PERSONAL INJURY & CIVIL LITIGATION

Every person in a vehicle has the right to expect that other drivers on the road will exercise  reasonable care when driving. Often times, however, drivers are careless, distracted, or simply disregard the rules of the road exposing other drivers to dangers that can cause serious damage and/or injury.

If you are involved in an auto accident, you have the right to:

• Have your car repaired;
• Get a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired;
• Lost earnings due to your inability to go to work;
• Reimbursement of medical expenses;
• Compensation for pain and suffering.

Even if you do not have a driver’s license or car insurance, we can help you. Your immigration status does not matter.

If you are involved in a car accident, please do the following:

• If your vehicle is drivable, move it to the side of the road and away from oncoming traffic. This will prevent any further accidents and/or injuries;
• Call the police or an ambulance immediately. If you are unable to do so, ask someone to help. Always wait for the police to arrive and file an official accident report. A police report provides documentation detailing the incident, including the identity of witnesses, and any statements given;
• Exchange information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance company information, drivers’ license information;
• Take pictures of the cars involved in the accident and the scene of the accident, if possible;
• Obtain the contact information of any witnesses;
• Immediately seek medical attention. Often times, symptoms will not become apparent until several hours after the accident;
• Never negotiate with the driver of the vehicle, regardless of who may be at fault. Do not make any statements other than to police or your insurance agent;
• Give no written or recorded statements to anyone;
• Contact your insurance company or agent to report the claim;
• Give no written or recorded statements to anyone;
• Contact Mid City Law Firm, LLP, for a free consultation to learn about your rights and legal obligations.

Pedestrians have the right to expect that others on the road, including motorists and bicyclists, will operate their vehicles in a reasonably prudent manner. When they do not, and their negligence causes injury to a pedestrian, they must be held responsible. The majority of pedestrian accidents take place when pedestrians attempt to cross streets and highways whether in a crosswalk or not. A driver of a car owes a duty of care to every pedestrian on the roadway. The driver has to observe the rules of the road and exercise reasonable care. Common factors that contribute to driver negligence include:

•  distracted driving;
•  cell phone use;
•  failure to use signals;
•  disregard for weather or traffic conditions.

These distractions can increase the risk of harm to pedestrians since pedestrians are completely vulnerable in an accident. Even at low speeds, a car hitting a pedestrian can cause serious injury to the pedestrian. A pedestrian has the right to make a claim against anyone who caused or contributed to the pedestrian’s injury and seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Because every case is different, it is important that you consult with an attorney to make a thorough analysis of the facts of your case.

Riding a bicycle can be a fun and inexpensive way to travel. Bicyclists, however, are subject to a greater risk of injury because they share the road with motorists who may have a hard time seeing them. In addition, bicyclists lack adequate protection that will properly shield them from the injuries they can sustain if they are involved in an accident with a car.

Motorists often times do not pay attention to bicyclists even though they are required to share the road with them. For example, sometimes motorists will drive too close to a bicyclist causing the bicyclist to lose balance and fall to the ground, or cut them off when making a right turn or when turning into a driveway. These maneuvers may cause the car to strike the bicyclists, the bicyclist to crash into the side of the car, or crash into something or someone else in an attempt to avoid colliding with the car.

It is important for motorists to understand that bicycles can be ridden on the street or on city sidewalks. If ridden on the street, bicyclists must travel in the direction of traffic and they have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Local city ordinances regulate the manner and place bicycles may be operated on city sidewalks.

In addition, the law requires that bicycles be equipped with safety gear such as lights and reflectors when ridden at night.

If you or a loved one is the victim of an injury due to a bicycle accident, you may be eligible for financial compensation. You may also be entitled to have your bicycle repaired and your medical expenses paid for by the responsible party. You may also be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering.

If a person dies as a result of some else’s negligence, the person’s surviving heirs may bring an action to recover for the losses stemming from the loss of life such as wages from the deceased, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.

While a life is invaluable and no amount of financial payment can ever compensate for the loss of a loved one, financial security for the future and the comfort of bringing the responsible parties to justice can provide a sense of closure to survivors.

Call us for a free confidential consultation.