INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT? HERE’S WHAT TO DO NEXT.
Over 10 million car accidents occur each year. Anytime you get inside a car and head out on the roads, you take the risk of being involved in one and getting injured in a car accident.
If you recently had a car accident and now have injuries, you might wonder what you should do. Car accident injuries can impact many parts of your life, and the best thing you can do afterward is to seek legal help.
If you need advice after being injured in a car accident, continue reading to learn the steps you should take.
Report the Accident
The very first thing that should occur after a car accident is a call to the police. If you aren’t able to do this, someone else on the accident scene will. This phone call serves several roles.
First, it produces a report of what occurred at the accident scene. The police will record the time, date, and location of the incident. They will also include the names of everyone involved and the witnesses.
The police report also states the testimony of those at the scene. If you can tell the police what happened, you should. Other parties involved will also state what they saw and remember.
The second purpose of the police report is proof of fault. The police report should include all the evidence from the scene and should state who caused the accident. It should also state the reason the accident occurred.
To settle your case later on, you will need this report. You can pick up a copy from the local police department within a few days after the collision.
The third purpose of calling the police is to seek medical help. Anyone involved in the accident might choose to go to the hospital for treatment right after the accident occurs.
Seek Medical Help Immediately
If you’re wondering what to do if injured in a car accident, it’s vital to know that you should seek medical help immediately. When the police arrive on the scene and ask you if you want medical help, agree to it.
The police will call an ambulance, and they will transport you to the closest hospital. Going to the hospital afterward is essential as it documents your initial injuries from the collision.
If you don’t seek immediate medical help, it might create challenges in your case. Therefore, always seek help even if you feel fine. It’s normal not to feel any pain directly after a collision, as your body might be full of adrenaline.
The injuries, pain, and health problems can show up days later, though. If you wait to seek help, it is harder to connect the injuries to the accident.
Continue All Medical Treatment
As you can see from the statistics above, anyone who drives or rides in a car has a high chance of being injured in a car accident. In fact, around 150 Americans die each year from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which may occur from car accidents.
A TBI can impact a person for the rest of their life, but you might not know you have an injury like this until weeks or months later. To ensure that you receive all the medical care you need, you must continue seeking treatment as long as necessary.
To get the most out of your case, it’s essential to seek medical treatment until you feel completely normal or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI is a point when you cannot get any better.
Reaching MMI helps you fight for compensation to cover all the damages you experienced from the accident. If you have questions about this, ask your attorney.
Keep a Journal and Log
Another vital thing you should do after getting injured from a car accident is to keep a journal and log. You can use these things to record information about your health after the accident.
You can use the log to record time spent traveling to and from doctor visits or therapy. Also, use it to record the miles driven to these visits. If you seek help from a counselor after the accident, you can also record these visits in the log.
Keeping a journal is another wise decision, and most attorneys recommend doing this after an accident. A journal lets you write about the ways the accident affected you.
Whenever you have thoughts about the accident, you can record them in your journal. You can write about the nightmares you have if this is an issue. You can write about your insomnia if you experience this problem.
The purpose of a journal is to prove the damages, harm, and problems you suffer as a result of the accident. You should list all the feelings and impacts you notice from the accident in this book.
You can give the book to your lawyer to serve as proof. When used in car accident cases, a journal is often an excellent form of evidence to provide.
Find an Experienced Attorney
After getting injured in a car accident, you must also start looking for an experienced accident attorney. You’ll need a lawyer for help settling your case, and you can even request a free case review from most law firms.
A personal injury lawyer can review all the evidence and details from your case to determine how you should proceed. If you have plenty of facts and evidence, you will probably win your case.
One of the goals your attorney will have is to collect the highest settlement amount possible. To do this, the lawyer will prepare the case and work on it. Next, he or she will calculate the value and request this amount from the court during the case.
Injured in a Car Accident? We Can Help
When a person gets injured in a car accident, they will need legal help. We are a law firm that focuses on helping car accident victims.
If you are in the Tampa area and would like advice, contact us. We would love to hear your case and offer the help you need.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
Read More
7 TIPS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A MOTORCYCLE CRASH
Are you worried about having a motorcycle crash?
The chance of a fatal motorcycle accident isn’t as slim as you might think. Each year, there are around 5,000 motorcycle fatalities. But, you may not know that there are things you can do to reduce the risk of an accident happening to you.
Read on for these seven tips on motorcycle crash prevention to keep you safe on the road.
1. Wear a Helmet and the Right Gear
For most, this might seem like an obvious tip to follow. Most of you may already do it. But for other riders, some don’t wear a helmet or protective gear to keep themselves safe.
But, if you’re not wearing a helmet, the risk of death or serious injury in a motorcycle accident increases. They reduce the risk of fatality by 37% and serious head injury by 69%!
Wearing the right protective gear on your body also reduces the risk of serious injuries. Biking leathers and pads help keep your skin protected against skids and burns. A reflective jacket also lets other drivers spot you with ease. Don’t compromise on safety gear; it could save your life.
2. Pay Attention to Your Speed
The faster your speed, the less reaction time you have to other drivers, debris, and hazards on the road. For example, speeding could make it harder to see a turn that’s coming up. As a result, you could go into it too fast.
In moments like that, it’s easy to panic and put the brakes on hard. As a result, this could throw you off the bike, and the momentum could send you flying into oncoming traffic.
Or, if you try to ride through the corner still, you could turn too sharply. The bike then could slide out from under you, skidding you across the road beneath it.
To stay safe, don’t go faster than a speed that lets you judge the direction of a road. Always give yourself enough reaction time to counter any unsuspected and sudden hazards. You can’t always know if there is a slippery spot or a pothole in the road. And the weather can change from calm to dangerous in an instant.
3. Keep Blind Spots in Mind
Out of all the vehicles on the road, motorcycles are the smallest legal ones. In general, this means they can be harder to spot. But this is especially the case when you factor in that other, larger vehicles have blind spots.
Always be alert to the fact you’re entering a blind spot for another vehicle. If you can, it’s a good idea to avoid these blind spots altogether.
You should also try to avoid passing in high-traffic areas and on curvy, bending roads. Otherwise, you may find yourself in need of a motorcycle accident lawyer.
4. Watch for High Traffic Areas and Opening Doors
It’s not always possible to stay out of high-traffic areas on your motorcycle, and you shouldn’t have to. But, it’s useful when planning a trip on weekends and major holidays to consider your route.
Know which roads will be busy, and when. It might be better to adjust your route to avoid those busy roads if you can. Or you can plan around a time that sees less traffic volume.
Also, be aware of areas where there is a high volume of parking on the roadside. When you’re driving past, be aware of these parked cars.
A big cause of a motorcycle accident today happens when a driver or passenger in a parked car opens their door. They don’t see the approaching motorcycle, and the rider crashes into the open door.
5. At Intersections Check Behind You
Another big cause of motorcycle accidents is getting rear-ended by cars at intersections. This is especially the case when they stop to let animals go across in front of them or stop for crosswalks.
It’s good practice in these instances to pull to the side of the lane. Give your brake lights a few flashes too to alert those behind you.
Once stopped, always keep an eye behind you for cars coming up on you. Keep your bike in gear so that if a car doesn’t look like it’ll stop in time, you can pull away to avoid an accident.
6. Learn to Handle Common Hazards on the Road
At some point, you’re likely going to come across hazards on the road. From train crossings and ice to potholes and rubber from a blown tire.
You need to make sure you know how to get through or around these hazards without causing an accident. There are braking and maneuvering techniques for these that you need to know.
It’s a good idea to go on a motorcycle course that specializes in hazards. It will teach you these techniques and give much-needed practice to keep you safe on the road.
7. Keep on Top of Motorcycle Maintenance
The key to keeping any vehicle as safe as possible is making sure it’s well-maintained. This goes for motorcycles too.
Keeping on top of your motorcycle maintenance reduces the risk of it breaking down. It could be the difference between causing an accident or avoiding one. Remember, after a motorcycle accident, all parties will investigate the cause. This will help determine liability.
So, make sure you get a regular check on your brakes and avoid tire tread wear. Also, keep your mirrors and windshield clear without any obstructions.
Preventing a Motorcycle Crash Made Simple
So, there you have it! Now that you know these seven tips, you’re on your way to staying safe and preventing a motorcycle accident.
Watch your speed, and always be aware of your surroundings. You can’t afford distractions on the road, no matter what vehicle you’re driving.
Learn how to handle road hazards, and don’t take risks or put yourself in a sticky situation. And if you do get yourself into an accident, make sure you hire a motorcycle accident attorney right away.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident recently and need help, contact us today. At RHINO Lawyers, we’ve got the experience to help with all your accident legal needs.
CONTACT A TAMPA MOTORCYCLE CRASH ATTORNEY
In short, after a motorcycle accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
Read More
WHEN IS IT TIME TO HIRE A WRONGFUL DEATH LAWYER?
If you’ve lost a loved one due to another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to bring about a wrongful death claim. The law around wrongful deaths is complicated. It varies from state to state, and each case is unique. That’s why many choose to hire an experienced wrongful death lawyer to help guide them through the process and likely outcomes.
We got our team to answer the most common queries around wrongful death lawsuits, from what they are to when you should hire a lawyer.
What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?
Wrongful death is when a fatality occurs as a result of an injury or accident that should not have happened. This can be a result of negligence or carelessness, as well as a range of other aggravating factors.
Wrongful death law varies from state to state. Though many are similar in the sense of claimants and damages permitted. In this article, we’ll be referring to the Florida Wrongful Death Act.
As with any legal claim, the article of law is used to bring the claim to court where it will be heard in front of a jury. Lawyers will present both sides of the case to the jury, who will consider the facts and ultimately rule on whether the claim is valid or not. The jury will also determine the appropriate amount of damages, both economic and non-economic.
Wrongful Death Causes
There’s no exhaustive list of causes of wrongful death. It applies to any situation that puts the victim at serious risk of harm or death needlessly.
The CDC cites unintentional injuries as the third leading cause of death in the US. While not all of these will be wrongful deaths, many may be. The most common types of accidents in wrongful death claims are:
- Car accidents
- Boating accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Falls
- Drowning
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
- Poisoning
- Criminal activity
Determining the cause of death is one of the first steps needed to file a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death attorney can help you investigate who and what caused the death of a loved one. This helps identify the correct defendant in a wrongful death claim.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
The Florida Wrongful Death Act states the following parties have the right to file a wrongful death claim:
- A spouse
- Children
- Parents
- Blood relatives are wholly dependent on the deceased
- Adoptive siblings are wholly dependent on the deceased
It’s not quite as simple as this, though. The act says the only party who may file a claim must be a personal representative of the deceased’s estate. In this sense, though all of the parties above have the right to file a wrongful death claim, who is actually able to file the claim will vary depending on the deceased’s will.
If the deceased hasn’t named a representative within their Will or has no Will, the courts will assign one during the probate process. This is most often the surviving spouse.
This representative may file the claim on behalf of all eligible survivors. Multiple claims are not allowed. Survivors are expected to determine the allocation of any settlement or damages won among themselves.
Wrongful Death Damages
The Act outlines the damages that may be available to claimants as a result of a wrongful death claim. Each survivor can recover a monetary value that is equivalent to the deceased’s lost support. This will be determined by the relationship between the survivor and the deceased.
A surviving spouse may additionally be entitled to claim for loss of companionship, protection, and suffering. Surviving children who are minors may additionally be entitled to claim for loss of parental instruction and guidance, as well as pain and suffering. Overall, damages may be claimed for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of income
- Lost wages
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of parental instruction and guidance
It’s impossible to give even a vague estimate on damage figures. This is because this will vary from case to case. The best person who can advise you on this is an experienced wrongful death lawyer who knows your case.
When to Hire a Lawyer?
As a general rule of thumb, you should hire a wrongful death lawyer as early as possible. Most reputable law firms will offer a free initial consultation to gather the facts and ensure you have a case.
Having a wrongful death lawyer hired early will help you navigate your claim. It will also help you avoid any potential pitfalls, such as interactions with the defendant that may later be used in court. Not to mention removing much of the stress of dealing with legal matters from the family to allow them to grieve in peace.
It’s also worth noting that there is a two-year statute of limitations on wrongful death claims. This means if the claim is not filed before this, no surviving beneficiaries would be entitled to make a claim.
You aren’t legally required to hire a wrongful death lawyer, but due to the complicated nature of the claim, it is advisable to. Your wrongful death lawyer will be responsible for a range of matters, including investigating and establishing liability. This involves understanding legal faults and knowledge of a range of applicable state laws.
Wrongful Death Lawyers Near Me
If you’re based in Tampa, Florida, or the surrounding area, RHINO Lawyers can help you. We have experienced wrongful death lawyers who will be able to advise you on your specific situation and case. Simply get in touch today for a free case review or free video consultation.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
Read More
7 THINGS TO DO AFTER GETTING A RECKLESS DRIVING CHARGE
Surprisingly, it doesn’t take a lot to be charged with reckless driving. You may not even realize how far over the speed limit you are until you’re pulled over.
But then, bam. Here’s the ticket. And that little piece of paper that signifies you received a reckless driving charge can impact your life for years to come.
If you are charged with reckless driving and aren’t sure what to do next, keep reading. Here are the 7 things you must do after getting a reckless driving charge.
1. Stay Calm
We get it – no one wants a ticket, especially one that has the ability to escalate into more serious charges. You might feel like giving the police officer a piece of your mind, and who could blame you?
However, if you want to avoid further trouble, you must remain calm. The police officer may have to show up in court to testify against you. Wouldn’t you rather leave him with the impression that you are respectful and polite?
Not to mention, there are different degrees of reckless driving charges in Florida, with some being more serious and carrying harsher penalties. Don’t give the officer an excuse to increase your charge.
2. Slow Down
Sounds obvious, right? But you should drive more carefully, not just to avoid getting a second charge, but also to avoid making your first charge even worse.
Reckless driving charges in Florida can escalate all the way into a felony. If you catch a second ticket while still awaiting your court appearance for the first, it could stay on your record permanently.
Felonies can prevent you from getting a job or an apartment and can significantly impact your life. It’s not worth the risk for a few extra miles per hour.
3. Educate Yourself
Take time to read up on Florida’s reckless driving laws. It’s never a bad idea to learn more about the situation you’re in. You’ll also be aware of where to draw the line the next time you feel like speeding up.
If you know anyone who has also received the same charge, call them up. Ask them about their experience and what they would do differently if they could go back. You may learn something that could improve your situation.
4. Research and Hire a Lawyer
Because this charge can escalate, you can’t afford not to have a lawyer. But you should always do your research first.
There are lawyers, such as our team at RHINO Lawyers, who focus on traffic law and reckless driving charges. Our lawyers have years of experience working with this type of charge, so we’ve seen it all. We can handle your case with skill.
Any reputable firm (including RHINO Lawyers) will offer a free consultation to determine whether your case is a good fit. You want an attorney who is a hundred percent sure they want to take your case before an engagement letter is signed.
5. Listen To Your Lawyer
If you’ve done your research and hired a good attorney, you should remember you are paying them to tell you what to do to get the best outcome. They’ve done this before, and they know how you should act.
Even if you don’t want to do something, listen to your lawyer. Get a new suit, take driving classes, volunteer – whatever it is, they are telling you to do it for a reason, even if it isn’t immediately clear to you.
The legal system is a confusing, tangled web. You’ll have an easier time if you listen to the professional at your side.
6. The Hearing: Be Serious, Have Evidence
Your lawyer will prep you for the finer points of the hearing, but it’s important to remember to take it seriously. They should communicate what you do with your appearance, expressions, and body language.
Getting charged with something where someone could have ended up injured or dead, and acting nonchalant about it, is an easy way to annoy the judge. The judge has the power to sanction you or increase your punishment, so it’s better to try to stay on their good side.
At the hearing, both sides can present evidence. The officer who gave you the ticket may testify. There may be other witnesses if other people were involved, such as in an accident.
If you had anyone else in the car with you, you may want to call them to testify as well. If you have a dashcam or are able to ask a nearby home or business for their security camera footage, that’s even better.
Because you’ve educated yourself about your charges, you may even be able to dispute parts of the officer’s testimony or parts of the charge itself. It will ultimately be up to your lawyer to pursue that, but make sure to pay attention. See if you notice any discrepancies in how the prosecution portrays what happened.
7. Learn From This Experience
Your punishment can range from a fine to a short time in jail, to a full felony charge with significant prison time. But whatever happens, you should accept your penalty with grace and carry it out with your head held high.
Afterward, think about what you can take from this experience. It’s unrealistic to think that you will never speed again while driving, but maybe you’ll be more careful in the future.
If You Have a Reckless Driving Charge in Florida
If you’ve received a reckless driving ticket recently, don’t delay in reaching out for help. The longer you wait, the less time you have to prepare for your court appearance.
Our team at RHINO Lawyers works collaboratively on each case. We’re always learning from each other so that we can provide the best possible outcome for each and every client.
Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation about your reckless driving charge. You’ll be glad you did.
CONTACT TAMPA TRAFFIC TICKET ATTORNEY
RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system molded by law enforcement, judges, and lawyers for decades. Having won cases for our clients in similar circumstances, our criminal defense team knows what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
Read More
IMPORTANT STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A TRUCK ACCIDENT
Truck accidents are, unfortunately, a significant cause of death in the world. In the U.S. alone, 74 percent of all fatal passenger-vehicle accidents involve large trucks. When it comes to accidents, trucks have different rules from other vehicles, and they face more rigid standards.
Trucking companies and truck drivers carry a higher burden of responsibility, given the trucks’ sheer size and weight. Most often, trucks leave a devastating wake of catastrophic damages, injuries, and fatalities. The question is, what steps should you take once involved in a truck accident?
Start By Calling the Authorities and Getting Medical Help
If you’re in any position to do so, the first thing you should do is call the police to report the accident and get medical help. It is incredibly important for you and all other parties involved to get medical attention as soon as possible, regardless of how minor your injuries may be. Assess the situation and move to safety, and if you’re in a position to walk, check how everyone else is doing.
Depending on your injuries’ severity, you can try to carry out first aid such as bandaging wounds to control bleeding before medical services arrive. If you suffered grave injuries and are unable to move, try as much as you can to call for help so that others can save you as well.
If your injuries are not severe, move your vehicle from the road or turn on the hazard lights to warn other drivers of the scene. This will help avoid traffic or another accident, after which you should wait for the authorities to arrive. However, only move the car for safety purposes; otherwise, it’s always best to leave the accident scene as it is for thorough investigations.
Document the Scene
You mustn’t leave a trucking accident scene. In most states, this is considered a crime because it constitutes a hit and run accident. If you’re not severely injured and are in a position to walk, it’s of utmost importance for you to gather and exchange vital information with all the parties involved in the accident. This will help the police and your truck accident attorney deal with the insurance company or the lawsuit.
There may be witnesses that saw everything that happened. You need to take down their information because they may be able to help in a legal proceeding. The information you collect should include the involved parties’ names, contact information, vehicle information such as make and model, and their license plate numbers.
Take Photos and Video Evidence
In the world we live in, technology allows us to take photos, video, and audio evidence of any situation, which is one of the best times to do that. If you can access your smartphone or any mobile device with the capabilities to take photos or videos of the crash scene. Do it immediately because it will provide the strongest evidence you can capture.
The best things about photos and videos are that they don’t change, unlike witnesses that tend to forget information as days go by. Photos will capture everything and everyone involved, while video and audio will show what everyone was saying then.
This will give you great leverage if you need to sue anyone for negligence. You need to take snapshots of the entire truck accident. Go from significant landmarks, skid marks, intersections, and all vehicles involved to tell the story of what happened.
If the accident happens during the night, audio and video recordings will be the best form of evidence. It’s important for you to record your own account of what happened. Then record conversations you and the other parties or witnesses have during that time. Keep your recording safe and avail them to your truck accident lawyer if there’s a need to move on with legal action.
Avoid Making Any Statement About the Truck Accident
You must avoid making statements about the accident, like saying it was your fault. It’s possible that a witness saw a different driver texting while driving or running a red light. Maybe there was a malfunctioning spotlight.
Even if you feel as if you did something wrong and you have some responsibility, say nothing. You need to discuss the issue with your truck accident lawyer before telling anyone else.
It’s also vital to make sure you are calmer and away from the accident scene. This way, you can make a statement from a strong place and not that of vulnerability.
Call a Truck Accident Lawyer
As a truck driver, it’s a given that either party will go to court to demand compensation. You need to have a professional truck accident attorney protecting your rights and offering your legal assistance. This could be the beginning of a long legal process, and the other parties may come armed with their own professional truck accident lawyer.
You need to launch a compensation claim with the insurance company and your employer, as they are required to offer you protection. Look for a competent truck accident lawyer in your area as soon as possible to investigate the scene of the accident.
They will get a fresh account of the events from the witnesses before they start forgetting the intricate details. Specifically, hire a truck accident lawyer as they know all truck accident laws and a track record of similar cases.
The best thing about having a professional truck accident attorney is that they will gather all the necessary evidence. They’ll interview the witnesses and documents all the information needed to prove who was at fault.
This is more important if you were too injured to go through the process of collecting information and documenting the accident scene. Additionally, the truck accident lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies during the settlement. They will also go to court to make sure you receive a fair trial.
Handling a Truck Accident
If you are involved in a truck accident, the most important thing is to ensure you stay at the scene until the police arrive. Get medical attention, and hire a professional work accident lawyer immediately. Your company may be able to help with hiring a lawyer and may be able to offer you protection.
Still, if you need a professional attorney to assist you, please get in touch with us today, and we’ll be more than glad to assist you.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
Read More