07
Sep
2018
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Seeking the Best Treatment for a Neck Injury After a Car Accident
Posted by Injury Attorney in Accident Attorney , Bicycle Accident , Bus Accident , Car Accident , DUI Accident , Motorcycle Accident , Pain and Suffering , Pedestrian Accident , Personal Injury , Spinal Cord Injury , Truck Accident , Wrongful Death

Even though many people associate neck injuries with rear-end crashes, you can sustain a neck injury in any car crash that causes your head violently snap in any direction. Neck injuries in car crashes can result in chronic pain and limited range of motion. In addition, neck injuries can also cause dizziness, headaches, shoulder pain, numbness in the arms and hands, and problems with memory and concentration.

It is Important to Seek Treatment for Your Neck Injury

Neck injuries typically do not have outward signs of trauma because the damage is internal. However, the injury is as real as an injury that results in bruises, broken bones, lacerations, or other outward indications of an injury. Because of the lack of outward trauma, insurance companies often deny an injury claim. The company may claim that the neck injury is not as severe as the victim claims and the pain they claim is exaggerated.

To protect your legal rights, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident.  Documenting your neck injury is very important. A physician can diagnose your injury and develop a treatment plan. It is important that you follow your physician’s treatment plan and attend all follow-up appointments. By attending your follow-up appointments, your doctor can document the severity of your injury, including your pain and any restrictions on your activity because of the neck injury.

Can You Recover Compensation for Neck Injuries?

Under California law, an accident victim may seek compensation for injuries, losses, and damages arising from a car accident. The victim must prove the other party caused the crash to collect compensation. An injury claim seeks compensation for financial damages, pain, and suffering. For a neck injury, examples of damages that might be compensable include:

  • The cost of medical care, including doctor’s bills, physical therapy, and medications
  • Loss of income, including future lost wages and loss of earning capacity
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional and mental anguish, including loss of enjoyment of life
  • Permanent impairment or disability

The amount of compensation you might receive for a neck injury depends on numerous factors. The total of your financial damages is one component we use to value an injury claim. Valuing your pain and suffering damages is a bit more complicated because pain and suffering are subjective.  However, we can use your medical records and other evidence to help substantiate your claim for pain and suffering damages. It is crucial that we build a strong and convincing case for full compensation of all damages.

Contact a Sacramento Car Accident Attorney

Neck injury cases can be difficult. Insurance companies do not want to pay claims if they can find a way to avoid it. Insurance companies often challenge accident claims involving a neck injury. However, working with an experienced Sacramento car accident attorney who has experience handing neck injury claims may be your best chance for recovering fair and just compensation for your injuries.

Call The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 to schedule your free consultation with a Sacramento car accident attorney. We want to help you recover the money you deserve for your accident. Regardless of whether you can “see” an injury or not, you deserve to be compensated when a negligent driver causes an injury.

 

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05
Sep
2018
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Defensive Driving Tips That May Help You Avoid a Car Accident
Posted by Injury Attorney in Accident Attorney , Bicycle Accident , Bus Accident , Car Accident , Motorcycle Accident , Pedestrian Accident , Personal Injury , Truck Accident , Wrongful Death

According to California’s traffic records, 3,435 people were killed, and 254,561 people were injured in traffic accidents during 2015. Many of the accidents that occur on Sacramento roads are not preventable. However, there are some steps that you can take to help decrease the risk of being involved in a car accident.

Don’t Allow Yourself to be Distracted.

Distracted driving is a very common cause of car accidents. When a driver is distracted, he or she is more likely to cause an accident. While you cannot control what another driver may do behind the wheel, you can avoid distractions that could delay your reaction time or be the reason you cause a collision.

Obey the Speed Limit.

Maintaining a safe speed can reduce the risk of an accident by giving you additional time to react to the actions of other drivers. Driving at a slower speed may also reduce the risk of a severe or life-threatening injury in the event of a car accident. The time that you save by going 10 to 15 miles faster than the posted speed limit is not worth the risk associated with speeding.

Don’t Follow Too Closely.

Tailgating also increases your risk of being involved in an accident. Drivers may slam on the brakes suddenly or for no apparent reason at all. You need sufficient time to stop before colliding with the vehicle in front of you. Remember to allow additional space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you in poor weather conditions, such as fog or rain.

Other Safe Driving Tips.

Other safe driving tips that can help you keep yourself and your family safe on the road include:

  • Always pull into traffic slowly.
  • Be aware of blind spots and always check carefully before merging or pulling into traffic.
  • Watch for children who may dart into the road, especially near schools, parks, playgrounds, and residential areas.
  • Be careful backing up. Always look backward when backing up instead of trusting your mirrors or backup camera.
  • Watch for drivers who may run red lights, stop signs, and yield signs.
  • Keep at least one hand on the steering wheel.
  • Avoid driving in the fast lane except for passing slower vehicles.
  • Perform maintenance on your vehicle to keep it in top running condition, including replacing the tires, lights, and windshield wipers as necessary.
  • Use extra caution when driving at night, especially when traveling in an unfamiliar area.
  • Program your GPS before you leave home. If you need to reprogram the GPS, you should pull over to a safe location before attempting to enter the information.
  • Avoid drowsy or fatigued driving.
  • Don’t drive when you are angry because you are more likely to drive aggressively.

If you are involved in an accident, notify the police and request emergency services. It is always a good idea to be checked by a doctor as soon as possible after an accident. You could have injuries that you may not be aware of immediately after the crash.

Contact a Sacramento Car Accident Attorney for Help

For a free consultation with a Sacramento car accident attorney, contact The Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website.

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04
Sep
2018
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California Commercial Truck Accident FAQ
Posted by Injury Attorney in Accident Attorney , Bicycle Accident , Bus Accident , Car Accident , Motorcycle Accident , Personal Injury , Truck Accident , Wrongful Death

Commercial trucks provide an extremely important service. These large vehicles make it possible to move enormous quantities of goods across the country effectively and affordably. However, commercial trucks can be extremely deadly for other motorists and their passengers.

The number of people who died in large truck accidents increased by just over five percent in 2016. Of the 4,317 people who died in truck accidents during 2016, eighty-three percent (83%) were occupants of other vehicles or non-occupants, such as bicyclists or pedestrians.

Only seventeen percent (17%) of the fatalities in large truck accidents were occupants of a large truck. One reason for the extreme difference in numbers is that a passenger vehicle simply cannot withstand the impact of a collision with a vehicle that is so much larger than the passenger vehicle. In addition to the fatalities, large truck accidents injury thousands of people each year.

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about California commercial truck accidents.

Who is responsible for a large truck accident claim?

The factors that contributed to the cause of the cash determine who is liable for damages. If the truck driver was negligent, the driver might be held liable. However, the truck company might be liable too. In some cases, a shipper, parts manufacturer, construction crew, repair shop, or government entity could be liable. An experienced truck accident attorney investigates the crash to establish fault and liability.

Can I recover compensation for my expenses?

If another party caused the truck accident, California personal injury laws provide a way for you to recover compensation for damages. You might receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, physical pain, mental anguish, and emotional suffering. If you are permanently impaired, you can receive compensation for your disability and future damages.

When will I receive money for my claim?

Each injury claim is different. The amount of time your case remains open depends on several factors. It is not wise to settle a claim before you finish treatment. You need to ensure that you have recovered fully or that you understand the severity of your disability before accepting a settlement offer. Once you accept the settlement offer, you cannot recover additional compensation even if you discover another injury or incur additional expenses.

How much is my truck accident claim worth?

The value of your claim also depends on several factors. Your financial damages are one component you must consider. The total of your medical expenses, loss of income, and other out-of-pocket expenses are one factor. In addition to financial damages, you can receive compensation for your non-economic damages. Your “pain and suffering” damages include physical pain, mental anguish, emotional stress, and permanent disabilities. Your Sacramento truck accident lawyer uses all evidence and facts to maximize the amount of compensation you might receive for your injury claim.

Call The Tiemann Law Firm for More Information About Truck Accident Claims

You probably have many more questions about filing a truck accident claim. Our Sacramento truck accident attorneys answer your questions during a free consultation. Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. Our lawyers provide guidance, support, and legal advice to help you get through a difficult time.

Call The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or visit our website.

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31
Aug
2018
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How Does a Drowsy Driver Cause a Sacramento Car Accident?
Posted by Injury Attorney in Accident Attorney , Bicycle Accident , Car Accident , Distracted Driving , Drunk Driving , Hit and Run , Motorcycle Accident , Pedestrian Accident , Personal Injury , Truck Accident , Wrongful Death

Many of us have hectic schedules that can interfere with sleep at times. Work, school, family, and a social life can seriously cut into the time we sleep. However, some people do not acknowledge that they are too tired to drive. They still get behind the wheel of a vehicle even though they are tired and drowsy. Sadly, drowsy driving can be as dangerous as driving while impaired. A drowsy driver should be held responsible for damages caused by a drowsy driving accident.

How Deadly is Drowsy Driving?

According to the NHTSA, 736 fatal crashes and 33,000 injury crashes during 2015 involved drowsy drivers. Over a five-year period from 2011 through 2015, there were 3,662 fatal drowsy driving accidents and 160,000 drowsy driving accidents involving injuries. The CDC reports that 1 in 25 drivers report falling asleep while driving a vehicle in the past 30 days. When a driver is drowsy, the driver pays less attention to the traffic and the road ahead. Drowsiness also decreases a driver’s ability to make good decisions and slows the driver’s reaction time. Therefore, if a driver is drowsy, the risk of causing a traffic accident increases.

Drowsy Driving and Commercial Drivers

Along with shift workers, third shift workers, and driver’s with untreated sleeping disorders, commercial truck drivers are more likely to drive while drowsy. Some companies push their drivers to drive long hours to shorten the time of delivery. Truck drivers who drive while fatigued and drowsy are risking their lives and the lives of others.

The FMCSA has strict limits on the number of hours a truck driver can operate a vehicle without breaks or sleep.  The limits are designed to reduce the risk of large truck accidents.

What Should You Do If a Drowsy Driver Injures You?

Proving that a driver is drowsy may be difficult; therefore, we focus on the actions of the driver. For example, was the driver following too closely or did the driver fail to yield the right of way? By focusing on the actions of the driver that caused the crash, we can prove fault and liability, which are essential for recovering compensation for a car accident claim.

Some of the important steps that you need to take after a drowsy driving accident include:

  • Call the police to report the crash
  • Take pictures and a video of the accident scene, if possible
  • Ask for the names and contact information for any eyewitnesses
  • Seek medical attention, a delay in medical attention could make it more difficult to recover full compensation
  • Do not agree to provide written or recorded statements or sign medical or other releases for the other driver’s insurance company
  • Call a Sacramento drowsy driving accident attorney for a free consultation to discuss your legal options

Avoiding a Drowsy Driving Accident

Drinking coffee, eating, rolling the window down, or listening to loud music will not keep a drowsy driver awake. To avoid drowsy driving accidents, you should:

  • Avoid driving when taking medications that cause drowsiness.
  • Do not drive if you have not slept the recommended number of hours.
  • If you feel drowsy, pull over to a safe location to rest.
  • When traveling long distances, switch drivers periodically and take frequent breaks.
  • If you have a sleep disorder, consult a doctor for treatment.

For more information, visit the NHTSA’s drowsy driving webpage.

Contact a Sacramento Drowsy Driving Accident Attorney

For a free consultation, can contact The Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website.

 

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29
Aug
2018
No Comment
Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Injury Claim for a Dog Bite
Posted by Injury Attorney in Dog Bite , Pain and Suffering , Personal Injury , Spinal Cord Injury , Wrongful Death

Under California law, a dog owner may be liable for damages if the dog bites another person. While there are exceptions to the strict liability laws for dog bites in California, a dog owner could be responsible for damages even if the dog does not have a history of being aggressive or vicious and has never bitten anyone before this incident. Therefore, victims in dog bite cases can usually recover compensation for their medical bills, lost income, physical injuries, and emotional suffering.

However, some mistakes you make after a dog bite could hurt your chances of recovering full compensation for all claims.

Mistake Number 1: Failing to Report the Injury

If a dog bites you, you need to report the injury to the police and your local animal control agency. In most cases, you need to report the injury within 24 hours of the attack, if you are unable to file a report immediately.

Mistake Number 2: Failing to See a Doctor

You need to see a doctor as soon as possible after a dog bite. Dog bites can cause serious infections, even if the bite does not appear to be deep. In addition to protecting your health, you need to see a doctor to protect your right to recover compensation. A delay in seeking treatment could be used against you by the defense in an injury claim.

Mistake Number 3: Providing Statements to the Insurance Company

If the insurance company for the dog owner or other interested party contacts you, you should refrain from providing a statement until you consult with an attorney. The insurance company is seeking information it can use to deny your claim. Do not fall for this insurance tactic.

Mistake Number 4: Failing to Document Expenses

You are entitled to recover compensation for reasonable expenses related to the injury. However, you must have proof of the expense to include it in your settlement demand. Therefore, you should carefully document all expenses by keeping receipts, invoices, and other proof of the expense.

Mistake Number 5: Discussing Your Case Online

It is usually best not to discuss the dog bite or your injury online. The insurance company could use anything you post against you. If possible, refrain from using social media or posting anything online until you discuss the matter with your Sacramento dog bite attorney.

Mistake Number 6: Failing to Take Pictures of Your Injury

It can be difficult for a jury to imagine the severity of your injury with evidence. You should take pictures of the injury throughout the recovery process to help document the pain and suffering caused by the dog bite.

Mistake Number 7: Accepting a Settlement Without Consulting with a Sacramento Dog Bite Attorney

If the insurance company offers you a settlement, you need to discuss the settlement proposal with an attorney. The insurance company tries to pay as little as possible to settle claims. You may be entitled to additional compensation. It is best to meet with an attorney before accepting any insurance settlement.

Contact a Sacramento Dog Bite Attorney

For a free consultation with a Sacramento dog bite attorney, you can contact The Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website.

 

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