Aldrich Law Firm, Ltd.Aldrich Law Firm, Ltd.2024-03-07T17:53:04Zhttps://www.johnaldrich-lawfirm.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1200649/2019/09/apple-touch-icon-75x75.pngOn Behalf of Aldrich Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.johnaldrich-lawfirm.com/?p=508332024-03-07T17:53:04Z2024-03-07T17:53:04ZAs a general rule, you should maintain a following distance of three seconds. Whenever you’re driving, there should be at least three seconds between your vehicle and the rear bumper of the car ahead of you. This prevents you from tailgating.
But when many drivers count off three seconds, they feel like it is much too far. This physical distance between vehicles appears longer than necessary and other cars may even fit into the gap. These drivers assume that they would be completely fine with just one or two seconds. But why isn’t this enough?
Reaction times
The issue is that reaction times in the car are not instantaneous. Even when they feel that way, there’s a bit of a delay.For example, even when a driver is paying attention to the road, it can take them about 3/4 of a second just to realize they need to stop the car. It can then take another 3/4 of a second for them to physically move their foot to the brake pedal and begin slowing down.In other words, it’s going to take most drivers about one and a half seconds just to react to the conditions on the road. If they only have two seconds of following distance, that leaves them with half a second to stop the car in time. It’s just not enough in an emergency situation.
Seeking compensation
Unfortunately, even if you drive safely, other drivers are going to tailgate and cause accidents. If you’ve been injured in one of these crashes, you need to know how to seek financial compensation.]]>On Behalf of Aldrich Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.johnaldrich-lawfirm.com/?p=508322024-02-23T01:04:10Z2024-02-23T01:04:10ZWho is liable in a rental car accident?
Because Nevada is an “at fault” state, a driver who causes an accident is responsible for any losses suffered by all parties involved. Damages may include property damage and injuries to the at-fault driver, their passengers and occupants of other vehicles.
Drivers are usually required to have a minimum level of property damage liability coverage. This means that if you damage another person's vehicle in an accident, you are responsible for covering the costs of the damage. However, this liability coverage does not include damage to the rental car itself.
According to Nevada Law 482.295, car rental companies are required to have the same insurance coverage as car owners in Nevada. When you rent a car in Las Vegas, you will have the option to purchase additional coverage. One of these options is a collision damage waiver (CDW), also known as a loss-damage waiver (LDW). When you purchase LDW or CDW and are involved in an accident, the rental car company will not hold you responsible for any damage to their property.
In Las Vegas, handling the aftermath of a rental car accident can be difficult, especially if you're from out of state or if there were multiple cars involved in the collision. Keep in mind that seeking local legal guidance and assistance is always an option.]]>On Behalf of Aldrich Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.johnaldrich-lawfirm.com/?p=508312024-02-07T12:38:23Z2024-02-07T12:38:23Zan insurance adjuster immediately after a car wreck can be detrimental to a victim’s ability to protect their rights to adequate compensation.
Insurance adjusters work for insurance companies, and their primary goal is to protect the interests of their employers. While they may seem friendly and helpful, it’s essential to remember that their allegiance lies with the insurance company, not with accident victims.
The risk of speaking to insurance adjusters
After a car accident, individuals may be disoriented, shocked or injured. In such vulnerable states, they may unintentionally say things that could be misinterpreted or used against them by the insurance company. Even innocent remarks can be twisted to undermine a claim. Therefore, accident victims should refrain from speaking with insurance adjusters and politely decline to provide statements or sign any documents prior to legal counsel.
Engaging with an insurance adjuster without a thorough understanding of personal injury law can be risky. Accident victims may unknowingly jeopardize their chances of fair compensation. It’s also crucial to remember that insurance companies often employ tactics to minimize payouts, such as offering low settlements or disputing liability.
Steps to take after a car wreck
In the aftermath of a car accident, it’s essential to prioritize safety and take appropriate steps to protect oneself and others involved. If possible, move to a safe location and seek medical attention for any injuries. Accident victims should also gather as much information as possible about the accident, including photographs of the scene and contact details of witnesses. This documentation can be helpful in insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Speaking to an insurance adjuster immediately after a car wreck can be a risky decision that may result in potentially negative consequences. It can, therefore, help to seek legal representation during insurance negotiations to help protect one’s rights and achieve a fair outcome.]]>On Behalf of Aldrich Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.johnaldrich-lawfirm.com/?p=508302024-01-29T03:07:14Z2024-01-29T03:07:14ZWhat’s the big deal?
Activity on social media accounts can inadvertently harm your legal case. Comments, photos or even check-ins related to your accident can be misinterpreted or taken out of context and used as evidence against your claims. For instance, a simple statement like "I'm fine" posted after your accident could be used by insurance companies to argue that your injuries are not as severe you have claimed. Similarly, pictures from the accident scene can be scrutinized and potentially used to challenge your account of the event.
Additionally, discussing your accident online can lead to the spread of misinformation. In the heat of the moment, it's easy to make statements or assumptions about the accident that may not be accurate. These misstatements can complicate legal proceedings, as they create a public record of details that might contradict other evidence or testimony.
It’s best to keep details of the accident offline and communicate only with relevant parties, such as your legal team, insurance company and close family or friends. If you still feel the need to share widely once it’s all over, you can do so safely at that time.]]>On Behalf of Aldrich Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.johnaldrich-lawfirm.com/?p=508282024-01-10T03:07:42Z2024-01-10T03:07:42ZHow do they work?
Motorcycle airbags come in two main forms: vests and jackets. Both use sensors and algorithms to detect an impending crash, typically based on changes in deceleration, impact angle and other factors. High-tech devices use gyroscopes and accelerometers to anticipate and deploy when riders are at risk of a fall.
The airbag inflates within milliseconds of a detected accident, creating a protective cushion around the rider's upper body -- particularly the neck, spine, chest and ribs.
Can they prevent all injuries?
Unfortunately, they cannot prevent all injuries. However, they may significantly reduce the risk of severe or catastrophic harm. For example, they cradle the head and neck upon impact, reducing the chances of brain damage or life-threatening injuries. They also shield and cushion the torso, helping minimize the threat of spine and internal injuries.
As technology advances, airbags are becoming more sophisticated and affordable. With continued research and development, you can expect to see even more effective airbag systems for motorcyclists on the horizon.
Injuries can still impact you
Inflatable bags and garments can save your life, but you may still suffer physical harm in a motorcycle accident. That usually means overwhelming medical expenses, lost wages and other financial damages.
Having experienced legal guidance can give you the best chance of obtaining a fair settlement. If your injuries are severe or disabling, you may even be eligible for pain and suffering damages.]]>On Behalf of Aldrich Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.johnaldrich-lawfirm.com/?p=508272023-12-30T12:52:21Z2023-12-30T12:52:21ZMedical evidence can significantly strengthen your car accident claim and increase the chances of recovering the settlement you deserve. The documentation and support from medical professionals play a pivotal role in the success of a car accident claim.
This includes diagnoses, treatments and prescriptions offered. Doctor's notes and reports providing a professional assessment of your condition post-accident, X-rays and MRIs are also vital to your claim. Why is this medical evidence so important?
Establishing the cause of your injuries
Medical evidence helps differentiate between the effects of the accident and any pre-existing conditions or injuries. In other words, it connects your injuries to the accident. Without medical documentation, proving this crucial connection can be challenging and may jeopardize your claim.
Proving your damages will be easier
Medical records detail the extent of your injuries, the treatment received and the expected course of recovery. They serve as tangible proof of the physical toll the accident has taken on your body and the severity of your injuries, simplifying the process of quantifying your damages.Additionally, medical records help substantiate the non-economic damages you suffered, such as the emotional distress, pain and suffering you endured. This ensures fair compensation for these intangible yet impactful damages.
Building a strong car accident claim
Seeking immediate medical attention after a car accident is in your best interests, even if you have sustained minor injuries. Quite often, what appears insignificant might manifest into more severe issues later. Prompt medical care ensures your well-being and initiates crucial documentation for your claim.Following the prescribed treatment instructions is equally important. Consistency in treatment emphasizes your commitment to recovery and demonstrates that you've taken the necessary steps to address your health post-accident.Lastly, consider reaching out for qualified legal guidance to help navigate the complexities of a car accident claim, ensure your rights are protected and present a solid case.]]>On Behalf of Aldrich Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.johnaldrich-lawfirm.com/?p=508262023-12-15T15:56:41Z2023-12-15T15:56:41ZAccidents happen all the time. Most often, it is not until you are an accident victim thanks to another person or entity’s reckless actions that you start to wonder what personal injury claims involve, how the claims process works and your legal entitlements and obligations.
A personal injury claim can be quite daunting, especially if you have injuries to nurse and property damage to contend with. If you or someone you love is involved in an accident that is not their fault, you need to understand how the law works. Specifically, you need to acquaint yourself with the following legal provisions:
The state’s negligence laws.
Nevada applies what is known as modified comparative fault. This means that fault and damages are distributed based on each party’s contribution to the accident. This means that you can only recover damages if your contribution to the accident was less than the defendant’s. For instance, if the court establishes that you were 20 percent to blame for the accident, you would be entitled to 80 percent of the awarded damages. However, if you were more than 50 percent to blame, then you would get nothing.
The state’s statute of limitations
A personal injury can turn your life upside down. And you might have sufficient evidence that the defendant is to blame for your injuries. However, this doesn’t grant you the liberty to file your claim at your convenience. You must act within the statute of limitations period. In Nevada, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. You mustn't let this statute of limitations run out. If you are hurt as a result of someone else’s negligence, you deserve justice. And understanding your legal obligations during this difficult time would be a great starting point. ]]>On Behalf of Aldrich Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.johnaldrich-lawfirm.com/?p=508212023-11-30T02:08:07Z2023-11-30T02:08:07ZVehicle issues cause thousands of crashes each year
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes and enforces safety rules for semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles. The FMCSA also evaluates collision reports and safety data to create more effective policies.
According to the FMCSA, issues with the commercial vehicle are the cause of roughly 10% of semi-truck crashes. Issues could range from poorly-maintained brakes and tire blowouts to improperly loaded trailers. Unless the commercial driver is an owner-operator, the chances are good that responsibility for vehicle maintenance falls to their employer.
Companies often delay expensive maintenance or cut corners when purchasing vehicle parts to keep costs as low as possible. Those choices could have dire implications for others who encounter certain semi-trucks in traffic. Understanding that a transportation company, not a driver, might be at fault for a semi-truck crash could help people pursue a compensation claim after a wreck.]]>On Behalf of Aldrich Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.johnaldrich-lawfirm.com/?p=508202023-11-12T15:18:24Z2023-11-12T15:18:24ZIf you are a motorcyclist in Las Vegas, one of the most important things to watch for is a driver that is turning left ahead of you. These left-turn accidents are incredibly common, and they can be very dangerous for motorcyclists.Part of this danger comes from the violence of a sudden collision. A motorcyclist may have the right of way and not even slow down, meaning that they collide with the side of the turning car at full highway speeds. Additionally, it’s difficult for a motorcyclist to take action to avoid a driver who has turned left in front of them. The motorcyclist can’t swerve to the left, as that is the oncoming traffic lane. But they also can’t swerve to the right, as that is the direction that the other vehicle is traveling.
Why do drivers make these dangerous turns?
In some cases, drivers make dangerous turns just because they’re driving aggressively. They’re in a hurry, and they’re not prioritizing safety.But much of the time, the real issue is that the driver just doesn’t know that the motorcycle is there. The motorcyclist has certainly seen the car coming toward them, but the driver of that vehicle hasn’t seen the much smaller motorcycle. In some cases, the driver will see the motorcycle, but the small size tricks them into thinking that it is further away than it actually is. In other words, many drivers execute what they believe to be a completely safe left turn, only to find out that it was a major mistake when the motorcycle collides with the side of the vehicle.Because these accidents can be so sudden and violent, motorcyclists can suffer severe injuries. If this happens to you, be sure you know how to seek financial compensation from the driver who turned left and caused the crash.]]>On Behalf of Aldrich Law Firm, Ltd.https://www.johnaldrich-lawfirm.com/?p=508172023-10-30T02:13:45Z2023-10-30T02:13:45ZTake pictures
A visual record of your injuries can strengthen your injury claim. Document your injuries and continue taking photos of them as you heal. These images can demonstrate the nature and extent of your dog bite wounds, supporting your compensation claim.
Save medical records
Medical evidence can show the true aftermath of the attack and your resulting injuries. Three strong examples of medical proof include physician statements, imaging or lab test results and treatment recommendations. Ask your providers for copies of all medical records associated with the attack.
Obtain official reports
If you reported the dog bite incident to your local animal control office or the police (or both), request copies of any reports they generated. Official reports can serve as legal documentation that the attack occurred.
Look for eyewitnesses
You may think no one saw what happened except for you and perhaps the dog owner, but that may not be so. Someone in a nearby home or business may have witnessed the incident or have it on security cameras. Consider asking around to see if anyone is willing to step forward in support.
Once you have evidence proving you deserve compensation, consider getting experienced guidance on Nevada injury liability laws.]]>