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What Does an Auto Accident Attorney Do?
Auto Accident Attorney Duluth GA help clients recover compensation for their injuries. They also assist with holding liable parties accountable when they cause an accident.
Insurance companies often try to downplay their client’s injuries and argue for lower settlements. Car accident attorneys negotiate with these companies on behalf of their clients, fighting to get them the maximum settlement available.
When you report a car accident to an insurance company, an adjuster will be assigned to your case. An insurance adjuster works for the insurance company and is paid to investigate the details of a claim, determine its value, and ultimately settle it. They may also use their professional resources to help build a strong claim that is supported by the facts and laws of your state.
An adjuster may ask to review your medical records in order to evaluate your injuries. They may request specifics about the nature and extent of your injuries, as well as ask you to provide documentation about any pain or suffering, lost wages, and other damages. They can also request your accident report, and the police report of the incident. If an insurance company is asking for medical records that go beyond what they need to assess your injury, you can simply refuse to give them the information. You can then direct them to your attorney for more information.
If an adjuster wants to speak with you in person, do not agree to it unless they have a written letter from your lawyer. They can be trying to trap you into saying something that can be used against you later. Even if you are not at fault for the accident, admitting any portion of liability can be used to prevent you from receiving a financial recovery.
You should also refuse to give a recorded statement to an insurance company representative. This tactic is often used to try and catch you saying something that can be used against you for a lower settlement amount. Your lawyer will prepare you for what to expect from an insurance company, so you are not taken by surprise.
An experienced attorney will conduct a thorough investigation and evaluate your case’s strengths and weaknesses in order to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible. They will look at your current and future medical treatment costs, loss of income, impact on your family, and emotional impacts, among other things. They will also gather expert opinions, including those from accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists, to bolster your claims.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage
In some cases, the driver who caused the accident does not have insurance or does not have enough coverage to pay for your damages. This is where uninsured motorist coverage can help. Uninsured motorist property damage and bodily injury (UMBI or UMPD) coverage are part of your car insurance policy that pays for medical bills, lost wages and vehicle repairs when you’re hit by a driver who does not have any or has inadequate insurance. It also covers you in a hit-and-run accident.
Uninsured or underinsured drivers make up a significant percentage of car accidents across the country, according to the Insurance Information Institute. It is illegal to drive without car insurance in all states, but many people still choose not to get it or buy only the minimum liability limits required by law. This leaves you at risk if these drivers cause an accident that results in injuries to you or damages to your vehicle.
When you file a claim with your insurer for an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your auto insurance company will need to prove that the other driver did not have insurance at the time of the crash. This will require you to provide a copy of the other driver’s insurance card and/or their license plate number. It is also important to record any eyewitness testimony and take photos of the scene.
Your insurance company will then compare that information against the records of the uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on your policy. If they do not match, the insurance company will reject your claim. It is a good idea to have UM coverage in the same amount as the minimum liability limits on your policy.
If the other driver does have adequate insurance, your UM or UMPD coverage will cover any remaining amounts due to the accident. However, this is a very common situation. If you have uninsured motorist property damage or bodily injury coverage with a high limit, your insurance may actually pay out more than the at-fault driver’s insurance company could have paid.
Statute of Limitations
One of the most crucial aspects of any car accident claim is meeting a deadline known as the statute of limitations. This is a legally mandated time frame in which you can file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. If you miss this deadline, your case will likely be dismissed by a judge.
The purpose of the statute of limitations is to encourage injured parties to take action promptly. Taking prompt legal action can help to preserve critical evidence and witness testimony, which is vital in building a compelling case for fair monetary compensation.
However, even if you do everything right after a car accident, there are a number of factors that can make your case more challenging. For example, physical evidence may be lost due to weather conditions or overwriting, and witnesses’ recollections fade with the passage of time. This is why it’s important to consult an attorney as soon as possible after a crash, to give your lawyer the time he or she needs to build a strong case on your behalf.
In addition, the sooner you seek medical attention for your injuries, the better. This can help to establish a clear link between the accident and your injuries, which is necessary for bolstering your case with documentation that proves causation.
Another issue that can complicate car accident claims is multiple causes of a single event. In such cases, a jury can often determine the percentage of responsibility for the accident that is assigned to each party. This can then be used to adjust the amount of damages awarded to the plaintiff.
If you have questions about your automobile accident or would like to discuss a potential claim, please contact our office today for a free consultation. We can answer any questions you may have, as well as recommend an attorney who can best assist you with your case. Whether you have been injured in an accident caused by an uninsured/underinsured driver or are looking to file a personal injury claim over a loss covered by your medical payments/personal injury protection or collision insurance coverage, we can provide you with the representation you need and deserve.
Damages
Damages are a broad category of compensation that cover a wide range of financial and personal losses in the wake of an accident. They may be categorized as either economic or non-economic damages. Economic damages are objective financial losses, while non-economic damages are more subjective forms of harm that do not necessarily have a dollar value. Common examples of economic damages include medical expenses, lost income and property damage.
Injured victims can recover past and future medical bills associated with their accident-related injuries. This includes hospital bills, pharmacy bills, physical therapy fees, and any other relevant expenses. Your attorney will also calculate your expected future medical costs, based on your prognosis and proposed treatment plan. Your lawyer will also account for any lost income that you’ve experienced due to your injury. This can be anything from a day or two missed out of work for doctor’s appointments to a permanent reduction in your ability to earn the same amount that you could in the past.
Additionally, you might be able to claim any loss of quality of life that you’ve experienced as a result of your injuries. This can include the inability to engage in activities that you enjoyed prior to your accident or a diminished resale value for your repaired car. In some cases, you can even recover punitive damages if the other party’s negligence is particularly egregious.
An auto accident attorney can help you estimate your potential damages and determine whether an insurance company’s settlement offer is fair. Some attorneys use a method called the multiplier approach, where they take your total economic damages and multiply them by two or three to factor in pain and suffering. This is not a foolproof method, and it’s important to consult an experienced car accident attorney to get a more accurate assessment of your potential recovery. This is especially true if you’ve been severely injured in a crash. In these situations, it can be easy to accept an insurance settlement that fails to fully compensate you for your losses. An experienced Long Island car accident lawyer can review your case and explain your options for pursuing additional compensation.
How to Choose the Right Window Replacement for Your Home
Window Replacement Fort Worth TX is a major investment, so homeowners need to consider everything from materials and features to warranties and installation. Homeowners should look for companies that offer a variety of window styles and customization options.
A wide range of choices will give homeowners more opportunity to find a solution that seamlessly aligns with their vision.
If you have a window that is difficult to open and close, it may be time for sash replacement. A broken or improperly functioning window sash can lead to draftiness, moisture, and a loss of overall home energy efficiency. Fortunately, homeowners don’t have to front the cost of a full window replacement to address the problem. Instead, sash replacement kits are available that can be purchased at most hardware stores or online from a window supplier.
The most important thing to do before beginning a new sash installation project is to take precise measurements of the current window opening. Start with the inside edge of one window side jamb, and measure straight across to the opposite jamb. Repeat the measurement on the sill, and on the head jamb (where the bottom sash rests when it is closed). You will need to know these measurements in order to purchase the correct sized window sash replacement kit.
A sash replacement kit includes all the necessary parts and accessories to replace an existing window sash with minimal impact on the frame and trim pieces. The kits include a pine upper sash and lower sash, a foam head jamb filler and weather strip flange, a pair of vinyl concealed sash jamb liners, balance hardware, common and finishing nails, and wood head parting stops. You can find these sash replacement kits at most large box hardware stores, though they are also available from a number of online window providers.
Once you have the new window sashes in place, nail the head parting stop to each end of the sash frame to secure it. Then, line up the pivot pins on the bottom of the sash with the clutch within the jamb liner. Once the sash is properly in place, it’s just a matter of pushing on the top half of the sash to install it into the clip within the jamb liner.
Older sash windows were often made of wood, and they can swell or shrink as humidity levels change. This can make them difficult to open and close, or cause the sash to become stuck in its frame. Some older sash windows even contained multiple panes of glass held together with grilles, and deterioration of the grilles can prevent them from holding the glass in place.
Replacement Glass
If your windows are old, broken, or single-glazed, replacing the glass can make a huge difference in both the way your home looks and the way it functions. The right choice will increase comfort, reduce draftiness, and lower your energy bills — not to mention enhance curb appeal and value.
Many people think of glass as just a clear material that lets light in, but there’s much more to it than that. Glass is also a component of the window frame that holds the panes together and supports them. It can be tinted, frosted, patterned, or colored to suit your style and taste. It’s even available in a variety of thicknesses to suit your needs, so be sure to discuss your options with a glass specialist.
A professional glazier will be able to repair or replace the glass in any type of window or door. To replace glass in a window, first remove the moveable part of the sash from the frame using a screwdriver or pry bar. If the sash is still attached to the frame, use a putty knife or razor blade to cut through any caulking around the frames and trim. Once the sash is removed, carefully break up any shattered or cracked pieces and bind them with tape to prevent injury or cleanup. Next, carefully remove the old windowpane from the frame and set it aside. Finally, clean the old window frame and remove any paint, foam, or caulking that may be stuck to it.
Then, it’s time to measure the size of your window opening and order a new pane. Be sure to take horizontal and vertical measurements, as well as the width and weight of your old pane. A good rule of thumb is to subtract 1/8 inch from all sides when measuring, as this will allow you to get the most precise measurement for your replacement window.
Once your new replacement window is ready, a glass professional can install it by applying silicone sealant to the edges of the new pane. This will help to hold it in place and create a weather-resistant seal that will help to keep moisture out of the frame. In addition, a low-E film can be added to the replacement glass that bounces sunlight back outside during the summer and helps it stay in during the winter, further lowering your energy costs.
Replacement Frames
Many homeowners focus only on the style and glass of their replacement windows, but determining what type of frame to choose is also important. The choice can impact the window’s energy efficiency, durability and long-term cost.
There are a variety of different frame materials to choose from, including wood, vinyl aluminum and composite plastic. Each type offers its own unique advantages. For example, wood is naturally insulating and can be stained or painted to match the home’s interior design. However, it may require more frequent maintenance than other materials. Aluminum frames, on the other hand, are lightweight and can withstand a range of temperatures. But they do not insulate as well as other frame materials, and they tend to dent easily.
A popular option is a composite frame, which combines wood and another material such as fiberglass or vinyl. This allows you to enjoy the appearance of wood without the higher maintenance costs, while boosting the energy efficiency of your home. Many companies offer composite frame options in various colors, so you can find the perfect match for your home’s exterior design.
Insert replacement is a less invasive installation method that involves installing the new window into the existing frame opening. It is an ideal option if you want to update your windows but are limited by the size and style of your existing frame opening. This type of install limits disturbance to the exterior and interior trim, but it is not as insulating as full-frame replacement.
In full-frame replacement, the existing frame and trim are removed and replaced with a new frame and sash. This allows you to change the size and shape of your window opening, which can be particularly useful if you want to replace an inefficient double-hung window with an easy-to-open awning window over your sink or improve ventilation in a small room like a bathroom. This type of install requires more work and carries a larger upfront cost, but it can maximize your energy savings over time.
Replacement Hardware
The window hardware that supports a sash can become worn out or damaged over time. This can lead to leaks or air gaps that allow cold outside air into the house. A contractor can replace the hardware and restore your windows to their original state of functionality. The contractor will also be prepared to correct any problems that are caused by improper installation, such as moisture seepage or rotting.
A window replacement can improve a home’s appearance and energy efficiency. However, it’s important to understand the differences between a repair and a full replacement before making a decision.
It’s also a good idea to check whether or not your existing window is covered by a warranty and determine if you have an available timeframe for getting repairs done. Depending on the window type and the severity of the damage, it may take 6 to 12 weeks for custom-ordered replacements to arrive from the manufacturer.
When choosing a replacement, look for a product that’s Energy Star certified. The EPA estimates that upgrading your windows to Energy Star standards can save you between 12 and 13 percent on energy costs.
If you’re thinking about replacing your windows, it’s a good idea to consider using a composite material like Fibrex, which is a combination of wood and vinyl. It’s more durable than traditional vinyl and has a more natural appearance. Some companies, such as Renewal by Andersen, offer this option along with their traditional vinyl products.
If you choose to replace your windows with a new, Energy Star-certified model, you’ll need to prepare the area around the window for proper installation. If there are cracks or holes in the surrounding frame, siding or sill, these will need to be repaired prior to installing the new window. Additionally, you’ll need to ensure the rough opening is square and level for the new window. If it’s not, the window won’t open and close properly, leading to potential damage to the sash and surrounding areas. A contractor can help with this preparation and can also recommend an appropriate sealant for the job.