If you are in a car accident and feel you may be at fault, you may find yourself facing a personal injury lawsuit. What can you do to shield yourself from common personal injury suits and protect your financial interests? Here are some steps to take to protect you from legal repercussions in the wake of an accident. Exchange Information Immediately– When you are in a car accident, the first thing you should do is stop and exchange insurance and license information with the other driver or drivers. It is a criminal offense in every state to leave the scene of an accident, and can be used against you in a civil case as evidence of negligence. Never admit fault– Do not admit liability and try not to apologize for the accident, as this can be seen as claiming responsibility. Just ask if everyone is OK and don’t try to explain what happened. Take pictures– Regardless of who is at fault, you should take pictures of the accident scene and vehicle damage. Take close-up pictures and long range pictures, as well as photos of any skid marks, stop signs or traffic lights. If you believe road conditions or partially-obscured signs or traffic signals may have taken part in causing the accident, take photos…
Read MoreYou can’t control anyone else’s actions behind the wheel, but you can control your own. Prevention is the key. What should you do to prevent an accident? 1. Be Cautious of Blind Spots Your side mirrors and rearview mirror can be adjusted to provide a panoramic view behind you, but there is always a chance a vehicle can enter your blind spot. This is the space where your side mirror and rearview mirror fail, leaving you with the inability to see the vehicle right next to you. Other drivers will have these blind spots, especially when you’re driving right next to them or are coming up to pass them. Looking over your shoulder before switching lanes will help you to avoid blind spot accidents. 2. Continually Scan the Road The road in front of you extends well beyond the vehicle you’re behind. Scanning the road in front of you will allow you to have enough time to react to sudden vehicle stops, accidents, animals in the road, or other road dangers that could result in an accident. 3. Avoid Fast Lanes There is a reason the fast lane is only meant for passing – there is nowhere to escape. Practicing defensive driving requires you to drive in the middle or right lane. When…
Read MoreThousands of car accidents happen every year in the state of Minnesota. While some drivers walk away unharmed, countless others are not so lucky. Serious injuries, fatalities and extensive damage are often the result of car accidents caused by negligent or impaired drivers. The victims of these accidents are often left with costly medical bills and lost income. The emotional trauma of the incident causes both the injured victim and their family grief and heartache. If you’re going through the aftermath of a car accident, contact BGS today for a free consultation about your specific situation. Common Causes of Car Accidents There are numerous factors that can cause a car accident, but some of the most common ones include: Distracted drivers Texting and driving Cell phone use Speeding Hazardous roadways Driving under the influence When another person is to blame for your injuries, it doesn’t matter what the cause is, but understanding why the accident took place will help you prove your case. Injuries Caused by Car Accidents Car accidents can cause a wide range of personal injury; some minor and others catastrophic. We have worked with car accident victims who have suffered: Burn injuries Spinal cord injuries Brain injuries Lacerations Broken bones Back and neck injuries Internal injuries Concussions If you have…
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