Causes of Whiplash

Whiplash injuries are neck injuries that lead to severe damage to spinal ligaments when the head snaps forward and backward. If rammed from behind by vehicle, you may suffer pain in neck and surrounding areas. This type of injury is often treated as a minor injury. It can take a few weeks to more than six months, to fully recover form whiplash.

Collect evidence

If your neck has been severly injured following a collision, you should follow the folllowing steps.

• Take witness counts and contact details.
• Take snapshots of the crash, vehicle damage, scratches and dents etc.

Call for medical help for injury suffered- minor or major.

• Call the police at 9-1-1. Collect the copy of file registered by the police.
• Inform your insurance provider. Contact both auto-insurance and personal insurance providers.
• Contact legal expert to seek his advice on damages.

Seek legal advice

You should also contact a whiplash injury claim solicitor following the accident. They will want you to furnish details about the accident, injuries suffered, property damaged and injuries to co-passengers. As the solicitor usually works on “No Win No Loss” basis, they usually won’t charge you for their services, unless they win your case. However, your attorney’s approach relies on a number facts related to accident.

• Collects medical report to assess the immediate damages. As whiplash injury is often revealed after a week, daily medical diagnosis reports must be procured.
• Collects first hand evidence. Photographs of accident, injury sustained, police evidence and witness counts strengthens the case.
• Calculates the damages sustained in respect of your whiplash injury, personal injury, car damage and loss of earnings.

Compensation Claim

Depending upon the extent of injury, appropriate compensation is allowed to accident victim.

• General Damages: The victim can claim for damages including the whiplash for actual injuries and pain suffered on emotional state

Special Damages: These are special losses suffered as a result of whiplash injury.

o   Loss of current and expected earnings while undergoing treatment

o   Car rental expenses while your car is getting repaired

o   Payment to aide while undergoing treatment

Period of claim: You need to file a claim for compensation within a period of 36 months else it will be forfeited.

• Out of court settlement: If you don’t wish to approach court for compensation claim, you can settle for claim through an agreement with insurance company. The provision under settlement requires you to receive payment in installments. At the same time, you lose the authority to reopen the case in the future.

Road accidents can leave people with a number of accidents, one of the most common being whiplash. Often times, neck injureies lead to serious personal injuries where victim loses potential to carry job or business effectively. Lost employment often throws them in a state of depression or disturbed mental state. Thus, whiplash compensation claim plays a key role in giving monetary support to a car accident victim.

Explore online

There are plenty of resources online, when it comes to purchasing automobile insurance.   You can visit any insurance agency, dedicated to car insurance and study their terms and conditions, payment terms and feasibility. The feasibility factor is important as car insurance plans and clauses are different in different states. You can even ask for free quotes by giving details about you and your vehicle.

Once the quotes arrive in your mailbox, you can exercise your choice. It is important to study the testimonials and comments of clients before opting for any insurance online. You can even request for the services of an insurance broker or agent who will help out with insurance formalities.

Explore offline

If there are many insurance companies operating in surrounding areas of your college, you can establish contact with them on phone or email. The company will send the authorized agent to your home so they can look at the car and evaluate your insurance options. You can also find an insurance broker who will help you find the best car insurance, by sending the application on your behalf. All you have to do is pay them a certain commission.

Your grades matter a lot!

If you are an exceptional student with talent and intelligence, you can get the car insurance at affordable rates. Students who have given exemplary performance in schools or colleges often get good and healthy discounts on car insurance. If the students have taken a driving course before starting to drive, it‘s a plus point in form of discounts. The low rates of insurance policies are attractive options available to good students.

Comprehensive coverage

College students easily fall prey to road accidents. It is important to get  affordable coverage that not only covers medical expenses but car damages too. This would cover any medical bills, car repairs, and replacement and car thefts, among other things. The burden of medical treatment or car damages will not fall on the family or other insurance providers.

Buy a new car in different state

If you are living and studying in a state different from your home state, the insurance laws may be different and payment terms and conditions can different too. If your car is registered in one state involved in an accident, but  happen to be in a another state during the time of the collision, it becomes difficult and could take more time to get the insurance and legal issues resolved. If you are financially well off, you can simply purchase a new car, and not deal with increasing premiums through your insurer.

Car insurance can be a complicated issue for college students to explore. However, understanding the importance of insurance, and how it can impact your life, can go a long way. College students have a number of resources that they can use to find reliable car insurance. They can simply search online or even find a mobile-app that can assist them. Most college students communicate with their parents regarding auto-insurance and can be included in their coverage plans as well. Take the time to research what coverage options are best for you. It can save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.

Post traumatic headache syndrome is commonly experienced by people who’ve been involved in an accident. There are two different types of Post Traumatic head syndrome: chronic and acute. The acute type is when the headache persists for the first three months, while the chronic type is when the headache persists longer than three months. However, there are cases wherein the headache is classified as an acute post traumatic headache and then later on turns out to be a post traumatic brain injury. The best to find out what your injury is, is to get an MRI or a brain scan. This will help you identify your real condition.

Physical Injury Compensation Entitlement

Now, if you have been experiencing headaches and have been involved in an accident for which you are not liable for, you are entitled to personal injury compensation. However, since headaches  are fairly common symptoms, it can be very hard to prove that the pain and suffering is linked to the accident. Lawyers can help you gather all the necessary evidence that will build a stronger and more valuable case against the liable party and his/her insurance company.

Whiplash and Post Traumatic Headache Syndrome

Whiplash is one of the common causes of Post traumatic headache syndrome. The pain starts a day or two after the accident or right then and there. It really depends on the person’s medical and family history. Those who are already experiencing migraine attacks before will experience more severe pain that over the counter medicine would not be able to heal. Whiplash usually occurs when the sudden impact of the collision forces your head back and forth during the accident. Whiplash is subject to physical injury compensation. So it is highly recommended that you seek legal counsel who could help you determine the severity of your case. The compensation you are bound to receive can help you get the proper medication to ease the pain that you are currently going through.

Getting Legal Help for Physical Injuries

As mentioned before, you should quickly look for a lawyer that can help you get the proper compensation. Lawyers are experienced and know what to do to  help identify the basis of your case. They can hold their own investigations to gather all necessary evidences. Most importantly they know the law. So you can rest assure that they will do their best to get you out of your traumatic experiences. Car accidents involve a lot of complex litigation processes. The mere act of determining who’s at fault of the accidents can take a lot of effort from both parties. There are many rules that determines the value of your case, like if you are not wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident, even if you are 100% not at fault, some states consider this negligence on your part, so you are partly liable for the pain and suffering that you are going through. All states also have their own statute of limitation. This varies from one state to another. The average statute of limitation is 3 years after the accident, so if you weren’t able to present the case within the statute of limitation then you cannot file for a case altogether. A lawyer can help you find the best steps to do. But you have to talk to one immediately after the accident.

Negligence is the number one cause of car accidents, not only in the US, but throughout the world. Examples of negligence include distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding. If you have been involved in a car accident, it is always important to establish all the facts of the case. If you think negligence could have been a factor and you were not at fault, you may be entitled to compensation. This depends on a number of other factors, as well.

However, if you  are at fault it is important to contact a lawyer immediately and seek legal representation before it’s too late. In the unfortunate event that you get into an accident involving negligence, you should consider the following tips.

• Stay Calm

Keeping yourself in the normal demeanor is utterly important. It will help you stay in control of things.

• Call 911

Whether you are at fault or not and whether you are seriously hurt or not, it is important to call 911 in cases of collisions. Establishing medical facts is very important now and after the accident, for the claim’s process.

• Exchange Information

Taking down all the information about the other party involved in the accident is also very important. Some information that you will need to take down are: name, number and address of the driver, the license number, license plate and, name and phone number of the other party’s insurance company. If you found out that the name of the insured party is different from the name of the driver, be sure to establish their relationship and take down information of both parties.

• Do Not Admit your Fault

Do not admit your fault. This may sound unjust but even if you think that the accident was your fault, never admit it to anyone but to your lawyer. Be polite and only discuss this matter to the police and your legal representation. Do not say anything that might be used against you later on in the court.

• Do Not Discuss the Accident to Anyone but your Lawyer

If you are 100% sure that you are not responsible for the accident, it is important to never discuss the details of the accident to anyone but to your lawyer. In almost all cases, insurance adjuster and investigators will contact you and try to get information from. Most of them will record your conversation and use your statement against you later on without realizing it.

• Contact a Lawyer Immediately after the Accident

After calling 911, call someone you know to come down accompanied by a reputable lawyer.  Finding a lawyer with a good reputation can help you in your case, if you are at fault or not. If you are not at fault,  legal advice will also be very helpful in seeking appropriate compensation for the damages and injuries that the accident have caused you.

A car accident is clearly a legal matter that should only be handled by someone with extensive knowledge of the law. This is especially the case when the accident involves negligence. The good thing is negligence can be prevented, with proper education and proactive efforts from the driver.

Hang Up and Drive

Texting and driving has becoming a growing concern, as more and more people are turning to smart phones. The smart thing to do is to keep your phone in your purse or jacket, so not to be distracted.

Being involved in a car accident is a troublesome experience. But if the accident involves a rental car, the situation can become even more frustrating. Since each state has its own set of driving rules, the protocol for handling a rental car accident will vary. No matter where you are, you may be entitled to certain rights following the collision.

Rental Car Insurance Coverage

One of the first things a rental car company will do is ask you for proof of insurance. Everybody is required to have liability coverage by law. However the rental car company will also look to see what other types of coverage you may have along with your deductible. A deductible is the amount you will be financially responsible for. They will also look to see if you have comprehensive and collision repair included in your coverage.

Different dimensions of semi truck accidents

For the victims of semi truck accidents, the consequences can be disastrous. If you survive the crash, the recovery process can take several weeks or even months. The agony of your kith and kin and the financial consequences are other areas of concern. Though the law provides for appropriate financial compensation, precious little can be done to get back the lost lives or limbs due to semi truck accidents. Instituting a law suit for personal injury claims from semi truck accidents often tends to be a complex issue. Determining the liability of one or more individuals is the primary concern for your attorney.  Paying out the financial compensation when awarded by the Court is ultimately the responsibility of the insurance companies – at least in most instances.  Most insurance carriers have specially trained personnel who are experts in wading their way through the legal maze and strive to peg the compensation at the lowest possible levels.

Major causes of semi truck accidents

Most semi truck accidents are caused by driving negligence of varying hues.  Texting, speaking on mobile phone, driving without concern for other users of the road, and driver fatigue are the most common causes of semi truck accidents.  Apart from these causes, driving influenced by drugs/alcohol is another significant factor adding to semi truck accidents.  While these causes can be controlled by humans, cargo falling off the truck and spilling over is another sporadic cause which can potentially result in injuries and long hours of traffic blockade.

Injuries from semi truck accidents

With most semi trucks carrying loads up to 80,000 pounds, the sheer impact is adequate to cause grievous injuries on the occupants of other vehicles involved.  The higher clearance from the ground and better road grip provided by the long chassis of semi trucks often helps its driver from getting hurt.  The smaller vehicles are therefore more at the receiving end on semi truck accidents.  The following are among the wide spectrum of possible injuries from semi truck accidents:-

• Head injuries
• Injuries to the spinal cord
• Amputation of the limbs
• Injuries to the backbone
• Multiple fractures
• Partial or total paralysis
• Neck injuries
• And even death

Sadly, even individuals who were fortunate to remain unhurt from semi truck accidents face the grave risk of serious complications at a later date. Internal injuries from the impact may fail to surface in days or even weeks. Relating these injuries to the accident itself can therefore become overwhelming unless the medical evidence can conclusively establish the sequence of events.

Given the nature of the trucking industry,  tractor trailer drivers or for that reason, most commercial drivers employed by the industry get enough incentives to fudge their figures on the number of hours logged.  The law does catch up, but not often enough and even when it does, the punishment tends to be inadequate. That leaves us with many fatigued drivers posing grave danger to other road users.

Long hours behind the wheel, particularly for truck drivers mean boredom associated with driving.  There is always a tendency to shift focus from the road to texting, speaking on the mobile, read books, or listen to music. Spreading awareness on the dangers of these habits will help in curbing the number of accidents.  The law cannot go behind every tractor trailer driver and take punitive action against the errant drivers. Distracted driving accounts for more fatalities than driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, and every truck/tractor trailer driver must know this.

Measures to improve your own safety

Tractor trailers and large trucks will continue to suffer from the pressures of the industry and therefore other road users can put in some measures to safeguard their vehicles and lives. In the first place, those behind the wheels of smaller vehicles can learn to treat these monsters differently while on the road.  Even with the best of intentions, these vehicles cannot come to a grinding halt.  But, the smaller vehicles can keep a safe distance from the large trucks/tractor trailers and more so while changing lanes with the truck at your back.  Similarly, you are better off passing a truck quickly rather than driving alongside for long durations.

Visibility

Visibility for the truck drivers are never as good as it is for drivers of the smaller vehicles. Do understand that visibility at the back is significantly poor for truck drivers.  The best option for you therefore is to ensure that you keep a safe distance from the truck and always be watchful about the signals from the truck/tractor trailer.

Maneuvering

Tractor trailers need more room for maneuvering, and particularly so when on narrow roads or inclines.  Therefore, you are better off allowing the tractor trailer to pass or overtake it in a jiffy.

Adverse conditions

When you are driving under adverse conditions, be more vigilant and look for trouble spots. Slowing down in fog, smoke, or rain will help you with greater control of your own vehicle. Wet roads are immensely difficult for all drivers and more so for the truck drivers.   Even when you are on dry roads, take special care while switching lanes or joining a fast track from entrance ramps.  Do know that truck/tractor trailer drivers may have problems in slowing down and allowing you to merge with the flow.

One of the new regulations that is in place, puts a limit on how long truck drivers could sit behind the wheel. The logic behind this legislation is simply tied to issues and concerns with driver fatigue. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has also required additional time for truck drivers to rest, as an additional safety measure.

What Changed?

After a number of studies were conducted, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration put a clamp on the maximum hours a commercial truck driver can drive. The law regulates drivers to work a maximum of 70 hours within one week. This is down from the previous 82-hour requirement. In addition, the law also requires truck drivers to take a break of at least 30 minutes, after driving for eight straight hours.

Truck Deaths

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were about 4,000 truck related fatalities on the US roadways in 2010. That’s an 18 percent jump from the prior year, with 3380 truck related deaths. Truck safety advocates and some truck accident attorneys are supportive of the changes. Some believe that adapted new technologies, such as electronic log books and crash avoidance systems, can help save time and eventually minimize the death toll.

What Now?

Following the study, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration determined that additional safety measures were necessary. Many anticipated the FMCA to reduce the maximum driving hours to 10 instead of 11. The group hasn’t put such regulation in force, but says it will continue to review data and research regarding this issue. Meanwhile, trucking companies and individual truck operators must comply with the new regulations that are in place by July 2013.

Why Trucking Laws Matter

There have been a variety of changes when it comes to the the laws pertaining truck drivers and their hours of service. There has been controversy surrounding the regulations, as commercial trucking businesses feel there is too much government intervention. On the contrary, some union drivers are pushing for continuous safety measures. They believe that the regulations protect them against overbearing or unrealistic demands.

The debate will continue to remain a hot topic. Some truck industries have even gone on to say that such regulations are unconstitutional, claiming it will cost their businesses in an already unpredictable economy.

As you can see, there are extensive laws that pertain to the trucking industry. There are also regulations that are being considered by the Commercial Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program. Though laws vary from each state, every truck driver has to obtain a commercial driver’s license and pass a drug test.

Commercial truck drivers will be tested if they have a vehicle that has a rating of 26,000 pounds or more, the vehicle weights more than 26,000 pound including the additional 10,000 pounds from a towed unit, or if their truck is made to transport at least 16 passengers. No matter what your view is regarding trucking laws, they are in place to make roads safer for you to drive on. While they might seem like a pain to pass on the highway, trucks serve a variety of purposes that the population relies on. In order for truck drivers to remain in a safe environment, they should be aware of laws that are currently in place and any proposals that may impact their work directly.

Wrongful Death Statistics for Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is one of the most common causes of wrongful deaths in the United States. In fact, about 98, 000 Americans have died a wrongful death due to medical malpractice, 90, 000 of these cases filed for wrongful death claims.  Additionally, about 1.5 million people from all over the US have experienced personal injuries due to errors in medical prescription every year since 2007. And what’s more alarming is that, in spite of the presence of the law governing these professionals, the rate of wrongful death cases is still continuously increasing. In fact, the rate of medical malpractice cases shot up by 68%. Medical malpractice covers a wide array of negligent acts from medical professionals such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors and wrong prescription, to name a few.

Wrongful Death Statistics for Motor Accidents

On average, there are approximately 6 million vehicle collisions that take place across the United States every year. Almost 10% of accidents take place in California.More than 3 million of people involved in car accidents get slightly injured and 2 million of them get away with serious and permanent injuries. In addition, 40, 000 people die in car accidents every year and most of these victims are not the passengers or drivers of the vehicles, rather pedestrians in urban areas.

Wrongful death statistics for motor accidents are decreasing by the rate of wrongful death cases wherein semi-truck vehicles are involved is increasing. In fact in 2009, there are more than 3, 200 wrongful deaths sited– caused by semi-trucks and the rate is expected to grow by 20% more in 2012. This is in line with the expected growth of the commercial trucking industry.

Wrongful Death Statistics for Occupation Hazard

There are over 4 million employees in the United States that fall victim to occupational hazards, which means that 5 out of 100 employees get injured due to work related hazards. About 4% of this rate is caused by faulty equipment and technical issues. In the construction field, the death rate is even higher, averaging in 5.2 per 100,000 workers every year. In average, about 18 people die every day because of work related injuries, which amounts to 6,000 employees every year.

Wrongful Death Statistics for Slip and fall or Unsafe Premises

Negligence is the primary indication of a wrongful death.  The rate of death toll caused by slip and fall or unsafe premises is unbelievably high. Most cases are head trauma and brain injuries. As of the moment, there are over 7 million slip and fall accidents that has been recorded, making it the second most fatal incidents that happen in a work place or any other environment. Around 17, 000 people have died as a result of slip and fall injuries and around 46% of these people are among the older population.

As you can see there are a number of factors that are associated with wrongful death issues. As the number of wrongful death statistics are on the rise, more and more families of loved ones are seeking wrongful death claims. However, some states are reviewing laws to clamp down on wrongful death claims, especially if they are tied to the work place.

Statistics Check for Accidents

The year 2010 observed decreased accident statistics, but this does not make it any safer to drive uninsured. Around 405 fatalities were recorded on NSW roads. On an average the death toll for every year remains around 417. This does not take into consideration the deaths that occur after getting severely injured in an accident.

According to NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners), for the year 2009, the coverage costs for a plan like comprehensive car insurance was around $136, while that of collision insurance for cars stayed at $301, and highest was for liability coverage that was stated to be around $475.

According to statistics by National Safety council, number of people injured in accidents, amount to around 50,000 for vacation during year 2010. NSC calculated the probability, after an observation of accident statistics for the year 2003. Chances of dying in a car accident, was stated to be one in 6,500, too less, when the population figures are in millions. This only means that, probability of getting involved in an accident need not depend on one’s own driving abilities.

Type of Car Insurance Coverage

Liability Insurance – This type of insurance is used to cover for personal injury and property damage, in case, the insurer is at fault. This does not cover the insurer in any manner. It is a measure to save oneself from financial burden of compensation in case; they are liable in a car accident.

Comprehensive Insurance – This basically means, a minimal plan that is chosen to drive their automobile, also called as Third Party Insurance plan, because many states do not permit, driving without insurance. Depending on the insurance providing firm, this package may cover many or very few aspects. This may or may not cover a car involved in an accident.

Collision Coverage – This is used for claiming repair charges, in case, the car is involved in an accident. Most often, this does not cover any personal injury compensation, like medical expenses or loss of wages, etc.

Uninsured Coverage – This is used to cover a person, in case the other driver is not insured, or is not insured enough to cover for costs incurred.

Personal Insurance Protection coverage – Any plan mentioning this aspect being covered should provide expenses that are incurred for health care, treatment, wages lost, funeral charges, etc.

Rental Car Coverage – If a person is renting a car, the insurance plan chosen should insure any driver, driving it. A rental car needs immediate replacement, while the damaged car is being repaired. A plan for rental cars covers these aspects.

Why Should I Avoid Cheap Car Insurance Plans?

Cheap car insurance plans are not always cheap, when it is time to claim, after a car accident – most aspects are not covered at all.

A rental car agency may run into problems, by opting a simple comprehensive coverage, because, it may not cover liability aspects, in case the driver is at fault.

A person choosing comprehensive coverage may have to face financial crisis, in case of severe injury after an accident, as they may have to pay medical expenses from their pocket.

Cheap car insurance will most often leave out many aspects of coverage, collision coverage and on the other hand, may simply cover for car damages leaving cheap car insurances useless.

Important Things to Check

Most of cheap car insurance companies are not what they claim. A person should do enough research before choosing a company.

It is the duty of insurer, to specifically check for coverage provided, than blindly believe the bold and advertised version of insurance companies.

If a person lives in a state where uninsured drivers are greater in number, they fare better in opting uninsured plan coverage.

A rental car company should opt for an insurance cover that provides with alternate car, for the duration until this car is being repaired.

Few Tips

A rental car company should take care to employ, trained drivers to avoid liability charges.

A liability cover included insurance plan, is a better option when teenagers are driving a car.

Check comprehensive coverage package, before opting for it. Most of the time, it may be futile to invest into it.

Checking as many online quotes as possible is a good way to search for a better insurance plan, investment wise and coverage wise.