Florida Parasailing Accident Survivor Speaks Out on Death of Fiancee

A young man who survived a Florida parasail accident that claimed the life of his fiancee recounts what happened that day to a Florida news source.

Shaun Ladd and Alejandra White had gone to Clearwater Beach, Florida, for a day that would include a parasailing trip. The couple approached operators Skyscreamer Parasail. Ladd and White were lifted high into the sky in a tandem parasail rig, which allowed them to fly side by side. Ladd stated that minutes into the parasail ride, the winds picked up and he heard a loud pop -- the sound of the tow rope snapping.

Ladd told the St. Petersburg Times that after the tow line broke, the couple's parachute carried them aloft away from the speedboat, before they drifted back toward the ocean. Ladd landed in the water and broke free of his harness while the parachute carried White toward the beach. White was dragged along the beach, striking beach umbrellas, chairs, and a volleyball net post. White died several days later from injuries including severe brain injury.

An experienced Fort Myers, Florida parasail accident attorney works with families who have lost loved ones or suffered injuries in parasailing accidents.

This latest parasailing fatality has brought the hazards of this form of recreation back into the public spotlight. Safety advocates are calling for greater regulation of parasailing industry practices to protect consumers. Ladd and White were visiting Florida from Georgia and had planned to be married. Though the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard continue to investigate this fatal parasailing accident, no charges have been filed and the parasail operator remains open for business.

Related Florida Injury Attorney Blog Entries:

Victim of Clearwater Florida Parasail Accident Dies from Her Injuries

Florida Parasail Accident Update: Investigators Say Tow Rope Broke in Clearwater Parasailing Accident; Victim Still Hospitalized

News Source:

Survivor recalls horror of Clearwater parasailing accident that killed his fiancee
TampaBay.com Oct. 14, 2010

View the original article here

The 411 on Your Auto Accident Attorney

If you've been injured in an auto accident, the first thing you need to do after having your medical needs seen to is take steps to defend your legal rights and contact an auto accident attorney. Whether you realize it or not, in the coming months and years your life is going to change drastically. There are going to be expenses involved in your accident and your recovery that you had no way of planning for a year ago, and those expenses are likely to put a tremendous financial drain on your budget.

A good auto accident attorney will be able to help alleviate some of the burden of those expenses by negotiating a settlement for you with the parties responsible for the accident in the first place. If you've been injured as the result of another's carelessness, that individual now has a responsibility to you to ensure that you are able to receive the medical care and rehabilitative therapy you need to make a full recovery without putting yourself into the poor house.

Your auto accident attorney will work with all parties involved to negotiate a fair and legal settlement that will meet your needs, seeking to obtain compensation for your:

o Lost wages

o Medical expenses (including prescription and physician co-pays)

o Rehabilitative therapy

o In home care

o Child care while you are unable to care for your family yourself

o Property damage

o Pain and suffering

o Mental well being and counseling

o Embarrassment

Essentially, any expenses arising from the accident are the responsibility of the people who caused the accident. Your auto accident attorney will work to ensure that they accept that responsibility and take steps to see that their obligation is met and you are properly cared for.

When choosing the auto accident attorney that will represent your legal rights, you're going to have a very large pool from which to make your selection. Ideally, any lawyer that is actively practicing personal injury law will have the skills and the courtroom savvy to negotiate the best settlement possible; however, as that is not always the case there are several things to consider before making your selection.

First and foremost, any good personal injury attorney is going to work on a contingency basis. In other words, they aren't going to charge you a dime unless they are able to negotiate a settlement for you. The bottom line is that most lawyers are overworked, and putting together a good legal case takes time and effort. A good auto accident attorney will exert that time and effort to ensure that you get the best results possible from your claim, and they are going to reap the rewards of that effort. An attorney that charges you up front is far more concerned with money than with your well being, and they may lead you into a court battle that is going to cost you thousands of dollars in fees with their eyes wide shut, knowing you don't have a chance of winning or unwilling to put in the time and effort needed to solidify your case but willing to take your money anyway.

The second thing you want to look for is experience. Very few lawyers (and none with any sense) go straight from law school to private practice. A good auto accident attorney will work with a large firm for several years to get their feet wet before branching out on their own, and that will give you, the client, the opportunity to see their case history.

An attorney who regularly walks into the courtroom and negotiates a settlement for their clients is much more likely to win you the compensation you deserve than one who is consistently trampled by the opposition, and an auto accident attorney with more experience will know the written and unwritten ins and outs of the trade that can make all the difference when it comes to your settlement.

Your auto accident attorney is going to be your strongest resource when it comes to winning your claim in a court of law, defending your legal rights and taking back your life after an accident.

For more information about all types of injuries, accidents, and wrongful death lawsuits visit the Injury Lawyer Group

How To Protect Your Child From Our Accident Epidemic

Accidents are the leading cause of death from 1 through 19. Over 12,000 children die each year in accidents, and millions are injured, many seriously. This booklet has safety tips for over 50 topics. The tips help parents develop Personal Safety Plans.

Check it out!

Lexington County Pick-up Truck Accident Claims One Life

Posted On: April 19, 2010 by Michael Jeffcoat

At approximately 3:40 AM on Sunday, April 18, a pick-up truck passenger was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene, along Interstate 77 in Lexington County, South Carolina. Evidence at the scene indicates that the truck driver was traveling at a high rate of speed. The truck left the road, and flipped several times before stopping. No other vehicles are known to have been involved in the accident. Lexington County Coroner Harry Harman will release the passenger's name once the deceased's family has been notified.

If you have legal questions after a truck or auto accident, you can call me at (803) 808-9600. You can learn your legal rights quickly, and the call is free and without obligation.

View the original article here

Truck Accident Causing Severe Injuries

A California jury has awarded an Oregon girl $24.3 million in damages for being run over by a tractor trailer truck. The defendant was a transport company that was the carrier, insurer and guarantor of delivery for the truck’s contents.
At the time of the accident, the girl was 14. She was run over when the truck driver, who actually was the girl’s father drove away from a rest break without realizing that his daughter was still outside the truck. The girl was caught under the truck's rear wheels and suffered severe injuries to her entire lower body that will require many future surgeries. Interestingly, the judge in the case ruled that the jury would not be told that it was the girl’s father who caused the accident, as that fact was irrelevant to the issue of negligence and damages. A copy of an article regarding the case can be found here.

My name is Andrew Slutkin. As an experienced Baltimore, Maryland attorney who specializes in catastrophic injury cases, I have successfully handled a number of truck accident cases. These cases require aggressive representation as the insurers and attorneys for the trucks almost always fight these cases tooth and nail. Knowledge of the insurance regulations and federal regulations regarding trucks also is important. To see some of the cases I have handled, click here.

View the original article here

Understanding the Need For an Auto Accident Attorney

Millions of accidents occur on a yearly basis. It doesn't matter where you are in the United States. If you are living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, you are not spared from auto accident lawsuits and you may have to seek the assistance of a Milwaukee auto accident attorney. In truth, there are many kinds of traffic lawsuits and auto accidents are just one of them. Traffic lawsuits are classified according to SUV rollover, 15-passenger van, auto-accident, motorcycle accident, truck, bus accident, pedestrian accident, drunk drivers and railroad crossing accident lawsuits.

The Need for a Milwaukee Auto Accident Attorney

Auto accidents are fairly common. They can happen to you. Being a careful driver may considerably reduce your risks of being involved in an accident, but you can only control your decisions and actions. Ultimately, you may not be able to control the driver of another car. This is why people may suddenly find themselves in the midst of a traffic accident. You can discipline yourself to drive carefully and wisely, but you can't control everything that happens on the road. Unfortunately, auto accidents often result to deaths and injuries. People's thoughtlessness, recklessness and negligence on the road may have huge detrimental results.

If you are involved in an auto accident in Milwaukee, you probably need a lawyer in that area. You definitely need an attorney who will protect your legal rights. It doesn't matter if you are the one facing a lawsuit or if you are the one filing the lawsuit - you have rights to protect. You need to make sure that you get properly compensated for damages. An attorney will also help you negotiate settlements. He or she will help you seek compensation from evasive insurance companies. Your attorney will also help you pursue the proper actions against uncooperative parties.

Choosing Your Auto Accident Lawyer

Without an auto accident lawyer, you won't know how to pursue a legal action. You won't know when your cause of action will expire. Yes, your cause of action expires and you need to act on your right before you are barred by law to pursue legal actions. You need to get hold of an experienced, reliable, honest attorney before this happens.

Fortunately, it is now easier to look for a trustworthy lawyer that you can afford. You can visit sites like Legal Match in order to look for a lawyer. With the assistance of sites like this, you will be able to look for a Milwaukee auto accident attorney who can help you pursue legal actions and file for legal claims. You wouldn't have to wonder what you will do next when you have legal assistance from a reliable expert.

James Anthony Smith runs an online site design to help people look for the best lawyers that they can find and afford. Check out this site for more information - http://www.milwaukeeautoaccidentattorney.com

How to Select a Truck Accident Attorney

A truck accident is something that may occur due to a variety of reasons. The causes may range from the driver being in a hurry, to an overloaded truck, to the driver being negligent in seeing an approaching vehicle, to some mechanical failure, to overtaking from wrong side to even negligence in viewing blind spots. In case you are a victim of a truck accident and have suffered injuries, you must consult a truck accident attorney to get compensation for your loss.

Mostly, truck accidents result is very severe consequences, like grave injuries and at times even death. There is also the financial aspect in terms of loss of property. The advice and expertise of a truck accident attorney will be good as well as suitable for a victim as the attorney has complete knowledge regarding the rules, laws as well as norms governing such a situation. An accident lawyer can correctly advice you as to what is the worth of your case. Mostly, you can sue the truck company for compensation. The truck accident attorney will assist you in filing the lawsuit and recovering your damage.

Your attorney will help you get compensation after filing a case against the truck company, as there are many conditions for this. You can get the amount for recovering the money spent on injuries, the amount spent on rehabilitation, domestic services, etc., amount lost in terms of earning in the present as well as future, amount lost due to decrease in earning ability, and amount lost in case of death of a family member in terms of care, love, affection that he/she had for the family. In case the harm done is intentional, then the punitive charges can be made on the person.

As the process is long and quite complex, you should settle for an attorney after thorough consideration. Make sure that the person you choose is experienced enough in truck accidents. He should be belligerent to stand against the truck company. The truck accident attorney should be easily approachable. He should be available for you whenever you speak. You should make sure that if the attorney hires any investigator, then the fees of the same should be included in the attorney fees. Your attorney must be one who accompanies you to all the meetings with your insurance company. And lastly, his fees and charges should not be too exorbitant.

Attorneys charge their clients on a contingency basis. This implies that if you attorney is successful in getting you the compensation, you have to pay him a part of the compensation as his fees, usually 33-40%. You can easily find a good and experienced truck accident attorney in the yellow pages. There, the names of the attorneys will be listed as per their specialization field. Get references from friends or colleagues to get someone trustworthy. In all, you should select one who can guarantee you the compensation you deserve and justice

You can visit a personal injury Lawyer now.

Obtain more information on an Accident Attorney

Alternatively, you can reach us on 800-300-0001

High-Profile Fort Lauderdale Fatal Traffic Accident Case: Judge Postpones Start of ex Yankee Leyritz DUI Manslaughter Trial

The DUI manslaughter trial of former New York Yankees player and World Series hero Jim Leyritz has been delayed while attorneys wrestle with evidentiary questions, media reports stated.

The fatal traffic accident occurred in 2007 when Leyritz, who once played for the Yankees, ran a red light at a Fort Lauderdale, Florida intersection -- crashing into another vehicle and killing its driver. Attorneys defending Leyritz reportedly have issues with charges against their client as they relate to certain evidence that may be admitted or excluded.

Florida Drunk Driving Statistics and Convictions

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 875 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in 2008. Though drunk driving motor vehicle accidents have been on the decline in Florida, drinking and driving remains a serious public safety hazard.

According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles, the state of Florida had 34,638 driving under the influence (DUI) convictions in 2006 -- down 8 percent from 2005. The legal blood alcohol limit in Florida for adult drivers 21 and over is under .08 percent. Florida has a zero tolerance law for alcohol consumption and under aged drivers. Drunk driving conviction statistics in South Florida counties in 2006 include...

Broward County (Fort Lauderdale) 1,606
Brevard County (Melbourne) 1,665
Miami-Dade (Miami) 1,824

Families whose loved ones are injured or killed in Florida drunk driving car crashes may consult a Fort Lauderdale accident injury attorney for guidance on whether or not they may have a case.

Related Florida Injury Attorney Blog Articles:

Ex-Yankee Leyritz Trial Delay in Fatal Fort Lauderdale DUI Traffic Accident

Fort Lauderdale DUI Accident: Former NY Yankee Charged with Manslaughter Checked into Broward Hospital

Sources:

No set start date for DUI manslaughter trial of former Yankee
CNN Justice Oct. 1, 2010

Florida DMV: Florida Drunk Driving

View the original article here

Accident Attorney - You Are Entitled to Compensation

When you are involved in an accident that causes serious damage, injury, or a loss of wages, a attorney will tell you that you are entitled to compensation. Many people think that they should just move on and avoid the hassle of legal issues. However, doing that is only going to make the situation worse. If you're been injured in an accident, the last thing that you need to worry about is money, losing your job, or paying the medical bills from your hospitalization. Therefore, you need to hire a Dallas accident attorney who can help you get the compensation that you deserve.

Peace of mind is critical in your accident case. Any Dallas accident attorney will tell you that. You need to make sure that you get this peace of mind any way that you can, even if it means going to court over a lawsuit against the liable party. Some accident claims are placed against insurance companies, while others are lodged against the person at fault. Regardless, you need to file your claim against the responsible party, and work with your Dallas accident attorney to get the best outcome.

Hiring a Dallas accident attorney doesn't have to be a hassle and you don't have to know much at all about legal proceedings in order to get the job done right. You just have to be willing to ask them for help and be able and willing to talk about your accident so that you can get the results that you deserve from your claim. Some people are so traumatized that it is hard to talk about what had happened to them. However, communication with the Dallas accident attorney about the incident is necessary for a successful case.

You should keep in mind that you ARE entitled to compensation in the majority of accident cases. Your Dallas accident attorney will advise you on the compensation can receive, so that you are able to take full advantage of setback. After all, if you can get money for pain and suffering in addition to your medical expenses and lost wages, why shouldn't you? If you're ready to talk, contact a Dallas accident attorney today and get on with your life.

Mullen and Mullen specialized accident attorney can deal with any type of complicated cases. So you can be rest assured that, with us, you will find justice.

When to Contact a Car Accident Attorney

A motor accident in itself can be very depressing as well as demanding on the victim not only mentally and physically but also financially. There will be loads of people to advise you to not worry after the car accident and just settle for whatever insurance coverage you get. However, sometimes, a caraccident attorney is essential to make sure you get all that you deserve as compensation. A car accident attorney, though not compulsory, is still a major help in many situations.

The first factor to consider before you appoint a car accident attorney is the severity of the car accident and the injuries of the victim. In case of any serious accident, where one or even more vehicles have been badly affected, the involvement of a car accident attorney is the best to understand the norms and get the best benefits out of your insurance claims. In case you have been injured, your vehicle accident attorney will help you with the settlement you actually deserve.

If you are being offered a settlement deal, never accept it without consulting your car accident attorney. This will help you get the correct amount of compensation. Most of the lawyers are not paid until there is a successful negotiation regarding the insurance claim amount. Often there are people who do not go in for their compensation as deserved in fear of the long process. An attorney will help you to carry out everything smoothly.

In case there is an accident in which it is unclear that whose fault caused the accident, then an accident attorney has to be appointed. The severity of the accident is unimportant as the insurance company cannot give any compensation, small or big, till it is determined that whose fault caused the accident. In case you are a victim of a car accident where the fault is not yours but is doubted on, then make sure you contact a skilled car accident attorney to advise you and get you out of this safely.

You will even require the assistance of a vehicle accident lawyer if your insurance company refuses to give you any claim even though you know you deserve it. Your attorney will make sure in terms of settlement with the third party, their insurance company, as well as yours that you get the correct amount. An insurance adjuster will always try to make the lowest possible offer to save money for the insurance company. Expert advice by an attorney will make sure you do not be a target of this.

The experience of a vehicle accident can be very frightening and scary. It is even more traumatic if injuries are involved. There is tension and worry regarding your health, car and of course, the financial trouble. In case of such a situation like a automobile accident, you must know how to deal with it. You must make sure that the third party has your as well as your insurance company's contact information. Most importantly, you must know when and how will you require the skills and expertise of a car accident attorney.

You can visit a Car Accident Attorney now.

Obtain more information on an Accident Attorney

Alternatively, you can reach us on 800-300-0001

Online Accident Attorney - Vital Help Only A Few Clicks Away

Due to booming auto market, technological advances and credit help more and more people own vehicles today. Our cities and roads filled with new fast gizmos moving very swiftly. However, unfortunately this has enormously increased the number of people getting hurt or dying in road mishap. All this untimely loss of health, property or life calls for huge compensations being paid annually by court or insurance companies. Still in the event of an accident, we generally don't call an lawyer and sacrifice our rights.

The legal area pertaining to accidents has become so huge that automobile attorneys have further been narrowed down to truck accident attorneys.

Why We Need Accident Attorneys?

The legal proceedings resulting from an accident are so confusing, in terms of legal jargon, that it becomes almost impossible for a common man to handle all this alone; that too when he is already physically and mentally hurt by the mishap. Then there are medical bills, doctor bills, police reports to be taken care of. But you are surer to receive a deserving compensation if there is someone knowledgeable and experienced to stand for your cause.

Online Accident Attorneys

There are many websites that list such lawyers in your city. In addition, there are many blogs, where you can put up your experience to share and discuss with a lawyer. Many lawyers also have discussions forums and they provide you free initial consultation.

Many law practicing firms create their own web space, where they inform you about their services and feature their specialized attorney's profile.

Ask Your Lawyer

Before finalizing on an online accident attorney, check the following:

The attorney's success history in case of accidents.

Discuss your case's chances of success

Take note of all the procedures of your case and make a rough time schedule too

If there is any additional fees in case of complications in between?

If there is any agreement you need to sign?

Fees of the attorney, in terms of per hour or per case or a percentage of win.

Charges of junior lawyers working on your case.

Kind of disbursements that you may receive

Mode of further communication between you and the lawyer

Always ask for an emergency contact or person, who you can get hold of in case your lawyer is not available

So don't hesitate further and get in touch with an attorney if ever you get into a road mishap.

Contacting an automobile accident attorneys [http://www.onlineaccidentattorney.info/automobileaccidentattorneys.html] or truck accident attorney [http://www.onlineaccidentattorney.info/truckaccidentattorney.html] is a must if you get into an accident with any. Accident attorneys can be found through web too as an online accident attorney [http://www.onlineaccidentattorney.info/index.html].

Behold, the Power of a Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn't your fault, and now you're struggling to figure out where to go from here? If you're thinking that you need to find a way to defend your legal rights, you're absolutely right-and a good motorcycle accident attorney is just the person to help you do it.

It's an unfortunate fact that in this day and age attorneys have been given a horrible reputation as uncaring sharks; however, when the time comes for you to appear in a court of law and argue for your right to compensation from the person or persons responsible for your accident your motorcycle accident attorney will be one shark you're glad to have swimming on your side.

Make no mistake-if you've been injured in an accident that you weren't responsible for you are most definitely entitled to compensation from the parties that caused your injury. Although in a Utopian society the individuals responsible would step forward, admit their culpability and take positive action toward acknowledging their responsibilities, it is far more likely that they are going to protest their innocence. You're going to want a good motorcycle accident attorney to ensure that your rights don't get trampled under their protestations.

A motorcycle accident attorney will be able to get the ball rolling on your claim, and nine times out of ten they can urge all parties involved to negotiate a settlement without the added hassle of a long, drawn out court case. The type of compensation you will be entitled to varies from case to case; however, as a general rule of thumb you can expect your attorney to attempt to arrange a settlement that will compensate you for:

o The rehabilitative therapy you need to make a full recovery

o Your medical expenses (including physician and prescription co-pays) generated as a result of the accident

o In home and child care for the time you are unable to care for yourself and your family

o Lost wages during your convalescence

o Pain and suffering

o Mental anguish

o Embarrassment

o The damage to your vehicle and other private property as a result of the accident

The bottom line is that the individuals responsible for your accident are responsible for the expenses generated by it, and they owe that responsibility to you. Your motorcycle accident attorney is going to be the one to ensure that they acknowledge that responsibility, and that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

You can never go back and erase the accident, or the way it is going to affect your life, but with the help of a motorcycle accident attorney you can receive the compensation you need to enjoy the bright, fresh new future you deserve.

For more information about all types of injuries, accidents, and wrongful death lawsuits visit the Injury Lawyer Group

Tips For Choosing Your Car Accident Attorney

As the driver of a motorcycle, car or any motor vehicle that may become involved in an accident, it can be hard for you to win the case even if you are not in the wrong, especially if the other party has an attorney of their own. For this reason, it's best to hire a competent accident attorney to fight your case for you. Obviously, you have to pay this attorney for their services, but some lawyers will not charge you until the case is settled. The price you pay a professional will be worth the money once you find out how much they can actually claim for you in terms of compensation from insurance companies and the second party of the accident.

Never Handle an Accident Case Alone

It is not advisable to attempt to handle any accident case you get involved in alone. This is because you will need to be fully aware of your rights and responsibilities before you can actually settle with an insurance company or even think of suing the other driver of the accident. Once you make a settlement with the insurance company, remember that it revokes your right for claiming any compensation. Without knowledge of the entire cost of the accident or the extent of the expenses of the injuries you incur, it will be hard to recover all the money without the help of a car accident attorney.

Hire a Competent Lawyer

To ensure you receive maximum compensation for your accident, you will be required to hire a competent lawyer to represent you. The best accident lawyers may have people waiting for their services so do your research to find the best legal representation. If you do get an immediate meeting with the attorney, it may imply that the attorney is not competent enough to handle the case as they are relatively free to accept any case that comes their way.

The best accident attorneys do not accept all the cases that come their way. In fact, they are very selective about the cases they accept, and the people they represent. So you should be selective about the attorney you hire to represent you by writing a list of questions and asking them questions about their experience. Read testimonies from the lawyers past clients to see if they were satisfied with their services.

Beware of Attorneys who do not Answer your Questions

Avoid attorneys who discourage your questions, and cannot answer them in a straightforward manner. This may mean that they are not the best for your case, and that they may not have adequate experience to represent your case. Find out how long your desired car accident attorney has been practicing law, as experience is very important in such matters.

Investigate to see if the car accident attorney has ever won a large verdict or settlement and if he or she will be personally working on your case. There may be more questions you can ask your attorney in your particular case but these questions are sufficient to help you get a competent attorney to fight your case for you.

Houston accident attorney representing Houston, Texas. Vujasinovic & Beckcom represent car and truck accident cases. Houston clients may prefer a Houston truck accident attorney familiar with their area who specializes in injury legal services.

Truck Accident Attorneys - Helping In an Accident Emergency

Truck accident attorneys are lawyers who specialize in the claim redress of accidents involving trucks. Given the size of trucks even a low impact can lead to a serious injury or death. As such, you can incur hospital bills, doctor bills, wage loss, vehicle damage along with mental trauma. Automobile lawyers make you aware of your rights and assist in receiving the best possible compensation from the insurance company or truck owner.

Why Is It Different?

The legal area of lawyers dealing with automobile mishaps is different because these are not like any other auto mishap. The massive size and weight of trucks make trucking incidents catastrophic, resulting in serious injuries and death most of the times. Even the cause of such accidents is very unique to the build of the heavy vehicle. Some are:

Equipment Failure - Brakes, steering components and tires in trucks are very powerful and need regular maintenance.


Jackknifing - It's accidental folding of the trailer and usually happens to an empty vehicle.


Turning Accidents - The length of heavy and bulky vehicle make it very difficult to take wide turns.


Stopping Distance - The stopping distance required for trucks is much greater than that of any other vehicle.


Blind Spots - Blind spots in trucks are much larger than cars and makes changing lanes very dangerous.

Why Are Accident Attorneys Necessary?

Mishap lawyers work in the field of laws and regulations related to accidents involving heavy and bulky vehicle. They provide you in-depth information about immediate steps to be taken after a truck accident. They help you with the procedure of filing a complaint and its details, ensuring that you receive fair compensation as quickly as possible.

There are many web-based centers too, to help you out find an attorney. Online attorneys provide help and consultation, free of cost too. They even provide toll free numbers, to discuss your problems.

Help Yourself

To make your case strong and let your attorney help you to his most, do the following immediately after an accident.

Report the mishap to police.


Call up a hospital


Obtain the name, address, vehicle license number, driver's license number of persons involved


Get names, addresses and telephone numbers of all witnesses


Take pictures of the incident scene


Contact your attorney


Do not sign anything without consulting your attorney


Notify your insurance company


Report memory problems, confusion or disorientation, however minor these may seem at the time

So if you get into a truck accident don't panic, just call your truck accident attorney.

Truck accident attorneys are a super specialization of automobile accident attorneys [http://www.onlineaccidentattorney.info/automobileaccidentattorneys.html]. They must be immediately contacted in case of a truck accident. Accident attorney [http://www.onlineaccidentattorney.info/accidentattorney.html] can be found through web too, as online accident attorney [http://www.onlineaccidentattorney.info/index.html].

Auto Accident Attorneys - Steps to Choose the Right Lawyer For Your Michigan Car Accident

Finding and meeting the right lawyer can seem intimidating, especially for someone who has never hired an auto attorney.

So how do you go about finding the best auto accident attorney to handle your case? I recommend you do the following:

• Begin by talking with family, friends and co-workers to see if anyone they know was involved in a car accident lawsuit. Ask them about their experience and if they would recommend their auto attorney.

• Search the Internet for local attorneys who specialize in auto accidents. Review their Web sites for professional advice and a solid track record with cases. Beware of advertising materials and Web sites that contain self-proclaimed endorsements, such as 'the best, the top, leading,' that cannot be supported by fact or verified by recognized third parties.

• Avoid the Yellow Pages: The best auto accident attorneys don't have to advertise heavily, they earn new clients from positive word of mouth or from other lawyer referrals.

Once you have identified a few potential auto attorneys, do some research before contacting their offices:

• Seek third-party verification of the law firm and the lawyer's reputation by checking legal publications, such as Michigan Lawyers Weekly, for any positive or negative publicity about the lawyer or the cases that she has handled.

• Contact the State Bar of Michigan and Martindale-Hubbell, or visit those Web sites to find out whether the lawyer is in good standing. Martindale-Hubbell's AV Rating is the highest for legal ability and ethics, though very few Michigan lawyers and law firms have been given this top rating.

• The auto accident attorney should be actively involved with Michigan legal organizations such as the Michigan Association for Justice, the American Association for Justice and the State Bar of Michigan; not just as members but as leaders familiar with the latest developments in Michigan no-fault insurance and auto negligence personal injury laws.

Once you have verified the quality of an auto attorney, call to set up an initial consultation. Some firms will charge a consultation fee to meet with you, but most Michigan auto accident attorneys offer free consultations to better inform potential clients, with no fee or obligation. Because car accident cases are very time-sensitive, you should expect the attorney to quickly respond to a phone or Internet request immediately.

The first meeting is very important in deciding whether an auto accident attorney or law firm is the right fit for you. Here are some ideas of questions to ask during the consultation that can help evaluate whether a particular lawyer will be the best fit for your case:

1. How easy will it be to get in touch with you?
2. What client references do you have that can comment on your skills and trustworthiness?
3. How many cases like mine have you handled in the last year?
4. Who else in the office will be working on my case?
5. How is payment for services handled? Are there any fees I will have to pay out of pocket during my case or at the end?
6. If my case is lost and no compensation is awarded, will I still owe you something for your time and effort? (Generally speaking, auto attorneys will charge for their services on a contingency fee basis, where the client pays the attorney 33 percent of what the attorney collects in a settlement or if the case goes to trial.)

After the consultation is over, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Did the auto accident attorney listen well?
2. Did the attorney explain legal topics to me in terms I was able to understand?
3. Did the auto attorney appear very knowledgeable about Michigan no-fault law and how the law applies to my specific case? Did he have to "research it" and get back to me?
4. Did the auto attorney seem to understand my medical injuries and offer to refer me to the best medical care?

Ultimately, you want to choose the auto accident lawyer that you believe will do the best job for you. Even if you choose not to hire an attorney or file a lawsuit, there is no harm in getting initial advice on steps you can take to immediately protect yourself after a serious injury from a Michigan auto accident.

If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a Michigan auto accident and would like legal advice, please visit http://www.michiganautolaw.com - the largest law firm exclusively handling Michigan car accident, truck accident and motorcycle accident cases throughout the entire state.

Steve Gursten is recognized as one of the nation's top experts in serious car and truck accident injury cases and automobile insurance no-fault litigation. Steve has received the largest jury verdict for an automobile accident case in Michigan in four of the past seven years, including 2008. Check out Steve's lawyer profile at http://www.michiganautolaw.com/firm_profile/steven-gursten-attorney.php to learn more.