Winning Your Personal Injury Claims in the Event of a Train Accident

 

While trains have been there for more than a century, this mode of transportation remains very popular among the people. For one, trains can move hundreds of people, tons of cargo, and more effortlessly. And even if it is very old, trains’ design and the technology that moves it continue to evolve, making it still relevant during these times. Moreover, there is no such thing as traffic jams when one talks about trains. That is why, over the years, trains have remained to be a very popular transportation means to people.

Accidents on trains
However, no matter how study and safe trains seem, you can still get into trouble for riding one. For one, train accidents can really get nasty. In the past few months, incidences of train accidents have been making rounds on local news programs. Recently, dozens of people were hurt when two commuter trains crashed at a station west of Chicago. According to authorities, the accident happened during rush hour one morning. An eastbound train of the Chicago Transit Authority crashed with a stationary westbound train at the Harlem Station in Forest Park. 33 people were brought to the hospitals to be treated of minor injuries. The officials are still trying to figure out what is the real cause of the accidents.

Train safety
The government for its part has been making ways to ensure that these accidents can be avoided. Also, the train operators are compelled by law to make sure that their riders are safe and must provide the necessary compensation to its injured passengers or those who died because of such accidents. As a victim, you can hire personal injury lawyer that handles train accident to help you file a claim against the train company. This way, you can ensure that you will get enough compensation, not just to have yourself treated, but get the medications and undergo therapy needed to help you recover from this sad episode of your life.

Secret to winning claims
Filing a claim is easy but winning it can be a bit more difficult than it seems. That is why you should not just leave your claims to chance and make sure that you do everything to help ensure that you will win with the claims that you have filed. This way, you’d be able to avenge what has happened to you and hold the train companies liable in doing everything that they can to ensure the safety of the riding public.

Wanted: Car Accident Lawyer

 

Some people who have been involved in an accident think that filing a complaint by themselves help save them money. Because think about it, you will be paying a huge sum to your lawyer as attorney's fees if they ever win the case for you. However, there are some cases when you really need the assistance of a lawyer to help you win the case you are filing. Here are some of the instances when you should really be asking for the help of a good Los Angeles car accident lawyer to bail you out of possible imprisonment.

• When you are the one at fault. No matter how you try to explain and defend yourself hard, nobody can do it better for you than a trained and experienced lawyer. While you may not be able to get away from liability and may still be asked to pay for damages, at least, you won't be taken advantage of and pay for excessive damages.
• When the case is quite complicated and the negligence is disputed.  In cases where you are partly to blame for the accident, you would need to defend yourself from the situation. In such situations, a lawyer can better represent you and also prove the other's party's negligence. Which can effectively lessen the damages you need to pay.
• When disputes are made about the damages that needs to be paid. In accidents, it is normal for victims to jack up the prices of the repairs needed to the hospitalization fees made to treat their injuries. On the other hand, the one liable can also play low ball and haggle the amount of damages that he or she needs to pay in very low levels that it gets really unfair for the victims. A lawyer can help you with this as they will be able to defend you, if you happen to be the one responsible; or go after those who caused damages and injuries to you, if you are the victim.
• In cases where the injuries are grave. When one victim suffers severe injuries due to the accident, it is the best to ask for the help of a lawyer. A good attorney will be able to bolster your chance in winning your claims. This will make sure that you get what you truly deserve and that the ones liable for your injuries are held accountable for their fault.

While in many situations, hiring a lawyer may not be the best idea as some claims are easy to file. One more thing is that attorney's fees can eat up a huge chunk of the damages that you are ought to get. But when it comes to the situations that were mentioned earlier, you wouldn't want to jeopardize your claim's possible success by not asking for the help of someone who's very knowledgeable when it comes to personal injury laws. In these times, hiring a personal injury attorney will help ensure that you get the justice that you deserve.

How the Injured Party Can Also Be Partially at Fault in an Accident

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Probably the most crucial part of any personal injury accident claim is determining fault. Usually, the one at fault for the accident is the one who is considered negligent. In tort law, a negligent person in a personal injury case must compensate the victim for the damages that he or she caused the latter. But then, in many jurisdictions, it is not always the negligent person who is to accept all the blame for a personal injury accident.

In some accident claims, there are situations in which sole liability is indeterminable. As it is, the two parties, the injured party and the defendant, may have shared the fault for a certain accident. In such circumstances, fault will be allocated between the parties involved through the state statutes of comparative and contributory negligence.

About contributory negligence

In this statute, the injured party who is found partially at fault for the accident may not be entitled to receive compensation to recover from the losses he or she incurred. The States of Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia, along with the nation’s capital, has this kind of statute.

To illustrate an example, imagine Driver A’s colliding with Driver B’s car after the former made a left turn on a dark part of the intersection. Driver A is automatically at fault because of hitting Driver B. However, the latter was found out to have not been using headlights while driving. With contributory negligence factored in, Driver B won’t be entitled to recover losses because he or she was considered partially at fault for the accident.

About comparative negligence

If contributory negligence seems to be a harsh kind of statute, comparative negligence is deemed a more proportionate one. In this statute, the injured party partially at fault for an accident may be able to recover from the damages that he or she incurred. Pure comparative negligence is one of the negligence theory’s many types.

In pure comparative negligence, the damage recovery of a person partially at fault is reduced by the percentage of his or her fault. Going back to the previous example, if Person B is determined 80 percent at fault and that the total amount of damages is $10,000.00, he or she will only receive $2,000.00. The State of California is one of the 13 states that adopt this negligence theory.

Retaining legal representation

Retaining a Los Angeles personal injury lawyers is the best thing to do if a person is injured because of someone else’s negligence. Apart from that, the expertise of the legal representative would help in determining whether the plaintiff is partially at fault for the accident as stated in the negligence statutes.

Simple Safety Tips for Los Angeles Cyclists

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Using bicycle as a means of transportation provides notable health benefits. However, despite its advantages, there are still imminent dangers in cycling, especially on busy highways. 

According to statistics, at least 43,000 bicyclists were injured and 698 were killed due to bike accidents in 2007. During the same year, a total of 109 California cyclists were involved in fatal traffic accidents.

The following are other alarming data on bicycle accidents:   

• •    The average age of bikers killed in road accidents in 2007 was 40
• •    Males are more likely to get involved in bike accidents compared to female bikers
• •    15 percent of those killed due to bicycle accidents in 2007 were under the age of 16
• •    At least 28 percent of those injured bikers in 2007 were aged under 16-years-old
• •    The average age of cyclists injured in bike accidents was 30

Bicyclists are commonly at risk of getting involved in accidents due to road hazards. Because of relatively thin and unsteady body frame of bicycles, sudden changes in the road surface can instantly result in abrupt accident. The common road hazards that post threat to cyclists include potholes, sewer grates, and railroad tracks.

Another problem bikers face while on road is the intersections. At intersections, motorists tend to overlook or ignore the presence of cyclists. So here are some helpful tips for bikers to avoid getting involved in an accident at intersections:

Increase visibility – Bikers are urged to wear bright-colored clothing and to install front and rear lamps on their bikes to get easily get noticed by other road users.

Stay on bike lane – In states like California, there are designated roadways for bikers. Cyclists should avoid using lanes specified for motor vehicles

Ride defensively – Bikers should always take notice of road hazards and motor vehicles while cycling to anticipate any accident and to do necessary preemptive measures

In case you got involved in a bicycle accident due to the negligence of a motorist, you have the right to claim for monetary compensations. However, asserting for compensation claims are usually complicated, which is why it is advisable that you consult with a Los Angeles accident attorney to learn the correct legal procedures to follow.

3 Basic Roles of Los Angeles Car Accident Attorneys

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Sports utility vehicle (SUV) accidents are not uncommon in the State of California. In fact, with hundreds of people killed in such accident each year, it could be said that SUV mishaps are becoming more and more prevalent in the state when compared to the past decade.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009 alone, about 622 people were killed in California due to SUV accidents. This only proves that the frequency of SUV accidents should not be overlooked but be taken seriously by California motorists.

Accordingly, Los Angeles motorists or pedestrians who get involved in SUV accidents are advised to do the following:

•    Get medical assistance.
•    Secure all medical records and documents.
•    Secure and make copies of receipts from medical treatment, medication, and auto repair.
•    Get the other driver’s personal and contact information.
•    Contact a Los Angeles car accident attorney.

Hiring a personal injury attorney is vital in claiming for damages in an SUV accident case in Los Angeles. Although SUV accident victims may claim for compensations on their own, it is still best to have a legal representative on their side. The expertise and legal know-how of Los Angeles accident attorneys will be very beneficial to SUV accident victims in getting just amount of injury payments from the liable driver.

The following are some of the many roles that a personal injury attorney can perform for the benefit of his or her clients:

Case assessment and analysis – Personal injury lawyers can help their clients in determining how much they can recover. Also, they can help their clients determine the legal steps in claiming for personal injury damages. Accordingly, SUV accident victims who are not certain with the actions they have to do are advised to get assistance from an accident lawyer for proper guidance and legal aid.

Proving the fault of the liable party – The first step in claiming for personal injury damages is proving the negligence of the liable individual/group of individuals involved. However, proving one’s fault in an SUV accident is not easy, which is why it is vital for claimants to seek assistance from an experienced car accident attorney.

Negotiating with insurance companies – Claimants can negotiate with the insurance company’s agents and adjusters without the help of a personal injury lawyer, but doing such is not advisable. Negotiating with insurance company is both complicated and tricky. For one, certain insurers would do anything to trick claimants in receiving unjust amount of payments. Hence, it is important for SUV accident victims to get help from an accident attorney who can represent them in the negotiation process.

Top 3 Friendliest Large Dog Breeds

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Choosing the right large dog breed for your family often requires extensive research because no one wants to pick the wrong family dog. Although almost all dog breeds have the tendency to perfectly fit in the lifestyle of any family, there are those that pass with flying colors in the friendliest-family-dog category.

According to historical accounts and experts’ opinions, the following are some of the large dog breeds that are known for their friendliness and loyalty to their owners:

1. Newfoundland – This “gentle giant” is literally a giant breed with gentleness and kindness in its temperament. Some people may be intimidated with its large size but people who know the breed better could say that Newfies are indeed gentle. Newfoundland is a breed known for being gentle and friendly to kids despite its big size. Dogs of this breed are also used for search and rescue operations on waters because they are exceptional swimmers.

2. Labrador Retriever – Arguably the most famous family dog in the United States, Labrador Retrievers are known for their happy-go-lucky and friendly nature. They go gaga on almost any type of energy-filled activities like fetching Frisbees and any other items. Because of their sweet and gentle temperament, they do not make good guard dogs.

3. Golden Retriever – As the total family dog, Golden Retrievers are best for energetic and active families. Dogs of this breed find fun in running and other lively activities because they were bred to be active pets. Golden Retrievers are certified friendly pooches, which is why they make great family members. However, just like Labradors, Golden Retrievers make bad guard dogs.

Despite the exceptional kind-hearted nature of the said dogs, they can still inflict harm or injury to others if they were not well taken care of and socialized. Any dog, if it is neglected, has the tendency to be hostile to people, even to their owners.

California residents who got bitten or attacked by a dog are advised to seek medical attention immediately to avoid further injuries. Additionally, if the dog that attacked them belongs to their neighbor, they have the right to claim for personal injury damages. Seeking legal help from a Los Angeles injury lawyer is advised for them to make sure that they will recover just amount of damages.

Women vs. Men: Who are Better Drivers?

American women drivers are often stereotyped as bad drivers. However, before men drivers celebrate and women motorists complain, they must review first statistics.

According to available data, men drivers are more likely to get killed in road accidents compared to women drivers – a point many sexist drivers tend to overlook. In 2009, more than 11,900 male drivers were killed in road accidents as opposed to only 4,900 deaths of women drivers.

The following are some more facts and figures that scrap the stereotype on women drivers:

• About 89 percent of women drivers maintain their vehicles and keep them well organized to keep their focus on the road when driving
• Male drivers are 77 percent more likely to get killed in car accidents than women drivers
• Male motorists are more likely to violate traffic laws on reckless driving, impaired driving, speeding, seat belt, and stop signs, than women drivers
• Auto insurance companies tend to favor women drivers than male drivers because the former are less likely to be involved in accidents

Even though the odds are on the side of women motorists, it does not mean that they can take it easy while on the road. Female drivers must not take chances on their safety by practicing irresponsible and negligent driving. They must remember that accidents can happen to anyone. In relation to this, the following are suggested tips for California female motorists in preventing auto accidents:

Drive defensively – Practice safe driving through defensive driving. Women drivers must keep their focus on the road to avoid getting hit by another car or crashing into another vehicle or property.

Do not drive drunk – Drunk driving can result in road accidents and life-altering or fatal injuries. Hence, female motorists must refrain from getting behind the wheel if they are intoxicated.

Obey all rules – Traffic laws are implemented for one reason – safety. Therefore, female motorists who do not want to get traffic tickets or get injured should abide by all traffic laws at all times.

California women drivers who get injured in a Los Angeles traffic accident caused by another motorist should immediately contact a lawyer. Under the law, car accident victims can claim for injury compensations from the liable party involved. Female car accident victims are advised to hire a Los Angeles injury attorney who can help them assert for injury payments.