San Fernando Valley auto accident lawyers

I Can Do This. Right?

Personal injury law encompasses a broad array of circumstances. These may include, but are not limited to, injury in an auto accident or some mode of public transportation, slip and fall on property owned by someone else, injury from dog bite or other animal that does not belong to you. These, and more, all fall under the umbrella of personal injury and the severity of your injury may have a big impact on exactly how your claim is processed. There may be occasions when you could handle a claim on your own, either through an insurance company or small claims court. In other situations, you would be well advised to seek the counsel of a qualified legal professional. This will depend on the seriousness of your injury, and your comfort level in dealing with bureaucratic red tape.

When Is It Smart To Do It Yourself?

Auto accidents are by far one of the most common causes of personal injury, even for good, careful drivers. If you’re rear-ended by another driver and injuries to you and your passengers are slight, and the damage to your car is minor, you may feel comfortable simply filing a claim with your insurance, or the other driver’s insurance. If you feel that compensation is sufficient to cover repairs to your vehicle and any medical treatment received, and you are satisfied with the timeliness and professionalism of the service, then this would constitute a good outcome for you.

If, on the other hand, you’re not comfortable or not willing to negotiate with insurance adjusters to reach what you consider to be fair compensation for your loss, then you should turn this task over to someone who is skilled and professional and who can represent your best interests. Waiting until you’ve tried and failed to arrive at a fair settlement, and then seeking the advice of a personal injury lawyer can complicate your claim process. If you’re unsure about how to handle your personal injury claim, contact an attorney immediately and explain the details of your case. Most will offer a free consultation, and most will inform you if their services are not really required for your particular situation.

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Protect Your Health and Your Legal Rights ~

If you’re involved in any kind of vehicular accident, there are certain rules you should follow. Some of these rules are required by law, others are there to protect your rights. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in an auto accident, a bicycle accident, a motorcycle accident, or are hit by any one of them while walking down the sidewalk as a pedestrian. These rules apply in all situations. While you should always consult with a personal injury attorney for legal advice immediately following any accident, you also need to know, in advance, what to do in case of an emergency.

Remain as calm as possible. Being involved in an accident is almost always an emotional experience. You may be afraid of potential consequences. You may also be in pain. However, staying as calm as you can is in your best interest. You will be less likely to say or do something that could be detrimental should legal proceedings result.

First, if anyone was injured in the accident, call 911. “Anyone” means yourself and passengers in your vehicle as well as other drivers, and passengers in other vehicles. Emergency personnel should be contacted even if the injuries seem minor. Second, call the police so the facts of the accident can be documented. In most instances, a single call to 911 will likely dispatch both the police and paramedics.  (Note: In certain instances, the police may refuse to come or prepare a report.)

Even if you believe the accident was entirely your fault, do not make any statements to that effect. Doing so can have serious legal consequences, and might even affect your insurance coverage. You are not obligated to provide this information before obtaining legal advice.

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The Mandell Law Firm, serving Southern California in personal injury and tort litigation, is proud to announce the launching of its new San Fernando Valley traffic accident website, www.trafficaccidentlawfirm.com. As experienced Northridge car accident attorneys, we at the Mandell Law Firm understand how important it is for auto accident victims to be completely familiar with their legal rights and options after being in a crash caused by a negligent driver.

Residents and visitors to the San Fernando Valley area are unfortunately no stranger to traffic accidents. However, this does not make their occurrence any less devastating to injury victims and their families. Our traffic accident website provides helpful information regarding various types of traffic accidents including bus accidents, intersection accidents, pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, cell phone related accidents, motorcycle accidents, and many other types of auto collisions.

Whether a traffic accident is caused by a negligent driver, a defective auto part, or a dangerous roadway, those involved in such incidents may sustain minor to catastrophic injuries. As a consequence, many injury victims may experience the inability to keep a job, thus creating tremendous financial hardship amidst hefty medical bills caused by their injuries. It is for these reasons, and many others, that injury victims and their families should fully utilize their legal resources.

At the Mandell Law Firm, we handle several personal injury and wrongful death cases, large or small, with hands-on care for our clients. If you have been injured in a traffic accident, or if you have lost a loved one in an auto accident, please refer to our traffic accident website at www.trafficaccidentlawfirm.com for more information. Our skilled San Fernando Valley traffic accident lawyers can be reached at 818-886-6600 for a free consultation.

An article on latimes.com discusses the recent report released by Allstate which ranks Los Angeles eighth among cities with more than 1 million drivers in its annual: “Best Driver’s Report.” The report is based on in-depth analysis to determine the likelihood that drivers in America’s 200 largest cities will experience a vehicle collision compared with the national average.

Ranking for cities with more than 1 million residents are:

1. Phoenix
2. San Diego
3. New York
4. Houston
5. San Antonio
6. Chicago
7. Dallas
8. Los Angeles
9. Philadelphia

The Allstate report also lists suggestions for improving driving in any location. The top 5 suggestions posted in the story include:

1. Minimize distractions, including things like texting or talking on your cellphones
2. Be aware of road conditions like slick roads, ice, snow, etc
3. Drive a safe distance behind other autos – at least one care length per 10 mph of speed
4. Limit aggressive driving and road rage
5. Maintain your car to help prevent accidents

Traffic accidents in Los Angeles and throughout the San Fernando Valley are unfortunately a way of life. With so many cars and commuters in such close proximity, collisions are inevitable. Regardless of the specific situation, traffic accidents can lead to a variety of problems. Those involved in an auto accident may sustain either minor or major injuries, possibly affecting their ability to live and work on their own and hindering their way of life. Consequently, those affected by traffic accidents may experience a loss in income and the inability to attain a job, on top of being responsible for pricey medical bills.

The San Fernando Valley auto accident attorneys at the Mandell Law Firm have been assisting those who have been injured in Southern California auto accidents for many years. The Northridge traffic accident lawyers at the Mandell Law Firm are prepared to examine and help you with all the elements of your case, no matter how complex. If you or a loved one has been involved in a traffic accident, please don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation. Call 1-818-886-6600 today.

Source:http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/2009/07/shocker-los-angeles-does-not-rank-as-most-improved-city-in-best-driving-report-.html