4 Auto Parts that Need Regular Maintenance to Prevent Car Accidents
No one ever wants that they should get caught up in a car accident. To stay out of a car accident, you need to keep your car in a top-notch state. If your vehicle has some defective or poorly maintained parts, you might be in grave danger. Most of us postpone getting our cars thoroughly checked and failure to check certain important parts may sooner or later end up with your vehicle failing you. There are certain parts in every vehicle that wear and tear over time and need your attention from time to time. If these parts are left neglected, they might lead to a major car accident. Here we have 4 auto parts whose maintenance should not be neglected at any cost:- Tires Car tires are like shoes that keep the vehicle on the road. When your shoes are worn out, they slip on wet or greasy floors. Similarly, smooth car tires when worn out cannot grip the road, which makes your car skid when driving across a puddle or on rounding corners. You should always ensure that your car tires are up to road challenges to avoid skidding and other accidents. Worn-out tires might develop holes and tears which could pop without warning, causing the vehicle to spin out of control. Brake Fluid Everyone knows how important brakes are in preventing any accident. But every driver will admit that they do not pay much attention to the brake fluid, despite it being very essential. Brake fluid allows the proper distribution of force and pressure in a braking system to be applied evenly, correctly and predictably. Once you notice that your car is taking longer to slow down or stop, this could be a sign that your brake parts aren’t working properly. Neglecting initial issues with the brake can also lead to its failure. Car Axles Car axles are the ones that deliver power to the driving wheels. Driving over a high curb can mess up your vehicle’s axle alignment. In some extreme cases, if the axle alignment is disturbed it can cause your vehicle to drift to one side even when you are trying to drive in a straight line. The driver can also experience steering issues due to alignment issues, which can increase the chances of a serious car accident. Lights Whether its day time or night, exterior lights need to be inspected or replaced often. During the day you can still spot a car from far but at night a car without lights would be like a walking graveyard. It is very important to always make sure that all your lights, the front and the rear are working properly. Even if you are careful about all your car parts you can still meet with an accident because of someone else’s negligence. Although you can’t control all the elements on the road but you can still do your best to stay safe. If you are someone who has been in a car accident, get in touch with a personal injury lawyer from Siler & Ingber team. If it is not your mistake then the team of attorneys at Siler & Ingber will try their level best to get you the compensation that you rightfully deserve for your injuries. Delay no further, contact as soon as possible. Also, get a free evaluation of your case.
How Can You Tell Who Hit Who in a Car Accident?
When in an accident it can get really difficult to tell which vehicle was at fault for the collision that occurred. In case there are two or more vehicles involved determining who is responsible for the accidents gets extremely important as the other party is then liable to pay compensation. There could be a situation where there is more than one party that shares fault. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident then you will need to know who hit who. The other party involved in the accident could be negligent and thus legally responsible for the injuries caused to you. Every car accident is different and complex. There could be some underlying causes for the accident which could need investigation. In many cases it has also been seen that the car first hits a stationary object which then causes a chain reaction of collisions. Also in case of a traffic jam, several cars might collide with each other, in such a situation figuring out who hit who can get tricky. So how do you find out? Fortunately, in case of confusion, there are several ways to find out who is responsible for the accident. Here are some of those:- Testimony of Eyewitnesses Those who saw and were present near the scene of the accident are called eyewitnesses. The potential eyewitnesses could include bystanders, passengers, pedestrians, or even other drivers on the road. An eyewitness’s account is very valuable in piecing together who-hit-who in a car accident. It is essential that you and your lawyer talk to the witnesses as soon as possible because then for them to recollect what happened can be easy, as memories can fade. Footage from Surveillance Cameras In several public places, especially at certain traffic intersections surveillance cameras have been installed. These cameras record each and every moment that occurs on the road. It is not in your control that whether the place where the collision of your car occurred was covered by a surveillance camera or not, but you should always check if a camera was able to capture it. If there was a camera that captured the collision then there is no better evidence of who-hit-who than the video of the mishap itself. Report of the Police After every accident the police conduct a preliminary investigation of the possible causes of the accident. They examine the vehicles that were involved in the accident and also look for clues on the road. Seeing the damage, point of angle, the location where the vehicles ended up after the collision and the road condition all can help police to come to a rough conclusion as to who was responsible for the accident. By examining the cars and the drivers the police can also determine whether the drivers involved in the accident were intoxicated or broke any laws, etc. Your Injuries Soon after the collision, the drivers should get their injuries recorded by medical personnel. Your injuries could also be recorded and can be used as evidence later when you put in a claim for compensation. If there is a dispute in the who-hit-who case then the doctor’s testimony also holds quite a lot of importance as it can help determine the truth. How can a Personal Injury Attorney Help? Who-hit-who is the first and the most crucial question that is asked after a car collision/accident. This question must be answered as it will help decide the responsible party for the collision. Contact a Personal Injury lawyer such as the Siler & Ingber team of attorneys who are the best in New York to help you with any complications in your legal fight for compensation. They will make sure you don’t end up jeopardizing your legal rights. To prove your claim against the other driver, get in touch with the Siler & Ingber team of lawyers.
Blood Alcohol Level & DWI
Drunk driving is a serious offence not just in New York but all across the globe. If you are caught ‘driving while intoxicated’ (DWI), you will have to face several penalties, including jail time and also substantial fines. Not just these, if you cause an accident while drunk driving, the injured victim may sue you for the damages caused to them by the DWI accident. New York Alcohol Laws New York is a city that never sleeps but what you wouldn’t want to do is wake up in jail because you were too high on alcohol and decided to drive home yourself. New York could be a dream city for many but just one night of drunk driving can make New York City a nightmare for you. Each and every state in New York has its own DWI laws but the punishable blood alcohol content (BAC) levels for all states are 0.08, also the punishments vary everywhere. If you are getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, there are a few things that you must know about alcohol offences in the city of New York. Chemical Test Refusal The driver who is suspected of driving intoxicated and refuses to take a chemical test, such as a breath, blood or urine test, can be charged with the crime of chemical test refusal. You will be charged with a penalty of $500 and in the case of commercial drivers, it is $550. In the chemical test refusal, there is no jail time but the license of the driver could be revoked for at least 1 year. For a commercial driver, the license could be revoked for 1 month. If you have any subsequent offences, your fines and suspension increase accordingly. Zero Tolerance Law New York City has absolutely no tolerance for underage drinking or the use of illegal or prescription drugs while behind the wheel. If there is a driver who is under the age of 21 years and whose BAC is between 0.0 – 0.07, he/she violates this zero-tolerance law. The penalties for breaking this law are $125 and $100 extra to terminate the suspension. For this violation, there is no jail time but the license of the driver would be suspended for at least 6 months. Any other offence would only increase the suspension and the fines. There could be other consequences that the offender might have to face, such as increased insurance rates. Driving a vehicle in New York under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be an extremely dangerous crime. The law system of the city is very strict about penalizing offenders. Even a first-time offence can burn a hole in the pocket of the driver. If caught, the lawbreaker may have to pay $10,000 in legal fees and fines. If you or your loved one was in a car accident which was caused by an intoxicated driver, you can file for a claim or even sue the driver. Siler & Ingber’s attorneys will give you the right legal advice which would help you get the compensation that you are entitled to. Get in touch with the expert today for any kind of personal injury legal assistance.
Mistakes after an Auto Accident
When you are injured in an auto accident, you under a lot of suffering, be it physical, emotional, mental or even financial. If the accident is due to the other person’s negligence then the law allows you to claim compensation for your suffering and the losses incurred during the accident. After the accident how you respond to the complete situation decides whether you will be able to receive a fair recovery of your damages or not. In most cases, victims make certain mistakes which prevent them from getting the compensation that they really deserve. You might be well aware of the things you need to do after an auto accident but what you might not know is what you should not do after an accident. Here are a few mistakes we have listed that you would want to avoid if you’ve been in an auto accident. These mistakes might just jeopardize your car crash claim and reduce the amount you could have recovered as compensation. Not Seeking Medical Help Immediate medical attention is important so that you can heal quickly and properly from your injuries. Also, going to a physician is vital as to document your injuries. The treatment you take from the doctor is a piece of evidence in your auto accident claim. Just saying that you got hurt is of no use in a lawsuit. Your injuries need to be verified by a doctor. Delay in visiting the doctor might make the negligent driver claim that you didn’t get hurt in the accident and the injuries you tell about later after the accident happened elsewhere. Visiting a doctor as soon as you can after the mishap will prevent such bogus claims. Not Approaching the Police The report filed by the police can be of great value for your claim for recovery. The police officer that arrives at the scene might collect some valuable evidence that might be in your favour, which later can be used by your lawyers. Not calling the police might indicate that you are the one at fault for the crash. Accepting a Settlement Swiftly The first settlement that comes from the other side is not usually the best. Most of the times the victim has already been through so much that they are tempted to resolve it quickly. If you pursue the case a little more there are chances that you will get a fair settlement. Hire a lawyer to handle all these settlements and you’ll be freer mentally and would be able to pay more attention to your recovery. Missing out Parts of the Story Skipping parts of the whole crash can worsen things for you. The attorney you hire is your teammate and hiding anything from them will only take you away from recovering compensation from the other party. Honesty with your attorney is important, share all, good, bad, ugly with the lawyer so they can help you in the best possible way and prepare a strong case on your behalf. Get a Car Attorney’s Help! Auto accidents can be traumatizing and at any stage the car accident lawyers in new york can help you dodge errors. The sooner you get a lawyer involved in the case, the better it is as they can start work on your case and come up with the best possible decisions for your case. Siler & Ingber are brilliant lawyers who ensure they get you a fair settlement so that you can recover quickly from your injuries and carry on with your life. Avoid making these mistakes mentioned in the blog as they can lower your chance of getting the compensation you need to recover completely. With the team of Siler & Ingber, you can rest assured; your case is in good, experienced hands. For a free evaluation, get in touch.
Have You Been in a Car Accident Due to Drunk Driving? Here’s All You Need to Know!
New York City is noted as being the most populated city in the US. High populations result in higher percentages of pedestrians, motor vehicles, and unfortunately, accidents. The New York City Police Department has noted that there were 7,733 reported collisions in January 2022. Among the contributing factors of injuries and collisions is driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated. As per estimates, drunk driving accounts for more than 10,000 lives every year in the US. This is a matter of great concern. A car accident attorney can vouch for these unfortunate numbers. It is important to remember that laws related to drunk driving and the resultant penalties vary for each state. Hence, if you’re in New York, here’s all you should know about drinking while intoxicated: Who is considered “legally drunk” in New York? Drivers of private vehicles/non-commercial drivers above the age of 21 years are considered legally drunk when their blood alcohol level is .08 or more. On the other hand, drivers of commercial vehicles (trucks, buses, etc.) are considered legally drunk if their blood alcohol level is .04 percent or higher. Drivers who are below the age of 21 years are considered legally drunk if a chemical test reveals that they consumed alcohol. What are the penalties for a drunk driver in New York? First-time offenders For a first-time offender whose blood alcohol level is between.08 but and .18 can be jailed for up to one year and a fine of $500 to $1,000 is levied. Their driver’s license is revoked for at least one month. A first-time offender whose blood alcohol level is more than .18 can face imprisonment of up to one year and are liable to pay a fine of at least $1,000. Their license is revoked for at least one year. Importantly, if an offender is placed on probation, they are mandated to use an ignition interlock device till the license is restored and all throughout the probation term. Second-time offenders Second-time offenders of DWI can face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $1,000 to $5,000 may be levied. Their license is revoked for at least one year. In the event where the first offense was due to a blood-alcohol level of .18 or more, the revocation period is at least 18 months. Third-time offender If a person is caught drinking under influence for the third time within a 10-year period can face up to 7 years in prison and an imposed fine of $2,000 to $10,000. In certain situations and due to varying factors, their license may also be permanently revoked. People who drive while intoxicated is not only a threat to themselves but also others on the road. Hence, they’re often the cause of many accidents that can cause either severe injuries or be fatal. This means that the person who causes the crash should pay you for all the damages caused. It is best to seek legal help from a car accident attorney to get the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving a drunk driver, you need the car accident lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber, today. Call us at 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
The Timeline of a Car Accident Claim
In the United States as well as specifically in New York, car accident claims account for one of the highest numbers of personal injury claims. Car accident attorneys are busy settling one case after another ensuring that the victim gets due compensation and a settlement that is fair to the pain, trauma, suffering caused due to the accident. Due to the high number of car accidents as well as the sensitivity of time involved with respect to the validity of the evidence, there is a proper timeline that needs to be followed in a car accident claim. Here is all you need to know about. Statute of limitations First of all, once a car accident occurs, the New York statute of limitations for injured car accident victims is three years. However, in the unfortunate event of the victims’ death, representatives generally have two years to file suit as per New York’s wrongful death statute of limitations. Hence, once the accident occurs, it is important to hire a car accident lawyer or file a suit as soon as possible. Although the statute of limitations is three years, it is advisable to move quickly as far as possible. Seeking medical care In parallel, it is pertinent that the victim seeks medical care immediately after the accident. Even if the injuries are not severe, it is important to go through a proper physical check-up to identify any internal or hidden injuries. Collecting evidence After stabilizing medically and once physically capable, the victim, with support of the car accident attorney should start collecting evidence. This includes photographs of the accident sites, witnesses’ accounts, medical bills, other relevant documentation such as loss of income, etc. Building the case This is the most important aspect of the process and involves preparing the settlement. It is recommended to hand over this process to a qualified and experienced car accident lawyer so that they leave no stone unturned in ensuring that you get the settlement you deserve covering all costs – short and long term – as well as other intangible aspects of emotional distress, trauma, etc. Negotiations Once the evidence is collected and the settlement is drawn out, the car accident lawyer will begin the process of negotiations with the insurance company of the at-fault party. More often than not, these cases are settled out of court, however, that being said, the insurer does not make it easy for the victim to get the due settlement. They find ways and means to reduce the compensations as far as possible. Hence, auto accident attorneys are best placed to lead this process. This process could last anywhere between one to two years. Lastly, if the negotiations do not conclude out of court, then the next step is to file a lawsuit against the insurer. This could become a long-drawn process lasting months after the negotiation stage. Importantly, once the case reaches the court, the set of guidelines and rules completely change and plying to them is important to conclude the case in the favor of the victim. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident due to someone’s negligence, you need the best car accident lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Five Types of Car & Truck Accident Damages You Should Know About
An accident caused due to someone negligence can cause a lot more than injuries. One of the most common accidents to occur in New York and its vicinity are motor vehicle accidents such as car accidents, truck accidents, bus accidents, etc. The injuries sustained in such an accident can vary from mild to severe, but there’s more to it. Let us understand the different types of injuries that you should tell your personal injury attorney about. Loss of Wages: An accident often leaves the injured person incapacitated to be able to go to work for a short or long period of time due to the injuries sustained and the recovery time required, hence, lose income. This is referred to as loss of wages. Any top injury lawyer will ensure that the loss of wages due to the accident are duly included in the settlement proposed to the at-fault party. Pain & suffering: Accidents are traumatic – physically and mentally. In that context, pain & suffering is an attempt to assign a monetary value to the physical and mental suffering that the victim wouldn’t have undergone if not because of the accident. The cost is calculated based on the evidence provided in relation to the accident. Essentially, these are non-economic damages and should be duly compensated. Medical expenses: These are the most straightforward type of expenses and refer to the medical bills borne by the injured party. It is important to note that some injuries require long-term treatment, and the personal injury attorney should be made privy to these so that they can be appropriately included in the settlement. Out-of-pocket expenses: These expenses refer to a variety of costs related to the injuries sustained by the victim. Examples of these expenses include transportation from home to the hospital for medical care, stay in a hotel in situations where medical expenses are sought out of the station, over the counter medication expenses, rental car expenses, parking fees, etc. Property damage: In various scenarios, a motor vehicle accident caused by a car, truck, etc., can lead to property damage, for example, if a car rams into a wall of a store on the roadside, etc. In such a scenario, in addition to the injuries sustained by the victim, any expenses related to the property and its repairs should also be covered under the settlement. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car or truck accident due to someone’s negligence, you need the top injury lawyers, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
Importance of a Witness in a Car Accident Claim
A car accident is often a result of someone’s negligence. In such a scenario, the victim is owed compensation for the injuries they’ve incurred as well as other long- and short-term damages. In order to receive fair compensation, evidence is pertinent in a car accident claim. Evidence includes photographs, documentation such as medical bills, proof of loss of income/livelihood due to the injuries sustained, etc. Among the various evidence available, witnesses also play an important role, as agreed by car accident attorneys. Here is what you need to know about witnesses in a car accident claim. Types of witnesses There are two types of witnesses in a car accident claim: Eyewitness: refer to someone who was at the site of the accident, however, not one of the passengers in the motor vehicle that suffered or caused the accident. Their testimony is objective and a near first-hand account of what occurred at the site of the accident. Examples of eyewitnesses are pedestrians at the site of the accident, other drivers at the site of the accident, and employers/owners/customers of businesses in and around the area of the accident. If someone has been in an accident, car accident lawyers recommend that they try to talk to the witnesses and record their contact details to reach them at the time of filing the claim, and request their statement. Expert witness: In scenarios where claims are more complex than usual, and negligence cannot be proved with the evidence at hand, it is recommended to include expert witness testimony, for example, a medical professional who can confirm that the injuries caused are due to the accident. This can strengthen the claim and prove the negligence of the at-fault driver. Hence, in addition to maintaining medical records and expenses, it is pertinent to talk to the medical professional and seek their help, if required, as a witness. Impact of a witness on a case Both the categories of witnesses, as mentioned above, are important to a car accident claim. They build the evidence and strengthen it so that the victim can receive the compensation they deserve. Hence, witnesses, in addition to other evidence are critical to a car accident claim. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident due to someone’s negligence, you need the best car accident lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case
What to do after if you’re in a Rear-End Collision Accident
When a front of a vehicle crashes another vehicle from the rear, it is called a rear-end collision. The extent of the accident can vary from a minor bruise to a totaled car/vehicle. Moreover, it can also cause minor to severe injuries. In such a case, you’re owed compensation for the injuries suffered and other damages. A car accident attorney can help. Common injuries after a rear end collision Rear end collisions can cause physical injuries to the driver and other passengers. Here are the most common injuries after a rear-end collision. Neck injuries/Whiplash: Injuries to the neck, shoulder, and upper back are likely to occur in a rear end collision due to sudden jerk. Most often, the muscles/ligaments of the neck or shoulder stretch beyond range very quickly that causes straining or tearing of the tissue. If minor, these injuries can be cured with physiotherapy or medicines to reduce inflammation. However, a severe injury may need surgical intervention. Back or spinal injuries: The force and impact of a rear-end, especially if the vehicle was in speed, can cause severe back and spinal injuries. Spinal injuries are often serious and tend to take a long time to heal or become a lifelong condition. Bulging/herniated discs, facet joint injuries are common outcomes of rear end collisions. The treatment is often long-term and expensive. These conditions can also disrupt the day to day life of the victim. Fractured ribs: A rear end collision pushes the driver and other passenger forward. Depending on the severity of the jerk, people may end up with fractured ribs or other broken bones. In addition to being extremely painful, broken bones and fractured ribs take a long time to heal. They also restrict movement of the victim and hampers their ability to carry out daily tasks. In addition to the above, rear end collisions of high severity can also cause face disfigurement, paralysis, head/brain injuries, etc. While physical injuries do occur, such accidents also cause trauma that leads to an impact on the mental health of the victim. The post-accident trauma, medical expenses, losing income, etc. can put additional pressure on the victim’s mind causing distress. Steps to take after a rear-end collision If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, you deserve a settlement. This means that the person who causes the crash should pay you for all the damages caused. It is best to seek legal help from a car accident attorney to get the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving a rear-end collision, you need the car accident lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
What to do if you’re involved in an Uber/Lyft Accident
Uber and Lyft have become a popular choice for people in New York. The convenience of riding in a comfortable car without the hassle of parking or navigating the crowd of a bus or subway is truly a boon for the city resident. What do numbers say? Available data suggests that Uber, Lyft, and other similar ridesharing services account for nearly 20 million trips in NYC alone. Hence, accidents involving them are also common. Statistics suggest that rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have led to a 3% increase in overall car accident fatalities. Nearly 1,000 daily car accident deaths are due to the increasing number of rideshare vehicles on the road. Uber/Lyft accident lawyers are witnessing a rapid increase in accidents involving ride sharing cars. What are the causes of these accidents? Drunk/distracted driving Driving when tired due to excessive working hours Late night driving Rash driving You can be an accident involving a ridesharing service either (1) as a rider or (2) the driver of the car/vehicle the ridesharing car collided with. In both cases, the fundamental principle is to identify the fault. Hence, the following should be considered: The person has the responsibility of reasonable care (all drivers have a duty to drive carefully and obey all traffic laws) The person who breached the responsibility of reasonable care (the other person didn’t drive carefully or didn’t obey a traffic law) You were injured and suffered damages as a result of the other person’s breach What should you do after the accident? Here are the steps you should follow: Call the police: The first step is to call the police to report the accident. The police should be informed even if there are grave injuries as a police report is mandatory to claim insurance. Seek medical attention: It is absolutely critical to immediately seek medical care to make sure that injuries get proper care and treatment. Even if you think the injury is minor, it is a good idea to just get it checked out. Sometimes, even minor pain/injuries can linger over a period of time. Importantly, safely keep all the receipts and other records of medical expenses to claim compensation/settlement at a later time. Take photos: If possible, take photos of the accident site as visual proof to what really went down at the scene of the accident. In case you cannot take photos yourself due to any reason, try and find a witness who is willing to do it for you. The photos can come in handy as a strong piece of evidence to prove negligence. Talk to a witness: If witnesses are present at the site of accident, talk to them and record (with their consent) their description of the accident. This can also become useful evidence. Report the accident: Once you have sought medical attention, report the accident to the ridesharing company as well as the concerned insurer. It will help them prepare for the next steps. Hire a Uber/Lyft accident lawyer: Since such accidents are becoming common every day, specialist lawyers such as Uber Accident Lawyer or Lyft Accident Lawyer are required to help you navigate the complexities of the law and get the compensation you deserve. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving Uber/Lyft, you need an Uber accident lawyer, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced Uber/Lyft accident lawyers. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.
