Posts Tagged ‘settlement’

The Dangers of Not Hiring a Car Accident Attorney After An Auto Accident

Saturday, August 7th, 2010

If you have recently been in a California car accident, you may think that you didn’t suffer any serious injuries and that your car damage was minimal so why hire a car accident attorney. The insurance company for the negligent driver has probably contacted you and offered to fix your vehicle. They may even have offered you a modest sum of money to settle any and all claims you may have against their insured. This often seems like the easiest way to handle the accident. After all, you didn’t beak any bones and you don’t have any visible injuries right? WRONG!

Car accident injuries can be sneaky. You may think that you didn’t suffer anything more than a little whiplash and that you’ll be fine after a couple of days of rest. Sometimes that actually is the case – you really didn’t suffer any additional injuries. Other times though it turns out that you actually suffered internal injuries or soft tissue injuries that are more serious than you originally thought. Internal injuries can be life threatening if not treated immediately. Other injuries may take years to create any serious problems for you, but they are nonetheless a result of the accident. It is not uncommon for someone to find that they are suffering from a herniated disc in their neck or spine years after a car accident that is the result of the damage done to their spine in the accident. By deciding not to consult with a car accident attorney after an accident, you could be putting yourself at risk of losing out on benefits for injuries that you have suffered.

A California car accident attorney can evaluate your case in detail and make sure that you are properly evaluated by a medical professional. Your car accident attorney will insist on diagnostic reports and tests as well as a detailed report indicating what the future prognosis is and what, if any, medical bills or medical problems you may expect to have in the years to come as a result of the car accident. Your car accident attorney will then factor all of that into the settlement demand that he asks for in your car accident case. Studies repeatedly show that a person that is represented by a car accident attorney receives, on average, a settlement award more than two times that of a person that is not represent by a car accident attorney. While the money aspect of a car accident settlement is certainly important, the fact that your injuries may continue to cause you problems well into the future are also important. Taking that token settlement amount that the insurance company offers you may seem like a little extra cash at the time, but down the road you will wish that you had taken the time to consult with a car accident attorney and insisted on a settlement that will actually cover your future medical costs.

If you would like to consult with an experienced California car accident attorney please contact the law offices of Emery Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or visit them online at www.ledgerlaw.com. Ask for your free detailed evaluation with attorney Emery Ledger.

What to Expect from Your Car Accident Attorney

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

If you have had the misfortune to be involved in a car accident recently, then you are likely in the process of retaining a car accident attorney to represent you in your case. Many people that have never been through the legal process involved in a car accident are somewhat lost when it comes to understanding what a car accident attorney does for you and what to expect from one. According to California car accident attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates, the following is a list of things that you should expect from any car accident attorney. While every situation is different, and your case may call for more from your car accident attorney, you should certainly not settle for less.

1. Free consultation. Before you even hire your car accident attorney, they should offer you a free consultation. The length of the consultation may vary from attorney to attorney, but it should belong enough to get the basic facts in your case and provide you with general answers to your most important questions.
2. Courteous and knowledgeable staff. As a rule, you will need to interact with your attorney’s staff on a regular basis throughout the pendency of your car accident case. While your attorney should certainly consult with you on all important matters and be available for frequent updates, you will also want to look for an attorney that has a friendly, courteous and capable staff for all the other interactions you will have with his office.
3. Experience. There simply is no substitute for experience in a car accident attorney. When you go for your initial consultation find out how long the attorney has been practicing law, what areas of the law he specializes in, how many car accident cases he has handled and ask about his trial experience.
4. Answers and information. Your car accident attorney should be willing and able to answer all of your questions. He should also be forthcoming with information in a timely manner. You should not have to make repeated calls to his office to get a question answered or have to wait weeks to find out when something important has happened in your case. Remember – your California car accident attorney works for YOU, not the other way around.
5. Results. A car accident case can be settled quickly or drag on for months depending on the issues involved and the extent of the injuries to the victim. At the end of the day, however, your car accident attorney should show you acceptable results. The reason you retain an attorney is to make sure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to so it is only fair to expect results in the form of a reasonable compensation settlement.

Whether your California car accident case involves a simple fender bender or a catastrophic collision, you should expect at least the above five things from your car accident attorney. If you would like a free detailed evaluation of your car accident case from an experienced California car accident attorney, please contact the car accident firm of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or visit them online at www.ledgerlaw.com

The Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Attorney

Monday, August 2nd, 2010

Once things settle down after a car accident, one of the first things an accident victim starts to think about is who is going to pay for all the damages to her car, her physical injuries, time off work and the emotional trauma of the accident. Along with those questions, a victim generally begins to think about whether she should deal with the insurance company herself or hire a car accident attorney to represent her in her car accident case. Every car accident is different, every victim is different and every situation different as well. Having said that, California car accident attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates offers the following top ten reasons why you should consider hiring a car accident attorney to represent you instead of going it alone.

1. Money. Studies show that car accident victims that are represented by an attorney receive higher settlements than those that represent themselves. One major insurance company’s own internal study showed that for claims under $15,000 the victims that had representation received, on average, more than twice as much in total settlement awards than those that did not have representation.
2. Guidance. From where to find a car rental company that will work with you to a doctor, a car accident attorney can help.
3. Less stress. The accident was bad enough, why not let a car accident attorney deal with the aftermath so you can heal?
4. Protection. Many victims think they can handle the insurance company without jeopardizing their claim only to find out that something they said may cost them dearly. Your car accident attorney will talk for you so you don’t have to worry about that.
5. Knowledge. The bottom line is that your car accident attorney knows how to handle claims like yours. He understands the law and how to make it work for you.
6. Experience. A car accident attorney has years of experience dealing with insurance companies and courts. Let that experience work for you.
7. Peace of mind. Even if you think you can handle the case yourself, give yourself the peace of mind to know that someone else is handling all the details – and that they are responsible for handling them the right way.
8. A Voice. You may be surprised how often you will need your car accident attorney to speak on your behalf throughout the process. From talking to your employer to negotiating with the insurance company, your car accident attorney will act as your voice throughout your case.
9. Support. You car accident attorney has helped many people in your situation and has a wealth of resources that may be able to help you at his disposal.
10. The big guns. If your case does not settle outside of court then you know you have the “big guns” behind you and ready to take your case to trial to get you the compensation you deserve.

If you have been the victim in a California car accident, please feel free to contact car accident attorney Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 for a free detailed evaluation or visit him online at www.ledgerlaw.com.

How Can California Motorcycle Lawyer Help Me Win My Motorcycle Accident Case?

Monday, June 28th, 2010

California is one the most beautiful places to enjoy riding a motorcycle. Not surprisingly, there are over 1.3 million motorcycles registered in the state of California. Whether people are riding for pleasure or for the economy of riding a bike, there are certainly a lot of them riding. Despite efforts by both public and private groups to make other drivers on the road more aware of motorcycles, motorcycles continue to account for a disproportionate number of accidents each year. While bikers represent only 2.1% of all registered vehicles in California, they account for 9.4% of all traffic fatalities in the state. Each year, about 500 people are killed in the State of California in motorcycle accidents and another 10,000 are seriously injured. Sadly, those figures are going up instead of down. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be considering hiring a lawyer to represent you. You may also be wondering how a motorcycle accident lawyer can help you in your motorcycle accident case.

While each motorcycle accident case is different, statistics tell us that there is a very good chance the accident you were involved in was not your fault. About 75% of all motorcycle accidents are caused by the other driver. In the majority of those cases, the driver of the other vehicle admits that they simply did not see the motorcycle. If the accident was not your fault, then a motorcycle accident attorney may be able to help you receive compensation that you are entitled to for the injuries that you suffered as a result of the accident. Under the California laws of negligence, if someone else was negligent (at fault) in your accident, then they must compensate you for your physical and emotional injuries that are a result of the accident. A motorcycle lawyer has years of experience handling these claims and is better able to negotiate a settlement for you. While it is true that you may be able to deal directly with the insurance company and they will likely offer you a settlement without the assistance of a lawyer, chances are that they will offer you far less than what you deserve.

Additionally, if your case does not settle – either because the other driver is not admitting negligence or because they are not offering you what your case is worth – then you will have an experienced and knowledgeable litigator at your side fighting for your rights and for the compensation that you are entitled to for the injuries you have suffered. Only a lawyer knows the ins and outs of a trial. Everyone hopes that their case can be settled quickly and efficiently without the need to go to trial, however if a trial is necessary, there is nothing like the feeling that someone is by your side and will lead the way through the process.

If you have been injured in a California motorcycle accident and would like a free and detailed evaluation of your potential motorcycle case, please contact motorcycle lawyer Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates today for an appointment. He can be reached at 1-800-300-0001 or online at www.ledgerlaw.com

California Airplane Accident Lawyer Discusses the Role of Your Lawyer in an Airplane Accident Case

Friday, June 25th, 2010

If you have been involved in an airplane accident and are considering hiring a lawyer to represent you, you may be wondering exactly what role they will play in your case. Lawyers wear many hats in personal injury cases. They are your advocate, your voice and your protector all at the same time. A lawyer’s job starts the moment you retain their services and will take on many forms throughout your case. So what should you expect from your California airplane accident lawyer?

First and foremost you can expect that they will be your voice from the moment your leave their office. This can be invaluable. When you have been injured in an airplane accident, the last thing you want to do is to talk to the press or an insurance agent. Reporters are likely to want an interview as airplane accidents are newsworthy. Insurance agents will call – often within a few days after the accident – trying to “get your side of the story”. They will offer you a token settlement to try and get you to release their client from any and all liability for your injuries. Victims of an airplane accident are frequently both physically and mentally injured after the trauma of the accident and should not have to talk to anyone. This is where your lawyer comes in. Once you have retained counsel, you do not have to worry about talking to anyone. In fact, all you have to do is refer people to your lawyer and let him do the talking for you.

Your California airplane accident lawyer will also do everything he can to protect you so that you can concentrate on healing. If you are having problems finding adequate medical services, talk to your lawyer and he may be able to refer you to doctors that are willing to work with you. If you are in jeopardy of losing your job, or have lost consider wages due to the accident, your lawyer may be able to help you protect your job or at least get you compensation for the money you have lost due to your inability to work.

Most of all, your California airplane accident lawyer will advocate on your behalf at all stages of your case. He will start working on your case as soon as you leave his office and not stop until you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Your experienced California airplane accident lawyer understands the laws of negligence and how they apply in California. He knows who may be responsible for your injuries and how to hold them responsible. Most importantly, he knows what compensation you are entitled to as a result of the injuries you suffered and will fight to make sure that you receive it.

If you would like to learn more about the role of a California airplane accident lawyer, or would like a free detailed evaluation of your case, please call experienced California airplane accident lawyer Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates at his toll-free number 1-800-300-0001 or visit his website at www.ledgerlaw.com.

Can I Afford Lawyer for My Accident Claim?

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

If you were injured in an accident in California and you believe that someone else was at fault for the accident, you may be faced with medical bills, property damage and time lost from your job. Depending on how severe your injuries were, you may even have lost your job and may be facing additional medical bills in the months or even yeas to come. You could even be facing problems finding a medical provider to treat your injuries if you did not have medical insurance at the time of the accident. You are not alone. Accidents of all kinds happen every day in California and the victims are left trying to figure out how to pay for medical treatment, how to repair damage to vehicles and what to do about their job. This is where a California accident lawyer can help. You may be concerned that on top of all the other bills you now have that you cannot afford to hire a lawyer to represent you in your accident lawsuit. The good news is that you may not need to worry about money for your California accident lawyer.

The benefits of hiring an accident lawyer to represent your interests are numerous. Statistics show that accident settlements and jury awards are consistently higher for victims that are represented by lawyers. This means more money for you to pay your bills and to compensate you for the pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of someone else’s negligence. In the short run, having a lawyer represent you means that you do not need to talk to the insurance company, the defendant or the courts. You can focus on healing the injuries that you suffered. Additionally, if you are having problems getting your vehicle fixed, finding a medical provider to treat you or are in jeopardy of losing your job, your lawyer may be able to intervene and help.

Unlike many other types of cases that lawyers handle, accident lawyers frequently accept personal injury accident cases on a contingency basis. A contingency arrangement basically means that you will not be charged anything upfront. Your lawyer will aggressively investigate, negotiate and even try your case to a jury without you having to pay anything. At the end of the case, your lawyer will receive a percentage of the final settlement or jury award as payment for their services. This method of payment was developed many years ago precisely for situations like yours where the victim would be left without any way to be compensated for their injuries if they had to pay a lawyer upfront just accept the case. This type of payment arrangement also gives your lawyer an incentive to get you the most compensation possible. At the end of your accident case, your lawyer will pay out any medical providers, expert witnesses or other bills associated with your case and then your lawyer will be paid his agreed upon percentage. Everything that is left will be your compensation for the injuries you have received.

In the end, if you have been the victim in a California accident, you may be able to hire an accident lawyer to represent you without having to worry about yet another bill. If you have additional questions or would like a free and detailed evaluation of your accident case, please call California accident lawyer Emery Ledger of Ledger & Associates at 1-800-300-0001 or visit him online www.ledgerlaw.com.

Gulf Oil Spills – A Proliferating Tragedy as Millions Suffer

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

As the largest oil spill on record, the Gulf Oil Spill has created an environmental tragedy for millions of Americans over the past few months. Moreover, many citizens have been forced to relocate their residences seeing as how the toxicity of the smell of oil along with the millions of gallons has washed up along the Southern shores. By comparison, the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989 account for a total of 11 million gallons. The Gulf oil spill is being calculated to end up dumping the equivalent of 4 Exxon Valdez spills per week – a staggeringly large amount of oil penetrating our ocean and ecosystems constantly.

Many citizens in the region affected by the BP oil spill have suffered dramatic changes to their lives – some even forced to move out of their homes. More so, in the Gulf Coast area like Louisiana and Alabama, many people found a comfortable living with the environmental resources accessible to them through the ocean. However, with the oil spill, hundreds and thousands of jobs have been lost, livelihoods altered, and irreversible damage done to fishes, birds, oyster beds, and important facets of the Gulf Coast environment. Companies and individuals involved in the seafood industry, or commercial fishing and shrimping have greatly suffered as some have been forced to shut down all operations while workers are are left with no alternative source of income to support their livelihoods.

Even more so, workers who have been exposed to the oil spill, have reported symptoms of nausea and sickness as a result of direct contact from air toxins coming from the oil permeating the ocean water itself. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has stated that the toxins from the oil spill can be extremely aggravating and if exposed to for a prolonged period of time, can lead to more complicated health issues.

It has been reproted that BP has agreed to a $20 billion victim fund, just issued in a press statement released today, June 16, 2010. This acknowledges the gravity of the circumstances surrounding the largest recorded oil spill in history. To date, thousands of people have been harmed, with eleven deaths stemming from the initial April 20, 2010 explosion that catalyzed the now on-going oil spill. With the help of an experienced personal injury law firm, you and your loved ones can receive proper monetary compensation for your suffering and losses. Moreover, with potential long-term medical conditions that may result from exposure to the oil spill, you deserve to have the best lawyer fighting for your settlement.


If you or your family has been affected by the BP oil spill and has been unable to continue making a living due to these severe circumstances, please contact personal injury attorney Emery Ledger from the Offices of Ledger & Associates. As an experienced lawyer, he may be able to collect monetary compensation on the damages to what you may have lost due to this devastating oil spill. For more information, please give him a call at 1-800-300-0001 or visit the website at
www.ledgerlaw.com.