victim after being involved in an auto accident. This includes car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, boating accidents, train accidents, and pedestrian accidents to name just a few.

Product Liability Lawsuits: Personal injury caused by a design or manufacturing defect in any product from vehicles and commercial safety equipment to medical tools and construction equipment.

Medical Negligence Lawsuits: Personal injury caused by negligence in medical diagnosis, treatment, procedure, prescription, and/or aftercare.

Work Related Personal Injury Lawsuits: Negligence in workplace safety standards that are responsible for personal injuries from instances of slip and fall, fall from an elevated surface, electrocution, projectile, struck by an object, etc.

Personal Injury Caused by Assault/Abuse: If the personal injuries were caused by intentional assault and/or abuse, you still have the right to sue the alleged assaulter/abuser for compensation separately in a civil court. The criminal charges on them will be tried separately in a criminal court.

Find the Top Personal Injury Attorneys

You can also save yourself the trouble of searching online with keywords and receive a free consultation directly from one of the top personal injury attorneys California has to offer. Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys specialize in all areas of personal injury claims, ranging from car, truck, and motorcycle accidents to bad faith insurance claims and all claims related to work-related injuries.

It’s a quick, free, and easy way to know if you have a strong personal injury lawsuit on your hands. If a personal injury accident lawyer from the firm does take up your case, they will guide you through every step of the process from that point on. The best part is that Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys only charge their fees after securing the due compensation for their clients and not before. There are Statutes of Limitations that apply to all personal injury claims, so act as quickly as possible.

Get to Know the Legal Process

After you start working with your or personal injury lawyers, they will help you with:

  • Obtaining all essential documents.
  • Finding the legally responsible party.
  • Categorizing and establishing the case against them.
  • Employing investigative measures to gather further evidence.
  • Assist you in getting the right medical care for your injuries.
  • Filling out the applicable form for personal injury, property damage, wrongful death.
  • Serving notice of the claim.
  • Initiating and negotiating an out of court settlement discussion, if possible.
  • Filing a lawsuit, if the above is not applicable or in case the negotiations fail.
  • Trial.

If your case goes to trial then your personal injury attorney will represent you at the trial with the goal of helping you receive the highest possible compensation for your injuries, treatments, medication, lost wages, emotional damages, and more, depending on the case’s particulars.

What to Say to Your Insurance Company After a Car or Semi-Truck Accident

After being involved in a car accident, you might experience a whirlwind of emotions and it can be quite terrifying. Even if you are lucky enough to not be seriously hurt, the stress, worry and anxiety after a car accident feels awful, and could lead you to act or speak in a way that might compromise your best interests when it comes to your case.

In fact, your insurance company or that of the other driver might be waiting for you to say the wrong thing. For example, apologizing at the scene might feel natural to you if the other driver has been hurt or their car is wrecked. But while you might be saying sorry just to be nice, insurance companies might take this as an admission of fault and hold you liable for the accident, even if you weren’t at fault.

 

What to Say to the Insurance Company After an Accident

You will likely get a call from the claim adjuster from your insurance company around a few days after the accident, in which they will want to get more information on the details of what happened. It’s important to bear in mind that insurance companies are looking out for themselves rather than you. Because of this, you need to be prepared for them to be looking out for any reasons to reduce your payout as much as they can. The best way to avoid giving them anything to use to do this is to say nothing at all and hire an experience personal injury attorney.  If you find that you must provide a statement keep your conversation as short and to the point as possible. Some tips to keep in mind include:

Give General Information

When speaking to your insurance company, you are only obligated to provide general or basic details about the accident. This includes personal information about yourself such as your name, the type of car you were driving when the accident happened, the other cars involved, the names of other people involved in the accident, where the accident happened, when it happened, and information on the other driver’s insurance company.

 

Don’t Provide a Recorded Statement

You are not under any legal obligation to provide a recorded statement to your insurance company. It is important to avoid recording a final verbal statement, without consulting a good car accident or personal injury lawyer beforehand, who can help you do this in a way that is in the best interests of your case.

 

Don’t Be Too Specific

Even if you have got medical attention after being involved in the accident and are aware of the extent of your injuries, it is important to avoid giving a detailed description of them or providing a final statement regarding your injuries to the insurance company. This is because after a car crash, injuries may appear later down the line, especially if you have internal injuries that are not always obvious. Along with this, there is also the risk of your current injuries escalating into something more serious.

 

What You Should Never Say After a Car Accident

Whether you are talking to the insurance company, the other driver involved, or witnesses at the scene, it’s important to choose your words carefully after a car accident. The vocabulary that you use could lead to problems with your case after a car accident, even if you said them innocently or meaning well. Some things that you should always avoid saying after a car accident include:

Sorry

Even if you are simply the type of person who apologizes a lot and you feel bad for the other driver involved, apologizing to them is always a bad idea. Even if you think that you might be at fault for the accident, don’t say sorry to the other driver. This is because any witnesses to the interaction might see this as an admission of guilt or taking responsibility for the accident.

 

That You Don’t Have an Attorney

If you are contacted by your insurance company before you have had the chance to get in touch with us here at Karns & Karns Personal Injury & Accident Attorneys, the last thing you should do is admit to them that you don’t have a lawyer yet. If your insurance company knows that you do not have any legal representation, they might try to reduce your compensation. For example, they may offer a quick settlement, which will typically be significantly lower than the amount you could have received.

 

Let’s Handle It Ourselves

You should always tell your insurance company about any car accidents that you are involved in. It’s not uncommon if you have a minor crash that only causes a little bit of damage to your car, and has not led to any serious injuries, to consider simply not telling your insurance company about it, getting the cars fixed and getting on with your life. However, it’s important to resist the urge to avoid reporting a car accident, especially if it was only a fender bender. The truth is that you may be due compensation for any crash, and not reporting a car accident to your insurance company will only make it harder to receive the payout you are owed.

If you’ve been involved in a car crash, then it’s important to carefully choose the words you use at the scene and when talking to your insurance company. Get in touch with our experienced lawyers today if you need advice on what to say. Call us at 877-557-4221.

5 Common Accidents In California

Accidents can and do occur in everyday life. Being a careful driver, wearing reflective clothing while bicycle, or waiting for the green light to cross the street as a pedestrian are all important ways to reduce your accident risk. However, it’s still too easy to endure the effects of a life altering injury.

Anyone who lives in California would probably not be surprised to learn that the most frequent causes of injuries are slip-and-fall accidents, automobile accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, and bicycle accidents. The most crucial thing to remember is that you must learn about your rights and take proactive measures to protect yourself and your future if you ever find yourself the victim of such an accident.

Truck Accidents

There are many other reasons why truck accidents might happen, including careless truck drivers, poor vehicle maintenance, and the inability of passenger automobiles to maneuver around larger vehicles. Among the most typical accidents kinds you could experience are listed below:
• Jackknife
• Wide turn collisions
• Truck rollovers
• T-bone accidents
• Tire blowout

If a truck accident has injured you, you must retain the services of a qualified attorney who can assist you in obtaining the money you want to cover your medical expenses, property damage, lost earnings, and emotional distress. Likewise, even if everyone is cooperative and you believe your injuries may be minor, you should consider calling the police and going to the hospital immediately.

Car Accidents

In California, there are hundreds of thousands of car collisions annually. Unfortunately, many car accidents are caused by drivers who are careless or reckless. To significantly reduce the danger of collisions, injuries, and fatalities, drivers must comprehend and steer clear of the most prevalent of these behaviors.
• By limiting a driver’s effective reaction time and ability to maintain control of their vehicle, speeding can increase the likelihood of collisions.
• Each year in California, hundreds of car accidents are caused by drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• One other accident-causing factor in California is driver distraction. Numerous still-legal distractions, like eating while driving, might increase the likelihood of a car accident.

Motorcycle Accidents

One of the riskiest modes of transportation is a motorcycle. Tragic accidents are more likely to happen to motorcycle riders. Hundreds of motorcycle accidents in California yearly result in injuries or fatalities. Some of the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents in California are the ones listed below:
• Head-On Vehicle Collisions
• Intoxication
• Lane Splitting
• Road Hazards

Speak with motorcycle injury lawyers. Everything will be handled by motorcycle injury lawyers, including gathering proof, speaking with witnesses, communicating with insurance providers, and presenting the case in court.

Train Accident

It is impossible to emphasize railway accidents’ emotional and financial toll on victims and their families. Despite the fatalities and demands for more safety, there will probably be more California train accidents in the coming days. The following list includes some of the most frequent causes:
• Negligent engineering
• Lack of sufficient training
• Equipment malfunction
• Extreme speed
• Inconsistent signals

A train accident lawyer who is well-versed in how California and federal law interact may be necessary for the sufferer. Regardless of your situation, train accident lawyers will vigorously defend your rights and work to get you the money you are due.

Pedestrian Accident

Since pedestrians use the roads, their safety is just as crucial as that of drivers and passengers. However, these mishaps can result in catastrophic injuries or the loss of precious lives. Here are a few of them to keep in mind whenever you set out on foot:
• Intoxicated drivers
• Walking during night-time
• Pedestrians not using the sidewalk
• Drivers making unsafe left turns
• Speeding drivers
• Distracted pedestrians

Get the necessary legal counsel from a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to avoid engaging in a pedestrian accident in California. Do not hesitate to contact Karns & Karns Personal Injury & Accident Attorneys if you or a loved one was injured in an accident. Our pedestrian accident lawyers have years of expertise in helping clients obtain the greatest compensation to cover their damages and injuries. Our injury attorneys will ensure that you receive the correct medical care for your injuries, provide outstanding legal counsel, and secure just compensation.

Let our award-winning attorneys at Karns & Karns Personal Injury & Accident Attorneys help you. Call us at 877-557-4221 today!