Author: Weldon Rothman

When you are in a car accident that is someone else’s fault, you expect that their insurance is going to pay your property damages and medical costs. After all, that is the purpose of having insurance, right? Unfortunately, there are many reasons that you can’t trust the insurance companies to do the right thing. Here’s what you need to know and what to do when you come up against a wall.

Looking Out for Number One

The insurance companies aren’t in business to pay claims. They are in business to make money. And as such, they will often do everything they can to either deny a claim or to pay out as little as possible. It is entirely likely that the insurance company will not give you a fair settlement without a fight. Many people simply take the settlement offered to them by the insurance company thinking that is all they can get, but this is wrong. With the help of an attorney, you can fight for the compensation that you deserve.

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A car accident can be devastating in more ways than one. When you are injured during a car accident, it can affect your income, your employment, and your family life. There are a lot of different injuries that can happen during an auto accident, but here are the most common.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a very common injury from car accidents. Whiplash occurs because the seatbelt holds you firmly to the seat, but your neck has no such support. Upon impact, the head slams forward and then back again, and this can cause whiplash. Whiplash isn’t always apparent right away. In fact, most people feel no symptoms for up to three days.

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Sexual harassment is against the law, and employers that allow it to occur can and should be held accountable. Many women do not really know what constitutes sexual harassment. It isn’t just about being propositioned for sex or given ultimatums. Here are five signs that you are being sexually harassed at work.

Sexual Behavior that Makes You Uncomfortable

Any behavior that is sexual in nature that makes you uncomfortable should be addressed immediately. While some people simply think that they are engaging in workplace antics and sarcasm, if the comments or behavior cause you stress, anxiety, or upset and they happen on a frequent or repeated basis, it constitutes sexual harassment.

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Road rage and similar behaviors are responsible for many of the car accidents that happen in the United States. Refusing to slow down and share the road with drivers obeying the traffic laws is one reason many people cause auto accidents. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Road Rage?

Road rage occurs when a driver becomes angry with other drivers. Sometimes the anger may be justified, such as being cut off in traffic. More often, it is the result of someone being in a hurry and not wanting to obey the laws themselves. Road rage behaviors include tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and excessive speeding. Road rage accounts for about 10,000 accidents in the last 12 years.

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Everyone knows that your driving is impaired when someone drinks alcohol and drives. Drunk driving accounts for 28 percent of all traffic related deaths in the United States. But new evidence shows that driving fatigued can be every bit as dangerous as driving drunk, and some officials believe that it should be treated in much the same way, as a negligent driver.

In fact, 20 percent of traffic related deaths in America occur due to driver fatigue. That’s only eight percent fewer than drunk drivers. A new study done by AAA could be evidence that missing too much sleep can be as bad or worse than driving under the influence.

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Auto accidents that involve big rig trucks are among the most devastating of accidents, both in terms of property damage and in terms of injuries. While it is important to be fully aware of the blind spots on a big rig truck with a trailer and to be careful when driving around big rigs, it is still possible to be in an accident. One of the common causes of truck accidents is mechanical failure. Here’s what you need to know.

Big Truck Mechanical Failures

Trucks, especially trucks with trailers, have a difficult time stopping quickly or maneuvering around difficult roadways and intersections. When the truck itself is not mechanically sound, this makes these hazards much more likely and dangerous. Trucks should be well maintained, with maintenance records kept by the owner or operator of the truck.

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If you ride a motorcycle, you are probably aware of the basic laws of the road. After all, all motorcycle riders have to take a basic test to get their license, but you may not be aware of all of the laws. Or if you are a motorist, you may not be aware of the laws pertaining to motorcycle riders. Here are some basic Florida motorcycle laws that everyone should know.

Operating Florida Motorcycle Laws

In order to legally operate a motorcycle in Florida, you must have a motorcycle license or endorsement on your driver’s license. When riding your motorcycle, you have to wear a helmet and protective eye gear, and all of your passengers must, too. 

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It has been two years since Hurricane Irma hit the coast of Florida, and some people are still recovering from devastating loss. Yet some homeowners may not have been impacted as much as others. Often roof damage from a heavy storm or hurricane is not immediately apparent. Have you filed your Hurricane Irma claim? If not, or if you have discovered additional damages, it is not too late to file or reopen a claim.

Statute of Limitations

There is a limitation on how long you have to file a claim after a hurricane. According to Section 95.11(2)(e), Florida Statutes, you have up to five years from the date of the loss to file an action for breach of property insurance contract.  Many people think that a lawsuit has to be filed right away. However, you actually have until September 10, 2022, before you run out of time under the Statute of Limitations. 

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When you are involved in any type of personal injury case, there are certain types of compensation for which you may be eligible. While only an experienced attorney can determine what types of compensation are likely, it is a good idea to be familiar with the different types of compensation going into the process. There are three primary types of compensation, or damages, which can be awarded in personal injury cases.

Compensatory

Compensatory damages is the type of compensation that is the most concrete. This type of compensation includes things like lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and ongoing medical care. These damages are ones that you can easily prove you deserve based on the merits of the case and the financial losses you sustained regarding the injury.

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When you have an accident that leads to an injury, chances are you will be dealing with an insurance company. You may be working with your own insurance company. Or, if the accident was the fault of another party, you may be dealing with their insurance company. In either case, you should never accept an initial bodily injury settlement that they offer without first talking to an attorney.

The Insurance Investigation

Insurance companies use a lot of different factors to determine how much compensation for which you are eligible. This may include the extent of your injuries, your related medical bills, property damage if applicable, the cause of the accident, and more. Insurance adjusters investigate claims that are made on policies to ensure that they are handled appropriately. After the initial investigation, a settlement is offered. This settlement is usually the bare minimum that will cover your losses as determined by the insurance company. In some cases, the settlement may not even cover all of your financial costs related to the accident. We often say, “insurance companies are in the business of collecting premiums, not paying claims”.  

Continue reading “Why You Should Not Accept the Initial Insurance Settlement” →