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Law Offices Of Garret Lungin https://lunginlaw.com/ Personal injury lawyer of Los Angeles and the surrounding counties. Wed, 13 Oct 2021 20:48:48 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://lunginlaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cropped-Lungin-Law@3x-32x32.png Law Offices Of Garret Lungin https://lunginlaw.com/ 32 32 Why You Need a Car Accident Lawyer https://lunginlaw.com/2021/10/06/why-you-need-a-car-accident-lawyer/ https://lunginlaw.com/2021/10/06/why-you-need-a-car-accident-lawyer/#respond Wed, 06 Oct 2021 11:54:10 +0000 https://lunginlaw.com/?p=3443 Have you recently been involved in a car accident in the Los Angeles area? Do you feel as if you need legal representation to seek compensation for injuries and damage? If so, then you need to find a car accident lawyer to put things in motion.

Doing so will help you in a variety of ways. They can help give you direction, build your case, and provide you with step-by-step instructions throughout the entire process.

See below for an in-depth guide that lists all of the different reasons why you need a car accident lawyer to represent you.

1. Setting Your Case Up for Success

Many Los Angeles residents find themselves dealing with the aftereffects of a car accident that wasn’t their fault. They’re left responsible for thousands of dollars in car repairs and medical bills, of which they wouldn’t be paying if it weren’t for a negligent driver.

Some of these LA residents never take the first step towards seeking compensation for their injuries, car damage, etc. Why? Because they don’t know where to begin.

Hiring a trusted car accident lawyer can provide you with someone that can give you a step-by-step layout of the process. They’ll fill you in on how they intend to build your case and the role that you play in it.

Not sure how much compensation you need? Very few do. Your car accident lawyer can help you factor in things like medical bills, lost wages, car repairs, and long-term injuries to calculate the settlement amount you’re eyeing.

From that point forward, you both know what the end goal is. Your lawyer will work tirelessly to build evidence for your case and back the other party’s insurance provider into a corner.

Your lawyer can help you maintain patience while you wait it out for the right settlement. They can even point you in the direction of pre-settlement funding options to cover expenses while you await the results of your settlement.

2. Legitimizes Your Case

The second that you hire a car accident lawyer to represent you, you’ve shown everyone that you mean business. It sends a message to the insurance provider you’re trying to settle with, letting them know that you are willing to wait as long as it takes.

Hiring a car accident attorney provides legal backing to every facet of your case. The evidence that you present will be organized, thought-out, and legitimate. A lawyer will only compile evidence from trusted sources and that’s guaranteed to help your case.

They can help you determine who’s at fault for your crash and how much compensation that you’re entitled to. That way, when you throw a number out there to the insurance provider, that settlement amount has been considered by a professional attorney.

Once you hire a car accident attorney, it will let the insurance provider know that you’re willing to take the other driver to court, if that’s what it comes down to. That message alone will streamline the process, and hopefully, the provider will present you with a fair settlement all the quicker.

3. Helps You Factor in All Your Losses

Far too many people take too low a settlement when they look for compensation for a car accident. As a result, they find themselves covering things like expensive medical bills when the compensation amount runs out.

A professional car accident lawyer can help you ensure that never happens. They’ll use their experience and resources to list all the things you might need compensation for, then come up with a realistic number to ensure it covers all the expenses. Such things might include:

  • Lost wages from missing your job due to the injuries you sustained
  • Costly medical expenses linked to the injuries you accrued during the crash
  • Long-term suffering, whether mental or physical, from the crash
  • Lost income over time, for those of you with a permanent injury

If any of these apply to your situation, you need to contact a car accident attorney right away.

4. Peace of Mind

As important as it is to seek compensation for your car accident and all of the expenses that resulted from it, you don’t want to go this route alone.

There’s no denying how stressful a settlement can be. There are many different steps to it, the other party will likely be uncooperative at points, which will delay the process further.

Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side will give you the peace of mind that you need. No second-guessing. No misinformed decisions.

5. Communication Skills

Here’s the best part: as soon as you hire a car accident lawyer for your case, you won’t have to worry about it anymore. Your lawyer will take over control of building evidence and providing you with directions.

They’ll also take over the communication side of things so that you don’t have to speak with the insurance provider any longer.

Your car accident lawyer will only fill you in on the important parts. That way, you can avoid a lot of the back-and-forth that occurs in car accident settlement negotiations.

Hire a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer in Los Angeles Today

Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on why you need a car accident lawyer and the perks they can provide you with, be sure to use this information to your advantage.

Were you involved in a rideshare accident? If so, then be sure to read this article for 7 tips on how to help you win an Uber accident claim.

To schedule your free consultation, please be sure to reach out to us by phone at 213-388-8222 and we will be happy to assist you further.

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4 Reasons Why You Need to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer https://lunginlaw.com/2021/10/06/4-reasons-why-you-need-to-hire-a-pedestrian-accident-lawyer/ https://lunginlaw.com/2021/10/06/4-reasons-why-you-need-to-hire-a-pedestrian-accident-lawyer/#respond Wed, 06 Oct 2021 11:50:43 +0000 https://lunginlaw.com/?p=3437 Over 6,000 pedestrians died in traffic crashes within a single year. That’s a 3% increase year-over-year. If you were recently in an accident, it’s likely you sustained serious injuries.

Consider consulting a pedestrian accident lawyer right away. They’ll help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

Without their help, you might have to pay for your medical bills out-of-pocket. It’s likely you’ll have to remain out of work to heal, too. Your lost wages could make it difficult for you to pay for your medical bills.

Instead, consider the benefits of a pedestrian accident lawyer.

Here are four reasons you might consider hiring a lawyer. With their help, you can discover your legal options before filing a lawsuit. Read on to discover why you should hire an experienced pedestrian lawyer today.

1. To Determine Fault

If you plan on building a lawsuit, you’ll need to prove the other parties involved were at fault.

Consider what you were doing immediately before the crash. For example, maybe you were looking at your phone, distracted. Perhaps you were jaywalking.

The details surrounding your case can impact your ability to fight. As a pedestrian, you’re responsible for paying attention before crossing the street.

Video footage might prove you were acting negligently. The other party’s lawyer might argue that you played a part in the accident. You might struggle to receive the compensation you’re due as a result.

Instead, consider hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer. Your lawyer will gather the evidence needed to prove the other party was at fault. For example, the evidence they gather might prove the other party was:

  • Acting outside of the scope of responsible driving
  • Speeding
  • Texting and driving
  • Making an illegal turn
  • Driving through a stop sign or stoplight

Before you can prove the other driver was at fault, you’ll need to gather hard evidence.

First, make sure to keep up with your doctor appointments. Otherwise, the other party’s lawyer will argue there was a gap in treatment. They might argue your injuries weren’t as serious as you claimed, either.

Your doctor’s medical assessment will prove your injuries were severe.

Your lawyer can gather witness statements and testimonies. They can have investigators gather evidence, too. They might recreate the scene as well.

They’ll fight to prove the driver was at fault for the accident.

Common Causes

In order to prove the other driver was at fault, you’ll need to prove they failed to exercise responsible care. Their irresponsibility could have caused the crash.

This lack of care is called negligence.

Your lawyer will need to prove what caused the crash in order to prove the driver was at fault. Then, they can prove the driver was negligent.

Possible causes for a pedestrian accident include:

  • Intoxicated driving
  • Municipal negligence (traffic control device failure, poor street layout, etc.)
  • Pedestrians jaywalking across busy streets
  • Failure to stop at a crosswalk
  • Right runs through crosswalks without looking for pedestrians
  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving (including texting while driving)
  • Illegal U-turns
  • Limited visibility (illegally parked cars obstructing pedestrians from view)
  • Running a red light and hitting a pedestrian

Make sure you have an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer working on your case. They’ll gather the necessary evidence to prove the driver was at fault.

2. To Calculate Damages

About 20% of pedestrian deaths were caused by hit-and-run crashes within the past 10 years. Did you lose someone in a pedestrian-car accident? Consider contacting a wrongful death lawyer.

If you were injured as a result of a pedestrian-car accident, it’s likely your medical bills are starting to stack up. If you’re healing from intense injuries, you might find yourself out of work, too.

Talk to an experienced pedestrian accident lawyer. They’ll calculate your losses.

Otherwise, you might fail to fight for the full amount of compensation you deserve. You might risk accepting a lowball offer, too.

Don’t leave money on the table. Instead, consult a lawyer. One of the benefits of a pedestrian accident lawyer is the ability to calculate your losses.

They’ll look at your medical bills, lost wages, and property damage to your bike. They’ll calculate your lost wages, too.

With their help, you can fight for the full amount of compensation you’re due.

Common Damages

Talk to an experienced lawyer about the details of your case. They’ll first look at your injuries, which might include:

  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Road rash
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Internal injuries/internal bleeding
  • Facial and dental injuries

Bring all documents relevant to your medical treatments to your consultation appointment. Consider your treatments, medications, and physical therapy.

Your lawyer will use these documents to calculate your losses. They’ll also consider your loss of enjoyment in life. They’ll calculate your future lost wages and medical expenses, too.

3. Negotiate With Insurance Companies

Don’t try to negotiate with an insurance company on your own. Instead, consider the benefits of a pedestrian accident lawyer.

If you don’t have a lawyer, the insurance company might take advantage. If you’re under the effects of medication, you might not think clearly. The insurance company might send you a lowball offer as a result.

Don’t accept the first offer you receive. Instead, consult your lawyer.

They’ll handle any negotiations with the insurance company for you.

4. To Leverage Their Experience

If you were recently in an accident, you might not know what to do next. Consider consulting a lawyer. They’ll help you review your legal options.

You can leverage their years of experience and expertise as an attorney.

Ask them about the similar cases they’ve handled over the years. Talking about their recent cases will help you make an informed decision.

Discuss your goals, too. For example, maybe you want to go to court. Your lawyer will help you develop a full legal strategy.

With their help, you can make the smartest decision based on your unique situation.

State Your Case: 4 Reasons to Hire a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer ASAP

Don’t try to handle a lawsuit on your own. Instead, consider these benefits of hiring a pedestrian accident lawyer. Working with an experienced lawyer will help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

With their help, you can cover your losses.

Interested in discussing the specifics of your case? We’re here to help.

Contact us today for a case evaluation.

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Everything to Consider When Choosing a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer https://lunginlaw.com/2021/06/23/everything-to-consider-when-choosing-a-motorcycle-accident-lawyer/ https://lunginlaw.com/2021/06/23/everything-to-consider-when-choosing-a-motorcycle-accident-lawyer/#respond Wed, 23 Jun 2021 10:22:13 +0000 https://lunginlaw.com/?p=3387 Were you recently in a motorcycle crash? Motorcyclists are 29 times more likely than car passengers to die in an accident. If someone’s negligence caused the crash, you could have a case.

Don’t try to file a lawsuit alone. Instead, look for an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. They can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

With their help, you can cover your medical bills, property damage, and other losses.

Not sure who to hire? Here are nine easy tips that can help.

With these tips, you can narrow down your options for lawyers with ease!

Start your search for the best motorcycle accident attorney for your case with these tips today.

1. Talk to Friends, Family, and Lawyers

The easiest way to start your search is to speak with your inner circle. Ask your friends and family members if they’ve hired a motorcycle accident lawyer recently. Then, learn more about their experience.

Would they hire the same lawyer in the future? Ask about the outcome of their case, too. Were they satisfied with the services they received?

Getting a personal recommendation can give you peace of mind in your choice.

If your inner circle can’t make a recommendation, that’s okay. Consider lawyers you hired in the past. For example, maybe you had one draft your will.

They could point you in the right direction, too. 

2. Look for Experience

There are now over 135,000 personal injury lawyers across the US. Not every lawyer will have the experience and expertise you need. When reviewing your options for lawyers, look into their professional history.

You can learn more about each lawyer by visiting your local bar association website. Consider checking the Martindale-Hubbell directory, too. 

Consider how long each lawyer on your list has practiced law. You’ll have peace of mind finding an experienced lawyer. They can leverage their previous experience when building your case.

They’ll understand the laws, procedures, and recent cases that are relevant to your situation.

3. Make Sure They’re Licensed

Don’t rush to hire a motorcycle accident attorney just yet. Make sure to visit your local bar association website first.

Then, make sure each lawyer on your list is licensed to practice in California. Make sure their license is up-to-date, too.

It’s important to find a local attorney. Some laws can vary based on your location. Choose someone who has experience with local laws.

4. Consider Their Specialty

Don’t choose a general lawyer. Instead, learn more about each lawyer’s area of expertise.

Personal injury lawyers handle auto accidents, medical malpractice, premise liability, and many other cases. Look for someone who specializes in motorcycle accident cases.

Then, ask how many cases they’ve handled in the past year.

If it’s only a handful of cases, keep looking. Find someone with experience you can count on.

5. Review Their Track Record

It’s not enough to find someone with experience. Instead, learn more about each lawyer’s track record. Consider how many cases they’ve won and lost throughout their entire career.

Consider how many motorcycle accident cases they won versus lost, too. What was the payout for those cases? 

Choose someone capable of winning your lawsuit.  

6. Consider Courtroom Experience

Some lawyers are apprehensive about going to court. While vetting your options for lawyers, make sure they have extensive courtroom experience.

Otherwise, the lawyer might settle your case out of court to avoid standing before a judge and jury. They might even accept a lowball offer. These lawyers don’t have your best interests in mind.

7. Ask for References and Reviews

Before choosing a lawyer, make sure they have a strong professional reputation. Ask for references and reviews. You can find reviews on their Google My Business and Better Business Bureau listings.

A lawyer with a strong professional reputation will want to keep that reputation. They’ll work harder to fight with your best interests in mind.  

8. Schedule a Consultation 

Schedule a consultation appointment with at least three lawyers on your list. Speaking with them in person could help you determine if they’re the right fit.

During your consultation appointment, discuss the specifics of your case. Then, ask the lawyer what outcome they expect.

Your motorcycle accident lawyer shouldn’t give you a guarantee. Instead, they should review the potential outcomes. Your lawyer should help you remain realistic.

They shouldn’t estimate how much you’ll win from the lawsuit until reviewing your losses. For example, the lawyer might ask about your:

  • Medical fees (doctor’s appointments, treatments/surgeries, medications, etc.)
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage to your bike and helmet
  • Pain and suffering

Hiring an experienced lawyer will ensure you won’t leave money on the table. If they don’t calculate your losses, look elsewhere.

Ask the lawyer if they have a strong professional network they can count on, too. For example, they might have a medical expert discuss your motorcycle accident injuries. A medical expert can prove you sustained those injuries as a result of the crash.

Otherwise, the insurance company or opposing counsel might argue you sustained the injuries another way.

Your lawyer might call a scene reconstruction expert or investigator to help them build your case as well. Their professional network could strengthen your lawsuit.

During your consultation appointment, pay attention to how the lawyer communicates. Remember, they’ll speak on your behalf. Make sure you choose a strong, confident communicator. 

9. Consider Their Fee Structure

Ask at least three lawyers how much their services will cost. Consider their fee structure, too. For example, most lawyers will work on a contingency fee agreement.

In other words, your lawyer will only accept payment if they win your case. Even then, they’ll only accept a small percentage of your winnings.

Choosing a lawyer who works based on this fee structure could benefit your case. They’ll feel more motivated to win. 

Make sure there aren’t any hidden fees you’ll need to worry about.

Review the contract in detail before signing an agreement.

Drive On: 9 Tips for Finding the Best Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

You don’t have to hire the first motorcycle accident lawyer you find online. Instead, use these tips to vet your options. With these tips, you can find someone with years of experience and expertise.

Their experience can strengthen your lawsuit. Then, you can fight for the compensation you’re due.

Ready to start building your case? We’re here to help. 

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. 

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What to Do if You Have Whiplash After a Car Accident https://lunginlaw.com/2021/06/09/what-to-do-if-you-have-whiplash-after-a-car-accident/ https://lunginlaw.com/2021/06/09/what-to-do-if-you-have-whiplash-after-a-car-accident/#respond Wed, 09 Jun 2021 14:45:08 +0000 https://lunginlaw.com/?p=3369 Do you know what to do if you experience whiplash after a car accident? Do you know what symptoms to watch out for?

It is important to be informed. Whiplash injuries can be severe and long-lasting. Sometimes they can even lead to chronic lifelong problems!

What about the help of a personal injury lawyer like Lungin Law? Depending on your injury, you could be entitled to compensation. It is important to know where you stand and what your legal rights are. A good whiplash injury attorney is key in your recovery process.

Next, we’ll talk about exactly what a whiplash injury is, the symptoms, treatments, and what steps to take after an accident. 

You only have one body, and it is important to keep it in motion!

What Is Whiplash?

Whiplash is the term for a neck sprain or strain. Usually, this injury is the result of being rear-ended in your vehicle. You get hit from behind and your neck snaps forward and then back again, much like the motion of a whip.

Whiplash is actually an injury made up of two parts. First, there is hyperextension, where your neck rapidly jerks back. Next is hyperflexion, where your neck is thrown into a forward motion. 

It is the combination of these movements that cause the most damage and injuries to the soft tissues of your neck as well as vertebrae, muscles, and nerves.

In addition to car accidents, some other causes include:

  • A fall that snaps your head backward.
  • Physical abuse.
  • Accidents while horseback riding.
  • ATV or motorcycle accidents.

Any force that can whip your head back and forth rapidly has the potential to cause a whiplash injury!

Symptoms of Whiplash

Whiplash symptoms are often associated with neck pain and stiffness, but there are other symptoms it can cause such as:

  • Dizziness and fatigue.
  • Tender and stiff joints.
  • Headache and blurred vision.
  • Shoulder and arm pain.
  • Numbness and tingling.
  • Stiffness and muscle tension.
  • Ringing in the ears.

There also can be cognitive symptoms too such as insomnia, depression, problems with concentration, and feeling irritable.

Whiplash Treatment

Your doctor will examine you thoroughly to figure out the severity of your injury. Your doctor might check:

  • The range of motion of your neck
  • What movements cause the most pain
  • Tenderness and pain you may have
  • Your reflexes and sensation to your arms and legs

Your doctor may also order some imaging tests such as an x-ray, CT scan, and MRI. There also may be physical therapy, rest, prescription, over-the-counter medications, and light exercise.

Whiplash is graded from 0-5, depending on the level of your injury. Grade 0 means there is no pain or physical signs. Then the grade increases from there:

  1. Grade 1 includes mild pain and stiffness, but no physical signs of injury
  2. Grade 2 has pain, stiffness, but no sign of physical injury
  3. Grade 3 muscle pain, decreased range of motion, and tenderness
  4. Grade 4 Neck pain and dislocation or a fracture

The Quebec Task Force classifies people with whiplash, based on these grades and criteria for injury.

What to Do if You Experience Whiplash?

The first and most important thing you need to do is seek medical attention, even if your pain is mild! Oftentimes you may not feel the true extent of soft tissue injuries until after the accident occurred. 

A medical professional is trained to recognize the signs of whiplash from accidents. This step is especially important as you need medical documentation of your injuries should you decide to file a personal injury claim later.

Long-term complications of a whiplash injury can range from:

  • Chronic neck pain and stiffness
  • Chronic headaches
  • Jaw pain
  • Numbness and tingling to hands, arms, or legs
  • Ongoing dizziness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Difficulty with memory
  • Problems with concentration

Remember long-term complications are more likely to happen if the accident was serious, if there were pre-existing medical conditions beforehand, or if medical treatment was delayed after the injury! Start your claims process immediately! 

Check Your Insurance

Make sure you start your insurance claim right away! Whether you live in a no-fault state or not, you have to determine what your insurance company will cover during an accident. If the other person is at fault, you will need to know what personal injuries their policy will cover.

If you are not at fault but the other person does not have insurance coverage in place, you will have to weigh out your options. How severe your injuries are and what assets the other person has are huge factors.

If your injury is serious or the accident has other complications, then you will want to consider hiring a personal injury lawyer.

Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

Even in cases where your injuries are minor, there are plenty of reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer. Sometimes the nature of the accident is not straightforward, and you are not sure you can obtain the best result on your own. 

Most of the time, personal injury lawyers will offer you a free consultation to discuss the case and what options you may have!

Personal injury lawyers also typically work on a contingency basis, meaning you do not pay anything until there is a judgment in your favor and the lawyer will take the agreed-upon percentage as their fees.

Civil Lawsuit

A personal injury lawyer can also guide you through the process of a civil lawsuit and whether or not you should file one. 

Filing a civil lawsuit means that you could be financially compensated for the actions or inactions of the other person.

This is especially important if you have injuries that require long-term physical therapy and rehabilitation. Missed work can cause a huge financial strain, and benefits available through work can only help to a certain point.

After a Car Accident

There is nothing more important than your health! Make sure you have an experienced whiplash injury lawyer to help you after a car accident.

Lungin Law has the experience that can help you when you need it the most after your injury!

You can contact us online here, call 213-388-8222, or send us an email at info@lunginlaw.com.

A whiplash injury has the ability to change your life completely. Let us help guide you through these next important steps in your journey!

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What to Do If You Get Into an Accident in an Uber https://lunginlaw.com/2021/05/19/what-to-do-if-you-get-into-an-accident-in-an-uber/ https://lunginlaw.com/2021/05/19/what-to-do-if-you-get-into-an-accident-in-an-uber/#respond Wed, 19 May 2021 11:29:29 +0000 https://lunginlaw.com/?p=3345 About 50% of Americans are currently working from home. Remote work, and delivery services, are making it easier than ever to avoid driving. Even when you do need to go somewhere, you can always take advantage of one of the many ride-sharing apps available, like Uber.

However, while ride shares make day-to-day life more convenient, you still have to prepare for the possibility of a crash. If you want to know the right way to handle an accident in an Uber, then this article is for you! We’ll review the best course of action for staying safe and recovering after a crash takes place.

Read on to learn the top tips for handling an Uber accident, the right way.

Check for Injuries

The very first thing you should do following an accident in an Uber is to check yourself for injuries. After checking yourself for injuries, take a moment to see how your passengers are doing. If you feel it’s safe to do so, it’s always a good idea to move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic. When there isn’t any oncoming traffic, you can safely exit the vehicle and call the police for help.

 Uber Accident Injury

If your Uber accident is minor, can you avoid calling the cops altogether? Nope! Even when a car accident seems small, It’s always a good idea to get the authorities involved. 

 If you wind up having serious injuries, later on, you’ll be glad you got the police involved. All it takes is speeds of 5 mph for injuries like whiplash to occur. 

Seemingly minor injuries like whiplash can develop into a debilitating problem that takes months to fully recover from. Involving the authorities is especially important when you’re dealing with the Uber accident since the legality of a ride-sharing accident can complicate things. 

Get a Police Report

One of the most important reasons to call the police is so that you can get an official copy of the police report. Insurance companies and Uber accident lawyers will be able to use the police report to help determine fault. If you don’t call the cops, you’ll wind up in a big, he-said-she-said case, that can cause you all sorts of problems.

Gather Evidence

Once the authorities are on the way, the next step is to start gathering evidence. You can begin by scanning the accident scene for any potential witnesses. 

If you find a potential witness, politely ask them for their contact information. Eye witness testimony can be an incredibly valuable tool when it comes to winning a personal injury lawsuit

Next, take photographs of the accident scene. You’ll want to photograph all of the vehicles involved, as well as the roadway conditions. If there were extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, take photographs of the puddles in the street. The more photos you get, the better off you’ll be.

Moving on, when you’re giving your testimony to the police, be sure to get the officer’s full name and badge number. Oftentimes, police reports contain errors, such as the wrong responding officer’s name or information. By getting the most accurate information possible, you’ll have an easier time if your case winds up going to court.

 Budgeting for an Accident Lawyer

Are you worried about affording the cost of a personal injury attorney? The good news is that it’s easy to set up a free consultation with experienced lawyers. During your consultation, you can provide your accident lawyer with all of the evidence you’ve gathered for your case. After reviewing the details of your case, an experienced Uber accident lawyer will be able to tell you whether or not you need legal help.

If you wind up needing legal assistance, you can explore different types of payment plans. For instance, it’s common for attorneys to offer contingency payment plans. If you set up a contingency payment plan, you won’t have to worry about large upfront costs. Instead, the attorney will receive a portion of your Uber accident settlement.

Avoid Social Media

Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok, and other social media apps can be a major downfall when you have an open personal injury claim. Doing something as simple as posting that you’re feeling optimistic about can be used against you by insurance companies. 

Unfortunately, public posts are heavily scrutinized when somebody has an open personal injury claim. Insurance companies will look for any opportunity to discredit your injuries. To avoid damaging your case, it’s a good idea to avoid social media altogether. 

You can talk to your attorney about when returning to social media would be safe. However, it’s likely your attorney will suggest you avoid social media until you’ve received your settlement award.

Report the Accident on the App

 Failing to report the accident on the ride-sharing app could delay the payout process. When you’re at the accident scene, and you’ve already gathered all of the evidence you need, go ahead and take a moment to report the Uber accident on the ride-sharing app. Next, reach out to your insurance company to let them know you’ve been involved in an accident.

Tips for Talking With Insurance Companies

Lastly, let’s review some of the top tips for talking with insurance companies. Your insurance company, and the other driver’s Insurance company, don’t necessarily have your best interests at heart. Instead, it’s an insurance company’s main objective to pay out as little as possible when a crash takes place. 

The words you choose when you speak to the insurance company have a major impact on the type of payout you receive. For instance, an insurance adjuster might try to get you to downplay your injuries.

If an insurance company ever asks you to give a full report to the extent of your injuries, let them know that you’re not a licensed medical professional. Stick to the facts, and don’t make any guesses about the future prognosis of your injuries.

Recovering From an Accident in an Uber

There you have it! Now you know some of the best tips to follow after an accident in an Uber. Since handling the aftermath of an accident can be confusing, get a trusted attorney in your corner today. If you need help setting up a free consultation, you can reach out to us using our contact us page.

Not sure if you’re ready to set up a consultation? Call us anyways with whatever questions you might have about the accident. One of our team members would be happy to help out, so you don’t have to go through this alone!  

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7 Tips to Help You Win an Uber Accident Claim https://lunginlaw.com/2021/04/03/7-tips-to-help-you-win-an-uber-accident-claim/ https://lunginlaw.com/2021/04/03/7-tips-to-help-you-win-an-uber-accident-claim/#respond Sat, 03 Apr 2021 02:14:42 +0000 https://lunginlaw.com/?p=3139 About six million car accidents occur every year in the US. You’re not always the one driving, though. With millions of people using Uber every day, accidents are unfortunately a potential risk.

Do you know what to do after a Uber car accident? It’s important to gather evidence before filing your Uber accident claim. Otherwise, your lawyer might struggle to build a case on your behalf.

Here are the seven steps you need to follow after an Uber car accident. With these tips, you can build your case with an experienced Uber accident attorney at your side.

Make a case for yourself using these seven simple tips today. 

1. Move to Safety

There are now over 91 million monthly active Uber users and 3.9 million drivers worldwide. These drivers complete about 14 million trips every day. Unfortunately, every drive presents the risk of an Uber car accident.

After a crash, it’s normal to feel a little disoriented. Try to remain calm. Take a deep breath and try to remember these tips. 

First, have the Uber driver move to a safe area nearby. Don’t allow them to leave the scene of the crash. Otherwise, you’ll have a hit-and-run case on your hands.

Make sure the car is out of the way of incoming traffic. Otherwise, you could increase the chance that someone else will get hurt. 

Make sure the car is safe to drive before they move. If you smell gas or anything is leaking, it’s not safe to drive. Get out of the car and move to safety right away.

2. Assess Your Injuries

Take the time to assess your injuries following the accident. Were you hurt? Where?

Take a picture of your injuries right away. You’ll want to gather evidence while it’s still fresh.

If you or the driver was injured, call for medical help right away. Did someone sustain a neck or back injury? Don’t move.

Instead, wait for medical professionals to arrive.

In some cases, adrenaline can mask pain symptoms. You might not realize you were hurt until weeks after the crash. It’s important to visit a doctor immediately following an Uber car accident.

3. Contact the Police

Don’t neglect to call the police immediately after your Uber accident. In some states, you’re legally obligated to file an official police report. Call the police to cover your bases.

When you speak with the police, stick to the facts. Let them know what happened without embellishing.

The police officers will record any deaths, property damages, or injuries that occurred as a result of the crash. Make sure to get their badge number and the officer’s name. Your Uber accident attorney might need to contact them directly.

Then, ask for a copy of the official police report. You’ll need their report before filing your Uber accident claim. 

4. Gather Evidence

While you’re at the scene of the crash, avoid conversation as much as possible. You’ll want to avoid saying anything that could impact your case.

Don’t apologize. An apology is as good as an admission of guilt.

Instead, start gathering evidence. First, get your Uber driver’s information. Write down their name, license plate number, and car information. 

Get their insurance information as well.

Then, speak with the other driver. Gather their contact information, too.

Start gathering photo and video evidence, including:

  • Where the accident occurred
  • How the cars are positioned
  • Damages and injuries
  • Nearby road signs
  • Road conditions

You might start to forget certain details in the days following the crash. Write down everything you remember as soon as possible. That way, you won’t have to rely on your memory.

You can give your Uber accident attorney these notes to help them build your case. 

5. Seek Medical Attention

The doctor’s medical opinion will benefit your claims against Uber. Otherwise, you might fail to build a case against the driver or Uber.

Make sure to ask your doctor for a full assessment. Once they write down their report, ask for a copy. Your Uber accident attorney will need this report when building your case.

Otherwise, keep up with your doctor’s appointments. It’s important to follow up.

The insurance company will want to pay as little as possible for your Uber car accident settlement. If you don’t continue seeking treatment, they’ll argue your injuries weren’t as severe as you claimed.

They might try to argue that you sustained your injuries before or after the crash.

Instead, keep a record of any medications you take and treatments you receive. Record the contact information for every specialist you visit as well. 

6. Find a Lawyer

You don’t have to file your Uber accident claim alone. Any small issues with your claim could delay the claim process. 

Don’t wait too long to file your claim, either. Otherwise, the statute of limitations could lapse. You’ll lose your chance to fight for compensation as a result.

Instead, hire an experienced Uber accident attorney. Look for a lawyer with years of specialized experience. They’ll know which laws and procedures are relevant to your case.

Their prior experience can help you avoid costly mistakes with your lawsuit.

They’ll walk you through the claim process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. 

7. Understanding the Claim Process

Talk to your lawyer about the Uber accident claim process.

Uber’s drivers are considered independent contractors, not employees. Uber uses this classification to avoid risking liability after a crash. Instead, Uber drivers are responsible for acquiring personal auto insurance.

Whether or not they acquire insurance coverage is their own decision. 

If you’re in an Uber car accident, you might struggle to sue the company directly. The company won’t take responsibility for the driver’s negligence. Uber has limited legal liability in these instances.

You’ll need an experienced Uber accident attorney if you want to sue the company directly.

However, you can hold Uber financially responsible through their insurance coverage.

Your Uber accident attorney will help you determine the best course of action for your case.

Uber Compensation: 7 Tips to Strengthen Your Uber Accident Claim

Filing an Uber accident claim doesn’t have to feel stressful. Instead, speak with your Uber accident attorney. They can help you avoid potential issues as you work through the Uber claim process.

With their help, you can fight for compensation to cover your losses. 

Want to discuss your case with an experienced attorney? We’re here to help.

Contact us today for a free consultation. 

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Personal Injury Law 101: How to Tell When You Need a Lawyer https://lunginlaw.com/2021/03/04/personal-injury-law-101-how-to-tell-when-you-need-a-lawyer/ https://lunginlaw.com/2021/03/04/personal-injury-law-101-how-to-tell-when-you-need-a-lawyer/#respond Thu, 04 Mar 2021 21:38:11 +0000 https://lunginlaw.com/?p=2853 Experiencing a personal injury may be stressful and traumatic. This gets worse when you need to worry about long-term impacts or medical costs.

If you are going through a difficult time, having a legal team by your side will be beneficial.

This article will go through personal injury law for you and help you decide if you need a lawyer. 

When Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?

If you’ve been injured in an event that wasn’t your doing, you should look for a personal injury lawyer. Here are some scenarios where having one will be beneficial for you. 

You Sustained Injuries From the Event

If you were involved in an accident and suffered from injuries, you might need medical attention. This means you will have to face a monetary loss from medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and more.

Especially if your injuries were severe, it would be a good idea to contact a personal injury lawyer or car accident lawyer immediately. They will help you assess the situation and will help you pursue a claim against the responsible party. They can gather information regarding the extent of your injuries and medical costs. 

This will be useful to support your claims because they will be able to showcase proof that you were seriously hurt and as a result, had to face financial, emotional, and physical drawbacks. 

You Face Disputed Liability

What if you weren’t in the wrong, but the other party is trying to shift the blame to you? These personal injury law cases involve disputed liability, where there will be an argument regarding who was truly at fault in the accident, and who is, therefore, liable to provide compensation for the damages involved.

This may result in the responsible party refusing to provide compensation, even if you sustained injuries. 

In these situations, you will need an injury lawyer to defend your case. Their knowledge of the law and their ability to gather relevant information will be highly crucial in ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. They will collect the evidence and be able to provide a counter-argument to what the opposing party will be claiming. 

You Received a Settlement Offer That Is Too Low

Sometimes, you can end up in a dispute with the insurance company. In some cases, you can receive a settlement offer quite easily, but they may be a lot lower than what you deserve. They may not be sufficient to pay the costs you have to face as a result of the accident. 

If this is the scenario that you are faced with, you will have to speak to an injury lawyer before you sign. Having a lawyer who will be able to inform you about cases like yours and advise how much you deserve to receive through the settlement will be helpful and will allow you to request a higher offer. 

You Need to Go to Court

Unfortunately, the settlement negotiation process may not always go well, and you may not have a deal in place by the end of it. This means that you will have to go to court to achieve what you want. In this case, you will definitely need an injury lawyer

You will need an experienced one who has gone through cases such as yours to represent you because the stakes are high. Your lawyer will be able to offer you advice and evaluate the risks on your behalf, which will keep you informed on what is likely to happen. 

The Insurance Company or Responsible Party Delays Payments

Sometimes, your insurers are not in any hurry to speed up compensation for your personal injuries. Some time may have passed since you sustained injuries, but the insurance company has not processed any payments. If you experience a scenario like this, a car accident lawyer can help. 

They will be able to chase up the insurance company with credibility and will be able to inform the insurers about possible consequences of delaying the payments any further. By doing this, the insurance company will understand how seriously you are taking the case and may process the compensation a lot quicker. 

You Don’t Know Your Personal Injury Rights

Maybe you experienced a slip and fall incident on someone’s property, but are not entirely sure what this would mean for you. 

There’s no shame in not knowing what your legal rights are when you sustained a personal injury. Not knowing what you are legally allowed to pursue will, however, hinder your ability to request compensation or to file a legal claim against the responsible party. 

An injury lawyer will be well-versed in the law and will be able to support you by answering any questions you may have. Not only this, but they will be able to provide advice on the best course of action for you to take, which they will know based on their previous experiences. 

Personal Injury Law and When You Would Need a Lawyer

Overall, personal injury law is there to protect you from having to experience the financial costs of an injury that wasn’t your fault. When dealing with a personal injury, it’s almost always beneficial to have a personal injury lawyer at your side. 

This is especially important if you’ve sustained severe injuries, had to face disputed liability, received a low settlement offer, had to go to court, or if you are unaware of your rights in these situations. An experienced attorney can provide support and advice when you face uncertainty. 

Contact us today to consult an LA injury lawyer.

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