Aggressive drivers are responsible for many of the deadly accidents on American roads. If you have lost a loved one due to the actions of an aggressive driver, contact our firm to learn about your legal rights and options.
Drivers text while driving their cars. Some truckers drive impaired. Others on the roads of Ventura are inconsiderate and reckless while behind the wheel. If you suffer injuries due to the negligence of a driver, you need aggressive representation from an advocate always at your disposal. You require an experienced attorney with a thorough knowledge of motor vehicle accident law.
Listed below are various resources on this specific area of our personal injury practice.
Thank you for contacting Bamieh & Erickson PLC. Your message has been sent.
Call us now
or use the form below.
At Bamieh & Erickson PLC, our personal injury lawyers see clients physically injured and emotionally traumatized following a motor vehicle accident. They need help. They want justice. We are a firm that believes in our clients and we back that up with time and financial investment.
While it is tempting to take the offer of an insurance company supposedly looking out for your best interests, resist the urge. We have your best interest at heart. We are willing to go beyond the mediation table and litigate your case to secure compensation truly reflecting the damage you suffered.
Insurance Claim Do's and Don'ts
When you need to make an auto insurance claim, you should proceed with care. Your actions may have a significant influence on the amount of compensation you receive. Contact Bamieh & Erickson LLP in Ventura, California, to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney to learn more.
The Do's
DO consult an attorney for legal advice.
DO review your insurance policies to find out what is covered and what is excluded.
DO notify your insurance company right away after you are in a car accident, your car is stolen or damaged or another such covered event takes place.
DO take pictures if you can: of your vehicle, the accident site and your injuries.
DO take notes when you speak with your insurance company. Make a record of the names, job titles and phone numbers of the representatives with whom you communicate. If you can, get the names of their supervisors, too. Note what you discussed and what you or the representative promised to do.
DO tell your insurance company the truth. Not only does this save everyone a lot of time and effort, but questions of legal liability can be complex. If you fail to be forthcoming with your insurance company, this could invalidate or reduce your coverage.
DO investigate whether you have additional insurance coverage. Depending on the circumstances, supplemental coverage may come from another auto insurance policy, a homeowner's policy or umbrella coverage.
DO keep the receipts for money you've spent on car rental, medical bills and purchases made in connection with the motor vehicle accident.
DO make sure you're aware of the difference between the replacement value of your car and what you actually owe on the car. If the car is totaled, most car insurance will cover only the cash value of your car at the time of the accident. You may owe more than that, however, on the loan or the lease of the car. Gap coverage makes up for this difference. Additional coverage is usually necessary for things like a special sound system in your car.
The Don'ts
DON'T accept the insurance company's estimate of your losses and damages until you have a chance to fully explore the matter yourself. An attorney's help can be valuable in determining whether the insurance company's estimate is fair.
DON'T give the insurance company a recorded or written statement until you have determined how you wish to proceed. It is important to be aware of the extent of your insurance coverage and your rights.
DON'T sign a release or waiver until you have gotten reliable legal advice. You may feel pressure to sign from your insurance company, but it is your right to explore your options. Just make sure that you take appropriate action within the time limit stated in your insurance policy.
DON'T accept a check from your insurance company — especially one that says "final payment" — unless you have obtained legal advice and carefully weighed your options.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Your insurance company is legally obligated to follow through on the terms of its contract with you. You have the right to make sure that happens, and a lawyer can offer you the support, guidance and advocacy you need. Contact Bamieh & Erickson LLP in Ventura, California, to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney to discuss your situation.
Copyright © 2012 FindLaw, a Thomson Reuters business
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
