Blog | Page 2 of 14 | Ahlander Injury Law

What Happens if You’re in a Rideshare Car Accident

April 6, 2022 by Big Leap

Car accidents on their own are stressful and frightening. It can be difficult to sort out insurance claims and police reports, but you may be more confused if you’re involved in a rideshare accident. There are other factors at play here, so it’s worth it to learn a little more.

Why They’re Different

With a typical accident, you and the other driver or drivers will exchange insurance information and then you’ll each file a claim. However, in a rideshare accident it’s more complicated because there are technically more than two parties involved. When some works for a rideshare company, they are either covered by their own insurance or the insurance of the rideshare company they work for. The circumstance of the accident will determine which insurance company is involved and how this will affect you.

How You’re Covered

There are several different situations that could impact how you’re covered in a rideshare accident. Each situation will determine who will cover the costs of your injuries or damage to your vehicle. If the rideshare driver is not logged into the app and actively working for the rideshare company, then their personal insurance applies and it’s like any other accident. If they are actively working and logged into the app, then the rideshare company will cover claims of certain amounts. Companies like Uber and Lyft provide $1,000,000 policies, but the full amount is only applied if they have picked up a customer and the customer is in the car. The amount covered by the policy decreases if the driver is on the way to pick up a customer and it decreases further still if they are logged into the app but haven’t accepted a request yet.

Who is Liable

In any accident, it’s important to establish who is at fault and which driver is liable for the situation. To establish this, you must call the police so they can file a report and determine who is at fault. An individual is at fault if certain conditions are met. A driver is at fault if they violate certain responsibilities including driving safely and following all laws while driving. In some instances, working through insurance claims can be difficult. Having an attorney help you with your case can ensure you get the best possible outcome for you.

Rideshare accidents add a new level of concern since the driver is contracted by a larger company. These accidents can be more complex to navigate and you need to take time to understand how you will be affected.

Have you been in a rideshare accident? Click here to find an attorney who can assist on your case.

How to Recover From a Car Accident

March 23, 2022 by Big Leap

After a car accident, you will have a lot to navigate including sorting out insurance and getting your car repaired. If the accident was bad enough, you’ll also have injuries to take care of. It’s important that you dedicate some attention to recovering from these injuries.

Get Medical Attention

First and foremost, you need to seek medical attention for any injuries you sustain. After an accident, it can sometimes be difficult to know how you were affected and you might even feel fine. However, it’s a good idea to get medical attention in order to see if you have any injuries and to take care of them right away. You also need to seek immediate medical attention if you have obvious injuries. The best way to recover is to start taking care of your injuries as soon as possible. When you seek medical help, you can be told how to best take care of yourself in order to recover.

Rest and Follow Your Treatment Plan

When you’re injured, the best thing you can do is rest. If you get right back to work or to your daily activities, it can take even longer to heal and it may cause more pain. Taking time to rest can allow your body to slow down and heal much faster. As you rest, you also need to follow your treatment plan. This can include taking certain medications to help you recover. You might also receive physical therapy instructions and you need to make sure you do all exercises that are necessary. Your doctors give you a treatment plan for a reason. Following it will help you recover faster.

Get a Support System

Dealing with injuries on your own can make it much harder. You need to make sure you have a support system in place. Whether friends or family, your support system can help you with tasks you can’t do because of your injuries. They can also provide you with services like making you dinner or helping you clean. Your support system can also be there as an emotional support to help you through. Reach out to your loved ones, friends, neighbors, etc. in order to give yourself the support you need so you can recover from your accident.

Your injuries from a car accident can slow you down and even keep you from working. It’s best to find ways to recover quickly and painlessly. Find ways to make your recovery easier.

Contact Ahlander Injury Law if you are in need of legal counsel.

How to Identify a Drunk Driver

March 9, 2022 by Big Leap

When driving, you can only control your own actions. The decisions that others make on the road are unfortunately the ones that can be the most dangerous. Drunk driving leads to numerous accidents that can cause serious injuries and financial trouble. To protect yourself, it’s worth knowing the signs of a drunk driver so you can avoid them on the road.

Weaving and Erratic Braking

If a driver is under the influence, it can be difficult for them to focus and follow standard driving procedures. One of the most common signs of a drunk driver is if they are weaving through lanes. Often, drunk drivers cannot stay within the lanes or continue straight. If you see a driver weaving a lot, it may be safe to keep your distance. Additionally, if a driver is braking suddenly and at odd times, this may also be a sign that they are intoxicated. In some cases, this behavior could also be the result of distracted driving, such as texting. If it is prolonged and frequent, there’s more of a chance they are under the influence. No matter the circumstances, you want to avoid being close to these drivers so you don’t get into an accident.

Delayed Reactions

Alcohol can slow your reactions to things which is one of the main reasons you should never drive while under the influence. Drunk drivers are more likely to hesitate before accelerating (at a traffic light or stop sign) and they also may not brake in time. Since their reactions are delayed, there is more of a chance that they could cause an accident with someone. While driving, if you see someone who appears to be reacting slowly to what’s going on around them, you should make sure there is plenty of space between you and them.

Illegal Driving

Your actions are severely inhibited while under the influence of alcohol and you are more likely to ignore laws while driving. You may be able to spot a drunk driver if they are breaking certain laws. This can include ignoring signs and traffic lights, driving in an area they shouldn’t, and more. Of course, not all individuals driving illegally are drunk, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

The main lesson here is to keep your distance from someone if their actions indicate that they may be drunk. These types of drivers are more likely to cause accidents and you don’t want to be involved with them.

If you have been in an accident that was the result of a drunk driver, contact Ahlander Injury Law.

What Not to Do After a Car Accident

February 16, 2022 by Big Leap

An accident causes a lot of stress and you need to do a lot of thinking on your feet. In these circumstances, it can be easy to make mistakes. However, there are certain things you need to make sure you avoid.

Admitting Blame

After an accident, you will need to make a report with the police and you’ll need to talk with the insurance company. For your own best interest, you need to make sure you do not admit blame for the accident. Admitting blame can keep you from receiving compensation from the insurance. This means you may not receive coverage for any injuries, damages, or lost wages due to injuries. It can be difficult to gauge the extent of your injuries or damages to your vehicle in the moment. You don’t want to underestimate them, admit blame, and then be left without a way to cover them. Whenever you make a report, to the police or the insurance company, make sure you use objective facts to explain what happened.

Failing to Report the Accident

In many cases, people will not call the police if there are no injuries. However, you always need to call the police and report the accident. This report will include all details of the accident, including evidence, and it will help to establish fault. This will be important for when you negotiate with the insurance companies and if a lawsuit is filed. When you report the accident, you need to make sure you provide all important evidence and facts related to the incident.

Do Not Leave the Scene

Even if you are concerned about the trouble that may be caused by an accident, you should not leave the scene of the accident. When an accident occurs, it is important for all parties to remain present until the police arrive. The police will make their report and they will call in other emergency services as well. If you leave before a report is made, then you may be charged with a hit and run or another similar crime.

A lot happens in the aftermath of an accident. It can be difficult to navigate everything, so it’s important to keep in mind the things you should avoid. Knowing what you should and should not do can keep you from any unnecessary trouble.

If you need help after an accident, contact a car accident lawyer.

How an Attorney Can Help After a Car Accident

February 2, 2022 by Big Leap

In the aftermath of a car accident, you have a lot you need to manage and navigate. Your life could be completely turned upside down and it can be difficult to manage this on your own. Working with an attorney can help you through the post-accident phase.

Negotiate with Insurance

After an accident, one of your first steps should be contacting the insurance company. Typically you will contact the insurance of the at-fault driver. However, you may also contact your own insurance company. While insurance companies are intended to provide relief after an accident, they may be resistant to parting with their money. For anyone who has little to no experience dealing with an insurance company, it’s likely that they will take whatever settlement they are offered. An attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance company in order to make sure you get the payment you actually deserve.

Fight for Compensation

When negotiating with the insurance companies, your attorney will fight to make sure you get fair compensation. The compensation you receive will depend on your situation. If you suffer severe injuries, then you will need compensation to cover your medical bills. Some insurance will even cover you for wages that are lost due to your injuries. If your car was damaged, your insurance, or the insurance of the other party, should pay for the repairs. Your attorney will make sure you get the compensation you need so your life is not severely disrupted by the accident. There is already plenty for you to worry about and your attorney can help you avoid a heavy financial burden.

Build Your Case

In some instances, you may need to sue or file a lawsuit against the other party. This can be difficult to do on your own. Your attorney can help you with your case against the at-fault driver. This can include establishing fault by gathering evidence from the accident. Attorneys know the law well and they know what is needed in order to solidify the case for you. This can help you receive further compensation after the accident and you can move on with your life. Overall, the process is made easier when you have an expert on your side.

Because of how insurance companies operate to pay out as little money as possible, nearly every car accident will require the assistance of an attorney. They can improve your situation and help you get back on your feet after an accident.

Contact Ahlander Injury Law for a consultation.