Economic Damages

Colorado Car Accident Lawyers

Like other states, Colorado boasts beautiful scenery and popular winter resorts. Yet the influx of tourists and mountain roads can exacerbate the risk of collisions. The worse culprit in car accidents is speeding, followed by cell phone use, drugs, alcohol, and driving to endanger others.

Colorado car accident lawyers are important. One must remember that state automobile laws have returned to the tort system; in other words, blame must be established in the event of an accident. Unlike the popular no-fault provisions elsewhere, Colorado now insists that the culpable driver’s insurance bear the full financial burden of the accident.

Thus, because the process of establishing responsibility requires skill and expertise, a Colorado car accident lawyer would be the first one to consult. Other experts could also include an “accident reconstruction engineer” whose sole function is computing for the force of the impact. A biomechanics engineer would be able to explain the relationship between the impact and any sustained injuries. What used to be a relatively simple job for the insurance companies has now become big business.

The person at fault would solely be then liable for the resulting medical costs, pain, suffering, loss of work or vehicle damage. For this reason, Colorado residents have mandatory auto insurance which must include property damage and personal injury coverage. If the case involves wrongful death, the stakes are even higher because Colorado has no ceiling on a claim’s dollar amount. To protect themselves from uninsured drivers, Colorado residents must also have under-insured and uninsured coverage which provides the same benefits as that of an at-fault driver.

Like other states, Colorado approaches any claim in parts: the economic damages which is the cost of care and lost income; the non-economic damages of pain, suffering, loss of quality life; physical damages such as bodily injury and harm. Once there is a judgment, the state places a medical lien on the proceeds, guaranteeing that the victim’s past and future doctor and hospital expenses are covered.

For more information about Colorado car accident lawyers, visit http://www.principledlawyer.com



By: Pete Stark

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Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 Car Accident Lawyer No Comments

Florida Car Accident Lawyer

Florida car accident lawyers handle cases that are similar to those in other states with two major exceptions. First, because Florida is a winter resort to which snowbirds flock every winter, the population bulges seasonally as do the number of cars. Second, Florida is a popular retirement destination and thus home to an elderly population whose ability to drive could be questionable and even dangerous.

To simplify the legal quagmire, Florida has adopted the no-fault provision for non-economic injury, primarily addressing any physical damage to the automobile. At this stage, it’s a simple job for the insurance companies. What turns a no-fault accident into a lawsuit is the potential pain, suffering, injury and death that may accompany non-economic damages. Now enters the Florida auto accident lawyer.

At this point, the Florida car accident lawyer would need to focus on the economic side of the law which addresses potential loss of income, medical or funeral costs, and damage to personal property. If there is enough cause for assessing damages, the court would proceed with the case and decide the dollar award to the wronged party. Like other states, Florida car accident laws subscribe to the notion of the “Collateral Source Rule,” which means that a percentage of blame can be assessed between the two parties, dividing the damages accordingly.

To find the right Florida car accident lawyer, Florida attorney Brian Labovick, suggests that credentials matter. Not only are the years in practice important but those years should have focused on auto accident law. Furthermore, belonging to professional associations like the Florida Justice Association (FJA) and the American Association for Justice (AAJ) only adds credibility to a lawyer’s experience in the field.

Whether or not a law suit ever happens, it’s important to remember that Florida has a four-year statute of limitations on filing. It’s also wise to consider that beyond the required insurance, additions like Medical Payments Coverage, Collision Coverage, and Comprehensive Coverage make sense in Florida. After all, one never knows when Grandma and the snowbirds will hit the road.

For more information about Florida car accident lawyer, visit http://www.principledlawyer.com



By: Pete Stark

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Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 Car Accident Lawyer No Comments

Car Accident Lawyer Urges Accident Victims to Keep Receipts to Substantiate Losses

It’s always prudent to ask a San Bernardino car accident lawyer for advice should you become involved in a car accident in San Bernardino, California. There are a number of specific economic damages you may recover if you are injured or sustain property damage in a car crash. The fact is, if you drive a motor vehicle in San Bernardino, you may find yourself in need of sound legal advice, for accidents happen with disturbing frequency in this city.

No One is Immune to Car Accidents

In 2006, for example, the California Highway Patrol’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) reported that 32 people died and 1,177 were injured in San Bernardino car crashes. Seven pedestrians were killed and 75 were injured in car collisions. One bicyclist was killed and 28 were injured in car accidents. And motorcycle accidents killed one and injured 60. Drunk drivers caused 11 fatalities and 136 injuries. In 2007, 33 car collisions ended in 37 deaths.

A Wide Range of Economic Damages

If you are the victim of a car accident, San Bernardino car accident lawyers say the most common types of economic damages include medical, pharmaceutical and therapeutic expenses; costs of household services; the expense of household modifications needed to accommodate special needs arising from the accident; lost wages; loss of employment and fringe benefits; loss of earning capacity; funeral expenses; estate administration costs; and property damage, which includes your motor vehicle and its “loss of use” while your car is being repaired after an accident.

Some Valuable Tips

If your car is “totaled,” don’t automatically take the adjuster’s estimate of the value of your car. The Kelly Blue Book is not the “bible” in establishing its actual cash value. Use auto sales magazines, newspapers and online classified ads, and take into account your car’s year, make, model, mileage, optional equipment and condition. Insurance companies are supposed to look at the actual replacement cost of the vehicle.

Finally, remember to pay all out-of-pocket expenses with checks or credit cards to substantiate every item of damage. If you must use cash, keep receipts. More and more San Bernardino car crash lawyers no charge, no pressure, consultations to inform you of your rights and point you in the right direction.

By: J. Bisnar

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Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 Car Accident Lawyer No Comments

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