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If you have a legal situation that you need help with, hiring a lawyer is a good step toward upholding your legal rights. But as you research lawyers in your area, you might have noticed that some call themselves trial attorneys, while others claim to be litigators.

So, what’s the difference, and what makes one option better than the other when it comes to your legal case? Here’s what you should know about the differences between litigators and trial attorneys.

What Does a Litigator Do?

A litigator is a lawyer who approaches most cases with the objective of settling out of court. While litigators have some experience arguing cases in the courtroom, they aim to avoid going to trial whenever possible.

As such, they’re ready to negotiate during any step in the case. Litigators usually spend a lot of time and effort researching the facts of the case, looking for legal precedent, and negotiating to get the right terms for their clients.

If the case goes to trial, litigators are usually good at preparing motions, attending hearings, and making other preparations for the courtroom. While they can also represent clients at trial, this is not their primary focus, so some litigators are not as comfortable in the courtroom as the average trial attorney.

What Does a Trial Attorney Do?

On the other hand, trial attorneys often excel when they represent their clients at trial. Their main focus is on arguing the case in court, not attempting to settle. Though they can handle a case from start to finish, trial attorneys truly shine in the courtroom, not while researching to prepare the case.

Trial attorneys are also adept at preparing before trial, such as picking a jury. In addition, they’re often experienced at cross-examining witnesses, delivering a compelling closing argument, and using trial tactics with a high success rate. In many cases, trial attorneys are eager to go to trial, not settle out of court.

Which One Is Right for Your Case?

The right legal professional for you to hire depends on your objective for your case. If you want to avoid trial at all costs, you may want to stick with a litigator who will do everything possible to negotiate and stay out of court.

If you know you don’t want to settle and would prefer to take your case to trial, choosing a trial attorney with years of experience and an impressive record is a good idea. Of course, some lawyers are known for being excellent at both litigation and trial, so that may be the right path if you’re unsure if you want to settle or go to trial. If you want to talk to attorneys who can help you decide, contact our law firm at (713) 489-4270 to schedule a free consultation.

If you’ve suffered an injury in a car accident, you likely have significant medical bills and expensive repairs to your car. You should be focused on healing, not on fighting the insurance company for the compensation you’re rightfully owed. At Milano Law Group, we know how important it is for you to get just compensation, and we want to advocate zealously on your behalf.

Types of Accidents We Handle

Our legal team is experienced in handling many different types of accident claims. While you focus on resting and recovering, our injury attorneys will deal with the insurance company to get you a top-dollar settlement. We’ve handled many types of cases, including:

• Rear-end collisions
• T-bone and side-impact collisions
• Head-on collisions
• Sideswipe accidents
• Rollover accidents
• Single-vehicle accidents
• Multi-vehicle accidents
• Commercial car accidents

Common Causes of Car Accidents

We never mean for accidents to happen, but they do. There are a few common behaviors that lead to car accidents:

• Distracted driving – Distracted driving is the top cause of car accidents. Most often, people think of texting and driving when distracted driving is brought up. Texting and driving is a major cause of distracted driving accidents, but there are other ways that a driver can become distracted, such as eating, talking to passengers, or changing the radio.
• Speeding – Many people drive over the speed limit, but doing so drastically increases your odds of being in an accident. By speeding, you cut down the time you have to react, which means you’re more likely to get in an accident.
• Driving under the influence – Operating a vehicle when you are under the influence of any drugs or alcohol may cause impaired judgment and slower reaction times, which can lead to accidents.
• Failure to follow the rules of the road – Accidents are often caused by drivers who don’t follow posted road signs or traffic lights. Always be alert to the signs around you and make sure to always stop, yield, and go the right way in traffic, especially at busy intersections.
• Tailgating – When you fail to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, you run the risk of getting in a rear-end collision.

Common Injuries From Car Accidents

Unfortunately, car accidents often lead to serious injuries. These injuries may involve hospital visits, surgeries, and multiple follow-up doctor visits, all of which can be expensive. Some of the most common injuries resulting from car accidents are:

• Brain injuries – Traumatic brain injuries, also called TBI, occur when the brain is damaged by an impact to the head. Car accidents are the leading cause of these types of injuries.
• Spinal injuries – The impact from a car accident can cause injuries to your spine. Unfortunately, spinal injuries can be incredibly severe and can lead to paralysis, either partial or total.
• Neck injuries – Whiplash is one of the most common injuries from car accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. Whiplash can happen at speeds as low as 15 mph, which is part of the reason it is so common.
• Internal injuries – Internal injuries, like internal bleeding, can be caused by car accidents and frequently need emergency treatment.
• Burns – Vehicles contain gas, oil, and hot surfaces. After accidents, it is common for the victims to suffer severe burns, some of which may require surgeries or skin grafts.
• Breaks and fractures – From collar bones to ribs to legs, breaks are all too common in car accidents. Some breaks or fractures may simply require a cast, while others require surgery and have lengthy recovery times.
• PTSD – PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) can also occur from severe car accidents. Accident victims may require mental health treatment after the accident to help with PTSD.

No matter what your injury is, you deserve compensation. Let us help you get top-dollar compensation to cover all of the medical expenses associated with your injury.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, there are a few things you can do to ensure your safety and make sure you have the evidence you may need to get compensation for your injury.

Step 1 – Seek Medical Attention

Remember, your health and safety are both number one. Make sure you seek appropriate medical attention. Even if you don’t think your injuries are severe, you should be evaluated by a medical professional. Many injuries, like whiplash, take time to show symptoms.

Step 2 – Call 9-1-1.

Let the dispatcher know you’ve been in an accident and stay at the scene until the officer arrives. Even if the accident is minor, you should still call the police and get an accident report. You may not know the full extent of your injuries or the damage to your vehicle on the scene, and an accident report will be critical if you need to pursue legal action.

Step 3 – Exchange Information

If you’re able, get the information of anyone involved in the accident. From the other driver(s), you’ll want to get their name, license plate number, contact information, and insurance information. If there are any witnesses, be sure to get their contact information as well. Your attorney may need to speak with them about what they saw.

Step 4 – Collect Evidence

Make sure to take photos of the damage to your car, the other cars, and any visible injuries. If you can, leave the vehicles where they are until the police arrive. If it is unsafe to leave the vehicles, try to snap a few photos before you move them, so there is photographic evidence of the scene. You should also write down everything as you remember it. Your memory will fade over time, and you want to have the most accurate details written down.

Step 5 – Don’t Talk About The Accident

Accidents are traumatizing experiences. You may be frustrated at the other driver or upset about your injuries. That’s understandable, but try to avoid talking about the accident. Don’t make posts on social media, avoid arguing with the other driver, and don’t discuss the accident with the insurance company.

Step 6 – Talk To An Experienced Car Accident Attorney

Most car accident lawyers offer a free, no-obligation consultation. Take advantage of that. Before you make any decisions surrounding a settlement or lawsuit, you need to have a good idea of the legal options available to you.

Compensation for a Car Accident

If you suffered an injury in a car accident, it’s important that you get compensated fairly. There is no set amount of compensation, as the compensation you are eligible for will vary depending on the specifics of your case. However, there are a few general factors to use when determining what compensation is fair:

• Property damage – Your vehicle likely sustained damage during the accident. The costs to repair that will be part of the compensation you are owed.
• Medical expenses – You should also be compensated for your medical expenses, not just the medical expenses you have incurred but any medical expenses you are likely to incur in the future due to your injuries. Make sure to keep all medical records and any receipts you have for treatments or medications so you can provide evidence of the medical expenses you have incurred.
• Lost wages – If your injury causes you to miss time from work, make sure to keep track of that. If you are unable to work, even very temporarily, you can be eligible for compensation for those lost wages.
• Loss of earning capacity – There is a possibility that your injury may cause permanent damage, which leaves you unable to return to your previous employment. If you have sustained permanent damage, you may be entitled to compensation for the fact that you have lost some or all of your earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering – Your injuries may not be solely physical. Many accident victims suffer from PTSD, anxiety, or depression, especially when injuries are severe and life-changing.

Compensation If You Are Partially At Fault

In many cases, an accident is not just one driver’s fault. The other driver may have run a red light or inappropriately switched lanes, but maybe you were speeding or shooting a text message. The good news is that Texas is a comparative negligence state, meaning that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, the compensation you can recover will be reduced by the percentage of fault that you are assigned.

It is important to note that this rule only goes so far. If you are assigned 50 percent or more of the fault, you cannot recover any damages from the other driver.

Timeframe for Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit

Like most states, Texas puts a time frame on when you can file a lawsuit for your car accident injuries, something called a statute of limitations for filing your claim. The Texas statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. Once this time frame passes, you will be unable to file a lawsuit for your injuries.

Even if you don’t intend to file a lawsuit, it is important to keep this timeframe in mind. Insurance companies will be more likely to engage in settlement negotiations because they know you can take legal action if you don’t get the compensation you want. Once your time runs out to file suit, you lose a lot of leverage, and many end up getting no compensation at all.

Fault State

Many people may know that Texas is considered a fault state, but you may not know exactly what that means or how it affects your accident claim. The fact that Texas is a fault state means that it matters who is responsible for the accident. Unlike no-fault states, you don’t look to your own insurance company in the event of injury from an accident. You will turn to the insurance company of the driver who is at fault.

If that driver does not have insurance, you’ll have to turn to your insurance company if you have uninsured motorist insurance. You may also have to turn to your own insurance company if your damages far exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage. In this case, you’d be relying on any underinsured motorist coverage. You have to make up the difference between your actual damages and what the at-fault driver’s insurance company can pay.

A Strong Car Accident Injury Claim

One question people often ask is if they have a strong claim. Each claim is unique, and the best way to know if you have a strong claim is to go over the facts with an experienced car accident attorney. However, there are a few factors you can use to evaluate your claim:

• Medical treatment – If you received medical treatment immediately after the accident, that is a clear sign to insurance companies that you sustained an injury from the accident. Waiting to seek treatment may seem more convenient, but it opens you up to questions about the severity of the injury or if there was a cause other than the accident. It’s also critical that you follow through with any recommended medical treatment. Skipping doctor appointments or failing to follow treatment plans indicates that your injuries are not serious.
• Significant injury or damage – Unfortunately, the more significant your injury or the damage to your vehicle, the more likely the insurance company will take your claim seriously.
• Clear liability – Since Texas is a comparative negligence fault state, you’ll need to show that the other driver was at-fault for the accident. The clearer it is that the other driver was at fault, the stronger your case is.
• Your evidence – At the end of the day, it all comes down to evidence. You can know for sure that the other driver was 100 percent at-fault, but it doesn’t matter if you can’t show it. Make sure to keep records of everything that happened. Save all your receipts, repair quotes, doctor reports, etc. You never know what you’ll need.

How a Car Accident Attorney Can Help You

When you’ve been in a car accident, you need to focus on resting and recovering. When that’s your focus, it’s challenging also to find the time to take on a big insurance company. The goal of the insurance company is to pay you as little as possible, and they’ll have a team of attorneys to help them do just that.

You should also have a team of attorneys in your corner. Our car accident attorneys will be by your side, drastically improving your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.

Our attorneys will help you:

• Gather evidence to support your claim, be it medical records, eyewitness testimony, surveillance videos, or a police report. We’ll also organize everything and present it in a way that is clear and convincing.
• Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Insurance companies can be tough to deal with, but we understand how the process works. We know the best way to approach them to get good results.
• Evaluate any settlement offers. Oftentimes, the insurance company will present you with a settlement offer. It may not always be in your best interest to accept that offer. And, if you do decide to accept the offer, you should be aware of how that may impact future compensation and future legal claims.
• Bring a lawsuit if needed. If you cannot reach a settlement with the insurance company, you may need to take your case to court. Your attorney will handle all of the court procedures, deadlines, and forms to make sure that your case proceeds smoothly. In addition, your attorney will aggressively advocate for you and present your claim in the best light.
• Retain any specialists. As your case proceeds, you may find that you need professionals, like an accident reconstruction specialist or an investigator, to help determine what really happened. Your attorney will know all the right people for the job and will ensure whatever you need is handled.

Cost of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney

People hesitate to call a car accident attorney because they are concerned about the cost. We’re here to help you, not to charge you outrageous hourly fees. In fact, we handle car accident claims on a contingency basis, meaning that you don’t pay us unless you get paid!

We’ll communicate with you upfront and let you know how our contingency system works, and we’ll determine a percentage of the settlement that will be our compensation. Our payment will come 100 percent from your settlement; you won’t have to pay our fees out of your own pocket.

In addition, a consultation with us to evaluate your case and learn how we can work together is also free and with no obligation.

Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Today

At Milano Law Group, our experienced team of attorneys has years of experience fighting for the rights of car accident victims. We’ll bring our experience to your case to help you get a top-dollar settlement. To get started, call us at (713) 489-4270 to set up a free consultation.

Ridesharing is so popular that the chances are high of being involved in an accident with one of these drivers. After a collision, the next steps you take are critical to obtaining the compensation you deserve.

• Stop everything and try not to panic. Check if anyone is injured and, if possible, move yourself to safety or stay in your vehicle.
• Call 911. Emergency responders can attend to anyone injured, and the police will fill out an accident report. This report will play a vital role in proving liability when filing an accident claim. Even if everyone’s injuries were minor, it is in your best interests to have the accident officially investigated, especially when a rideshare driver is involved.
• Gather information. Ask for the names, contact information, and insurance details of everyone involved. If there are any witnesses, ask how you can get in contact with them as well. Eyewitnesses can have a significant bearing on how an insurance provider will treat your claim.
• Don’t admit fault. Choose your words carefully when you’re interacting with the other parties involved. Saying something as simple as “I’m sorry” can imply guilt, which can possibly be used against you when you file an insurance claim.
• Take pictures and/or videos. Photos and videos of the scene, the damage to the vehicles, their positions, and your injuries can be beneficial. Along with witness accounts, photos and video can help you prove liability when it is being disputed.
• Seek medical care. If you were not immediately transported to the hospital, see a doctor as soon as possible. There must be medical records linking your injuries to the accident for you to obtain compensation.
• Call your insurance provider. After collecting all the required information on the other parties, you can notify your auto insurer of the accident and discuss your coverage options.
• Speak to a car accident lawyer. As soon as you can, call a trusted Houston Car Accident Lawyer who is experienced in rideshare accidents specifically. These cases and figuring out which insurance policies apply can be complicated. An attorney will immediately begin investigating to gather the evidence you need to prove liability and obtain compensation to cover your losses entirely.

Can You Sue a Rideshare Company after a Car Accident?

Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft consider their employees independent contractors, making suing them for liability very challenging. As of now, legal issues on rideshare company liability are being worked out in the courts, but you do have the right to file an insurance claim.

Uber and Lyft carry commercial insurance coverage with a maximum liability limit of up to one million dollars. However, these policies will only kick in if the driver was on duty at the time of the accident. If the driver did not have an active ride at the time, you can only recover up to $50,000 per injured person, up to two people. Any additional compensation would come from the at-fault driver’s personal insurance policy. Accidents caused by off-duty rideshare drivers must be covered by their personal insurance.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been severely harmed in a rideshare accident, contact Milano Legal Group. Our Houston Car Accident Lawyer can help you navigate this process and protect your best interests. Schedule your free consultation today.

If you or a loved one has been in a car accident and you’re looking to get compensation from the other driver, there are many pieces of evidence you’ll want to have to show that the other driver was at fault. One of these documents is the police report of the accident. The police report will need to be provided to your attorney and to your automobile insurance company so the appropriate damages can be pursued.

Why Is a Police Report Important?

As mentioned above, you’ll want to show that the other driver was at fault for the car accident and any resulting injuries. A police report is one of the most useful ways to prove fault because it generally includes detailed observations from the officer who was on the scene. Helpful evidence that is commonly included in a police report includes:

• Facts about the scene of the accident – These can include information about the weather conditions, the time of the accident, the location of the accident, the position of the vehicles immediately after the accident occurred, and whether or not the other driver was issued a ticket or violation.
• Witness reports – When an officer arrives at the scene, they generally look for people who witnessed the accident and take their statements. These witness statements are helpful to show what happened leading up to the accident and the circumstances around which the accident took place. Since there often isn’t video evidence of exactly what happened, eyewitness accounts can be critical in determining who was at fault. The officer may also include their opinion of who was at fault in the accident.
• Information about the other driver – The police report will also include information about the other driver, such as name, contact information, insurance information, and the make and model of the driver’s vehicle.

Are Police Reports Required After a Car Accident in Texas?

A police report will not always be required by law, but it is still a good idea to get one, as you never know what injuries or damages will show themselves down the line. Under Texas law, if the accident caused over $1,000 of property damage, injury, or death, you will be required to report the accident and file a police report.

Even if you don’t think there is $1,000 worth of damage, it is a good idea to report the accident and get a police report. You can’t be sure of the exact amount of the damage or the full extent of any injuries, so you’ll want to cover your bases. A police report will be crucial if you decide to file a personal injury or accident lawsuit or if you need to deal with insurance companies. The police report is considered an unbiased account of what happened at the accident, so it is relied on by juries, courts, insurance companies, and any other involved party to help determine what took place and who was at fault.

It’s important to note that Texas law provides you with 10 days to report the accident and file a police report. If a police officer cannot come to the scene of the accident, you’ll want to get on the Texas Department of Transportation website to fill out a crash report form, also called a CR-3. It is recommended that you fill out the form as close to the accident as possible. Doing so will allow you to provide the most accurate information. The information you’ll want for the crash report includes:

• A detailed description of the location of the accident, including the town, state, street names, and nearby intersections
• The date and time of the accident
• A detailed description of the vehicles involved in the accident, including make, model, year, license plate number, and vehicle identification number if you have it
• A detailed description of what happened from your point of view (Every driver’s account of the accident will differ based on their perspective, but it is important that you do your best to provide a truthful, accurate description of the events.)
• A detailed description of any injuries you suffered from the accident
• A detailed description of any property damage caused by the accident

If you are unable to file a police report, you should still make sure to document the accident as best as you can. Make sure to take down pertinent information about the other driver, such as name, contact information, and insurance information. Use your phone to take pictures of the vehicles prior to moving them. Doing so will allow you to document any other conditions that may have impacted the accident, such as poor weather conditions or disrepair of the road. If there are any witnesses, try to speak to them and get their contact information.

Get Your Police Report

Since the police report is such an important document, you want to make sure that you get a copy to provide to your personal injury attorney from Houston and your insurance company. The steps to getting an accident report may vary depending on your location.

Under Texas law, not everyone is entitled to see police reports due to the confidential information many of them contain. Only individuals who are directly involved in the accident or individuals with proper interest are eligible to request the full, unredacted police report. Those individuals include:

• The owner of the vehicle in the accident
• The authorized representative of someone who was involved in the accident
• The parent, guardian, or employer of a driver involved in the accident
• Any individual who is financially responsible for a vehicle that was involved in the accident
• Any individual who may bring a lawsuit because of the death of someone involved in the accident
• An insurance company that has issued a policy covering a vehicle or person who was involved in the accident
• A qualified radio station, television station, or newspaper

If you fall under one of the criteria above, you can request a copy of the police report. Some locations where our clients frequently request police reports are included below.

Harris County, TX

In Harris County, you can retrieve your accident report online at the Harris County Sheriff’s Department website. It’ll cost you $6 for a regular copy or $8 for a certified copy. To request a copy online, you’ll need to have a few pieces of information:

• State in which the accident took place
• Jurisdiction in which the accident took place
• One of the following:
• Police report number
• Date of the accident
• Your last name
• Location of the accident

Harris County also allows you to get a copy of your police report in person at one of the following locations:

• District 1 Substation
  6831 Cypresswood Drive
  Spring, TX 77379
  832-927-2997
• District 2 Substation
  7900 Will Clayton
  Humble, TX 77338
  281-446-9155
• District 3 Substation
  14350 Wallisville
  Houston, TX 77049
  713-455-8050
• District 4 Substation
  16715 Clay Road
  Houston, TX 77084
  832-927-7200
• District 5 Substation
  23828 Tomball Parkway
  Tomball, TX 77375
  832-927-2140

Fort Worth, TX

Your Fort Worth accident report will cost you $11, and there are multiple ways you can request a copy.

If you want to request your copy online, you can use the Fort Worth Police Department website. To get a copy of the report, you’ll need to provide a few pieces of information:

• Police report number
• Accident date
• Accident location
• Intersecting street (if applicable)
• Your last name
• Driver’s license number
• Insurance company

Fort Worth accident reports can also be picked up at:

• The Fort Worth Police Department
  Records Division
  100 Calvert Street
  Fort Worth, TX 76107

The final way to get your Fort Worth police report is to request it via mail. When you request a copy of your police report via email, you’ll need:

• A completed police record customer order form (you can download it here)
• A money order made payable to the Fort Worth Police Department in the amount of $6
• A self-addressed, stamped envelope

This package can be mailed:

The Fort Worth Police Department
ATTN: Records Division
350 West Belknap Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102-2004.

Dallas County, TX

Like many other counties, you can obtain your police report from the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department online, in-person, or via mail.

For $8, you can request a copy of your Dallas County police report online at the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department website. When requesting your police report, you’ll need to provide information that shows that you are directly concerned with the accident. This information includes your driver’s license information or your vehicle identification number. Dallas County notes that it may take up to 14 days for your police report to appear on the website, so if you can’t find it right away, there’s no need to worry.

If you’d like to get a copy of your police report in person, you can visit:

The Frank Crowley Courts Building
Fiscal Department, 1st Floor
133 North Riverfront Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75207

Finally, you can request a copy of your police report via mail. To do so, you’ll need to send in a money order in the amount of $6 (made payable to the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department) along with a self-addressed and stamped envelope to:

The Dallas County Sheriff’s Department
ATTN: Fiscal Department
133 North Riverfront Boulevard
Dallas, TX 75207

San Antonio, TX

Unlike many other Texas counties and cities, Bexar County, where San Antonio is located, does not have the option to request a copy of your police report online. To get your police report, you have to go down to the Sheriff’s Office or send your request via mail.

Either way that you choose, you’ll need to have a few key pieces of information on hand:

• The date of the accident
• The location of the accident
• The name of a person who was involved in the accident

It’s not required that you have the case number, but if you do, it may make it easier for the Sheriff’s Department to find your police report.

A regular copy of your police report will cost $6, and a certified copy of the police report will cost $8.

If you want to request your report in person, you’ll need to visit the reports desk at the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, located at:

The Bexar County Adult Detention Center
200 North Comal Street
San Antonio, TX 78207

To request your police report via mail, you’ll need to get a money order of either $6 or $8 (depending on the type of report you are requesting), made out to “Sheriff, Bexar County,” and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Both of these will need to be mailed to:

The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office
ATTN: Central Records, Reports Desk
200 North Comal Street
San Antonio, TX 78207

After You Obtain Your Police Report

Once you’ve received a copy of your police report, you’ll want to review the report to make sure the information included is accurate and complete. If you feel that information is not accurate or if there is information you are looking for that is not on the police report, reach out to the police department. The officer who is at the scene of the crime is usually handling many things at that time, so they may forget to put some things in the report. That does not mean that they don’t have that information on hand.

Also, make sure to give a copy to your insurance company and your attorney. If you do not have an attorney representing you, it is recommended that you start the process of hiring an experienced accident attorney. Having an attorney advocating for your rights and helping you through the claim will be beneficial to you for a number of reasons.

Legal Knowledge

The laws surrounding injury liability and court procedures can be complex and confusing to navigate on your own. You may not even know what laws apply to your claim. An attorney who has experience handling accident and personal injury cases will be knowledgeable about the relevant laws as well as the potential hurdles you may face throughout your claim. They will help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your claim and how the law relates to those. They will also be comfortable navigating the courtroom procedures and deadlines. This knowledge will increase the likelihood that you will recover full compensation for the injuries you suffered.

Negotiation Skills

Car accident victims frequently file claims with their insurance companies for compensation. The insurance company is not looking out for your best interest; it is looking out for its profitability. Without an attorney to fight for you, you may not get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. An experienced accident attorney has handled many negotiations with insurance companies, and they know how the process works. They’ll work hard to ensure that you get just compensation from your insurance company.

Proving Fault

If you are trying to hold the other driver liable for your injuries and the resulting damages, you’ll need to show that the other driver was at fault. Your attorney will be familiar with the elements that will need to be proven and can work with you to collect evidence supporting your claim, like the police report.

Explaining Your Options

Claims for compensation related to a car accident do not always end the same way. Most car accident claims are settled out of court. If you are presented with a settlement offer, it may be hard for you to evaluate if the settlement offer is fair and what the ramifications of accepting the offer may be. Your attorney can help you evaluate the settlement offer and negotiate a better one. Your attorney can also help you seek compensation in court if settlement negotiations don’t achieve the outcome you desire. If your case goes to trial, it’ll be crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side who will advocate for your rights and present your case in a strategic, beneficial way.

Contact an Experienced Accident Attorney in Houston, TX

At Milano Law Group, we understand the ins and outs of car accidents and personal injury claims. Our team of attorneys is dedicated to your case and committed to ensuring you get the compensation that you deserve. We will focus on your best interests and zealously advocate for you throughout your claim.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, we want to help you. Whether you have severe injuries or you aren’t even sure your injuries are serious enough to enlist the help of an attorney, we encourage you to contact us. We’ll set up a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your unique situation and help you to determine if you have a case. Get in touch with Milano Legal Group today to speak to our experienced car accident attorneys and see what we can do for you.

Those injured in a car accident in Houston are entitled to recover compensation from the at-fault party. There are two types of payment available to pursue: compensatory and punitive.

Compensatory Damages

Damages is a legal term that describes the different types of compensation available to victims in a car accident settlement or court award. Compensatory damages compensate a victim for their current and future losses. Within compensatory damages, there are two categories: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages: Financial losses that require evidence of the actual amount of money you have lost. Some examples include:

• Medical bills: emergency visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, outpatient procedures, prescription medications, etc.
• In-home medical care
• Nursing home or rehabilitation costs
• Medical treatment
• Property repair or replacement
• Lost wages from missed work
• Diminished earning capacity (if you are no longer able to work at the same level as before the accident)

Non-Economic Damages: These damages do not reflect financial losses but are subjective. This makes them much more challenging to prove. For instance:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of opportunity
• Loss of consortium
• Physical impairment (e.g., disability, loss of a limb)
• Disfigurement
• Unjust hardship

Punitive Damages

The second type of compensation available in some car accident claims is punitive damages. They are rarely awarded and reserved for cases involving defendants who acted with malicious intent, oppression, or fraud. Punitive damages are a form of punishment to deter similar harmful acts by others in the future.

How Much Compensation Can I Get After a Car Accident?

The exact amount of compensation you will get after a car accident cannot be predicted, but an attorney can give you an estimate of how much you are entitled to.  Here are the guidelines typically used to discern a car accident claim value.

Liability And Strength Of The Case

Liability is the legal term for fault. If there is strong evidence to support another party’s liability, it can dramatically increase the value of your claim. On the other hand, your compensation can be reduced if there is evidence that you are partially or the majority to blame. Texas courts follow the rule of modified comparative negligence, which means you must be 50% or less responsible for the accident to recover compensation, and your percentage of fault will reduce the amount you recover.

Damages

The severity of your injuries and other losses will directly impact your claim’s worth. The following factors are generally considered:

• Did you have pre-existing injuries, and if so, were they made worse?
• Are your injuries permanent?
• Amount, type, and cost of your medical care.
• Amount, type, and cost of future medical care.
• Are there any gaps in medical treatment, and if so, why?
• Amount of lost wages.
• Whether you will be able to return to work.
• Restrictions on daily life activities.
• How your life has been impacted.
• Whether your spouse or children have suffered.

Causation

There must be documentation that directly links your injuries to the car accident. If you did not seek medical care immediately following the collision, the insurance company can fight causation and allege that your injury was not caused by the car accident or was a pre-existing condition.

Contact Us to Obtain the Compensation You Deserve

Our Houston Car Accident Lawyer will strive to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible. Message us online or call (713) 489-4270 today for your free consultation.

If you got into a car accident and it seems to be your fault, you probably have some questions. You may be in pain from your injuries and dealing with car repairs just like the other driver who claims you caused the crash. So, what happens now, and what can you do to protect yourself? Here’s what to know after a car accident.

How Is Fault Determined?

If you’re not sure if you caused the car accident, you might be wondering why it’s assumed you’re at fault. In most cases, insurance companies spend time looking at certain details to determine fault. They often schedule adjusters to look at the damage to the cars involved, and they’ll look closely at pictures and videos of the scene.

They will typically look over police reports, witness statements, and any citations that the police issued, as well. At that point, they will decide which driver caused the car accident. In some cases, both drivers may share fault, though one may be more to blame than the other.

Who Pays for the Damage?

The reason you have car insurance is so that you don’t have to pay out of pocket when you’re in a car accident. If you’re at fault, the insurance company that pays depends on whether you’re in an at-fault or a no-fault state.

In at-fault states like Texas and Arizona, your liability insurance will pay for the other driver’s car repairs and medical bills. But in a no-fault state like Florida, all drivers have to have personal injury protection, or PIP. Car accident victims will use their own PIP coverage to pay for their medical bills and lost wages. They will then use the at-fault driver’s liability insurance to pay for their car repairs or replacement.

What Happens to Your Insurance?

If you’re named as the at-fault driver in a car accident, your insurance will pay for some or most of the victim’s expenses, depending on the state you’re in. Your car insurance rates might increase after the crash. You can talk to your insurance company to find out what to expect from your rates when your policy renews.

In some cases, you might be unfairly determined to be at fault. If you do not believe you caused the car accident, or if you want to simply make sure the decision was fair to you, it’s important to talk to a Houston car accident lawyer. Sometimes insurance companies make mistakes or miss evidence when they determine fault, so it’s helpful to have a lawyer look at the details of the car accident before your insurance company pays. Contact our law firm today at (713) 489-4270 if you’re interested in talking to a lawyer about your legal options.

Below you will learn tips and secrets GEICO adjusters don’t want you to know in order to maximize your bodily injury settlement, including answers to frequently asked questions regarding GEICO car accident settlements.

Who Owns GEICO Auto Insurance Company?

GEICO, part of the holding company, Berkshire Hathaway, is the second largest property and casualty insurance company in the U.S (by direct premiums written).

With GEICO’s unique business model, by initially only insuring the lowest risk drivers and operating without insurance agents, it has proved to be Warren Buffet’s best investment.

GEICO was once a better insurance company to deal with as an auto accident victim. Their adjusters had more settlement authority, and their average settlements were much higher.

However, over the last 25 years, GEICO, and many other insurance companies, have streamlined their claims process. They’ve adopted the use of claims software to calculate “reasonable and customary” medical bills as well as placing a dollar figure on the pain and suffering element of a bodily injury claim. The results: severely undervalued settlement offers and a host of future motor vehicle accident litigation.

Avoid an Undervalued Auto Insurance Claim

So, how can you avoid your claim from being one of GEICO’s many severely undervalued claims or have your case subject to several years of potential litigation in the congested court dockets?

The following 10 tips will help you avoid being just another undervalued car insurance claim in the endless stack of claims on a GEICO claims adjuster desk:

1. Refuse The Recorded Statement

If GEICO is the at-fault party’s insurance company, you should NEVER give them a recorded statement. You certainly are not required to give one. Don’t let them make you think it’s required for your claim to be valid.

Many times, GEICO auto damage adjusters will say—without a recorded statement they will not be able to determine liability, which will leave you in a waiting game. If they are taking their time with liability because their insured isn’t cooperating, it’s time to call a lawyer.

Pro Tip: You can always run your property damage through your own carrier’s collision coverage or uninsured property damage coverage (if hit by an uninsured driver or a victim of a hit-and-run). Your own carrier will usually treat you better and will try to recover your deductible from the at-fault party’s insurance company.

2. Get Medical Treatment Immediately After The Car Accident

There are three very important reasons to get medical treatment immediately after your accident:

Maximize Your Damages

“Damages” are what determine your case value. In most cases, the largest part of an auto accident injury case is the amount of your medical bills.

So, it’s crucial that you receive reasonable and necessary medical treatment, as well as document and present these bills to the insurance company.

Go to the emergency room or urgent care if you feel like you need to. Also, if you feel it’s necessary, go by ambulance to the emergency room. This may be even better for your case.

Of course, don’t go only to fraudulently run up your medical bills. Insurance companies are not stupid. They are very good at knowing whether you’re faking your injuries.

Legitimize Your Injuries

Doesn’t it make sense that if someone is injured they want to see a doctor as soon as possible? Sure, it does. And the opposite is also true.

Seeing a doctor immediately will legitimize your injury before the GEICO claim adjuster.

Of course, there are valid reasons why auto accident victims do not immediately see a doctor after their accident (e.g., no health insurance, don’t immediately feel pain, etc.). These need to be carefully explained to the insurance adjuster.

Mitigate Your Damages

The law places a burden on the injured party to avoid making their damages even worse by neglecting their injuries.

A defendant is not responsible for damages that could have been avoided by the injured party.

This means GEICO can use the fact that you didn’t immediately seek medical treatment and made your condition worse against you.

3. Don’t Let The GEICO Adjuster Minimize Your Injuries

GEICO claim adjusters are skilled at minimizing your injuries. They’ll ask you questions in a way to have you second guess your injuries and categorize them as only soft tissue injuries that will heal in a few weeks.

A very common way to minimize your injuries is when the adjuster tells the auto accident victim that they will only pay for a few weeks of treatment and that they are on their own after that. Don’t believe them! If you are really injured, you should be getting reasonable and necessary medical treatment until you have reached maximum medical improvement. Auto insurance adjusters are not doctors. They can’t diagnose your condition.

4. Don’t Agree To Anything Without First Consulting With A Lawyer

I know this may sound self-interested but if you don’t hire a car accident lawyer from the start of your claim, you will almost certainly be putting yourself at a disadvantage in your case.

There are studies that show auto accident victims that are represented by a lawyer get 40% more of a settlement than those without one.

In our own experience when clients tried to initially handle their cases on their own then hire us to take over, we see the offers previously extended by GEICO are significantly less than what we were able to ultimately settle these cases for.

It just makes economic sense even considering the fact that your personal injury lawyer will receive a portion of your settlement as attorney’s fees. Also, keep in mind: personal injury lawyers don’t charge any fees up front. So, you’ll never need to pay out of your own pocket for representation. It’s a win-win.

5. Don’t Ever Agree To GEICO’s First Offer

GEICO’s first offer is never their best offer and will most likely be a lowball offer. You should always negotiate your case with the auto claims adjuster. Start off high. Don’t paint yourself into a corner by starting the negotiations off too low.

For example, if you want to settle your bodily injury claim for $20,000, don’t start your demand at $25,000. You should start well above your target settlement goal.

Also, don’t bid against yourself—let the insurance adjuster come up on their offer first before you extend another counteroffer.

There should be at least four to five rounds of offers before GEICO reaches their top settlement authority. If you are not happy with their top offer— contact a car accident attorney.

6. You May Need To File A Lawsuit

This tip piggybacks on the consult-an-attorney tip above. You may not be able to get fair value for your bodily injury claim unless you’re able to put substantial pressure, via a lawsuit, against the GEICO insured.

Of course, you will most definitely need a lawyer if you choose to sue the GEICO insured responsible for causing your accident. Handling a motor vehicle accident lawsuit on your own is not recommended.

7. Don’t Let GEICO Negotiate Your Medical Bills

When you are handling your claim on your own, insurance companies, including GEICO, will try to negotiate your medical bills down as low as possible. What does this do? Well, it effectively lowers your damages, and in effect, lowers your total settlement amount.

For example, let’s say you have a $10,000 emergency room bill. GEICO is aware of this bill and knows that the hospital will take a large reduction on it to satisfy the debt in full. They will negotiate with the hospital on your behalf and reduce this bill by at least 50%. Your $10,000 in damages has now been cut in half to $5,000. This means they pay less in medical bills for your claim and likely less overall for your overall claim, including your pain and suffering.

Pro Tip: Settle your case first with GEICO then ask for reductions on all your medical bills. You’ll get more money in your pocket this way.

8. Using Health Insurance Can Affect Your Case Value

Depending on which state your accident occurred, health insurance or Medicaid/Medicare can significantly affect the value of your case. It will depend on whether your state limits what’s called the “Collateral Source Rule.” This rule says that if your health insurance paid for your medical bills or reduced them under a contracted amount, this evidence can’t be presented to the jury and factored into your damages.

In states like Florida and Texas, the Collateral Source Rule is effectively dead thanks to tort reform. This not only affects your “special damages” (e.g., medical expenses) portion of your settlement but also affects the “general damages” (e.g., pain & suffering) portion. Of course, there are strategies that a lawyer can employ to overcome this obstacle.

In California, health insurance and Medicaid/Medicare payments are admissible to prove your medical expenses according to two cases: Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions, Inc. and Hanif v. Hous. Auth.

In Arizona, GEICO can’t use this as a defense to decrease your medical damages. The Collateral Source Rule is still alive and well in Arizona!

9. Prove An Objective Injury

Typically, your case will be worth more money to a GEICO claim adjuster if you can prove, with objective proof, that you have an injury. This can be as simple as sending the claim adjuster your X-Rays/MRI film and reports or photos of your cuts, incision, or scarring.

GEICO insurance adjusters will categorize your case as only a soft tissue injury case if you only present them with evidence of minimal treatment at the emergency room or chiropractor. This will severely limit the amount of your settlement.

If you are experiencing symptoms beyond just soft tissue injuries, such as radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs, the best thing you can do is get an MRI and send the film, and report to the adjuster. If you have a herniated disc with nerve or spinal cord impingement, your case is typically worth more.

10. Prove A Permanent Injury

Proving a permanent injury will likely increase the value of your case significantly. So, what is a permanent injury? Generally, a permanent injury is an injury that will not completely heal over time. A good example of a permanent injury is a herniated disc. Even with chiropractic treatment or physical therapy, a herniated disc won’t heal.

In contrast, to compare, what isn’t a permanent injury? Well, those are injuries that will heal over time, such as muscle strains and sprains, bruises, whiplash, and minor cuts or scratches.

A permanent injury may not only help your case value but in Florida, proof of a permanent injury is actually required in order to recover pain and suffering and mental anguish in an auto accident. Florida Statutes § 627.737(2) specifically defines a permanent injury as:

• Significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function.
• Permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, other than scarring or disfigurement.
• Significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
• Death.

Other states, such as Arizona, California, and Texas, don’t require proof of a permanent injury to recover pain and suffering or emotional distress but, as mentioned above, it will surely help your case.

How Long Does GEICO Take To Settle a Claim?

In our experience, most GEICO auto accident cases settle within six months. However, it will depend on your injuries and when you’re released from all medical treatment.

You should never settle your case until your doctors have released you from treatment. You don’t necessarily need to be 100% but you should at least know what the extent of your needed future medical treatment will be.

If you’re not represented by an attorney, GEICO will try to settle your case as quickly as possible before you even know the extent of your injuries or have a chance to go to the doctor. If you are injured, DO NOT settle your case until you’ve at least consulted with a lawyer. A car accident lawyer will not charge you to ask him/her questions.

GEICO adjusters are usually motivated to settle cases. They will often try to place artificial deadlines on your claim. Remember, only the statute of limitations in your state determines the ultimate deadline of your case, not the GEICO auto adjuster’s arbitrary deadlines.

How Does GEICO Calculate Your Car Accident Claim?

Unless you’re an experienced car accident lawyer or insurance adjuster, it will be difficult to calculate an accurate value of your GEICO claim.

Just know your past and future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and any other recognizable damages should be included in your calculation. As you can tell, some of these elements are easier than others to calculate.

If you’re asking how does GEICO calculate pain and suffering, this is one of those components of your damages that will be particularly difficult to calculate. There are no formulas for pain and suffering; juries don’t use them and neither do insurance adjusters.

Generally, GEICO uses claims software to calculate their settlement offers. Therefore, their claims adjusters are on a tight leash when negotiating claims. They simply do not have the settlement authority they once did.

GEICO insurance adjusters enter in several factors of the car insurance claim into their claims software and the software will spit out a settlement range where the adjuster can settle the claim. If you want to get past the top end of their settlement range, you’ll need to present them with new information about your injuries or you’ll need to file a lawsuit.

Is GEICO Good at Settling Claims?

The short answer is—NO.  GEICO isn’t the worst, but they definitely aren’t the best. Out of the large insurance companies such as State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, Farmers, and USAA, they are probably somewhere in the middle when it comes to settling your case for a fair value.

GEICO will try to settle your claim for as little as possible, especially if you’re not represented by a lawyer. In our experience, GEICO generally starts negotiations by offering somewhere around 50% of your total medical bills in a typical soft tissue injury case (e.g., whiplash). If your injuries are more severe, like broken bones, they typically offer more.

In most cases, GEICO will offer more after a lawsuit is filed. When you file a lawsuit, the insurance adjuster will change to a litigation adjuster with more authority to settle your case.

Do I Have a Strong Case Against GEICO?

Having a strong case will depends on several factors, including:

FACTOR #1: LIABILITY

If you are not at fault for your auto accident and GEICO has accepted liability, you’re on the right track. However, if you don’t agree with them placing full or partial liability on you, the strength of your case may suffer. Depending on why they are not accepting full responsibility for the accident, it may be best to consult with a lawyer to see if they can overcome an unfavorable liability decision.

I have seen GEICO offer their policy limits in cases where they only accept partial fault, but that is in cases where there are severe injuries. It’s not as likely in soft tissue injury cases that they will offer you their policy limits or even a fair settlement, especially if you’re dealing with a larger policy, such as a $100,000/$300,000 or a $250,000/$500,000 policy.

Factor #2: Coverage

If the driver who caused your car accident failed to pay his insurance premiums or was driving someone else’s vehicle without their permission, you may be in a situation where GEICO does not extend their auto insurance coverage to cover the loss. In coverage issue scenarios, having uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy will be helpful. Conducting a thorough investigation of any responsible parties will also be necessary.

Coverage issues arise very frequently in cases against non-standard insurance companies such as Fred Loya, American Access Casualty Company, National General, or United Auto Insurance Company. GEICO will generally not use unethical techniques to avoid paying on a claim, as these insurance companies do.

Factor #3: Type Of Injury

The more severe your injuries are, the stronger your case tends to be against GEICO. However, GEICO tends to write smaller policies, with very few of their insureds having an umbrella policy to cover significant losses.

Typically, when the policy is insufficient to cover the damages, insurance companies, like GEICO, tend to immediately pay the policy limits to avoid any bad faith claims that may arise.

Factor #4: Medical Treatment

If you get minimal medical treatment in your case and your injuries are minor, it will be difficult to obtain a five-figured (or more) settlement, if not impossible, when dealing with GEICO.

Going to the emergency room by ambulance, having broken bones or fractures, or getting surgery will only strengthen your case before a GEICO claims adjuster’s eyes.

Factor #5: Property Damage

GEICO insurance adjusters will always look at the property damage of all vehicles involved to see if there was a mechanism of injury. If there are only scratches and the impact was minor, you may have problems proving the accident caused your injuries.

Factor #6: Venue – County The Accident Occurred

It matters where the car accident occurred. If you’re in a county that tends to be more conservative politically, your case may tend to be valued a bit lower to GEICO. More liberal venues, such as Broward County (Florida), Pima County (Arizona), and Hidalgo County (Texas), case values are typically more, with all things being equal.

Do I Need a Lawyer in My Insurance Claim Against GEICO?

If you only have property damage and are not injured, it’s likely you will not need a lawyer to handle your insurance claim against GEICO.

But if you’re injured, even in the case of muscle sprains and strains, it’s always a good idea to get a free consultation from a car accident lawyer to make sure you don’t jeopardize your rights. Car accident lawyers don’t charge for consultations. You have nothing to lose in getting their advice.

How Much Does Geico Pay For Pain and Suffering?

If you have soft tissue injuries, GEICO will typically add anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 to your medical expenses to compensate you for pain and suffering.

For more severe injuries, such as broken bones and fractures, the pain and suffering compensation GEICO offers will usually be more than $5,000.

Calculating pain and suffering is never easy, even for lawyers and claim adjusters. It’s arbitrary, as you can imagine. The best thing you can do is try to maximize the amount that is paid for pain and suffering in your settlement. You can do this by providing objective proof of pain to GEICO, such as from diagnostic testing (e.g., MRIs, X-Rays, CT scans) or photos of your injuries.

Do I Need to File a Lawsuit Against GEICO (GEICO’s Insured)?

If you want top dollar for your case, filing a lawsuit may be required. GEICO usually increases their offer when you file a lawsuit against their insured.

However, you still may be able to get full value for your case without a lawsuit. It just really depends on the strength of your case.

Will My Car Accident Case Against GEICO Go to Trial?

Probably not. Most GEICO cases settle before trial, and many are settled prior to even filing a lawsuit.

Going to trial may be the only way to get full value for your auto accident case. However, even if you can get full value for your case at trial, it may not make economic sense to push it to trial. Trials are expensive and require significant time and preparation.

Both sides may not feel it’s necessary to spend the money or expend the time needed to get to trial in a case that can be settled for close to fair value.

Our GEICO Car Accident Settlements

Below are some of our own clients’ GEICO case settlements and some pulled from Verdict Search, a database of jury verdicts and settlements.

You’ll notice that most of these settlements are in the five-figure range. This is due to the fact that most GEICO insurance policies sold are relatively small. As you’ve noticed with all the GEICO ads on TV and elsewhere, GEICO’s target market is those folks looking for a bargain.

Case Study #1: Client V. GEICO Insured (Bexar County, Texas)

Our client, a pedestrian, was crossing the street in a crosswalk in San Antonio, Texas, when a GEICO insured turning left, failed to yield the right of way to our client.

She hit our client in the crosswalk, injuring him. Our client later went to the emergency room on his own and was diagnosed with a compression fracture at T12 and two transverse process fractures at the L1 and L2 levels of his spine.

We demanded GEICO pay us their insured’s policy limits of $100,000, which they later tendered.

Case Study #2: Client V. GEICO Insured (Harris County, Texas)

Our client, a motorcyclist, was proceeding through traffic in Houston, Texas, when a vehicle pulled out in front of him, causing our client’s motorcycle to crash into the GEICO insured’s left rear fender.

Our client suffered injuries as a result of the crash, including several herniated discs and soft tissue injuries.

We demanded that GEICO pay their policy limits and GEICO responded with an initial offer of $23,194.48. We eventually filed a lawsuit against the GEICO insured and settled our client’s motorcycle accident case for $45,000.

Case Study #3: Client V. GEICO Insured (Pima County, Arizona)

Our client proceeded through a four-way stop and was struck by a truck that failed to stop.

Our client suffered injuries, including neck and back sprains and strains, as well as an annular tear at the L4-5 level of her spine.

We later demanded GEICO pay their policy limits and they countered us with an initial offer of $39,807. Through several rounds of negotiations, we were able to settle our client’s truck accident case for $75,000.

Case Study #4: Client V. GEICO Insured (Pima County, Arizona)

Our client was rear-ended by a GEICO insured who was traveling at a high rate of speed.

He was taken to the emergency room and was later diagnosed with a disc protrusion at the L5-S1 level of his spine.

He initially hired another lawyer before hiring our firm and an offer was extended to that firm of $21,727.85. We filed a lawsuit against the GEICO insured and eventually were able to settle his case for $75,000.

Case Study #5: Client V. GEICO Insured (Martin County, Florida)

Our client was traveling on Interstate 95 when he rear-ended a disabled vehicle that was improperly stopped in the left lane of the highway.

He was taken to the emergency room by ambulance and was later diagnosed with two disc bulges at the C5-6 and C6-7 levels of his spine, compressing the thecal sac.

We demanded the policy limits and GEICO responded with an initial offer of $3,816.19. We later settled our client’s case for $20,000, the policy limits of both the driver and the vehicle’s owner.

Case Study #6: Flores V. Hernandez, A GEICO Insured (Bexar County, Texas)

Mr. Hernandez turned left in front of Mr. Flores causing a crash at an intersection on Somerset Road in San Antonio, Texas.

Mr. Flores claimed a herniated disc at C5-6 with nerve impingement and back and shoulder pain. He went to a medical clinic the next day and sought treatment with a chiropractor.

Mr. Flores’ attorney settled his case for $60,000, which included the policy limits of both Mr. Hernandez’s liability insurance policy and Mr. Flores underinsured motorist policy.

Case Study #7: Garza V. Cronin, GEICO Insured (Bexar County, Texas)

Ms. Cronin ran a red light and broadsided Ms. Garza’s vehicle near downtown San Antonio, causing her to suffer injuries. Ms. Cronin denied she ran the red light.

Ms. Garza presented to the emergency room within a few hours of the accident and claimed the accident caused several disc herniations in her spine and neck and back sprains and strains.

The case was settled a month after mediation for $85,000.

Case Study #8: Liaghat V. Richardson, GEICO Insured (Dallas County, Texas)

Mr. Liaghat’s vehicle collided with Mr. Richardson’s vehicle when he attempted to make a left-hand turn in front of him in Dallas, Texas.

Mr. Liaghat went to the emergency room by ambulance and was treated for soft tissue injuries to both his neck and back.

The case settled in litigation after mediation for $26,750.

Case Study #9: Bolton V. Hawkins, GEICO Insured (Marion County, Florida)

Ms. Bolton was driving through an intersection in Ocala, Florida, when Rickisha Hawkins, driving a stolen car crashed into Ms. Bolton’s vehicle.

She suffered a concussion and herniated discs at her C3-4 and L4-5 levels. She had symptoms of radiculopathy. Ms. Bolton underwent several surgical procedures, including discectomy, laminectomy, and fusion of her spine at the L4-5 level.

Ms. Bolton settled her case with GEICO for $399,999.99.

Case Study #10: Paredes V. Pollinger, GEICO Insured (Broward County, Florida)

Ms. Paredes crashed head-on with a sedan driven by Mr. Pollinger in Weston, Florida. Ms. Paredes claimed she injured her neck and sued Mr. Pollinger.

Ms. Paredes was taken to the emergency room by ambulance and was later diagnosed with a herniated disc at C5-6, impinging her spinal cord. Ms. Paredes underwent cervical fusion surgery at C5-6 with a plate and other hardware installed.

Ms. Parades settled her case with GEICO at trial while the jury was deliberating for $475,000.

GEICO Contact Information

Phone: (800) 841-3000

Corporate Headquarters: 5620 Western Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Mailing Address: One GEICO Plaza, Washington, D.C. 20076

Regional Offices:

• Buffalo, New York
• Dallas, Texas
• Fredericksburg, Virginia
• Indianapolis, IN
• Lakeland, Florida
• Macon, Georgia
• San Diego, California
• Tucson, Arizona
• Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Woodbury, New York

Service Centers:

• Honolulu, Hawaii
• Kansas City, Kansas
• Iowa City, Iowa

Claims Centers:

• Houston, Texas
• Marlton, New Jersey
• Seattle, Washington

Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers to Handle Your GEICO Claim

Call us today for a FREE consultation regarding your GEICO bodily injury claim. Our car accident injury lawyers can investigate your accident, determine the at-fault party, and help you present the best case possible to GEICO. Call (855) 545-1777 to speak to our personal injury attorneys directly.

If you are not injured and your vehicle has minor damage, you can handle your claim with the insurance company yourself. But remember, even if there is minor damage to your car, you can still suffer bodily harm and injury. Car bumpers and parts of the car body are now much better than years ago at minimizing the impact of a collision on the vehicle. So just because your car isn’t badly damaged doesn’t mean your body hasn’t suffered any physical trauma. According to Newton’s Law of Motion, if no force is applied to an object, if the object is standing still, it will continue to move at the same speed if it is moving. Your body is also still in motion at the time of impact and is moving at the same speed as your vehicle. If the other driver’s vehicle crashes into your vehicle, it causes your vehicle and body to slow down suddenly and absorb all this kinetic energy. Therefore, vehicle accidents that you think are minor can also cause bodily harm.

Another factor to consider in a minor accident is the type of vehicle you were driving at the time of the accident. If you are in a large vehicle such as a truck and the other driver hit you with a small economic vehicle, your vehicle will probably have little or no visible damage. In these situations, it is important to point to the other driver’s vehicle and show the damage to the other vehicle to show and prove the severity of the crash to the insurance company.

Remember, accidents with minor impact and damage can also cause soft tissue injuries. For example, traumas called whiplash caused by violent shaking of the head and spine in a car accident, such as spinal injury. Minor accidents with this type of damage are also known as MIST (Minor-Impact-Soft-Tissue). It is difficult to prove that such accidents, which we call MIST, caused your bodily injuries. Experienced car accident lawyers from Houston know very well how to handle such cases.

Any traffic accident, no matter how small, is already stressful and frightening enough. However, accidents involving large commercial vehicles such as a lorry or 18-wheeler are far more dire. Such accidents can often have disastrous consequences due to the size of the truck and, in some cases, the weight of its cargo. If you or someone you love gets hit by a large vehicle like a truck or 18-wheeler, it’s important to know what to do next.

What To Do Immediately After The Accident

Getting legal advice on accidents involving large commercial vehicles such as a lorry or 18-wheeler is primarily best for your health, but also helps you get the best results regarding your claims with the insurance company.

First Make Sure You Are Well And Safe And Call 9-1-1 Immediately

Your top priority is your health and safety. First, make sure you are safe and then call 9-1-1. Remain in your vehicle until the response teams arrive. If you are not in a safe position, try to move to the area where you can be safe. If there are other people in the vehicle than you, check their health status. If injured, try not to move them and wait for first responders.

Exchange Information / Documents With The Other Driver

Get all kinds of information about the driver of the commercial vehicle that hit you and the company he works for, including the following:

• Name, address and telephone number of persons involved in the accident
• Insurance information and policy number
• vehicle registration card
• Name, address and phone number of the company where the truck driver works
• The make, model, year, color and license plate of the truck
• VIN number. It is usually located on the lower left windshield and/or inside the driver’s door.

If you are urgently referred to the hospital without obtaining the above information, the police officers arriving at the scene will obtain the above information and prepare an accident report containing this information. Therefore, when you receive the accident report, you will be aware of the above information.

Note All Details About The Accident Site

Make a note of the exact location of the accident, the street names and address, as well as the contact details of each of the witnesses, if any. If you are physically able, take pictures of:

• The accident site and its surroundings from all sides and angles
• Any skid marks on the road
• Every vehicle involved in the accident and damage to these vehicles
• Truck driver’s license
• Your wounds.

If you have a dash cam, make sure it records all video footage. All this information will help you a lot in proving that the responsibility in the accident belongs to the other party and in your claims for compensation.

Contact An Experienced Accident Attorney In 18-wheeler Accidents Within No Time

Get free advice in no time from an experienced accident lawyer in truck and 18-wheeler accidents. An experienced accident lawyer will guide you through the next steps and to get the maximum compensation for the treatment costs, vehicle damage, loss of salary/wage and all other damages you incurred as a result of the accident.

Why Are Traffic Accidents Caused By Large Commercial Vehicles Such As Trucks Or 18-Wheels Often Occur?

The most common and illegal actions that cause truck or 18-wheeler vehicle accidents are:

• Not Paying Attention to the Road:  Talking on a cell phone while driving, texting, eating / drinking, watching TV or surfing the Internet.
• Long Hours with the Driver on the Road:  A truck driver being on the road for long hours can cause him or her to be drowsy, drive carelessly or even fall asleep at the wheel.
• Improper Driving:  Aggressive or unsafe driving maneuvers or speeding may occur if the driver uses drugs or alcohol while on the road.
• Failure of the Vehicle to Have Necessary Maintenance:  Before starting a journey, especially commercial vehicles such as trucks or 18-wheelers, it should be ensured that the trailers and all parts of the vehicle are working properly and safely. Overloading the trailer, unsuitable fasteners, deflated tires, broken mirrors and other missing vehicle maintenance can cause serious accidents.
• Poorly Trained Drivers or Lack of Experience.  Companies can be negligent when hiring truck drivers. In other words, the drivers who are hired without researching the driving history of the drivers, without the necessary tests on the use of prohibited substances and without a good driving training can cause major accidents.

18-Talk To An Experienced Accident Lawyer About Wheeler Accidents

If you or a loved one is involved in an accident with a vehicle such as a truck or 18-wheeler, you may be entitled to legal compensation. Contact Milano Legal Group Accident Lawyers who are experienced in this type of accident so we can help you get your life back together and get maximum compensation. Call (855) 720-0495 for a free consultation. Our legal team is at your service 24/7. You can reach us any day of the week and any time of the day.