Articles Tagged with Distracted Driving Victim

DistractedDriverPhone-300x200The U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warn, “[d]istracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America’s roadways. In 2014 alone, 3,179 were killed in distracted driving crashes.” Thousands of other victims have suffered injuries due to distracted drivers. The tragedy is that every one of these losses and injuries is completely preventable. We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, including a recent $29.25 million dollar verdict, and our mission is to help the victims of these tragic and senseless accidents.

I Was Seriously Injured by a Distracted Driver. What Assistance Can an Attorney Provide?

After an accident, our Clients come in with a number of questions and concerns. Many of these relate to insurance negotiations, medical care and property damage. In some tragic circumstances, a loved one has been lost in an accident and grieving family members are uncertain of how to proceed. A dedicated, experienced personal injury firm should be able to immediately provide victims of motor vehicle accidents with a strategic plan to navigate the coming days, months, and years. Each case is different and should be customized to the needs of the specific victim. Your initial consultation should be free, thorough and provide you with a solid understanding of your legal options.

Should I Speak With or Hire an Attorney that Contacted Me Directly, In the Hospital, Through Social Media, or Through an Investigator?

The American Bar Association Rule 7.3 states that a lawyer “shall not” contact a prospective Client through a “live telephone” or an “in-person” visit. If an attorney, or someone acting on behalf of an attorney, contacts you in this manner, that attorney is in violation of this Rule. This unethical and unprofessional activity on the part of the lawyer is good sign that you should stay away. It is imperative that you are represented by an attorney who is capable of advocating for you within the confines of the law, and an attorney who fails to abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct is probably not the best fit. In fact, any such attorney should be immediately reported to the local State Bar Association. If you have been contacted in such an unsolicited manner, contact us and we’ll assist you in filing a report.

Do I Need an Attorney to Negotiate with Insurance Companies?

Sadly, insurance companies are all too often more concerned with limiting their own financial exposure than providing victims with the compensation and long-term medical care they need. An experienced personal injury attorney will handle all negotiations with insurance companies to get victims the maximum recovery they deserve. An experienced personal injury attorney should also handle property damage claims related to your case. Be sure to ask any potential attorney about their experience negotiating with insurance companies. Having an experienced personal injury attorney during this complex negotiation process can mean the difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation.

How Do I Handle Medical Billing and Long-Term Medical Care While Waiting on an At-Fault Driver’s Insurance?

A comprehensive personal injury firm will assist Clients by acting as a liaison between their medical care providers and insurance companies. The firm should handle all communications and negotiations with medical billing offices and an exceptional attorney will even coordinate long-term medical appointments and Client transportation to medical providers, if needed.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

Clients frequently come in concerned that they won’t be able to afford legal help. We believe everyone has a right to exceptional legal service. We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover. This means our interests are always tied to that of our Clients. Be sure to ask any potential personal injury attorney about their fee schedule and whether they represent Clientele on a contingency basis before signing a contract.

You Deserve Justice. We Can Help.

The Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims and families devastated by impaired drivers. We offer our legal assistance, if desired. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.
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ParkingLotSafetySignShopping mall patrons have a right to feel safe and secure while on premises, whether shopping or walking to their car.

AAA Mid-Atlantic warns, shoppers face an increased risk of distracted drivers and parking lot crime during the busy holiday season. They have released a list of parking lot safety guidelines for drivers, pedestrians and shoppers:

  1. Stay on guard in parking lots. Be aware of your surroundings and park in well-lit areas when shopping during early morning hours and at night. When returning to your vehicle, have keys ready in hand, check under your car and in the back seat before getting in, and lock your doors as soon as you get in. Watch for loiterers and report suspicious people.
  2. See and be seen. Use your headlights when scouring parking garages for spaces, even in the daytime. Avoid parking between a pair of tall SUVs or minivans where it might be hard for you to back out of the space. If you can’t see well enough to back out safely, get help from one of your passengers.
  3. Slow down, buckle up and obey the laws. Drive the speed limit, stop at stop signs, don’t park in spaces designated for disabled persons, and don’t text and/or talk on the phone. Ensure all passengers are buckled up even if it is a short trip to another part of the parking lot, as even a low-speed collision can result in injuries.
  4. Refrain from reverse. If possible, avoid backing out of a space by either backing into it or pulling through two spaces that are open nose-to-nose.
  5. Look out for children and distracted pedestrians. It can be difficult to see small children in busy parking lots, who may make quick, unpredictable movements. Hold the hands of your children to keep them safe from traffic. Also, watch out for those focused on their smartphones.
  6. Stay on track and alert. Pedestrians should use walkways and crosswalks, if available. If walking in the traffic lanes is unavoidable, be alert for subtle cues — including exhaust or reverse lights — that signal a vehicle is about to pull out.
  7. Lock your car and hide valuables. Thieves like to window shop. Place all shopping bags and valuables in the trunk, including the GPS and its mount, and always lock your car. Remove any evidence, such as GPS suction cup marks from the vehicle’s windshield. It takes a thief just seconds to smash a window and steal your shopping loot.

Read the complete list of safety tips at WTOP News.

Shopping Mall Patron Rights

Shopping mall and parking lot owners have a responsibility to protect patrons legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should they fail in this duty, victims may elect to seek justice and pursue a legal claim for any injuries or wrongful deaths, which occur as a consequence.

We’ve Recovered Millions for Victims of Security and Safety Negligence…Contact us Now for a Free Consultation.

Headline Frame Fox News FireThe Murray Law Firm has an extensive and successful record representing victims of property security and safety negligence. We have recovered millions of dollars for our Clients, and we recently obtained a $29.25 million dollar verdict for a victim of an unsafe property. We offer our legal assistance, if desired.

We represent our Clients on a contingency agreement, which generally means that no fees or payments are owed until and unless we recover.  Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us via e-mail (click here) or by telephone at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.

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