Vehicular Accidents
There is often no sure way of predicting when an accident will happen. As such, it is important to ensure that all of your legal rights are protected after one has occurred.
Although you may make extra efforts to make certain your own actions don’t result in an auto accident, oftentimes an accident will still occur as a results of another’s negligence or carelessness. Many local governments have passed laws to reduce the number of accidents; however, vehicle accidents continue to be the most common type of accident in the United States due largely to driver negligence and disregard for traffic safety laws. Additionally, in addition to everyday distractions causing an accident, such as road construction and weather, the increased use of electronic devises by persons while driving (such as cell phones and ipods) further increases the potential for accidents.
When an auto accident occurs, the first action taken should be to determine the safety and injuries of all drivers and passengers. As a driver, if you are not seriously injured and your vehicle is able to be moved, you should move it out of traffic to a safe location on the side of the road to avoid causing an additional collision. If no emergency medical treatment is needed, contact the local police department to request assistance in preparing an accident report. The report should include detailed descriptions regarding the accident based on your experience. You should also ask the other drive to provide you copies of their insurance and contact information and be sure to make note of the color, model, make and year of their vehicle.
The term “auto accident” is a general term that includes accidents involving many types of vehicles; however, the resulting injuries and liabilities may differ depending on the type of vehicle(s) involved.
Car Accidents
Even though the potential and severity of injuries may be directly related to the speed of the vehicles involved, there is no question that an accident at any speed can cause extreme damage. The attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates have the experience and resources necessary to fight for compensation of our clients injured in auto accidents and will work closely with expert witnesses, investigators and law enforcement officials to prepare the strongest case possible. When necessary, this includes use of computerized simulations to recreate the circumstances surrounding the accident and provide the court with a true-life depiction of the events as they occurred.
Oftentimes, car accidents occur as a result of a driver’s negligent or careless behavior. Failure to properly follow traffic safety rules and use reasonable care when driving a vehicle increases the potential for a road injury to occur; however, contributing factors to an accident may also include:
- Disregarding traffic signs and warnings
- Improperly trained driver
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Tail gating
- Disregarding regular car maintenance and safety checks
- Disregarding dangerous weather and road conditions
In the U.S., the legal term used to define a personal injury resulting from an auto accident is called a “tort.” Generally, most jurisdictions provide a party injured as a result of the negligent act of another (resulting in a tort), a basis for legal action to request compensation for their injury. In a car accident claim, a victim may be awarded compensation; however, all-to- often, an injured party will give up their right to seek monetary awards because they do not want to deal with the time and expense of bringing a claim. The attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates are happy to offer an evaluation of your case as well as representation on a contingency basis, which requires no up-front expense to you.
Semi Truck Accidents
Although trucking accidents are quite common, as our nation’s food producers and retailers continue to transport goods using such methods, the potential for semi accidents may be substantially reduced by semi driver’s paying special attention to:
- Their Speed
- Unsafe Road Conditions
- Fatigue
- Necessary Truck Maintenance
- Intoxication
- Equipment Defects or Malfunction
- Improperly Loaded or Unbalanced Cargo
- Inadequate and Improper Signage
Semi truck accidents often occur from mistakes and negligence committed by the truck driver. The attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates examine all the evidence, including the driver log books, on-board “black boxes,” cellular phone records and maintenance records to assist in preparing the strongest case possible. Our attorneys collect all essential information to develop cases to hold the negligent party responsible while requesting compensation for the injuries you have suffered. We represent those injured in trucking accidents and file wrongful death claim for those who have lost a family member in a fatal incident.
Motorcycle
Riding a motorcycle can be very convenient and cost friendly, especially while gas prices continue to rise across the nation; however, the limited safety features of a motorcycle can present an extreme risk to a driver. Although safety laws require motorists to watch for motorcycles on the road, oftentimes they do not exercise proper procedures, resulting in serious injuries, which include:
- Broken bones
- Brain damage and head injuries
- Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Road burn
The attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates help those injured in motorcycle accidents determine the cause of the accident, assign fault and hold the negligent parties responsible for the incident. Being in a car’s blind spot is a dangerous place; however, traffic laws require car drivers to exercise care while operating their vehicle and their negligence or disregard for the laws presents an increased risk to those driving a motorcycle.
Train Accidents
Most people do not realize that train accidents occur nearly every ninety minutes and that every two weeks a train carrying hazardous materials derails and spills its cargo. Train accidents may cause severe personal injuries or even death when toxic material is leaked.
There are laws which determine which parties may be held responsible and detailing the available settlement to which a victim may be entitled. Some jurisdictions also establish procedures for determining the extent of liabilities when a carrier is at fault. If you have been injured in a train accident, contact one of our attorneys today for an evaluation of your case.
Bus Accidents
As a result of rising gas prices, an increased number of commuters are turning to mass transit options for their travel. Although many public and mass transit drivers are careful and cautious while driving, accidents occur nonetheless. Like other vehicle accidents, bus accidents may be a result of driver negligence or carelessness, weather conditions or road damage. Additionally, a number of bus accidents have occurred due to the simple negligence of other drivers’ ignoring traffic laws. Whatever the cause may be, persons injured in a bus accident may be entitled to compensation for the physical and mental injuries resulting from the incident.
Pedestrian Accidents
The attorneys at Luftman, Heck & Associates represent pedestrians who have been injured as a result of a negligent or reckless driver. Disregarding traffic safety laws, including the failure to yield and stop at intersections, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and being inattentive to persons crossing the streets and roads are some common causes of pedestrian accidents. If you or a family member was injured in a pedestrian accident as a result of a negligent driver, you are likely entitled to seek compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering.
Contact an attorney at Luftman, Heck & Associates for an evaluation of your injury.
Boat Accidents
Recreation is an important part of our lives; however, there are times when a recreational activity may result in severe injury when extreme care and caution are not exercised. As such, the potential for accidents while participating in boating activities is high. There are occasions where injuries may result despite observance of proper care and diligence. Many people have suffered severe injuries, or have died because of improper care while operating a boat.
Although it is easy to underestimate the risks associated with operating a boat, it is important to remember that boats are vehicles that require proper training and maintenance and their operation requires extreme care. Our representation of victims injured in boating accidents includes, but is not limited to:
- Boating negligence
- Injuries resulting from defective equipment, such as: ladders, cranes, and slippery decks
- Unsafe working conditions on docks
- Inadequate safety procedures
- Poorly maintained equipment
Highway Defects
A highway defect that causes an accident can further complicate a vehicle accident as additional parties may be held liable. Generally, a state’s highway department is responsible for the proper maintenance and care of its interstate roadways. However, there are road conditions that may occur too quickly to be corrected before an accident occurs. In these cases, it is important to discuss your injuries with an attorney to obtain proper guidance.
