Airline Accidents
The Federal government regulates the Airline Industry. Airlines travel from country to country; international treaties exist to protect the airlines and the passengers. These treaties may limit the amount of damages that can be recovered by the relatives of the deceased passengers of an airplane crash. However, under some circumstances increased damages can be obtained depending upon whether it can be proven that the Airline Company was careless or was involved in willful misconduct that would allow for damages beyond the limitations.
In order to respect the privacy of the relatives of victims of a tragic airline crash, Federal law prohibits attorneys from contacting the heirs or relatives of a decedent for 30 days after the accident. However, it is a good idea to seek out the services of an attorney as soon as possible in order to allow the attorney access to the investigation of the accident by various Federal agencies. Because there are so many parties involved in an airline accident, the action is known as complex litigation.
One should be aware that subsequent to an airline crash, the Airline Company will often gather the relatives and family members in one place, such as a hotel, to allow each of the survivors to have access to information gathered by the investigating agencies as to how the accident occurred. At the same time, the Airline Company has a captive audience and may elicit personal information claiming that it is necessary in order to identify the Decedent. The Airline Company may use much of the information at a later time in defending the lawsuit brought against it. Additionally, the Airline Company may offer financial assistance but may fail to advise that such assistance will be later credited against any settlement or judgment. It is, therefore, a good idea to have the advice of counsel at least by phone in order to be guided during such trying times.
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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Auto Accidents
o If you are unfortunately involved in an auto accident, you should immediately do the following:
o If there was more than $200.00 worth of property damage or someone was injured personally, you should report the accident to the police. You should also fill out a report for the Department of Motor Vehicles called an "SR-1". That report can be obtained from your own insurance company.
o Obtain all information from any and every other party involved in the accident such as state of residence, state of driver's license issuance, driver's license number, license plate number and state of issuance, make, model and year of car, number of occupants in each other vehicle, and the identities of all occupants of the other vehicles.
o If you are seriously injured, ask someone else to do it and get immediate medical attention. Do not delay, and take no chances with your health.
o If you are able, and have a camera available, take photographs of the damage of the vehicles and of the scene of the accident.
o As soon as you can, report the accident to your insurance agent to discuss your policy coverage with your agent. You may have certain benefits available to you such as car rental, medical payments, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, or other similar coverage.
o As soon as you are able, and if you are seriously injured or someone in your vehicle was seriously injured, you should consult with a lawyer experienced in handling such cases.
o You should compile all necessary information concerning your personal injury and any damages you have sustained, as well as keep a diary of the progress of your recovery. You should document all lost wages, medical bills, and keep copies of any bills or receipts connected with the accident.
o When you do get medical attention, describe for your doctor how the accident happened and what injuries you suffered as a result of it. Be very complete, but do not exaggerate your problems. Either overstatement or understatement is inappropriate.
o Be accurate.
o If you were at work or on your way to work, you should report the accident to your employer, and if you will be missing work in the future, you should also report the accident to your employer.
o Be sure to record the names, addresses, and telephone numbers as well as places of employment of all persons who did or may have witnessed the accident and are willing to provide their names. This may have to be done through the police report if you are seriously injured.
o Finally, if you have any suspicion that the accident was caused by some defect such as a tire defect, a steering defect, a braking defect in your car or some other vehicle involved in the accident, you should immediately consult an attorney so that the evidence can be preserved and examined.
If you have further questions, please contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP for a free attorney consultation.
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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Bad or Defective Products
When a product is placed on the market for sale, it must be as safe as a reasonable purchaser of such product would expect it to be. If it turns out that during the use of the product, the purchaser or anyone close to the use of the product is injured, the seller and the manufacturer may be liable to the injured persons for money damages. Personal injuries can be sustained from the use of all kinds of products. Many times, the injury is minor and heals quickly. On those occasions where the injury causes severe and permanent injury to the person using it, the law allows compensation for those injuries under what is termed "Strict Liability."
Strict Liability is precisely what the term means. A manufacturer or seller who places a defective product in the stream of commerce is responsible for any injuries to the users or anyone close to the use of the product regardless of whether the seller or manufacturer was negligent. The product may be defective in the way it was designed, by the way it was manufactured, or because there are no warnings of its danger. If a person using the product cannot understand a warning, the product may be deemed defective as well.
Lawsuits involving injuries caused by defective products have alerted the manufacturers to the need for safety of their products. Many of the safety devices incorporated in products today, as well as owners' manuals and warnings, are the result of successful lawsuits against manufacturers. Therefore, should you or anyone you know be involved in any personal injury while using a product, an inquiry should be made to determine whether there is reason to file a lawsuit.
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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Bicycle Accidents
Unfortunately, although bicycle riding is fun, exciting, and can be challenging, serious injuries can occur as a result of bicycle accidents. These accidents can come about from a variety of causes. Some include defective equipment on the bicycle, (such as tires, brakes, frame, gears, or other components); improper or careless installation or replacement of components (such as tubes, tires, brake adjustment, or over inflation or under inflation of tires); lack of a proper or adequate safety helmet or other protective gear; the careless riding or maintenance by others of their vehicle which can come in contact with or otherwise cause you to be involved in a bicycle accident; your own careless maintenance or operation of your own bicycle either alone or in combination with other factors.
If you sustain serious personal injury in a bicycle accident, you should attempt to preserve all of the evidence, including the bicycle and all of its components; document and keep all bills and receipts for medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and any other losses; you should get immediate and necessary medical attention and describe to any and all medical providers how the accident happened and what injuries you suffered being as accurate as possible in your descriptions.
If you have any further questions, please contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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Catastrophes - Catastrophic Disasters
Many people are injured by catastrophes such as fires, earthquakes, windstorms, and other major disasters. If you unfortunately are seriously injured or have a family member who suffers personal injury as a result of such a disaster, you should find out what your rights and remedies are in such circumstances.
Although there are too many varieties of disasters in which people can suffer serious personal injury, it is important to consult with your insurance agent and an attorney, familiar with such disasters, to determine what rights and remedies you may have.
Obviously, your first order of business is to get any and all necessary medical attention and help or other attention to lessen the immediate effects of any catastrophe or disaster. In the meanwhile, to the extent you are able, you should document with photographs, video recordings, and maintenance of bills, receipts, and other written evidence of loss, any losses or injuries you have suffered.
If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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Construction Accidents or Injuries
Serious personal injuries or death can occur on or near construction sites. Workers and bystanders can and too often are injured or killed on or near construction sites.
When a worker is injured or killed on a construction site while in the course and scope of employment, that worker or the workers' heirs are likely entitled to benefits under our Workers' Compensation system in California. The system is for workers legitimately injured while working to be entitled to benefits. Occasionally, legitimate cases are denied improperly by Workers' Compensation Insurance Companies, and, equally unfortunately, sometimes persons attempt to file improper or fraudulent Workers' Compensation cases.
California law requires that the following notice be given:
NOTICE
Making a false or fraudulent workers' compensation claim is a felony subject to up to five years in prison or a fine of up to $50,000.00 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or by both imprisonment and fine (California Labor Code §5432).
In addition to a Workers' Compensation claim, you may have a right to bring a civil lawsuit against someone other than your employer. That right arises where your injury was caused in some major way by the wrongdoing or fault of someone beside your employer. That third-party may be subject to a civil lawsuit, called a third-party lawsuit. There, you can recover all lost wages, medical costs, future medicals, and any lost earning capacity as well as damages for your pain, suffering, or change in quality of life.
You should consult an attorney immediately after a construction accident so that witnesses, valuable evidence, and other facts concerning the accident can be preserved. AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP has extensive experience in representing persons injured in construction accidents, and, in regard to Workers' Compensation claims, refers its clients to a network of lawyers who specialize in handling the Workers' Compensation cases.
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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Dog Bites
It is the law in this state that if a dog bites a human being, the owner of the dog is liable for all damages arising from the dog bite. This includes medical bills, loss of wages, and for pain and suffering. In some instances, a dog that is on the public street without being attended by its owner may be liable for other types of personal injuries. There have been cases where a loose dog interferes with a dog on a leash and during the dog fight the leash holder sustains personal injuries. There have also been cases where a dog may chase a motorcycle or bicyclist and cause the motorcyclist or bicyclist to fall. Under those circumstances the owner of the dog will be responsible for the personal injuries sustained by those individuals.
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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Elder Care Abuse
There are basically two types of elder care abuse. The first is physical abuse of an elderly person, and the second is taking unfair financial advantage of an elderly person.
Although elderly clients can have many of the same legal problems shared by the population at large, there are special laws that provide particular remedies or benefits to the person over 65 years of age who has been subject to physical or financial elder abuse.
If you have a loved one, family member, or friend over 65 years of age that you believe has been the subject of elder abuse, you should consult AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP to see what rights and remedies are available to your loved one or friend.
Many of the physical elder abuse cases arise at homes for the elderly, such a nursing homes, retirement homes, and the like. Unfortunately, much of the financial abuse either comes about as a result of a breach of trust by a friend or relative who has been given the responsibility for watching out for the financial well being of the person over 65.
If you have questions about any issues relating to elder abuse, we would be happy to respond to your inquiries.
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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Lack of Safety in Public Places
Public places may include sidewalks, streets, freeways, pools, playgrounds, parks and public buildings. Just like individuals, the city, county or state must maintain its property in a safe condition. Therefore, if there is a defect in the property or the property is not maintained safely, the governmental agency such as the city, school district, county or the state may be responsible for the personal injuries sustained by such defect or poor maintenance. The important thing to remember is when a personal injury occurs in a public place or on public property, a claim against that public entity must be made within six (6) months. This means that an injured person should see a lawyer as soon as possible so that an investigation can be made into whether or not there is probable success with such lawsuit and to timely file the claim against the public entity. Feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP so that we can help you evaluate your case against a public
entity.
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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Mass Disasters
Many people are injured by catastrophes such as fires, earthquakes, windstorms, and other major disasters. If you unfortunately are seriously injured or have family who suffers personal injury as a result of such a disaster, you should find out what your rights and remedies are in such circumstances.
There are many varieties of disasters in which people can suffer serious personal injury-too many to be specific. It is important to consult with your insurance agent and an attorney, familiar with such disasters, to determine what rights and remedies you may have.
Obviously, your first order of business is to get any and all necessary medical attention and help or other attention to lessen the immediate effects of any catastrophe or disaster. In the meanwhile, to the extent you are able, you should document with photographs, video recordings, and maintenance of bills, receipts, and other written evidence of loss, any losses or injuries you have suffered.
If you have any questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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Medical Mistakes and Malpractice
Physicians, nurses, hospitals and medical personnel must conduct the treatment of a patient within a standard of care developed in the community and in accordance with good medical practice. Even though a doctor or a hospital may not intend to cause a medical result or an injury, they may be responsible to the patient for their medical negligence. Not every poor result from a surgery gives rise to a lawsuit. However, if the result of the surgery related directly to something that a doctor or nurse should have done or did something that they shouldn't have done, there is cause for a lawsuit.
The damages that may be recovered by an injured person by medical malpractice is limited under California law. No matter what the injury, the maximum amount of damages for pain and suffering is $250,000.00. On the other hand, an injured person may still recover the entire amount of his or her loss of wages as well as other out-of-pocket expenses for a few months or for life.
If you have any questions about your potential medical malpractice case, contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP for a free attorney consultation.
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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Motorcycle Accidents
Certain members of the firm ride motorcycles and are very aware of the special risks associated with the vulnerability and lack of stability of motorcycles as compared with 4-wheeled vehicles.
If you are the unfortunate victim of a motorcycle accident and are seriously injured, you have rights against anyone who negligently and wrongfully caused your accident and injuries. As with any other accident, such as an auto accident, it is necessary to preserve all evidence and to document all damages and injuries.
If you have any questions concerning a particular accident, please contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP has been involved in nursing home abuse and neglect matters for a number of years. Special laws apply to the care of persons over the age of 65 who reside in nursing homes. If you know of anyone who has suffered bedsores, or other physical ailments as a result of poor care at a nursing home, and have questions about what rights or remedies your elderly relative or friend may have, please don't hesitate to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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Sexual Discrimination
Sexual discrimination in the workplace is against the law. When someone is subjected to sexual discrimination, the mental and emotional effects of such discrimination constitute personal injuries. A lawsuit for sexual discrimination allows for damages for medical expenses, other out-of-pocket expenses, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and, in some instances, punitive damages to make an example of the employer.
Sexual discrimination can come in different forms. It is not limited to unconsented touching, but may include words and actions that have sexual connotations or harass the employee. If you, or anyone you know works in an environment charged with sexual overtones or innuendoes, you should contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP to determine if you have a case.
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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Slip and Fall
Although all of us are charged with watching where we are going, occasionally, there will be hidden dangers that cause us to trip or fall on someone else's premises. If you are seriously injured as a result of trip or slip and fall caused by a hazardous or dangerous condition on someone else's premises, you may have a right to recover medical bills, lost earnings, and damages for pain and any changes in the quality of your life as result of the accident.
As with any accident, it is important to record important information surrounding an accident so that evidence can be preserved and available for the later making of a claim or the filing of a lawsuit.
If you have any questions concerning a particular accident, please contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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Toxic Chemical Exposure
The area of the law involving exposure or contact with chemical agents or toxic products is known as Toxic Torts. Usually, Toxic Tort cases involve the inhalation of dangerous chemicals or their products, which cause lung disease. In many instances, the exposure to toxic chemicals or their products may cause brain damage or nerve damage.
Some of the most common cases of personal injury derive from exposure to asbestos and hard metals. Usually, such personal injuries are developed during employment. Even though Workers' Compensation Insurance may pay for the personal injuries sustained as a result of exposure to toxins, there may be an additional right of recovery for monetary damages against the manufacturer and supplier of the toxic materials.
If you have any question about your legal rights and remedies arising from toxic chemical exposure, please contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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Train Accidents
Train accidents do not often occur. When they do, they can be devastating. The law requires that a train company undertake a high duty of care toward its passengers. Any time a passenger is injured on a train, bus, taxicab or other public transportation, the owner of the vehicle is responsible for any personal injuries incurred by the passenger. In fact, it is not up to the passenger to prove that the train engineer, bus driver of taxicab driver was negligent. It is up to the transportation company to prove that it was not negligent!
As is the case in all personal injury accidents, the public transportation company is responsible for all out-of-pocket expenses, including loss of earnings, as well as pain and suffering. When someone is involved in an accident involving public transportation, it may be necessary that a claim be filed with the agency or company within six months of the accident. Therefore, one must act quickly in obtaining legal representation not only in order to investigate the accident at the early stages but also to be able to file a timely claim.
If you have any questions about your rights and remedies in connection with a train accident, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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Truck Accidents
Why truck accidents are not like other accidents
- A fully-loaded truck can weigh more than 80,000 pounds, which is 26 times more than a passenger vehicle. Because of the size and weight of a fully loaded truck, a truck crash is far more likely to result in serious injury or in a fatality.
- An entire set of federal laws govern the trucking industry, which are more complicated than the automobile accident laws.
What should I do if I am in a truck accident?
- If you are seriously injured, get immediate medical attention right away. Remember to fully describe how the accident occurred and all your injuries, symptoms and pains to emergency personnel. What you say may later be very important to your case. What you say can help or harm your case later on, so be careful to be truthful and complete. Do not delay, and take no chances with your health. You can ask someone else to collect any necessary information in connection with the truck accident.
- Report the accident to the police. Remember to fully describe how the accident occurred and all your injuries, symptoms and pains to the police. You should also fill out a report for the Department of Motor Vehicles called an “SR-1,” which can be obtained from your own insurance company.
- Get all the information about the truck accident, including:
- names of all persons involved
- driver’s license numbers of all persons involved, including the state of the driver’s license issuance
- license plate numbers of all vehicles (including both the tractor/truck and all trailers) involved
- make, model, department of transportation number and year of all the vehicles (including both the tractor/truck and all trailers) involved
- if there is a truck trailer, a description of the placard and number on it
- names, addresses and telephone numbers of all accident witnesses
- names, addresses and telephone numbers of all vehicle passengers involved
- name, telephone and address of the truck driver’s employer and insurance company. Also obtain any policy numbers for insurance covering the accident
- If possible get the mileage of the truck/tractor.
- Take photographs of the damage to the vehicles, the scene of the accident and your injuries, if you have a camera or camcorder available.
- As soon as you can, report the accident to your insurance agent. You would want to find out if you have certain benefits available to you such as car rental, medical payments, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, or other similar coverage.
- Compile all necessary information concerning your injuries, pains, limitations, and any other damages, as well as keep a diary of the progress of your treatment, symptoms and recovery. You should document all lost wages, medical bills, and keep copies of any bills or receipts connected with the accident.
- When you get medical treatment, describe to your nurses and doctors and other health care providers how the truck accident happened and your specific injuries. Be very complete, but do not exaggerate how the accident occurred or your accident injuries. Either overstatement or understatement will hurt your case. What you report to your nurses, doctors
- If you were at work or on your way to work, you should report the accident to your employer.
- If you suspect that the accident was caused by some defect such as a tire defect, a steering defect, a braking defect in your car or some other vehicle involved in the accident, you should immediately consult an attorney so that the evidence can be preserved and examined.
When should I hire a lawyer?
Truck accident victims need to hire an attorney as soon as possible. Trucking companies waste no time in “investigating” an accident so that they can try to escape financial responsibility for the accident. When truck accidents occur, trucking companies often send representatives to the accident scene so they can limit or mitigate the trucking company’s liability.
Delays in contacting an attorney may harm your case and result in critical evidence being lost or destroyed. By working with an experienced truck accident attorneys, such as Ammirato & Palumbo, as soon as possible after the accident, you make sure that important evidence within the trucking company’s control is not mysteriously “lost” or purposely destroyed.
Ammirato & Palumbo (toll-free 1-800-589-5181) will answer all of your questions and make sure that your legal rights are fully protected.
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance company or their insurance representatives?
Do not speak to the trucking company or their insurance company until you have obtained legal advice. In the aftermath of a serious accident, injured parties may be pressured by the trucking company or their insurance company to make important decisions that impact their future. They may also try to obtain statements that may be harmful to your case. Do not speak to anyone about the truck accident, except your attorney.
What kind of lawyer should I hire?
You need to find a lawyer who has successfully handled truck accident cases and knows about the federal regulations and safety rules that apply to the trucking industry. You also need an attorney who will promptly investigate the truck accident to make sure that your rights are protected and important evidence is preserved.
What kind of compensation am I entitled to?
Truck accident victims may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses, including future medical care
- Lost income, including loss of income in the future
- Pain and suffering
- Limitations on and loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Loss of spousal relations
- Repair or replacement of your car and arrangement for a rental car
How much do I have to pay to hire a lawyer?
Ammirato & Palumbo have made the commitment to take the risk. Our fee depends solely on the recovery we obtain for you. Otherwise known as a contingency fee, we take no fees unless we obtain money on your behalf.
At Ammirato & Palumbo, our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence for the protection of individual rights through team work and the use of our considerable resources and experience. For a free consultation regarding your legal needs, please call Ammirato & Palumbo at 1-800-589-5181.
Consult the Auto Accident section for additional important information.
DISCLAIMER
The above information is general information only. It is not intended to be relied upon as legal advice in any particular case. Each personal injury or property damage case is specific to the individual and must be considered and evaluated on an individual basis. In order to retain the services of our firm, a written retainer agreement must be signed by both you and by a partner of our firm. Unless and until a written agreement is signed, there is no attorney-client relationship and you should not take anything on this site as advice in any personal injury matter or any other case in which you may be involved. If you have any further questions about your legal rights and remedies, please feel free to contact AMMIRATO & PALUMBO, LLP.
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