In Need of a Car Accident Lawyer?

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It is estimated that there are more than six million car accidents each year in the United States alone and that twenty-five percent (25%) of all drivers will be involved in an auto accident over a five-year period. If you just consider these statistics alone it’s quite possible at one time in your life you will need a car accident lawyer. If that time is now you need to consider of number factors when selecting the right car accident lawyer for your needs.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an auto accident, or worse if someone you know is a fatality victim due to an auto accident you want an experienced car accident lawyer. While there are many personal injury attorneys available it is important to select a lawyer who specializes in this particular area of the law as the laws are constantly changing. By selecting a car accident lawyer you will have an attorney who is dedicated to this practice and has experience with a variety of traffic incidents including, but not limited to, unsafe driving conditions; cell phone and driver’s distraction, vehicle recall and defective product injuries; multiple vehicle crashes; singular vehicle crashes; accidents involving pedestrians; injured passengers; and driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or narcotics, just to name a few. It is essential to have a car accident lawyer who is familiar with the injuries and losses that are a direct result of auto accidents so that your rights are protected.

It is difficult for the average person to wade through the myriad of insurance laws and paperwork following an auto accident. Most insurance companies will encourage the driver(s) to make a statement as soon as possible following an accident. Whether or not you are at fault it is imperative that you consult a car accident lawyer prior to making any statements to your insurance company. Unfortunately in this litigious society that we live in statements can be misconstrued and hurt whatever claim the injured party may later make, so it is wise to be cautious and approach this matter with care. Additionally, insurance companies will often try to have cases settled quickly and as cheaply as possible, which may not be in your best interest. Some injuries sustained in auto accidents may not immediately appear, or worse you could later discover that your injuries have become a permanent condition that will require care for the rest of your lifetime. Your car accident lawyer needs to fully evaluate your injuries, preferably with a medical expert, to determine your full loss. To achieve a successful outcome to your case you need to have your car accident lawyer review all of your medical bills, lost wages (if any), pictures of the scene and of your injuries, auto repair estimates and speak to witnesses prior to discussing your case with the insurance company. Only after a full assessment of your situation can your car accident lawyer submit an accurate proposal to the insurance company to settle your claim. If the insurance company is unwilling to negotiate that claim then it will be up to your car accident lawyer to decide if proceeding to litigate the case is merited.

When you are injured in an accident you shouldn’t have to struggle with insurance companies, medical providers and various bills while you are trying to recover. There’s simply no need to put undue pressure on yourself when you can have a car accident lawyer assist you with these matters and alleviate some of the stress during this unfortunate time. Make the right choice and have trusted legal counsel navigate these matters for you.

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Fatal Truck Accidents

We, in the United States, are heavily dependant on the trucking industry to transport everything from eggs to building supplies to vehicles from one side of the country to the other. Estimates are that there are over 3.5 million commercial trucks on the nation’s highways. While the vast majority of those trucks arrive safely at their destination without incident, collisions do happen. Unfortunately, a collision with a semi-trailer understandably has a much higher likelihood of resulting in serious, or even fatal, consequences. Recent statistics indicate that trucks are responsible for roughly eight percent of all fatal accidents on the nation’s roadways each year although they only represent three to four percent of all vehicles on the road.

Truckers are generally highly trained and responsible drivers. In order to drive a commercial vehicle a truck driver must firs obtain a commercial driver’s license. Once the license is obtained, a truck driver must adhere to strict federal rules and regulations regarding the amount of time a trucker can spend on the road ad well as pass random drug screens by his employer in many cases. As a whole. Truck drivers are some of the most responsible and capable drivers on the roadways. Of course, they are not perfect and there are exceptions to the rule. Some truckers push too hard to get a load to its destination and fall victim to fatigue. Others may take their eyes off the road just long enough to miss the chance to avoid an impending collision. Regardless of the reason, when large trucks are involved in an accident there is a disproportionate chance that the injuries sustained by the occupants of the other vehicle will be fatal.

If you are a family member or loved one of a fatally injured victim of a truck accident, you may be entitled to file as a claimant in a California wrongful death claim. If the driver of the truck was negligent (a legal term that is basically equivalent to at fault), then you may be entitled to recover compensation for the death of your family member or loved. Of course, a lawsuit cannot turn back the clock and prevent the accident; however if you were financially, practically or emotionally dependent on the victim before his death then why wouldn’t he want you to be compensated for his death? A wrongful death claim under the laws of the state of California may entitled you to the value of the decedent’s contribution had he survived the accident. In other words, had he not been fatally injured, what would he have contributed toward your family? Even if the victim was not employed outside the home, household services have a value under the eyes of the law. Who may file a wrongful death claim and what compensation you may be entitled to will very depending on the unique facts of your case. The best way to determine what your legal options are is to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney.

For a free and detailed evaluation of your potential fatal truck accident case, contact the wrongful death law firm of Ledger & Associates. The firm may be reached online at www.ledgerlaw.com or by telephone at 1-800-300-0001.

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Wrongful Death in California

Wrongful death in California is similar to other personal injury cases, with a couple of exceptions. A wrongful death in California is brought by the executor of the deceased’s estate or a loved one. The executor or the loved one becomes the plaintiff in the lawsuit. The plaintiff is entitled to certain compensation because of the loss of his or her loved one, if it is found that negligence or other behavior was found to have contributed to the death.

A California wrongful death attorney will help you get any evidence pulled together and will file a complaint. He or she will conduct settlement negotiations with the defendant. If the defendant does not offer a fair settlement for a wrongful death in California, the attorney will bring the case to litigation. He or she will hire expert witnesses as needed to show that the defendant’s neglect cause the untimely death of your loved one.

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Wrongful Death Complaint in California

If a loved one died in an untimely manner because of a vehicle accident, boat accident, truck accident, plane accident, medical malpractice or a product liability issue, contact a California wrongful death attorney as soon as possible.

To start a legal action against the defendant, a California wrongful death complaint must be filed with the Court before the statute of limitations runs. The statute of limitations states that for most wrongful death cases, a complaint must be filed within a year. Some wrongful death actions may be filed after a year, but that is not the norm.

Once a complaint has been filed, a California wrongful death attorney will need your help to gather and preserve evidence. If you have anything you might think is evidence, even if you are not sure, show it to the wrongful death attorney. He or she will be able to tell you if the information you have is relevant to the case.

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California Wrongful Death Statute

The California wrongful death statute governs wrongful death action under the Code of Civil Procedure 377.60-377.62. While the statute of limitations may be tolled in certain circumstances, most wrongful deaths must be filed within a year of the date of the wrongful death. You should contact a California wrongful death attorney immediately following the untimely death of a loved one in the event that you may have a wrongful death case.

The wrongful death statute allows for creation of an action for wrongful death when the death “is caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.” Because the wrongful death action is created entirely by statute, the legislature–not the court–creates the boundaries for wrongful death actions.

Contact a California wrongful death attorney if your loved one died in an untimely manner, even if you do not think negligence was involved in the circumstances. We will review your circumstances and file a wrongful death lawsuit if the circumstances warrant.

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California Wrongful Death Lawsuit

When bringing a California wrongful death lawsuit, retain an experienced California wrongful death lawyer to represent your interests. Do not wait until “things have settled down.” It is very important to preserve evidence, and the best way to do that is to get in touch with a California wrongful death attorney within the first week of the death, if at all possible.

Depending on the case at hand, family members and dependents might be compensated for financial losses, loss of the decedent’s services and loss of the decedent’s companionship. If the actions of the defendant are found to be negligent, it might be possible to recover punitive damages.

If the death of your loved one was because of murder, homicide or manslaughter, it is possible to file a lawsuit in civil court for economic compensation in addition to criminal prosecution of the defendant by the District Attorney.

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California Wrongful Death Victims and Plaintiffs

California wrongful death damages are payable to plaintiffs—the plaintiffs are not the actual victim, as the victim is deceased and cannot be compensated. Medical expenses and lost income cannot be recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit, as those things belong directly to the decedent.

The wrongful death claim belongs to and is recoverable by a personal representative (plaintiff) in the action. A survival action may allow the decedent’s estate to recover certain compensation to be paid to the estate.

Juries are allowed to award compensation to the plaintiff based on the following:

  • The financial support that the decedent would have contributed to the plaintiff during the life expectancy of the decedent or the plaintiff, whichever is shorter.
  • The loss of gifts or benefits that the plaintiff would have expected to receive from the decedent.
  • Funeral and burial expenses.
  • The reasonable value of household services that the decedent would have provided to the plaintiff.

Some non-economic losses may also be awarded, including the loss of the decedent’s love, comfort, protection, assistance, care and affection, the loss of sexual relations (if applicable) and the loss of training and guidance of the decedent, if applicable.

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Wrongful Death Lawyer Responsibilities

A wrongful death lawyer works with families and/or estates to file wrongful death lawsuits and obtain compensation for the estate and/or family of a loved one who died at the hands of another person or entity. While it may be difficult to talk about the situation, family members need to contact a wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible. The wrongful death lawyer will ask the family member or the executor of the estate questions about the decedent’s death to determine whether the death was because of a wrongful act, neglect or default.

The loved one bringing the lawsuit must do everything he or she can to preserve evidence so that the case may be investigated properly to ensure the best possible outcome of the wrongful death settlement or judgment. Contact a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to help determine if you or the decedent’s estate is entitled to compensation for emotional and financial reasons.

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Your Wrongful Death Attorney

A wrongful death attorney is an attorney that is experienced with working with accidental and wrongful deaths. A wrongful death lawsuit arises from the death of a loved one, and that death was caused by conduct of another person or business entity. While it is considered a personal injury case, it is different from other types of personal injury in that the victim (the deceased) is not bringing the lawsuit—his or her estate or family members are bringing the lawsuit.

A wrongful death attorney helps loved ones recover damages that the estate and/or family members suffer because of the death of a loved one. The wrongful death lawsuit, if a settlement is reached or a court orders a judgment, compensates the estate and/or family for the emotional and financial loss of a loved one. A wrongful death attorney will help determine whether the behavior of the defendant was a wrongful act or negligence.

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California Wrongful Death Attorneys and Accidents

A California wrongful death attorney is a personal injury attorney who works with cases involving unjust death. Wrongful death can happen because of accidents or defective products. When people think of accidents, they think of vehicle accidents, but there are many different types of accidents that may cause wrongful death. Some of these accidents include:

  • Amusement park accidents
  • Skiing accidents (including defective ski lifts)
  • Entertainment accidents (such as concerts, football games, etc)
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Racing accidents (spectators)
  • Air show accidents (spectators)

If your loved one died in a situation where you think there may have been wrongful death involved, contact a California wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. There is a time limit to file wrongful death cases. While filing a legal action does not bring your loved one back, the settlement that could come from the wrongful death action will help you relieve some of the financial burden of the lost income from your loved one.

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California Wrongful Death Attorneys: Specialized Personal Injury Lawyers

California wrongful death attorneys are personal injury attorneys that specialize in wrongful death cases. Wrongful death may occur because of a vehicle accident, boat accident, train accident, airplane accident or because of product liability issues.

The wrongful death may have been an accident or it may have been caused because of the defendant’s heinous, negligent behavior. If it is found that a loved one’s death was caused in the commission of a crime or because of other negligent behavior, you may be entitled to punitive damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.

A California wrongful death attorney helps determine if negligence was involved. The wrongful death attorney will file a legal action and attempt settlement negotiations with the defendant. In the case of negligent behavior, if the settlement offer is not enough compensation, the California wrongful death attorney may reject the settlement and take the case to litigation in order to get the best possible outcome for your case.

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California Wrongful Death Lawyers

If a loved one died in an accident, contact an experienced wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. The weeks after the sudden death of a loved one are hectic, but you must take the time to contact an attorney so that your claim gets filed in a timely manner. There is a statute of limitations on filing wrongful death claims.

If the defendant was found to have caused an accident because of negligent behavior, you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to wrongful death compensation. While a legal action may seem to be the last thing you want to get involved in at this difficult time, the sooner you start it, the sooner you might be compensated for your loss. A settlement or a judgment will not bring your loved one back, but the money you get from a settlement or judgment will help relieve the financial burden from the lost income. A California wrongful death lawyer helps you through the process and ensures the best possible outcome for your legal action.

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Receiving Whiplash Compensation

To receive whiplash compensation, you must file a whiplash claim. If you were injured in an accident, always go to a medical provider from the accident scene. Ask for an ambulance to a local emergency room. After you have been checked out, be sure to get a copy of the medical records. You should also get a copy of the police report. The police report is instrumental in helping to determine whether negligence on the part of the defendant was a major factor in the accident.

If negligence was a factor, you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to whiplash compensation. An Orange County whiplash attorney will attempt settlement negotiations with the defendant or his or her insurance company. If the defendant does not offer a fair settlement, the whiplash attorney will bring the case to litigation. Medical records, in addition to the police report and, possibly, an accident re-enactment, are all helpful in proving that the other person was at fault and owes you compensation or that the other person’s behavior was negligent and he or she was at fault and owes you punitive damages.

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Whiplash Claim

You can file a whiplash claim at any time after an accident, as long as it is filed prior to the expiration of the statute of limitations. You should see a medical professional—whether you go to the hospital via an ambulance from the accident scene or drive yourself to the hospital immediately after an accident, even if you think you feel fine. After you have been diagnosed with whiplash, contact an Orange County whiplash attorney to file a whiplash claim.

Make sure you get a copy of the police report and a copy of your medical records from the initial visit after the whiplash accident, and from every visit afterward. You will need to provide your medical records for the discovery process of the whiplash claim. If there were witnesses, make sure they are listed on the police report, as witness can be very helpful when trying to reconstruct an accident scene for a whiplash claim.

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Whiplash Accident

If you or a loved one was involved in a whiplash accident, contact a whiplash attorney immediately after you are checked out at a medical facility. Because of the adrenaline coursing through your body at the time of the accident, you may not feel the effects of a whiplash injury until hours after the accident. Visiting a medical facility ensures that you are properly diagnosed, even if you feel fine.

If you are diagnosed with whiplash, even if the injury resolves after a day or two after the whiplash accident, contact a whiplash attorney. If residual problems arise later, you will have beaten the statute of limitations for filing a legal action against the defendant. If the defendant was found to have caused the accident because of negligent behavior (such as drunk driving or running from the police), you may be entitled to punitive damages.

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Receiving a Whiplash Settlement

If you suffered whiplash during an accident, you may be entitled to a whiplash settlement. Careful documentation must be presented to the defendant in the matter. Documentation starts with the police report at the accident. Another important piece of documentation is the initial medical report. Depending on your injuries, you may be taken to the hospital after an accident – but if you think you feel fine, do not decline medical treatment. You may feel fine at the time, but a few hours later, after your adrenaline slows down, you may feel the effects of whiplash.

Contact a whiplash attorney as soon as possible. A whiplash attorney helps build your case so that you can get the whiplash settlement you deserve. If negligent behavior on the part of the defendant is the cause of the accident—and your injuries—you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to compensation in the whiplash settlement.

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Consulting a Whiplash Attorney

Whiplash occurs when there is a hyperextension injury to the neck. It is common in vehicle accidents. If you were involved in a vehicle accident, you should seek medical care, even if you feel you are not hurt. You may not feel the effects of whiplash for up to a few hours later. As soon as you get checked out at a medical facility, and it is determined you have suffered whiplash, contact a whiplash attorney.

Whiplash may last for a few hours or it may cause long-term problems. Contacting a whiplash attorney is helpful in the event that your whiplash does cause long-term problems. A whiplash attorney will help you keep the right documentation needed should you have to file legal action against the individual that caused the accident. Additionally, there is a statute of limitation on filing a whiplash action—you have a set time to file. If your case is not filed within the statute of limitations, you are barred from filing a legal action to recover medical bills and other compensation you may deserve.

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Whiplash Settlement

If you have whiplash pain, you should contact an experienced whiplash attorney as soon as possible. Whiplash can cause underlying pain that lingers longer than the actual whiplash pain at the neck area. Whiplash injuries may also bring on psychological issues such as depression, which can extend suffering well beyond the pain.

An experienced whiplash attorney can help you get a settlement. Settlements can include compensation for medical bills, property damage, loss of work, pain and suffering and loss of future work. If you suffered whiplash because of the heinous actions of another person or entity, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages are only awarded when it can be shown that the defendant intentionally set out to cause injury.

If the cause of your whiplash pain was partially your fault, you are still entitled to a whiplash settlement. If 10 percent of the incident was deemed your fault, that 10 percent will be deducted from any settlement you receive.

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Whiplash Pain

Whiplash is the sudden extension of the neck. This is common in accidents where the head continues to move forward after the body is forced to a stop. The pain is caused by overextending the neck and straining or spraining the muscles. These muscles also run down into your shoulders and back. A whiplash injury not only cause pain at the neck area, but may cause whiplash pain throughout the shoulders and the back. Whiplash pain can also include nerve pain (tingling and burning) and psychological pain, such as depression.

Whiplash pain is not always evident right away after an accident. It may take a few hours or a few days for you to feel the pain. If you have whiplash pain, immediately visit a medical facility or your doctor, and then contact an experienced whiplash attorney. Contact Ledger and Associates for a free consultation if you or a loved one is experiencing whiplash pain.

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About Whiplash Injury

Whiplash is an injury to the neck, but it also affects other parts of the body and neurological system. Whiplash is generally seen in car accident victims. It is caused by sudden extension and/or flexion of the neck. In addition to neck pain from a strain or sprain, whiplash may also cause injury to the back (intervertebral joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves and discs), stiffness in the neck, myofascial injuries and somatic, cognitive and psychological issues such as memory loss, nervousness, memory loss, problems sleeping and depression.

Treatment of a whiplash injury often includes physical therapy, traction and pain medications. It can take as little as a few days up to weeks for neck pain to dissipate. Neck pain may not completely clear up for some people, though in most cases, the whiplash injury is cleared within three months.

However, during recovery victims may miss work due to pain or medical appointments. Also, medical care isn’t free. Whiplash has great potential to be a very costly injury.

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Whiplash Compensation

Whiplash presents a myriad of complicated symptoms. Some of these symptoms, including the whiplash itself, may not present themselves for several days. If you have been in an accident and suspect you may have whiplash, request to be taken to a medical facility.

Documentation in accident cases is very important to a whiplash compensation claim. Whiplash occurs when a sudden stop forces the head to continue forward after the rest of the body has stopped forward movement. Whiplash can also be associated with neck, shoulder and back pain as well as burning and tingling sensations. Whiplash may take a few days to resolve, but even with treatment, some whiplash symptoms may take from weeks to months to resolve.

If you have been injured in an accident, you are entitled to compensation. Compensation includes reimbursement of medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering.

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Filing a Whiplash Claim

Whiplash commonly occurs during a vehicle accident. If you think you may have a whiplash claim, seek medical attention immediately. Whiplash may take up to several days to present symptoms, but you can certainly contact a whiplash attorney prior to the start of the symptoms.

After you visit a medical facility, contact a whiplash attorney. The only way to file a whiplash claim is to file a lawsuit against the person that caused the injury. In the lawsuit, you will request compensation for various things, including medical bills, loss, property damage and pain and suffering. A whiplash attorney will explain your rights in the whiplash claim and may be able to get a settlement or judgment for you. If you or a loved one have suffered a whiplash injury and wish to file a whiplash claim, contact Ledger and Associates at 1-800-300-0001 for a consultation.

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Back Injuries Defined

If you have suffered from a back injury due to the actions of another person or entity, you need to contact an experienced back injury attorney. A back injury attorney understands the consequences of severe back injuries and back injuries caused by whiplash. There are also different types of back injuries that can affect a victim in different ways. A sprained or strained back involves stretched or torn ligaments. Rest (no work) and physical therapy are two of the treatments for strains and sprains.

A herniated disk is also a type of back injury that can be sustained in an accident or slip and fall. There are various names for this, including bulging disk, ruptured disk and slipped disk. This type of injury also radiates pain to the buttocks, legs and neck. Even with treatment, recovery can take a long time.

An accident can also cause fractured vertebrae. If you have any of these injuries and these back injuries were caused because of the actions of another person or entity, contact Ledger and Associates experienced back injury attorneys at 1-800-300-001 for consultation.

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Whiplash FactorsWhiplash Factors

There are many factors in auto accidents that determine the severity of whiplash and other back injuries. These include:

  • Vehicle size: Even when dealing with vehicles of equal size, whiplash can occur in collisions at speeds less than 10mph. Smaller cars generally offer less protection from whiplash injuries due to their light build.
  • Vehicle headrests: Ideally, a headrest can help reduce whiplash severity if positioned properly. A headrest that is set too low or too far back from the head at the time of impact can actually increase the damage.
  • Victim age: Neck ligaments and muscles become less flexible with age, making them more susceptible to whiplash.
  • Seatbelt usage: A seatbelt restrains movement. Proper usage reduces the severity of whiplash.

This list is far from complete. A lawyer negotiating a back injury settlement should have a broad knowledge of all the factors affecting back injuries and whiplash.

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Back Injury Lawyer

Many personal injury lawyers handle back injury claims, but a back injury lawyer will have extensive experience in dealing with accidents that cause specific back injuries. There is a lot of medical jargon a back injury lawyer has learned, and a back injury lawyer understands the additional problems that a back problem can present, such as headaches, nerve damage, and reduced quality of life.

Depending on the extent of the back injury, an individual may need special equipment for everyday tasks, including a cane, wheelchair, or back brace. Back injury patients also may need a special bed similar to a hospital bed to facilitate access.

A back injury lawyer may get your medical costs covered, including any equipment you may need. If you or a loved one is suffering from a back injury due to an accident, contact Ledger and Associates at 1-800-300-0001 for a free consultation. Ledger and Associates is a firm with experienced back lawyers.

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Whiplash: Seeking Medical Attention

A whiplash lawyer practices personal injury, but has a complete understanding of whiplash and its other affects on a person. Whiplash is not a simple “sore neck.” Whiplash can cause headaches, back and shoulder pain. Psychological symptoms include memory loss, depression, fatigue, and irritability. The whiplash lawyers at Ledger and Associates have extensive experience in dealing with whiplash victims and understand all of the symptoms whiplash can present.

If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident, contact Ledger and Associates’ whiplash lawyers at 1-800-300-0001 as soon as possible. Whiplash and symptoms of whiplash, such as paresthesias may not manifest for several days after the accident. Due to the pain and affect on the quality of life, it’s imperative any potential whiplash victims seek medical attention immediately. Also, a written medical report on the extent of injury or damage is valuable for any legal claims.

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Whiplash Defined

Whiplash is a soft-tissue injury to the neck. It can be also called neck strain or a neck sprain and often accompanies other symptoms. Whiplash is usually caused by a sudden extension or flexation of the neck, and is commonly seen in car accidents.

If you have suffered whiplash and have other injuries, contact a whiplash attorney as soon as possible. A whiplash attorney can help you get a settlement or a judgment if you have suffered whiplash because of an accident. Ledger and Associates has experienced whiplash attorneys on its staff who understand the underlying effects of whiplash, including chronic headaches, memory loss, back problems, shoulder pain, burning or prickling sensations (paresthesias) and depression.

Whiplash is a serious injury that may also damage nerve roots, joints, and discs, severely affecting the quality of life for anyone unfortunate enough to experience it.

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Knowledgeable Truck Crash Lawyers in Orange County

If you have been involved in a truck crash, contact a truck crash lawyer in Orange County. An experienced truck crash lawyer has experience representing those involved in truck crash accidents, whether it’s the truck driver or the driver of the other vehicle. The truck crash lawyer in Orange County knows the state and federal laws and regulations governing truckers. This helps them to determine whether negligence was the cause of the accident in the event that the truck driver is at fault.

If the truck driver is not at fault and the driver of another vehicle caused the accident through negligent behavior, the truck driver may be entitled to punitive damages. If you were involved in an accident, you should always seek medical attention, even if you think you are not hurt. Some injuries may not manifest until later in the day. After you have been seen by a medical professional, contact a truck crash lawyer.

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Retain Your Own Truck Accident Lawyer

California truck accident lawyers represent individuals and truck drivers. An individual will file an action against the truck driver if the truck driver is at fault, but the truck driver is not always at fault. Truckers are usually provided attorneys by their insurance company, but the insurance company’s attorneys are representing the best interests of the insurance companies first, then the driver. A trucker should retain his or her own California truck accident lawyer regardless.

California truck accident lawyers know state and federal trucking regulations and will be able to represent the trucker so that the best outcome possible is achieved, whether by settlement or through litigation of the action. Truckers should contact a personal injury attorney who advertises being a truck accident lawyer for the best defense of their case.

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Trucker Attorneys in California

Trucker attorneys in California will take cases throughout numerous counties, allowing you to choose the best trucker attorney for your case. Most personal injury lawyers represent people injured in vehicle accidents, but you should choose an attorney that has specific experience with truck accidents, specifically, tractor-trailer accidents.

Truckers must follows state and federal regulations. The federal regulations dictate safe standards for tractor-trailer truckers. If it is found that a trucker did not follow the safety regulations, it is possible to obtain punitive damages from the trucker or his company (usually via an insurance company, since truckers are required to carry insurance). A trucker attorney in California knows the trucking regulations and can apply them to the case to determine if negligent behavior contributed to the accident, allowing the plaintiff to pursue punitive damages.

If a loved one was severely injured or died in a truck accident, you should contact a trucker attorney in California on behalf of your loved one as soon as possible. Depending on your relationship to the accident victim, you may be able to file an action on behalf of the injured or deceased.

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Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one was injured in a tractor-trailer accident, contact a personal injury lawyer that specializes in truck accidents. A tractor-trailer accident lawyer knows the federal regulations by which tractor-trailer drivers must abide. These regulations include a maximum number of hours a tractor-trailer driver can work and drive before having to pull off the road for rest.

These regulations also dictate other safety concerns related to driving big trucks. When a tractor-trailer driver causes an accident, it is important that the attorney knows these regulations so that he can determine whether there was negligence involved in the truck accident.

If negligent behavior is a factor in a truck accident, the tractor-trailer accident lawyer may ask for punitive damages to be added to other compensation you may be entitled to. If a loved one died in a truck accident and it is found that there was negligent behavior on the part of the truck driver, the deceased’s loved ones may be entitled to not only regular compensation, but punitive damages as well.

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Truck Accident Attorney Basics

A truck accident attorney has experience with large truck cases. Truckers have to abide by both state and federal regulations. Navigating this tricky maze of rules and regulations takes considerable skill, knowledge, and experience.

A truck accident attorney knows the federal laws that govern truckers. If you or a loved one is injured in a truck accident, contact a truck accident attorney as soon as possible. If you are not able to contact a truck accident attorney, a loved one may contact the truck accident attorney on your behalf.

Because of the size of trucks, accidents involving them usually result in severe injuries or even death. While filing an action against the truck company (if the trucker was at fault) and winning a settlement or a judgment will not bring back a loved one, the money can help with the extra finances needed and with the finances lost with your loved one.

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The Value of a Trucking Accident LawyerThe Value of a Trucking Accident Lawyer

If you were involved in a truck accident, make sure you get checked out at a medical facility. You may not feel injured at the time, but injuries can be manifested at a later time. X-rays and other tests may be able to find an injury that you cannot feel.

As soon as possible, you should also contact a trucking accident lawyer. A personal injury firm such as Ledger and Associates has experienced trucking accident lawyers on staff. Trucking accident lawyers know the rules and regulations that govern truck drivers and can better represent you in your case. Some of these rules and regulations are federal. Trucking accident lawyers also have access to investigators and other experts who specialize in dealing with the trucking industry.

Because of the nature of the trucking industry, truck drivers are monitored with GPS. Many trucking companies require the driver to carry a “black box” onboard the vehicle. Trucking accident lawyers and their team of experts interpret the information from these devices, along with physical information from the accident scene. Truckers are also required to keep log books tracking driving hours. However, that information may be falsified to appear in compliance with federal guidelines.

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Differences Between Truck and Car Accidents

Truck accidents very much differ from typical car accidents. Very high safety standards apply to trucks, trucks have more extensive insurance, and trucks must adhere to many federal standards that are not relevant to every-day vehicles.

Truck drivers themselves are also subject to drug testing (including for alcohol and prescription drug usage), background checks, and their hours are regulated. For example, a truck driver cannot be active for more than 14 hours in one day, or 60 hours in a seven-day span, and they must have at least 10 hours off in between shifts.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets the rules that rules that regulate the industry. An experienced truck injury lawyer will know these guidelines inside and out. Contact Ledger and Associates for an experienced truck injury attorney to help you receive the just compensation that may be due.

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Dealing with Truck Accident Litigation

Understand that large trucking companies with dedicated legal representation employ most commercial truck drivers. This means that in the event of an accident and subsequent truck accident litigation, accident victims enter at an extreme disadvantage without their own legal expert advocating on their behalf.

The trucking companies are also experienced with truck accident litigation. They may have a team of investigators looking into the accident, hoping to find a way to pick apart the victims’ claims. In addition, insurance companies may get involved with their own agendas, which often do not align with the accident victims’ best interests.

This is why it is imperative that accident victims do not enter truck accident litigation without proper representation. An experienced truck accident lawyer, like those found at Ledger & Associates, will conduct an investigation to reveal the truth behind what occurred, and will present the evidence in a compelling way to ensure just compensation.

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Driver Error in a Truck Accident Lawsuit

Due to the sheer size of many trucks, truck operators must drive with caution in mind. Otherwise, in the instance of a truck accident, driver error may be to blame. The success of a truck accident lawsuit can often hinge on proving driver error. Here are a few things that could indicate driver error:

  • Excessive driving: Federal regulations prohibit a driver from working more than 14 hours per day, with 11 maximum hours of drive time. Regulations also dictate weekly hours and time between shifts.
  • Drug usage: Truck companies must routinely test drivers for alcohol and drug use, including prescription drugs. Anything that may hinder driving ability is prohibited.
  • Inexperience and carelessness: Speeding, failure to monitor blind spots, reckless driving, and incorrectly distributed truckload are all signs of either an inexperienced driver or carelessness.

A good truck accident attorney will help determine if driver error was the cause of the accident.

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Trucking Regulations

A truck accident law firm is different from other personal injury law firms in that it has experienced truck accident lawyers on its staff. It also has access to the experts needed to investigate truck accidents, which is important because trucking companies may compromise on safety to increase profit.

There are many regulations truckers must adhere to, including federal regulations, safety requirements, and hazardous materials considerations (if the load is deemed a hazardous material). Other trucking considerations include proper packing, hours driven at a time and corporate liability, such as truck maintenance claims and driver qualifications.

A trucker must stop driving after a certain amount of hours. A trucker may falsify the log book and drive past the allotted hours. A tractor trailer is also expensive to maintain, and some truckers may not keep up the maintenance on their trucks. Truck accidents can be catastrophic and even fatal, mostly because of the size of the truck. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact Ledger and Associates at 1-800-300-0001 for a free consultation.

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Tractor Trailer Accidents Explained

If you or a loved one has been involved in a tractor trailer accident, you will need to contact a tractor trailer attorney as soon as possible. When choosing an attorney, make sure the personal injury firm you contact has experienced tractor trailer attorneys on staff.

A tractor trailer accident may have extenuating circumstances that only an attorney that has experience in the field can help you with. Tractor trailer attorneys have access to experts and accident investigators that are experienced with using tools such as GPS and the on-board black boxes that most tractor trailers carry. Using these tools in combination with physical evidence (such as the length of skid marks) from the accident scene, a tractor trailer accident attorney and his team of experts can get to the bottom of the cause of the accident.

The tractor trailer accident attorney can help you get the compensation you are entitled to, whether you are the driver of the tractor trailer or the driver of another passenger vehicle.

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18 Wheeler Accidents Explained

When contacting the personal injury attorney about an accident involving an 18 wheeler, one of the first things you should ask prior to setting up a consultation is whether there is at least one experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney on staff at the firm.

18 wheeler accidents can be caused by a number of things – some of them more dangerous than if the same thing happened to a passenger vehicle. Some accidents that can cause extensive injuries or death include blowouts, unsafe loads and driver violations. An experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney will also have access to experts needed to properly investigate an 18 wheeler accident.

18 wheelers have GPS tracking and black boxes on the trucks. An experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney and a team of investigators and accident reconstruction people know how put information from these tools together with physical information (skid mark measurements and other “clues” from the scene). They may use computer animation and simulation to get to the bottom of the cause of the accident. If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18 wheeler accident, regardless of where you think the fault lies, contact Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 for a free consultation with an experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney.

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18 Wheeler Accident Statistics

According to figures supplied by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one in nine traffic accident fatalities in 2006 resulted from an accident with a large truck. This, despite the fact that 18 wheelers and other large trucks only account for four percent of all registered vehicles.

Clearly, 18 wheeler accidents are not uncommon, especially in California, which rates second in the nation for large trucks involved in fatal accident, behind only Texas.

If you or a loved one was involved in an accident with an 18 wheeler, contact the police and your insurance company. As soon as possible, contact a personal injury lawyer that specializes in 18 wheeler accidents. There are many complicated laws and federal regulations governing commercial vehicles, and most 18 wheelers are represented by large commercial interests with their own team of lawyers and investigators. Help even the odds in your favor with an experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney.

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Finding a Specialized Truck Accident Lawyer

While there are many personal injury firms that handle a myriad of accident and other personal injury cases, not all personal injury firms represent people involved in truck accidents. If you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident – whether you are the victim or you unfortunately caused the accident, you will need to find a truck accident lawyer that is experienced in handling truck accidents.

After you contact the police and your insurance company, be sure to get the other driver’s name, contact information and insurance information. Also, request to be seen at a medical facility. While you may not think you are injured, often injuries can manifest at a later date. Contact a truck accident lawyer that is experienced in truck accidents as soon as you can. In the State of California, you have a certain time to file a claim. Once this time (statute of limitations) has been exceeded, you will be barred from filing your claim. Contact Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 for a free consultation with one of our experienced truck accident lawyers.

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Contacting a Truck Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, get the other driver’s insurance information, contact the police and call your insurance company. Make sure you get a copy of the police report, as it may be useful in a personal injury lawsuit.

Because of the nature of a tractor-trailer, there may be extenuating circumstances in the interpretation of the accident scene. Contact a personal injury law firm that has experience in handling truck accidents and other trucking claims. You may also be entitled to compensation if you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident. Depending on the circumstances – whether there was negligence involved or the damages were done intentionally, you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to reimbursement for medical bills, a rental vehicle and loss of pay. Contact Ledger & Associates if you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident. Ledger & Associates offers free consultations for those involved in truck accidents.

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Railroad Lawyers with FRA Experience

Railroad lawyers are not only experienced in personal injury law and filing negligence claims, but are experienced with the Federal Railroad Administration regulations. The Federal Railroad Administration regulations include regulations regarding accident and/or incident reporting, control of alcohol and drug use, the use of electronically controlled pneumatic brake systems, safety standards, crashworthiness of the locomotives, hazardous materials (civil and criminal penalties), hours of service and other regulations.

If a train crashes because these regulations were not followed, the negligent behavior could be attributed to the accident and injuries and/or wrongful death. Should the court find that negligent behavior was the cause of the train accident, the injured or the loved one of one who died wrongfully may be entitled to compensation—for medical bills and punitive damages. Punitive damages are extra compensation awarded in a settlement or a judgment because the defendant was negligent in its behavior.

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Railroad Lawyers: The Three Parties

Railroad lawyers represent people that were injured or have loved ones that died in a railroad accident. Conversely, a railroad accident lawyer with knowledge of the Federal Railroad Administration also represents railroad companies in railroad accident cases. This particular “company attorney” defends the business against claims of injury or wrongful death as a result of a train wreck. The issue of negligence also plays a critical role in each case, so many railroad lawyers have personal injury experience.

There is another party typically involved in railroad accident cases; that is the insurance company. The insurance company also has a team of railroad lawyers with similar knowledge and experience.

It’s important to note that the “company” attorney and insurance company attorney are looking out for the best interest of their clients, not you as the injured party. They have experts advocating for them and their interests, it’s best you have the same. Don’t walk into the situation unprepared and overwhelmed. Leverage the expertise of your own train lawyer and have him or her advocate on your behalf, ensuring you receive just compensation.

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Railroad Lawyers and the FRA

A railroad lawyer is experienced in cases involving injuries or deaths and trains. The railroad lawyer must know the Federal Railroad Administration regulations (FRA) in order to properly represent his clients. A personal injury lawyer that is not familiar with the Federal Railroad Administration regulations will not be able to get the best outcome possible for his clients.

The rules set by the FRA are complex and specialized. They may involve railway safety, passenger safety, freight issues, accessibility concerns, and all manner of particular regulation.

If you or a loved one was injured in a train accident or a loved one died in a train accident, contact a railroad lawyer as soon as possible. You have a certain amount of time to file a claim against the railroad company (statute of limitations). If the statute of limitations passes, you will not be able to receive compensation for your medical bills and punitive damages (if negligence is involved), as you will not be able to file a claim.

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Train Accident Attorney Responsibilites

If you or a loved one was injured in a train accident, contact a train accident attorney as soon as possible. There is a statute of limitation—a time limit—to file a claim against the train company. If your loved one was injured in a train wreck and is not able to contact a railroad accident attorney, you should contact the attorney on your loved one’s behalf.

In addition to the time limit to file a claim, the train company’s insurance company will retain attorneys to “work” the case. The train accident attorneys will attempt settlement negotiations. You will most likely get a higher amount of compensation if you have your own train accident attorney.

If the insurance company does not offer a fair settlement, the case may move forward into litigation. Train accident litigation is complicated, using many expert witnesses schooled in railroad physics. A train accident attorney has the experience to negotiate fair compensation for you or your loved one, and also has the litigation experience to take the case to trial in the event that the insurance company denies a fair settlement.

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Consulting with a Train Accident Lawyer

Train accidents can be devastating, causing extensive injuries or even death. If you or a loved one suffered injuries or a loved one died because of a train accident, contact a train accident lawyer. A train accident lawyer is a personal injury lawyer with experience in representing clients whose lives have been impacted because of a train accident.

Because of the size and travel speed of the train, injuries have great potential to be severe or devastating. A train accident lawyer has resources in the form of medical experts and train wreck experts to testify on the client’s behalf, should a case not settle.

Settlements are a serious matter. People involved in settlement negotiations for a train accident are the train company’s insurance provider, the train company, their attorneys, the plaintiff and the plaintiff’s attorneys. The plaintiff should not try to obtain a settlement on his or her own—our train accident lawyers are experienced in settlement negotiations and litigation with large insurance companies.

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What Makes the Best Personal Injury Lawyer?

The best personal injury lawyer has experience in settlement negotiations and litigation tactics. He will also have experience working with insurance companies. Often, the plaintiff hires the best personal injury lawyer in addition to the personal injury lawyer the insurance company provides so that the plaintiff is ensured of someone representing his or her best interests. An insurance-appointed lawyer looks out for the best interests of the insurance company first, then the plaintiff.

The best personal injury lawyer also works with many different personal injury cases such as vehicle accidents, truck accidents, aviation accidents, boat accidents, train accidents, medical malpractice, slip and fall accidents and product liability accidents. He also understands some aspects of criminal law—if a defendant caused injury due to heinous behavior such as drunk driving or running from the police, the plaintiff may be entitled to punitive damages due to neglectful or criminal behavior.

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Best Personal Injury Lawyers

The best personal injury lawyers have experience in settlement negotiations and litigation. An attorney who has experience in settlement negotiations can easily switch gears and move into litigation mode if settlement negotiations break down. They have many years of experience in personal injury settlement negotiations with individuals and insurance companies.

Most attorneys prefer to negotiate a fair settlement for their clients. "Winning" a case through settlement means that there is much less stress on the injured. It also means that the injured may receive his or her settlement money faster than if the case goes to trial.

The best personal injury lawyers also have access to expert witnesses. Expert witnesses include medical experts, accident investigation experts and accident scene recreation specialists. They put this information to use during settlement negotiations and litigation (should settlement negotiations break down) to get the best outcome possible for the plaintiff.

The best personal injury lawyers are also able to disseminate the information presented by the expert witnesses so that in the event of litigation, the lawyers can ask the appropriate questions and receive the answers needed to prove the case.

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California Personal Injury Attorney: Settlements and Litigation

From the time you retain a Ledger Law California personal injury attorney, the attorney works on your case, making sure you get the best outcome possible in a personal injury settlement. Many personal injury cases do settle, but in the event that a case does not settle, be comfortable knowing that Ledger Law attorneys have many years of experience as litigators.

A California personal injury attorney uses medical experts and accident scene recreation experts to ensure a case is succinctly made. During settlement negotiations, if the defendant does not come to the table with a fair offer, the California personal injury attorney will stop negotiations and bring the case to litigation.

Expert witnesses (medical experts and accident scene recreation experts) are retained to testify at the trial. A settlement is typically preferable over a trial simply because a quick settlement keeps legal fees low. Litigation is very expensive because of the time the attorney must take to prepare the case and the expert witnesses for trial.

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Don’t Go it Alone

A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer is experienced in settlement negotiations and—in the event the defendant does not have a fair offer—litigation. Most people think of medical malpractice when they hear the term “personal injury lawyer,” but a personal injury lawyer represents people who suffer injuries from all manner of accidents, including vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents and product liability matters.

If a personal injury involves an automobile, unless one or more parties are uninsured, insurance companies and their attorneys will be involved in the lawsuit. In a multi-vehicle pileup, for example, a five-car pileup, there will be upwards of five insurance companies involved in the lawsuit. This means that a minimum of six copies of pleading must go out each time something is drafted for the court. Navigating this document-intensive process without a skilled and knowledgeable attorney by your side is not recommended.

Even if your insurance company provides an attorney for you, you should retain your own Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, as the insurance company’s attorney is looking out for the insurance company’s best interest, then your best interest.

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California Personal Injury Law Firm

A California personal injury law firm handles many different types of personal injury including car accidents, truck accidents, airplane accidents, boating accidents, train accidents, slip and fall accidents and medical malpractice cases.

The California personal injury lawyers have many years of experience with settlement negotiations and litigation. If a defendant (an individual or an insurance company) does not present an acceptable settlement, we have the resources to take your case through litigation. We will use these resources to get the best possible outcome we can for your case.

Most accident cases involve insurance companies, which makes it difficult for an individual to succeed in representing him or herself in settlement negotiations. The insurance company will offer the lowest amount it thinks it can get away with offering. This leads to litigation if the insurance company will not budge off a low offer.

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Accident Compensation Entitlement

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Depending on the type of accident, you may be entitled to compensatory damages and punitive damages. Compensatory damage is a monetary award that compensates the injured party for losses and damages because of the malfeasance of the responsible party.

Compensatory damages include medical bills (past, present and future), lost wages, lost future wages and compensation for property damage. Compensation may also include a monetary award for pain and suffering, loss of lifestyle, embarrassment, disfigurement, loss of emotional support and loss of companionship.

Punitive damages are awarded to the plaintiff if it’s determined the defendant committed a heinous act against the plaintiff, causing damages (intentional injury as opposed to negligence). A personal injury firm, such as Ledger & Associates, can help you recover damages that are due because you or a loved one was injured in an accident.

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Personal Injury Lawsuits: Determining Fault and Comparative Negligence

Some degree of carelessness is the root cause of many personal injury accidents, and determining the extent of a party’s carelessness is the crux of any lawsuit. While there is no scientific method for determining carelessness – and by extension, fault – there are indicators that help guide liability.

Should the injured person have expected some degree of injury potential or danger in the given situation? If so, did they exercise proper precautions?

If the injured person is determined to have acted carelessly, how much did that contribute to the accident?

Comparative negligence is a rule used to determine percentage of fault and in turn, amount of compensation. If an injured person is found to be 10% at fault for their injuries because of careless behavior, then their compensation is reduced by that same 10%.

For example, Driver A is involved in a head-on collision with Driver B. Driver A may be entitled to compensation because Driver B crossed a double line and caused the accident. However, if it is determined the Driver A was driving at an unsafe speed at the time of the accident, the court may say Driver A is 10% responsible for the accident, reducing monetary compensation by 10%.

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Common Sense and Slip and Fall Cases

It’s important to note that not all slip-and-fall incidents and injuries call for a lawsuit. The law does not protect carelessness in individuals. If you trip over an exposed pipe in a building, ask yourself if a reasonable person would expect that pipe to be there. Accidents on wet floors pose similar questions: Were there warning signs? Would a reasonable person exact caution when walking on the floor? Did or should the owner, manager, or employee of the location know the situation was dangerous?

Much of this is based on common sense and reason, which are very hard to quantify. There are a few ways to help determine “reasonableness,” including:

  • For how long was the situation dangerous?
  • Was their sufficient time to correct the problem?
  • Does the object that caused the accident have a legitimate reason for being there?

An experienced injury attorney will be able to examine all the facts of the case to determine if a lawsuit is warranted.

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Slip and Fall Settlements

An injured person can get a settlement or a judgment in a slip and fall case. It helps to have pictures of the area and the substances slipped on, so if possible, document the scene, indicating any “wet floor” or other warning signs, or lack thereof. Also, immediately notify the property manager.

Slip and falls can also happen outside or in a private home. Request to be taken to a medical facility to be checked out, even if you think you are not hurt. Injuries can manifest at a later time, including hours and days later. As soon as you possibly can, contact a personal injury attorney. The State of California has a statute of limitations, two years for most personal injury cases. However, the so-called “discovery rule” allows a suit to be filed within a reasonable period of time after the injury has been discovered, or should have been discovered.

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The Injury Settlement Process

If you have been injured, whether in a vehicle accident, dog bite case, slip and fall or your injuries were caused in some other way (for example, work related, accidents with machinery), you should contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

A personal injury lawyer can look at the known facts of your case and tell you if you should be entitled to an injury settlement. In order to get an injury settlement, you will need to file a lawsuit against the person or company that caused the injury.

Sometimes, the compensation offered by the defendant is not acceptable, or they simply refuse to offer compensation. At this point, you will not receive a settlement, but the case will be heard in front of a judge. The court will then determine if you should receive a judgment against the defendant. The court will also determine whether the amount you requested is fair and equitable. Once the final judgment in the case has been entered, the defendant is obligated to pay you via the terms outlined in the ultimate decision.

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Personal Injury Compensation Process

A personal injury attorney represents people who have been injured in an accident. Injuries can happen through negligence or because of intentional actions on a person. Each type of personal injury law (negligence and torts) has its own set of rules for compensation. A personal injury attorney will make sure you get all of the compensation you are entitled to – either through settlement of your case or through a judgment awarded at a trial.

In vehicle accident cases, there are many people involved. In addition to the plaintiff and defendant, insurance companies often have representatives on both sides. Also, each party will most likely have an attorney.

Each side may also have witnesses. A personal injury attorney helps bring all the information from all of these people together in order to ensure you get just compensation. Depending on the nature and the scope of the accident, there may be many witnesses with many documents, including medical and police accident reports. Personal injury law firms have specific tools to help them organize and present all of the evidence in an organized order. If the case does not settle and goes to trial, a personal injury attorney will know when to present each piece of evidence in order to best represent your interests.

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Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers

A personal injury attorney has experience in trying and settling cases dealing with negligence and torts. A tort is a wrong that is intentionally committed against another person. Many personal injury lawyers specialize in one form or another of personal injury law – some lawyers only do medical malpractice, some handle vehicle accidents and some do only slip-and-fall type accidents.

The firm of Ledger and Associates has six locations throughout California. Each office is staffed with experienced personal injury lawyers and legal staff that can help you with your specific case. If you or a loved one has been involved in any type of personal injury accident, contact one of our personal injury lawyers as soon as possible, even if you think you may not have suffered an injury. Often, injuries can manifest at a later date. California has a statute of limitations – this means that your personal injury lawsuit must be filed within a certain amount of time after the date of the incident. Do not take a chance on losing out of compensation to which you may be entitled.

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Personal Injury Law

Personal injury law is based on two principles: negligence and intentional acts. Negligence involves an individual causing harm that does not intend to cause injury. Car accidents (if a person is not breaking the law), slip and fall accidents and medical malpractice accidents are generally considered negligence. Intentional acts causing injury are also known as torts. Tort law covers personal injury cases such as assault, battery, child abuse and defamation of character.

If a person is injured at work, he or she can typically claim worker’s compensation. An injured person may collect additional compensation if a third party caused the injury. For example, if a person is injured by a piece of machinery operated by a different company or a subcontractor, the injured person may be able to recover worker’s compensation in addition to compensation from the machine operator and/or the company.

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