Auto accidents happen without warning and detrimentally affect your life in many ways.
The first few moments after an accident can be the most important in protecting your rights.
There are some things that you can do to protect yourself immediately after an accident including: oReport the accident to law enforcement oGet contact information from everyone involved and any witnesses oGet statements from witnesses oSeek medical attention even if you do not think you are injured.
After an accident you may be in shock or have injuries that you are not aware of oTake photos of the accident scene and any injuries oDo not admit guilt oWrite down everything that happened and everything that you remember about the accident as soon as possible, before your memory fades oContact our office right away.
As time goes on after an accident your life will be affected in many ways.
You may have expenses, such as vehicle repairs, and suffer physical and emotional consequences, or miss work.
Some things that you can do to help with your case include: Keep all receipts for any expenses related to the accident, including auto repairs and medical bills.
Keep a journal of how the accident affects your everyday life including any physical and emotional pain or limitations.
If your job is affected, by causing you to miss time at work, change duties, or even lose your job, keep a record of this as well, including all lost income.
Fault Do not assume that you were at fault.
Many factors are involved when determining fault, and there may be circumstances involved which you are not aware of.
Elements of fault include: oTraffic laws oDefective vehicles oDefective or faulty traffic signals or signage oDriver impairment If you receive a ticket that does not mean you are at fault.
Always talk to an attorney before paying any fines or pleading guilty.
You could hurt your case by doing this or open the opportunity for the other driver to sue you.
Insurance Insurance companies will often try to play on your emotions and offer a quick settlement.
They do this in an attempt to pay an amount less than you are entitled to.
Call our office and speak with an experienced attorney before accepting any kind of offer.
If you accept the offer you give up your right to pursue the matter further.
Insurance companies may also try to get your medical records.
Never turn this information over without speaking to an attorney first.
Remember that just because they ask for something does not necessarily mean you have to comply.
In some cases you will be required to provide medical records, but giving over too much information can hurt your case.
Sadly, the other driver may not have been insured.
If your policy includes "uninsured motorist coverage" then your insurance will cover your injuries if the other driver was at fault.
Collision coverage will cover damage to your vehicle no matter who was at fault.
If the other driver has no insurance and you have no applicable uninsured motorist coverage you can try to sue them, but even if you win you may never get paid.
If you have or a loved one has been in an auto accident anywhere in Hawaii then call attorney Dan Pagliarini, an experienced Hawaii auto accident attorney at 808-587-5800 and schedule your free case evaluation and consultation today.
Truck Accidents Truck accidents are much more complicated than regular auto accidents.
Multiple parties may be held responsible, multiple insurance companies may be involved, and there are many factors which can determine fault.
Because trucks are commercial vehicles, there are many more laws, and types of laws, which apply to accidents involving trucks than simple auto accidents.
With the complexity surrounding trucking accidents, you may have questions you want answered.
There are many elements which must be considered when determining fault in a truck accident including: oTrucking regulations oDriver skill and training oConsecutive hours of driving oInternal company policies and expectations which may lead to unsafe practices oType of accident, such as underride accidents oOverloaded truck oEquipment malfunction oFaulty brakes oFaulty tires oIntoxication Trucking companies and their insurance companies will have their own dedicated attorneys, sometimes multiple teams of attorneys.
Potential evidence in a truck accident is much more extensive than evidence collected in an auto accident.
Truckers are required to keep logs, some trucking companies use advanced technology such as GPS to track and record things like speed, location and driving time, and there is information that can be obtained from weigh stations, places of loading and unloading, etc.
Trucking companies will not volunteer the evidence needed to prove your case.
Only an experienced truck accident attorney knows what evidence and information to look for, and where to find it.
Numerous state and federal laws apply in truck accidents.
The trucking industry is heavily regulated.
Many of the laws that apply to trucking are designed to keep protect motorists, including rules and regulations regarding: oConsecutive driving hours oCargo weight limits oInspection schedules oDrug and alcohol testing oDriver training oHazardous materials Some of the laws that apply to trucking are designed to prevent various types of illegal activity such as transporting illegal cargo.
These laws can sometimes be applied in accident lawsuits as well.
Truck accidents usually involve multiple responsible parties.
This can include: oDriver oTrucking company oContractor oOwner oTruck manufacturer oGovernment entities oMultiple insurance companies Due to the complex nature of truck accidents, only experienced truck accident attorneys have the knowledge to effectively pursue a truck accident lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident anywhere in Hawaii, then call attorney Dan Pagliarini, an experienced Hawaii truck accident attorney at 808-587-5800 and schedule your free case evaluation and consultation today.