The Days After New Year’s: A Closer Look at Car Accident Trends

The Days After New Year's: A Closer Look at Car Accident Trends

Holidays are special times that should be cherished. Spending time with our friends, family, and loved ones enriches our lives. Office parties and other get-togethers are anticipated and looked forward to. Each of us experiences more local and long-distance traffic, sometimes making lengthy trips to see friends or loved ones. However, for some people, fatalities or catastrophic injuries from car accidents make the holidays a tragic time. The National Safety Council (NSC) looked at six significant holidays to discover which ones had the highest rates of road accidents. It should come as no surprise that drinking and driving was the main cause of all accidents and fatalities.

Understanding Why Car Accidents Go Up After New Year’s

Researchers noted that the number of incidents and deaths varied according to whether New Year’s fell on a weekend or a weekday. On weekends, drivers have a tendency to travel longer distances, which raises the possibility of getting hurt in an accident.

Many people do make the deliberate decision to drink and drive despite being aware that the roads can be packed with inebriated partygoers before and after midnight. Instead, many opt to stay at home or have a sober driver drive them home. Even with DUI checkpoints being installed in locations where law enforcement anticipates a large proportion of intoxicated drivers, this is nonetheless the case. Driving while intoxicated might impair one’s ability to focus and make sound decisions. 

Because more alcohol is consumed at New Year’s Eve parties, the likelihood of being in an alcohol-related car accident also increases dramatically. Driving under the influence can land you in jail or, worse, result in fatalities or major injuries. All states in the US have laws against drunk driving. Make a promise to abstain from alcohol if you are the designated driver on New Year’s Eve. During the holidays, wearing a seat belt and driving at a reasonable speed can help save lives and minimize injuries.

Florida Drunk Driver Attorney

Regretfully, you have little control over other drivers’ actions on the road over the holidays, regardless of how safely you drive. You may be eligible to file a personal injury claim to recover your losses if you were hurt in a car accident that was brought on by someone else’s carelessness.

You may sustain severe injuries, psychological distress, and property damage in an automobile accident. For more than 20 years, Haffner Law has assisted Californians injured in auto accidents in obtaining financial compensation for their losses, including lost wages and medical expenses. Our personal injury lawyers have expertise in settling cases with insurance companies, identifying the cause and culpability, and defending victims and their families in court. Make contact with our skilled auto accident attorney, and allow us to assist you in obtaining the full amount of your claim.

Car Accident Lawyer in Lake Worth, FL

It is the responsibility of every driver to drive with reasonable care, which includes abiding by the law and driving at a pace appropriate for the road circumstances. If you are over 21 and have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of.08% or over, you are not allowed to drive on the roads in Florida. Florida’s zero-tolerance policy lowers the allowable blood alcohol content (BAC) to.02% for anyone under the age of 21. Based on the arresting officer’s observations of your driving behavior, mood, answers to inquiries, and performance on field sobriety tests, you can still face DUI charges even if you decline testing.

If a drunk driver causes a collision that results in injuries or a fatality, they may be charged with vehicular manslaughter or felony DUI. Punitive damages may be awarded to the motorist in a civil case; these are not covered by auto liability insurance. Florida auto accident attorneys at Adolphe Law can help you recover losses if you or a loved one is a victim of a car accident.

Conclusion

Adolphe Law is a car accident law firm that has defended the rights of people hurt by intoxicated drivers as well as those whose careless or irresponsible behavior resulted in fatalities or serious injuries. Millions of dollars in compensation have been secured for our clients who suffered injuries in a variety of personal injury cases, including those caused by intoxicated or impaired drivers. If you or a loved one was hurt or died in a traffic accident, get in touch with our office.

How Long Does A Settlement For A Car Accident Take?

How Long Does A Settlement For A Car Accident Take

Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and traumatic experience. Not only do you have to deal with the physical and emotional consequences of the accident, but you may also need to navigate the process of filing a car accident claim with your insurance company. One of the most common questions people have after a car accident is: How long does a settlement for a car accident take?

The answer to this question depends on several components, including the accident’s severity, the case’s complexity, and the insurance corporation’s compliance with negotiating a settlement. In this blog post, we will examine some factors that can impact the length of time it takes to settle a car accident claim.

Factors Affecting Settlement Time for Car Accident Claims

1. The Severity of the Accident

The accident’s severity can seriously impact how long it takes to settle a car accident claim. Generally, the more severe the accident, the longer it will take to resolve. This is because serious accidents often involve more extensive injuries and damages, which can take longer to evaluate and assess.

If you were involved in a minor fender bender and sustained only minor injuries, your claim may be resolved relatively quickly. However, if a major accident resulted in significant injuries or property damage, it may take longer to settle your claim.

2. The Complexity of the Case

The case’s complexity is another factor that can impact how long it takes to settle a car accident claim. Some car accident cases are relatively straightforward, while others may be more complex and involve multiple parties, disputes over liability, or other legal issues.

If liability for the accident is clear and there are no disputes over damages or medical expenses, the case can be resolved quickly. On the other hand, if multiple parties are involved in the accident, such as in a multi-car accident, it may take longer to determine who is at fault and how damages should be apportioned.

3. The Willingness of the Insurance Company to Negotiate

The eagerness of the insurance firm to negotiate can also impact how long it takes to settle a car accident claim. Often, the insurance company is unwilling to negotiate or offers a low settlement amount, so it may take longer to reach a fair and reasonable settlement. If the insurance corporation shows a willingness to negotiate in good faith, they may resolve the claim relatively quickly.

Steps Involved in Settling a Car Accident Claim

In order to understand how long it takes to settle a car accident claim, it’s essential to understand the steps. While the specifics of the process can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident and the insurance company involved. There are some general steps that typically involve settling a car accident claim:

  • Reporting the Accident to Your Insurance Company: The first step in settling a car accident claim is to report the accident to your insurance corporation. You will need to provide details about the accident. The date, time, location, names, and contact information of any other drivers or witnesses involved in the accident.
  • Evaluation of the Claim: After you report the accident to your insurance company, an adjuster will be assigned to your claim. The adjuster will evaluate the claim by reviewing any police reports, medical records, and other documents related to the accident. They will also assess the damage to your vehicle and any injuries you may have sustained.
  • Negotiation of a Settlement: Once the insurance company has evaluated the claim, they will typically offer a settlement amount. You can accept the offer if the settlement amount is acceptable to you, and that will resolve the claim If the settlement amount is unacceptable, you can negotiate with the insurance business to reach a fair and reasonable settlement.
  • Legal Action: If you are unable to reach a settlement with the insurance company, you may need to take legal action. This can involve filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or their insurance firm or hiring an attorney. They can negotiate on your behalf.

The process of filing a lawsuit and going through the legal system can be lengthy and complex.

Conclusion

In truth, the length of time it takes to settle a vehicle accident claim can vary depending on several factors. The severity of the accident, the complexity of the case, and the readiness of the insurance firm to negotiate. While some claims may be resolved relatively quickly, others may take months or even years to settle. 

Suppose you have been involved in a car accident. In that case, it’s important to work with a car accident attorney near me. Any other parties involved in the accident to try to reach a fair and reasonable settlement as quickly as possible. If you need clarification on the process, consider hiring an auto accident attorney specializing in car or bus accident claims. He will guide you through the process and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Call Adolphe Law Group for FREE consultation.

West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer: A Breakdown Of Tips and Steps to Take When You Get into a Crash

West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer

Have you been involved in a car accident that caused personal injury to you or your passengers? Make sure you reach out to a West Palm Beach auto attorney to get the assistance you need to recover. We will be your advocates and help on the road to recovery.

Why Hire a Lawyer Following a Car Accident?

Many of the injured victims we assist have never before faced this challenge. They don’t think they’re the type to suit, but they can’t afford to take the insurance companies up on their lowball settlement offer for a car accident or traffic collision.

As personal injury lawyers with extensive expertise, we are aware of the demands you are currently under. Additionally, we can discuss the difficulties you might experience after suffering severe injuries in a Lake Worth automobile accident.

It’s critical that you understand the full extent of your losses during this trying time so that you can approach negotiations in the best light imaginable. We are here to help!

How You Can Get Assistance From A Lake Worth Car Accident Lawyer

You can count on our Lake Worth car accident attorney to:

  • Investigate the cause of your automobile accident to determine who is liable in law for your injuries and the collision. This is most likely the other driver, but based on the details of your accident, it could also be a number of parties.
  • Find all insurance policies that provide coverage for your accident and injuries.
  • In order to determine the complete extent of your auto accident injuries and your recovery prognosis, obtain your medical records and have them examined by professionals.
  • Include all the expenses and losses the car accident has cost you in the past, present, and future. We will consult with medical, vocational, and economic consultants as required, especially if you have disabling injuries, to determine your likely future medical and/or life care requirements as well as how your injuries will affect your ability to earn money.
  • File claims with the appropriate insurance companies and negotiate for full and prompt traffic collision settlements.
  • If a settlement cannot be reached, file a lawsuit against the party(s) at fault to obtain compensation. Remember that despite the possibility of naming specific people in a lawsuit, almost all of the money awarded in such a case is protected by insurance.
  • Even as the case(s) is(are) being litigated, fight hard for equitable and complete settlements. Once a lawsuit is filed, information obtained from opposing parties often makes settlement negotiations more fruitful as evidence begins to paint a picture of what really happened and why.
  • Present a strong and comprehensive case in court, if required. If an out-of-court settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys will be well-prepared to present your case to the judge and jury. The majority of car accident claims can be resolved without going to court.

What Is the Value of Your Car Accident Case?

Calculating the reasonable amount of money you would accept to give up your legal claim is the first step in negotiating a settlement for an auto accident or personal injury claim. Most insurance companies and personal injury lawyers use a formula to establish a starting point for settlement negotiations. This is true for a bodily injury claim in an auto accident case or a personal injury case.

To estimate non-economic damages, such as money for your pain and suffering, a common formula uses a multiplier and your medical expenses. To arrive at a dollar amount from which you can bargain, this figure is added to your economic losses, such as medical expenses, property damage, and lost income. 

The majority of injury cases result in two primary types of damages: economic losses (also known as “special” damages) and non-economic losses. (called “general” damages). The losses incurred by the injured party in any injury-related insurance claim, or even in a personal injury lawsuit brought in civil court, can be classified into one of these two groups.

Losses that are simple to calculate as special damages. They consist of the price of medical care, any lost wages resulting from missed time at work, accident-related property damage, and other direct financial losses.

However, general damages are more difficult to measure. In addition to the effect the injuries have on the claimant’s day-to-day life, they also include a subcategory of damages known as pain and suffering, which refers to the physical discomfort, mental anguish, stress, and other similar adverse effects of the injuries. 

Conclusion

If you are looking for a car accident law firm near me, Aldolphe Law Firm is ready to assist you to get the compensation you deserve. We will walk you through the necessary steps for recovery in this trying situation. 

What to do in a Fender Bender?

Fender Bender

Adolphe Law Group Wants You To Know

You’ve gotten into a fender bender—yikes. A fender bender is a rear-end collision and is quite common. In fact, data shows that 1.7 million rear-end collisions occur each year and cost $871 billion!

But while they’re fairly common, it doesn’t mean that this is not something to be taken seriously. Since fender benders don’t typically cause serious injuries, many people think: is it okay to just exchange contact and insurance information?

The short answer is no. Sharing just your contact and insurance information is not enough. At Adolphe Law Group, our Florida personal injury lawyers have worked with so many clients who have been involved in accidents where the other party is dishonest or unwilling to settle. Therefore, documentation and hard proof of what happened are necessary.

So, if just exchanging your contact information isn’t enough, what should you do in a fender bender? As professional auto accident attorneys at Adolphe Law Group, we recommend the following steps for fender bender:

1.Stop the car and pull over

In most states, it’s against the law to leave after there was an accident, so make sure you get out of the way and turn your hazard lights on.

2.Call the police so they can file a report

This information may be essential in court later on or for your insurance claim. Another reason you should call the police is so they can get emergency care if needed and protect the accident scene.

3.Exchange information

Try not to say too much to the other party, as you don’t want any of your words to be twisted around. It is important, however, to collect each other’s personal contact information (name, address, phone, email) and driver/insurance information (license number, insurance information, make and model of the car). If there are eyewitnesses, collect their information too.

4.Call your insurance provider

Report the accident to them and use the information from the police report to back up your claim.

5.Get legal help

If things cannot be resolved through this process, you may need legal help. This is especially important if you have been injured in an accident. Call us at Adolphe Law Group to speak to one of our personal injury lawyers who can manage the details of your case.

These tips are important if you caused the accident but even more important if you did not. If you get into a fender bender and the other person insists that it’s okay just to share contact information, be very wary. Some people will not want to have to pay for damages caused by their reckless driving and give you false contact information.

To be safe, involve the authorities and get a police report completed. Then you have some hard proof of what happened should there be a need for legal action. Our personal injury lawyers at Adolphe Law Group will be able to advocate for you and get the justice you deserve.

If you want to talk to an accident attorney in Lake Worth, contact the Adolphe Law Group. We are here for you and will fight on your behalf!

10 Things to Do After a Car Accident

1. Stay at the Scene

The drivers and passengers should remain at the scene. Even though the accident might initially look like a minor collision because of no immediate obvious injury, it is important to stay and correctly assess the damages. Examine all the people involved in the car accident and ensure that they can breathe and move properly. If a person experiences serious pain, do not move them before medical help arrives. If people are injured, it is important to wait for the police and provide all the necessary information about the accident. Fleeing the scene is called “hit-and-run” and might have serious legal consequences like suspension or cancellation of your driver’s license or even imprisonment.

2. Stay Where You are/or Safely Pull Over

If you can safely keep your car where it is, don’t move it unless it is causing major traffic problems. If you have to move your car, safely pull over to the shoulder of the road.

3. Check for Injuries

Make sure that you and your passengers are OK. If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 or have someone else call 911 immediately.

4. Call the Police and File a Report

No matter what, call the police and insist they come out and write a police report. It does not matter if the accident was big or small or if people were or were not injured. You want the police to interview everyone involved and document what happened. This will prevent people from trying to change their story later. Do not forget to get the police report number and the responding officer’s name and badge number.

5. Take a Lot of Pictures

If you’re physically able, take pictures immediately after the crash. It’s the best time, and it may be the only opportunity that you have. Take pictures of your car, the other person’s car, the position of the cars, any skid marks, road signs, and the surrounding area. Take pictures from different angles and distances. You want your pictures to be able to tell the story of exactly what happened and how bad the crash was.

6. Talk to Witnesses

If there were any witnesses to the accident, write down their names and their contact information.

Group Adolphe Law

7. Exchange Information

Drivers that were involved in the accident should exchange valuable information like names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, insurance details, and phone numbers. If other passengers were involved, you should collect their information too. Document the accident thoroughly because this might help you prove what happened in court should you or the other party file a lawsuit.

8. Get Medical Care

Many people that have been involved in car accidents report that the pain was excruciating a day or two after the accident. The immediate shock can mask or delay serious symptoms of physical or internal injury. With this in mind, anyone involved in an accident should go to the hospital and require a detailed examination. For example, spine and head injuries can be extremely serious but not immediately apparent. If someone was dazed, confused, or unconscious after the accident, they should be immediately taken to the emergency room.

Law Group Adolphe

9. Keep Detailed Files and Reports

It’s very important and highly recommended to own a file that includes all the relevant information like the names and addresses of the other parties, dates of medical visits, and claim numbers from the insurance company. The insurance company will assign a specialist that will be investigating the accident; you should add his name to your file. Document any other relevant information or details. Any data that could help the case should be kept together for easy access and will help you remain organized and clear about the matter.

10. Find a Good Lawyer Right Away

Talk to a good Florida personal injury lawyer before talking to the insurance companies. Definitely do not sign anything or provide a recorded statement without talking to a lawyer first. A good lawyer will bring you peace of mind and give you the best chance at a maximum settlement. Call us at Adolphe Law Group, where we have over 40 years of combined experience representing injured clients.