Common Accidents:  Some of the most common accidents and corresponding injuries to befall victims are provided for below …

• Slip and fall accidents caused by wet and oily surfaces
• Trip and falls
• Defective stairways
• Collapsing or caved in roof
• Fires which result in burn injuries and smoke inhalation
• Contraction of bed bugs and bed bug bites
• Acts of assault and battery caused by inadequate security
• Acts of sexual violence
• Dog bites and animal attacks
• Elevator accidents
• Exposure to other toxic fumes and chemicals
• Drowning in swimming pools
• Carbone monoxide poisoning
• Wrongful Death
• Defective appliances

Who is Liable Should I Get Injured while at an AIRBNB Rental?

Liability for injuries depends on a number of factors. First, you can hold the property owner responsible for the harm you have suffered. A property owner who decides to rent his or her property for profit owes a duty of care to the renting party. Generally, if you rent a property you are entitled to have it be safe from potential harm. This is very similar to renting a hotel room, where you have an expectation that the property will be free from any defects. Similarly, renting a property from an AIRBNB owner extends you the expectation that the property will be free from any known defects. This duty also extends to issues with the property that could have been identified through reasonable inspection.

Duty to Inspect: Typically, a property owner must perform a reasonable inspection of a property every so often. They must take the time to actually inspect the property and identify whether any threats or issues may exist and promptly move to correct them. Failure to either inspect for issues or to correct known issues will hold the property owner liable for any harm sustained by renting party or tenant. Commonly, there may be problems with the grounds themselves, such as holes in the dirt that could cause people to trip or trees with broken branches that could potentially fall while someone is walking below. Property owners must be aware of these issues within a reasonable time.

Second, you may have a potential claim against AIRBNB as well. Even though AIRBNB is technically not the owner of the property and merely a platform through which you can rent, they still share responsibility. AIRBNB is liable when they hold the property out to be safe and it turns out to be dangerous. In such cases, the consumer has an expectation that AIRBNB will provide a safe place, free from defects that may cause injury. Upon failing to provide a safe place, AIRBNB can be said to have not met its end of the bargain, which can be considered grounds for a lawsuit.

Finally, specific insurance exists to cover for almost most injuries. However, this is very coverage specific and will depend on whether there was any notice. You should talk with an experienced attorney and your insurance provider to determine if you have or can apply for special or specific coverage.

Premises Liability Laws 

If you intend to file a premises liability lawsuit, you should be aware that there are different types of visitors that can be present on a property.

The first is an invitee; invitees are essentially customers who enter a premises for a mutual benefit. They aim to spend money and receive a service at a store, for instance. Those who rent AIRBNB homes fall into this category. They are afforded the highest duty of care and should be kept as safe as possible by the property owner. It does not matter if the property owner is not actually present on the property.

Licensees are those who enter premises as social guests. They are not browsing with an intention of making any purchases. Other licensees may be door to door salesmen. Someone who enters an AIRBNB but is not part of the rental agreement may have legal cause to sue in the event of an injury.

Finally, trespassers are those who have no legal right to be on your property. Although it is perfectly acceptable for you to have deterrents and alarm systems set up to keep trespassers and intruders out, you cannot purposely set up traps that would harm trespassers, especially if they are only passing through. A common example of this is if your yard has no fence and is a popular shortcut from one street to another. While trespassers have fewer rights than invitees and licensees, they must still be given a duty of care, albeit diminished.

If you are curious which category you fall into and wish to take legal action against a property owner or against AIRBNB, contact one of our accomplished lawyers today.

Steps to Take if Injured in an Air B N B Rental

There are several steps you should take in order to preserve your legal right to recovery for the damages you have suffered.

• If injured, seek medical attention immediately: Call 911 and have an ambulance transport you to hospital. Make sure you inform the medical doctors of all your injuries; be as detailed as possible. Insurance companies often use the argument that a claimant could not have suffered injuries because there was no immediate medical attention. In order to mitigate that excuse, all victims should be evaluated for their injuries and commence medical treatment as soon as possible following the incident. Even if you do not feel as though you have been wounded, seek help anyway; a medical professional may determine that there is something wrong with you that you missed due to adrenaline.
• Gather evidence: Take pictures of the cause of the accident and the premises itself. If there are any witnesses, make sure you take down their contact information and record their statements and testimonies. It will also come in handy if you have photos of your injuries, video evidence of how the faulty incident occurred, and more.
• Keep all receipts and documents showing that you were a paying customer of AIRBNB and the specific property on which you were injured. Your credit card statement, email of confirmation, and more can all be used to prove that you were the renter of the home during the specific time period in which you were hurt.
• Do not speak with the property owner regarding the accident. Any comment you make can be used against you during the trial.
• Do not speak with any insurance adjusters that may contact you. The goal of an insurance adjuster is to reduce or eliminate any chances you may have of recovery, and he will use any trick in the book in order to achieve this. Sometimes, they will request that you take a free rental for a weekend or offer a gift card of some kind. If you accept this compensation, you the insurance company will argue that you cannot seek additional damages because an agreement was already reached.
• Seek legal assistance from our experienced personal injury lawyers: Once our law firm is involved in your case, we will do what it takes to win your case. It will be difficult for you to file a claim and win it by yourself, and assistance is available.

A common question that is asked is, “Do I need a lawyer?” The answer is yes: you should absolutely hire a lawyer in the event that you sustain damages while at an AIRBNB. Insurance agencies tend to be extremely fickle and will refuse to pay whatever they can to victims of physical injuries. You may not have the time or energy to negotiate with an insurance agent, especially one who constantly rejects your claim or ignores it. A skilled lawyer will be able to stay on top of your case and ensure that it is swiftly dealt with.

With an attorney, you will be able to prove that you were owed a duty of care, the duty of care was breached, the breach resulted in an accident, and the accident led to physical injuries.

Common AIRBNB Injuries

Depending on whether it is a house or apartment that was rented through AIRBNB, we have seen different types of injuries. It is common for certain exposed re-bar issues to exist caused a trip and fall. In other situations, you have plumbing issues, which can cause serious slip and fall injuries because of water spillage or other liquids on the floor. For example, a leaky toilet could create a slippery floor that may cause someone to lose his balance when he enters the bathroom, and upon falling, could hit his head on the porcelain bathtub or sink.

When dealing with an apartment building, you see different types of issues, particularly when you have balconies that are not properly secured. This can easily lead to falls from great heights if a railing is loose, broken, or rusted, or if too many people are on the balcony at once. In other situations, you see collapsing ceilings or balconies in general, which can cause devastating injuries. Not only does this pose a threat to anyone standing on the balcony, but it also places those below in danger as well.

Typically, the most common injuries occur when the property has leaks that result in falls. Other times, balconies and stairs are not properly maintained, which in turn results in serious injuries to occupants. Usually, the problem is with the property owners who have a rental unit and decide to rent the unit to turn a profit. As such, you naturally have a number of people who don’t properly inspect the unit. Property owners may even let various occupants stay there consecutively before inspecting the home.

In certain situations, you have people who rent the unit as a side way of earning a profit. However, in other situations, you have more seasoned property owners who are involved in the rental. As such, you can argue that they have a more heightened duty of care since this, in essence, is a business for them.

– AIRBNB Accident Attorney – Can I Sue for Injuries

Common Injuries:  Some of the most common injuries resulting from the negligence of Air B N B property owners, leaseholders, and managers include the following.

• Back and neck injuries: Injury to the spinal column can be devastating to the victim, often resulting in chronic pain and the inability to work. Victims should be evaluated by a spinal cord specialist, such as a pain management doctor or any orthopedists specializing in damage to the spinal column. Common treatment options may include physical therapy, chiropractic care, epidural injections, and in some instances, procedures to remove a bulging or herniated disc.
• Head injuries: A traumatic brain injury is in many ways to the most serious type of harm to a victim because it can change who the person is. Common causes of head injuries can include slip and fall accidents, falling objects, falls from stairways, and acts of assault and battery. Clear indications of a brain injury can include a short term loss of consciousness, slurred speech, and cognitive problems. A concussion is the most commonly seen head injury.
• Shoulder damage: Any type of pain in the shoulder should be taken seriously. Victims need to be evaluated by an orthopedic doctor with a specialty in shoulder damage in order to determine the extent of their injuries. Common shoulder injuries can include rotator cuff tears and shoulder dislocations. These injuries may take months to heal, even with physical therapy, and the ability to return to a regular range of motion may be negatively impacted by the severity of the damage.
• Broken ankle and knee injuries: Common knee injuries include tears to the MCL or ACL, meniscus, and shattered kneecaps. Broken and sprained ankles often happen in falls where victims try to catch themselves or when victims step in holes or on faulty stairs that give way beneath them.
• Facial injuries: This may include a broken nose, severe lacerations resulting in scarring, damage to the jaw resulting in TMJ injuries, and facial nerve damage resulting in paralysis. Eye injuries are also possible.
• Tinnitus and other damage to the ear: Damage to the ear can result from slip and falls. Common signs of tinnitus are chronic ringing in the ear or a high pitched whine, as well as the inability to clearly hear and discern sound. A victim should be evaluated by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor. If there is any form of hearing loss, the ENT specialist will refer the patient to an audiologist.
• Hand and wrist injuries: Many victims will attempt to dampen their falls by placing their hands in front of their falling bodies. This can result in severe damage to the hands and wrists due to the high amount of gravity and body weight being pushed onto such small bones.
• Other injuries include fire and burn injuries, smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide poisoning, inhalation of toxic mold, and bites from bed bug infestations. All of these damages are unique in their own rights and require specific kinds of medical care.
• Psychological damage: One of the most overlooked injuries is the damage to a person’s mental health following a traumatic event. An act of violence, including assault and battery and sexual assault, usually results in the highest levels of mental suffering. It can be mentally debilitating to enter the home of a person with whom you are unfamiliar, and strangers may trigger anxiety or crippling fear.

Scooter Injuries at AirBNB Locations

One of the fastest rising causes of injury at AirBNB is electronic scooters. Some individuals ask us questions like:

• Can I sue for tripping over a Bird scooter left on the ground?
• Can I file a lawsuit for falling over an Uber scooter on the ground?
• Can I sue for getting hurt by a Lime scooter left on the sidewalk at an AirBNB?

The answer is yes. You may be able to file a claim against either the scooter company or the AirBNB, depending on the circumstances of the incident. You should reasonably expect that the property is safe from hazards, and the property owner should ensure that there are no issues. If there is a tendency for neighbors to leave scooters on the property, the owner should sufficiently inform you of this so that you do not get injured during your stay.

Calculating the Value of A Personal Injury Case

If you have suffered any of the above injuries because of an accident or an incident at an AIRBNB, reach out one of our highly qualified Los Angeles lawyers today.

Compensation for Victims

Individuals who have suffered harm that was caused by the wrongful actions of others are entitled to monetary recovery for all of their damages and injuries. Victims are entitled to recovery for the following:

• All current and future medical treatments, surgery costs, medication fees, and physical rehabilitation costs
• Damage to property, loss of property, or replacement of property
• Loss of income and future potential loss of earnings due to extensive physical damage or an inability to return to work because of recovery or medical treatments
• Emotional distress and pain and suffering, which are non-economic damages that cover PTSD, fear, anxiety, psychological stress, mental scarring, and more

Gym Accident Injury Lawyer

Punitive Damages Compensation:  Courts can grant punitive damage compensation in cases where the at-fault party acted with either the intent to cause harm or acted in reckless indifference or gross negligence of the life and health of tenants. These damages are merely additional forms of monetary compensation that are intended to punish the defendant for his actions. Examples of intentional conduct can include assault and battery, sexual assault, rape, and molestation.  Reckless or grossly negligent conduct can be established if the at fault party knew that his actions or inactions could result in a substantially high likelihood of harm to others. An example of reckless behavior may be a property owner who knows that a railing of a stairway is loose and that there have been prior instances of accidents because of the defect, yet there is no action taken by him to resolve the problem. Under federal and state law, punitive damages may not exceed 10 times the actual damages an individual has suffered. However, only skilled and talented lawyers will be able to secure these damages for you due to the fact that many courts view them as excessive.

Statute of Limitations on AirBNB Claims

In California, the statute of limitations to file a premises liability lawsuit is 2 years from the date of the injury. If you do not file a claim within this time period, you will be unable to collect any compensation in the future. It is important that you act quickly when you wish to file a claim; the longer you wait, the more likely it is that your evidence will get corrupted or lost over time, and you will have a harder chance proving your side. The statute of limitations allows both parties sufficient time to gather evidence and to build a case against one another.
There are a few situations in which the statute of limitations can be extended beyond the 2 year limit, however. These scenarios include the following:
• Minors: Individuals under the age of 18 years old cannot legally sue, and thus the statute of limitations will not count down until they turn 18 years old.
• Incapacitated individuals: Some accidents may result in victims being left physically incapacitated, as in a coma, or mentally incapacitated, as in suffering from an emotional breakdown. The degree of the incident and the ensuing injuries can both influence these possibilities and cause such severe results. The victim will not have to adhere to the statute of limitations until he returns to functional health or presence of mind.
• Absent defendant: If you wish to file a lawsuit but the defendant is not present in the state, the statute of limitations will not count down. Instead, it will be frozen until he returns to California. It can be frozen at any point throughout the time frame.
The main reason that many individuals do not get the compensation they deserve is because they do not know what the statute of limitations is on their claim. They may not know if there is a time limit, how close they are, or if they are eligible for any extensions. If you come to our firm, we will be able to tell you the deadline for your case and help you submit your claim so that it does not get thrown out due to inactivity.

Our Law Firm’s Promise

Our team of skilled attorneys at Normandie Law Firm promises to do all we can to bring you the compensation you deserve for any injuries sustained while renting an AIRBNB. You should not be expected to cover all of the expenses related to your injuries if the fault can be attributed to another party. With the help of our law firm, you can rest assured knowing that your case is in good hands. Our aggressive lawyers will not stop negotiating with the insurance agency until we reach a settlement you are happy with, and if we are still unable to bring you a worthwhile amount of restitution, we will gladly take your case to court.

Cost of Legal Representation:  All personal injury cases are handled by our firm on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will not have to pay upfront for any legal fees or costs. Our fees are tied to your settlement; in other words, if we cannot win your case, you will not owe us a single penny. We will cover all the costs we expended if we lose. We make sure that your personal out of pocket finances are never touched when you seek legal action; we believe that you should not have to spend your own money when pursuing compensation because of the negligent actions of another party. To learn more about our ZERO FEE Guarantee, see here.

Free Attorney Consultation: If you have been harmed or injured from renting an AIRBNB unit you may be entitled to compensation. Feel free to contact our offices. All case reviews and legal consultations are provided by our firm completely free of charge. During the consultation, you can receive details about the lawsuit and what the value of your case may be, and we welcome you to ask us any questions you have. Further, all of our consultations are completely confidential; you will never have to worry about your personal information and the contents of your case being exposed anywhere else.

For more information filing a lawsuit against AIRBNB or a property owner, get in touch with an experienced lawyer at Normandie Law Firm in Los Angeles, CA.

If you have any further questions regarding your legal rights please feel free to contact our law offices. All legal consultations regarding your claim is 100% free of charge.

Things to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

1. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Contact paramedics and or emergency medical response to transport you or a loved one to the hospital. Generally you do not want there to be a significant gap in medical treatment from the date of the accident. Insurance companies often deny damages and injuries took place if the victims took too long to seek medical attention.
2. File an incident report with the establishment – ask the managers to file an incident report in your behalf. Make sure they transcribe your version of the event leading up to the accident which took place.
3. Gather evidence – take photos of the wet floor or any other objects on the floor which may have caused the fall. Document any factors which you think may play an important part including, the specific location of the fall, date and time of the incident, lighting conditions, and climactic conditions such as rain, sleet, ice and snow.
4. Send a Letter of Preservation: A preservation letter, otherwise known as a spoliation letter, will force any individual or entity in control of any evidence to withhold from destroying it. Failure to abide can result in serious fines and can be construed by a court as tantamount to fault in the eyes of a potential jury.
5. DO NOT in any circumstances speak with or make a statement in writing or in person regarding the accident that took place with any insurance adjuster. Any comments or statements made can and will be used against you to reduce or eliminate any chances you may have of recovery under the law.
6. Speak with a personal injury attorney with experience in premises liability cases regarding you case. An attorney will help explain your rights and may be able to provide legal representation if need be.

Contacting an Attorney is Not Difficult: In most instances contacting a laws firm can be a stressful process. Our law firm is different. When you contact us you will speak directly with a personal injury lawyer no matter what time of the day, night or even weekends. And every consultation is provided by our attorneys free of charge.

Further Information:

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Time Limit for Filing a Slip and Fall Lawsuit

The past decade has witnessed a meteoric rise in the use of electronic cigarettes in the United States. Unfortunately, some e-cigarettes have caused severe injuries due to explosions You can sustain a burn injury, jaw injury, mouth injury, or shattered teeth from the fire and force in a defective vape pen explosion.  According to recent studies injuries caused by exploding nicotine devices have increased six-fold; thus corresponding with the increase in their use. Common Injuries:  Some of the most likely injuries which can be caused by e-cig defects include the following…

1. Dental damage
2. Damage to the jaw and maxillofacial injuries including injuries to the tongue and mouth.
3. Burn injuries to the face resulting in facial disfigurement.
4. Amputation injuries – Loss of fingers and injuries to the hands.
5. Facial injuries – including burns to the nose, ears and ocular eye damage.
6. Severe burn injuries to the body resulting in painful scarring and disfigurement.
7. Deaths caused by such explosions.

Filing a Product Liability Lawsuit – Winning Your Case in the Court of Law

There are generally three distinct ways to prove a defective product case. Any of these points can be the grounds on which you file a lawsuit:

1. Defect on the Design of the Product: The first theory of liability is predicated on showing issues associated with the products research and design phase. A design defect can be proven by showing that the approved design results in a higher probability of harm when compared with other products which display a relatively similar level of efficacy.  In other words, liability is established when another product that does the same thing we safer when the product was design.
2. Defect in Manufacturing: A manufacturing defect takes place when an alteration in the finished product is different in such a manner so as to result in a higher probability of harm when compared to the products initial design. An alteration can come in many forms. An example is when a manufacturer decides to use a less expensive material in the process resulting in the final products increased level of harm.
3. Defect in Labeling: This takes place when the product’s labels and or packaging fails to warn of known and or knowable dangers associated with its use.

Average Case Value – E-Cigarette Explosion Injury Claim

Individuals who have suffered injuries due to a defect in a vape pen are entitled to receive compensation for all damages suffered. You can collect these damages by joining a vape pen class action lawsuit that is being handled by an attorney at Normandie Law Firm. The value of a personal injury lawsuit is predicated on severe significant factors described in detail below.

1. The severity and magnitude of the injuries suffered by the victim.
2. Medical and rehabilitation costs incurred.
3. The probability of future medical and rehabilitation care needed.
4. Level of pain and suffering including emotional trauma and mental anguish.
5. Economic damages suffered including loss of income and future loss of earning potential due to long term injury or permanent disability
6. Availability of Punitive Damages: In many instances, courts have awarded punitive damages when the at fault party acted with either the malice intent to cause harm or acted with reckless indifference for the life and health of consumers. For example, punitive damages are awarded when a manufacturer of a product knew of the high probability if injuries associated with its use but failed to warn consumers, and or failed to recall the product from store shelves in a timely manner.

Attorney Consultation Available Free of Charge:  If you have any further legal questions regarding the filing of a product liability lawsuit against manufacturers of defective electronic cigarettes resulting in substantial harm, please feel free to contact our law firm. All legal consultations regarding your case are free of charge.

Further Information:

More Information Regarding e-Cig Cases

Average Settlement Value for E-Cigarette Burn Injury Lawsuit

E-Cigarette Explosion – Value of Average Case Settlement

E-Cigarette Explosion Attorney – Vape Defect Burn Lawsuit

E-Cigarette Explosion Class Action Lawsuit for Injuries

What Is the Value of a Lawsuit for E-Cigarette Injury Cases

Average Settlement Value of E-Cigarette Explosion Cases

• Can I sue Uber for an accident?
• Can I sue Lyft for an accident?
• How can I file an Uber accident lawsuit?
• What is Uber’s liability in accidents? What if I was injured and my injury required medical attention?
• What are the rights of an Uber passenger in an accident? How do you open an Uber passenger accident claim?
• What are the rights of Uber drivers? If I was an Uber driver and I got into an accident, does Uber cover my injuries?
• I was hit by an Uber car. I don’t know whose fault the accident was. Can your law firm sue Uber?
• Who do I file a claim with if I was injured as a passenger when riding in an Uber or Lyft car?
• Where to file an Uber / Lyft Passenger Injury Claim?
• How do I file a claim against Uber?
• I was injured in an Uber accident. What do I do? What are my rights? Who do I contact?
• How can I get a lawyer to sue Uber or Lyft for an accident?
• Do Uber drivers carry insurance?
• Will my Uber accident attorney file a lawsuit against Uber, or the actual driver of the vehicle?
• Do I need a Lyft accident attorney or can I sue Lyft myself?

Rideshare companies, including Uber, UberX, and Lyft, have witnessed a meteoric rise in use by California residents and visitors to the state over the past several years. People in many major cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco are now using Uber and Lyft to get around. Passengers, pedestrian, and other drivers who have been involved in accidents caused by the drivers of such vehicles are entitled to compensation for all injuries and harms suffered. In accidents involving rideshare companies, several parties can be held liable, including the driver of the vehicle, the owners of the car, and the rideshare company itself. In response to the frequency of accidents involving rideshare vehicles, Lyft, Uber, and Uberx have announced a new insurance policy program. Uber’s new policy will provide for up to $50,000 per person and $25,000 for property damage in an accident involving one of its vehicles. This is on top of the $1,000,000 coverage for accidents when a trip is in progress.  The million dollar policy limit falls in line with the insurance coverage mandatory for taxi drivers in the state. In the State of California, the minimum bodily damage insurance coverage a driver must obtain is set at $15,000. So the $50,000 is well in excess of the state minimum requirements.

If you have been in an accident, whether you were a passenger in Lyft or Uber or you were in your own car and you were hit by an Uber or Lyft car, you are entitled to legal help. If you would like to speak to an experienced accident lawyer to find out if you can sue Uber or sue Lyft, please call our law offices for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Accidents: Some of the most common causes of accidents involving rideshare companies are as follows:

• Lack of sleep. Most companies do not have an 8-hour time limit per 24 hours for their drivers; as such, in order to increase their salaries, many drivers attempt to work long hours over a 24-hour time span.
• Failure to properly maintain vehicles in drivable conditions.
• Negligence in driving, including speeding, reckless driving, and failure to follow roadway signage.
• Driving while under the influence of an intoxicating substance, including drugs, sleeping medication, painkillers, and alcohol.

Victims of accidents are entitled to monetary recovery for all damages sustained due to the negligent and or harmful acts of others.

What to Do If You Have Been Injured in an Uber – Uber X Accident

There are several important steps which should be taken by injured individuals following an auto accident involving Uber or Uber X vehicles.

1. If injured, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Contact your local ambulance service to transport you to the emergency room and make sure to get checked for any and all bodily damages you may have suffered. Immediate medical attention following an auto accident can play a significant role in determining the overall value of your case. There is an increased probability of a higher monetary settlement of your case if medical attention is sought right after an accident because it will be easier to prove to a jury that you were in fact injured.
2. Contact the police department and request a police report to be filed. Police reports, otherwise referred to as Traffic Collision Reports, or TCR’s, are regarded as hearsay testimony under the law and thus they are inadmissible in court. However, a police report can be he a helpful tool utilized to gather the evidentiary information required to maximize the value of a claim.
3. Get the insurance information of the driver: If you are in an Uber or Lyft. ask for their contact information, including their driver’s licenses and insurance information. If there are other vehicles involved, ask for their information as well.
4. Gather evidence: If possible, take pictures of the accident location, including traffic lights, hazards on the road, the location of the vehicle upon impact, and the damage the vehicles involved in the accident sustained.
5. Do not speak with the at-fault parties’ insurance carriers regarding any potential injuries you may have suffered. Any words or statements made can and will be used against you to greatly diminish your claim.
6. Contact an accomplished auto accident attorney regarding your case. Our firm has been rated as one of the top law firms in Los Angeles, and our skilled lawyers are here to help you receive your fair restitution.

Uber Accident Attorney

A skilled Uber accident lawyer can sue Uber and any other liable parties for your damages. Fellow drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or any other individuals injured in accidents caused by Uber drivers have the right to seek financial compensation for all damages incurred. Specific types of damages compensable include the following:

• All medical and health care costs.
• All future medical and rehabilitation expenses.
• Disability expenses and nursing home care.
• Economic losses, including property damage and loss of income.
• Loss of future income capacity due to long term injuries or permanent disability.
• Non-economic damage compensation in the form of pain and suffering and mental anguish.

Punitive Damage Compensation and Auto Accidents: Generally, punitive damages are awarded when an-at fault party acted with malice to cause harm. In other words, when the defendants acted with the intent to cause bodily harm to another individual, they can be tagged for punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish the responsible party in lieu of criminal charges.

Common Injuries to Passengers on Board Uber and Lyft Vehicles: Our leading law offices have represented numerous passengers who have suffered injuries in vehicle accidents involving Lyft and Uber vehicles. Based on our extensive data, our office has compiled a list of their most prevalent injuries.

• Trauma to the head: Passengers are usually seated in the rear seat of the vehicle which often results in their head striking the back of the front seat of the vehicle. Common signs of a traumatic brain injury include loss of consciousness, chronic ringing in the ear, a general sense of confusion following the collision, sensitivity to light, and short term memory loss. Victims should seek medical attention immediately following trauma to the head in order to rule out a brain hemorrhage, which can result in death. Afterward, a victim should be evaluated by a neurologist with a specialty in the field of concussions and trauma-related brain damage.
• Spinal cord damage resulting in back and neck pain.
• Damage to the knees, such as in the forms of a torn meniscus and shattered knee caps.
• Damage to the fingers, hand, and wrists.
• Damage to the Central Nervous System or Nerve Damage: Common nerve damage injuries include pinched nerve, CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome), paralysis, and neuropathy.
• Shoulder injuries: Damage to the shoulders following an auto accident usually result in shoulder separation or torn rotator cuff injuries. Victims with shoulder damage should be evaluated by orthopedists specializing in shoulder damage.
• Facial Injuries: Common facial injuries include a broken nose, lacerations resulting in scarring, facial disfigurement, and facial paralysis. This last can also include Bells palsy, tinnitus (chronic ringing in the ear), broken teeth, and jaw damages (TMJ injuries).

What if I have not visited a doctor, or gone to the ER or Urgent Care for my Injuries? Do I Still Have a Claim?

When a traumatic event takes place, the body releases adrenaline throughout your system, resulting in a drastic reduction of your ability to sense the pain. In fact, many victims will feel very little or no pain for days following the accident, resulting in no documentation of the injuries suffered. This does not mean that you do not have a case. Victims should seek medical attention immediately if pain associated with the accident emerges, despite a time gap. Insurance companies will likely try to use the gap in medical treatment as an excuse not to pay for your damages.

Compensation for Mental Health Issues Following an Accident:  Auto accidents can be a traumatic experience for many. Victims will often suffer debilitating psychological issues following such events. Common mental health issues which can develop following an injury include, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), severe anxiety, depression, insomnia, and substance abuse. In many cases, victims who have been prescribed medication to relieve their pain will succumb to opiate addiction. Under the law victim of auto accidents are able to receive compensation for all damages which are borne out of their injuries, including psychological damage and addictions to intoxicants.

Exacerbation of an existing injury: Insurance companies will often use the fact that you exacerbated a prior injury as an excuse not to provide you with the financial recovery you are entitled to. They will argue that since you were already injured, your injuries did not result from this current accident.

This is not the case; the “egg shell plaintiff” doctrine under the common law system states that an at-fault party and their insurance cannot use the argument that your bones are as brittle as an egg shell and broke easily following an accident to deny you compensation. In fact, victims are entitled to recovery for a re-injury of a pre-existing issue.

Uber/Lyft Driver Ran Over My Foot

Although most Uber and Lyft accidents occur in the vehicle and consist of crashes and collisions, these accidents are not the only types of rideshare accidents that could occur. More specifically, passengers and other innocent parties can be injured while rideshare vehicles are pulling up to or away from curbs – their feet can be run over. An Uber or Lyft driver ran over my foot. You probably never expected to identify with that statement. Whether the Uber of Lyft driver is just being careless or drives by before it is safe to do so, innocent parties can be injured. When a car runs over a foot, devastating injuries could occur. Some examples of potential injuries include the following: crushing injuries, ankle injuries (sprained ankles, broken ankles, etc.), foot injuries (sprained foot, broken foot, etc.), toe injuries, etc. A foot getting run over could also cause the victim to fall over and potentially suffer more injuries.

If an Uber or Lyft driver runs over your foot, it is important that you seek legal assistance as soon as possible. You could have grounds to file a lawsuit. To explore your rights and the legal options available to you, do not hesitate to contact the experts at our firm immediately.

Uber Passenger Injury Attorney in Los Angeles

Our law firm handles all cases relating to Uber accidents and Lyft accidents. Whether you were a passenger inside the car or someone outside the car who was injured by an Uber car, you can contact our law offices for a free consultation. Our qualified Uber accident lawyers will review your case and advise you regarding a possible Uber accident lawsuit. The vast majority of cases settle prior to the filing of a lawsuit. However, in some cases, litigation is required in order to provide a victim with the compensation entitled to. Generally, Lyft and Uber injury claims are predicated on a negligence basis cause of action. There are four essential elements which need to be established in order to prove negligence.

1. Does the at fault party owe a duty to the plaintiff (injured party): Generally, every individual owes a duty of care to act in a fashion a reasonably prudent person would so as to prevent or reduce the risk of harm to others. However, Uber and Lyft drivers are regarded as common carriers, thus they owe the highest duty of care towards their passengers to conduct themselves in a manner so as to greatly reduce the incidence of harm.
2. Did the at fault party breach the duty of care owed to the injured party: Common occurrences where there is a breach in auto accidents include speeding, driving while under the influence, illegal lane changes, failure to pay attention to the road, use of a cellular device while driving, and driving away before the passenger has fully exited or safely entered a vehicle.
3. Causation: The question that has to be answered here is, “Was the accident caused by the breach of a duty of care owed to the victim?”
4. Damages: Did the victim suffer actual damages?

How Do I File A Claim If I Was Injured In an Uber Accident?

If you were injured in an Uber accident as a passenger, or if you were driving your own car and an Uber car hit you, the at-fault parties have the legal obligation to pay you for your damages. Most of the time, the defendant in such cases will be Uber’s insurance company. Unfortunately, insurance companies will not be fair to you and they will not pay you as much as you deserve. They will either offer nothing or very little. The role of insurance companies with respect to damages claims is to do whatever they can to reduce their financial exposure. They will employ every trick in the book and will dictate their hired adjusters to follow these criteria at the risk of being terminated from their positions. Common examples of tricks played by insurance companies in order to reduce or eliminate your right to recovery include the following.

• Contacting the injured party immediately following an accident and asking them about their injuries on a recorded line. As explained above, because of the rush of adrenaline, victims will not feel the full extent of the trauma immediately following an incident. Insurance companies know this and in many instances will contact a victim and ask them questions about their well-being and health. They will later use these recordings to establish the argument that you did not suffer the injuries you are claiming.
• Lying to victims about the time limit they have to file a lawsuit. Victims of personal injury have a certain time limit to file a lawsuit in court. Insurance companies know that many victims are unaware of this and will take advantage by lying to them about their time limit.
• Attempting to settle the matter after the accident. In many instances, especially when liability is clear, insurance companies will contact a victim and offer a certain amount of money in return for a release of all rights to file a claim in the future against them and their insured. Victims will unsuspectingly take the cash because they may desperately need to take care of immediate expenses, not aware of the full extent of their injuries and their potential case value. If you sign that release form, you will not be able to make a claim against Uber ever again. Do not sign anything until you have contacted an attorney.
• Attempting to settle your property damage claim. Perhaps the most common trick in their book is to “advise” victims where to go in order to receive a property damage estimate and get their vehicles fixed. The body shops that are referred by insurance companies will low ball the property damage estimate and will fail to look for internal frame damage to the vehicle. This will result in both a low property damage recovery and a reduction in the potential recovery available for a victim personal injury claim.

With the advent of self-driving Uber vehicles, we know that many people will wind up getting injured in crashes with these cars. For this reason, our attorneys are starting to investigate claims involving these vehicles and will be able to help anyone who is the victim of a self-driving car accident.

Uber Passenger Accident Lawsuits

Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you: Victims should always contact an attorney so that they can learn more about their rights. An experienced personal injury attorney knows all the tricks in the book played by adjusters and will likely guide the case a higher settlement. It is important to find an attorney experienced in Uber accident cases.

Cost of Attorney Representation for My Case:  Victims of auto accident are often wary about contacting an attorney because of the seemingly high cost of legal representation. Instead, they opt to settle their claim with insurance companies on their own. This is a big mistake; the role of insurance adjusters is to reduce or in some instances eliminate any right you have to recovery for your damages so as to reduce losses to the company they work with.

In order to alleviate such fears, our law firm represents clients strictly on a contingency fee basis. This means that our clients will never have to pay out of pocket to any of our costs and fees.

Free Attorney Consultation Available:  If you have any further questions regarding the filing of a lawsuit against Uber or Lyft for an accident caused by drivers of the company, feel free to contact our law offices toll-free. Our Uber accident attorneys are in Los Angeles and they can travel to any location of your choosing, no matter how far, to meet with you regarding your case. All legal consultations are provided free of charge. Do not seek out an attorney who has no experience in Uber cases – call Normandie Law Firm today.

OUR ATTORNEYS WILL HELP YOU FILE YOUR CASE AGAINST UBER/LYFT

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• Do Uber and Lyft Drivers Need Additional Insurance?
• What Happens If You’re a Passenger in an Uber Accident?
• Average Settlement Value of Uber/Lyft Accident Lawsuit Case
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• Uber, Lyft and other Rideshare Accident Lawsuits

Every year thousands of individual, and children in particular, suffer severe and often disfiguring facial injuries cause by vicious dog attacks. In fact facial damage is one of the most common type of injuries to befell innocent victims of dog bites. This is because dogs, particularly when attack the young,  aim for the face in order to inflict maximum lethality. According to data more than 36% of all animal bite emergency room visit are due to injuries sustained to the cevicofacial region; while a whopping 78% of dog bite injuries to children are the victims facial region. Victims of dog bite who have suffered severe cases of facial injury are entitled to compensation for all their losses.

Example of Facial Injuries Cause by Severe Dog Bites

Some of the most common facial injuries due to dog bites are provided below.

• Amputation and Mayhem – the severing of facial body parts including the nose, cheeks, lips, and ears.
• Broken nose and facial bone fractures.
• Deep lacerations and puncture wounds to the face resulting in disfigurement and permanent scarring.
• Facial nerve damage, bell’s palsy and facial paralysis.
• Loss of eyesight due to ocular damage.
• Brain damage and traumatic brain injury.
• Broken jawbone and dental injuries.

Financial Recovery Available for Victims of Nerve Injury Caused By Dog Bites

Perhaps the most common questions asked by our clients regarding their case is the amount of recovery available is they pursue a personal injury cause of action against the at fault owner of the dog. There are several avenues of compensation available for injured victims base on the specific type of damaged and the severity of those damages.

• Recovery for all medical and health related costs incurred.
• Recovery for future medical and rehabilitation expenses including therapy for the development of PTSD following the dog bite incident.
• All non-economic damages – including pain and suffering, mental anguish and punitive damages.
• All economic damages including loss of wages, lost income, and future reduction of income capacity due to long term or permanent disability.

Attorney Consultation for Victims: If you have suffered injuries from a dog bite and have any legal questions feel free to contact our law offices. All legal consultations and case reviews are provided by our attorneys free of charge.

Further Information:

Dog Bite Laws

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Lawsuits

Victims of harm caused by the actions or inactions of others are entitled to compensation for all damages sustained, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages and salaries for the inability to work, and emotional distress. Lawsuits for recovery of damages must be filed within the deadline set forth in the statute of limitation laws of the state and/or jurisdiction where the accident took place. Failure to file within the time limit for slip and fall and trip and fall lawsuits in California will result in the elimination of your right to financial recovery for losses incurred. For this reason, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney at the one of the top legal groups in Los Angeles, Normandie Law Firm, to determine if you are still within your rights to file a lawsuit.

California Law Statute of Limitations for Slip and Fall Accident and Injury Cases
The statute of limitations as it pertains to the law is the amount of time during which you can file a lawsuit. The statutes vary depending on the incident and entity you are attempting to sue, and there are many nuances that exist that you should be made aware of. You can learn more about these details by consulting with an expert attorney who has experience in slip and fall cases.

One of the reasons the statute of limitations was introduced was to ensure that claims are filed in a speedy fashion. If a plaintiff wants to sit on a claim for years, there is the opportunity that all accompanying evidence will be gone by the time he files his lawsuit. For example, in a slip and fall case, if a man were to wait four years before filing a lawsuit against a business, other eyewitnesses there may have left or become unavailable. There may be a large number of people who misremember the event or who do not recall it happening at all. Any hard evidence may be gone, such as cracked sidewalks or photographs of the accident scene. It becomes more trouble than it is worth to litigate claims that occurred years previous. Additionally, it keeps a certain amount of integrity in the law. Without a statute of limitations, individuals could sue anyone for any past wrongdoings, and they would be well within their rights to do so, as well as have a chance of winning the case. A statute of limitations forces plaintiffs to deal with claims immediately as opposed to waiting for a good opportunity.

The deadline to file a trip and fall lawsuit in California is TWO years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in the court of law. This personal injury claim can only be filed if the plaintiff received some kind of damages in the incident; those who do not exhibit injuries or lasting damages are less likely to succeed in their claims.

Claims Against The Government – Slip and Falls in Government Buildings

A claim against government entities must first go through an administrative hearing. Any claim must be filed with an administrative agency overseeing injuries caused by government agencies within 6 MONTHS (120 days) from the date of the accident. This often comes as a surprise to our clients, who believe that the statute of limitations was the same amount regardless of the entity. This drastic difference to 6 months from 2 years is a big part of the reason that many people miss out on filing these claims.

If and when the government administrative board rejects or denies a claim, that individual will have TWO years from the date of the accident to file a claim in civil California courts. Thus, the claim can be treated as normal. It is important to note that the two-year statute does not get retroactively assigned; that is, if a government agency denies a claim a year after the accident took place in which you slipped and fell, you would have two years from the date of the returned verdict, not from the date of the original incident.

Exceptions to Statute of Limitations – Tolling of a Statute

California courts allowing for certain exceptions to the deadline to file a slip and fall lawsuit in California. The tolling of a statute of limitations can be issued in certain specific circumstances detailed below.

• Physical Incapacitation of the Individual: This occurs when the victim is unable to file a claim; he may be in a coma or too injured to give testimony or information about the accident. The victim will be able to file a lawsuit without worrying about the statute of limitations upon being physically capable of doing so.
• Mental incapacitation of the individual: Similar to physical incapacitation, this occurs when the victim is suffering from some kind of mental disorder, emotional injury, or psychological issue that does not allow him to properly think, function, and provide a reliable account of the incident.
• The harm to the individual did not manifest itself until after the statute had run: A delayed injury can be devastating; for example, if a slip and fall results in a fracture that eventually leads to a blood clot 3 years down the line, the individual will still be able to sue for damages relating to the blood clot. The original fall was what caused the fracture, which led to the clot forming.
• Statute of Limitation for Lawsuits Filed By Minors: Individuals under the age of 18 (minors) will have TWO YEARS from the date of their 18th birthday to file a personal injury claim with the court of law. This is one of the most common exceptions to the statute of limitations. However, it should be known that minors can have legal adults file claims on their behalves; this will prevent the claim from being filed again in the future, however.
• Departure from the State: If the defendant leaves the state for any amount of time, the statute of limitations is suspended until he returns. Therefore, if a defendant leaves the state and does not return until 4 years after a slip and fall accident occurs, the victim can still file a lawsuit and will be able to do so for the following 2 years.
• Time of War: In the event that the country goes to war, here is a temporary suspension of the statute of limitations. This is done due to the fact that the parties may sign up for service, or because the country may be under attack.

Slip and Fall Litigation Team Here to Help: To learn more about slip and fall accidents, injury litigation, and your rights under the law to pursue compensation for your injuries, feel free to contact our top-rated law offices. You can learn more about the California SOL for slip and fall accident cases, as well as what can be done to prove your claim. A qualified lawyer with experience in slip and fall accident cases will be available to take your call. All legal consultations are totally free of charge and are given in confidence. You are invited to ask any questions you want, and one of our attorneys will give you all the information you need to know.

Further, our firm operates under a zero fee guarantee – you are not required to pay us any money out of pocket for our legal services. Our fees come from the settlement we earn for you in your case; therefore, we only get paid if we win, and the defendant is the one paying for your legal fees. If we do not win your case, you don’t owe us a penny, and we eat the costs ourselves.

Contact Normandie Law Firm today for more information on the statute of limitations of slip and fall cases in the state of California.

Further Information:

• Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
• Supermarket Slip and Fall Accidents
• How Long Will it Take to Reach a Settlement for a Slip and Fall Injury Claim?
• Lawyer to File Legal Claim for PTSD After a Slip and Fall Accident
• Injury Attorney for Wrist Pain After a Slip and Fall Accident
• Why Do You Get Knee Pain After a Slip and Fall Accident?
• Why Do You Get a Headache After a Slip and Fall Accident?

Liability for Injuries

In all product liability cases we look at the manufacturer for recovery of your damages. Manufacturers generally carry what is known as “product liability insurance”. This is similar to having insurance for an automobile claim, when you are involved in an accident, however the steps are a bit different. A manufacturer will be liable for injuries sustained by the user of the product when/if it is determined that  product is in fact defective.

In the following case the recall has already established that the product is defective. Products are considered defective when they fail to adhere to fail to perform in the manner for which they were intended. Generally there are three recognized defects these include; (1) defective design claims, (2) manufacturers defect, or (3) failure to warn defects. Each are different, but ultimately serve the same goal of proving the device is defective.

Design defects refer to an actual design issue with the product. When a product or its prototype is defective, it will spawn additional defective products. Design defects refer to an actual flaw in the design element of the product, which deems it defective. Manufacturing defects apply to a defect in the manufacturing stage of the product. This can be an isolated or single incident or it can apply to multiple different products. Finally you have failure to warn defects. This applies to the non-obvious warnings for  a product. If a manufacturer fails to warn of a use, which ultimately ends up causing injury they can be held liable for failure to warn.

Property Damage Claims

A number of cases have been property damage only claims. This applies to damage to homes, furniture or other furnishings in the property. Property damage claims will allow you to recover the full value of the damage resulting from the loss. For example if your home was set ablaze because of this product, you will be entitled to recover the value of the loss. This will include value for any loss of property, including the home itself. Each property damage claim must include the value of all lost articles resulting from the fire. It is important to have this property itemized to that you can recover the full value of your claim.

Burn Injury or Wrongful Death Claims

Unfortunately anytime you deal with fire claims, you must consider personal injury or wrongful death claims. While no actual reports have been reflected for wrongful death, it is likely that burn injuries and or wrongful death claims may exist. If your family is the victim of a either a burn injury or wrongful death claim, you will be entitled to recovery for your losses.

Wrongful death claims apply to those who have perished as a result of a fire caused by this defect. In such tragic cases it is important to follow the proper procedures in order to preserve your right to file or proceed with a claim. Burn injury claims are also considered a personal injury claim. If you were a victim of a burn injury, seek immediate medical attention. It is important that you identify the proper types of medical treatment needed for your injuries so that you can achieve maximum levels of improvement should you be injured.

How to File a Claim

Filing a claim requires a few different steps. First you will need to contact the manufacturer to report the claim. At this point the manufacturer will require you to give either a recorded statement or in-person statement. Generally this will depend on the degree of your injuries. In most cases the manufacturer will want you to give back the recalled item. NEVER EVER DO THIS. If you give back the item, you have essentially destroyed or significantly harmed your case. Also, never allow for a recorded statement to be taken. Recorded statements will be used against you should the matter be adjudicated. Should you consider filing a claim always speak with an attorney so that they may guide you through the process.

Recalled Products

Here is a list of the recalled products. According to reports the following products are considered recalled:

– Recalled brand names include, Dandy, Delonghi, Fedders, Fellini, Frigidaire, GE, Gree, Kenmore,                 Norpose, Premiere, Seabreeze, SoleusAire as well as SuperClima;

– Recalled product sizes include 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 50, 65 and 70-pint dehumidifiers, with the above mentioned brand names.

Legal Rights of Victims: Victims of dog bites have the right to pursue personal injury lawsuits against dog owners and property owners where the dog resided. If you have any further legal questions regarding the filing of a dog bite lawsuit feel free to contact our law offices.

Potential Injuries Following a Dog Bite Incident:

1. Nerve Damage: Common signs of nerve damage from dog bites can include los of sensation, tingling and burning sensation, extra sensitivity to touch, inability to feel specific parts of the body. Victims of nerve damage may have to undergo years of treatment including physical therapy, acupuncture, and the use of pain relieving medications which can cost tens of thousands of dollars annually.

2. Contraction of Post Bite Infections: The potential of infections from dog bites necessitates the immediate treatment of dog bites. Wounds need to be cleaned, with dead tissues being trimmed off. Dog bite victims must be mindful of the early signs of rabies which may include hallucination, symptoms of the flu and severe headaches.

3. Scarring and Disfigurement: The development of scarring following a dog bite incident is an injury that is often overlooked. However victims of permanent scarring have the right to seek out cosmetic treatments and revision surgeries and have the cost of such procedures reimbursed by at fault and or liable parties.

4. Emotional Harm – PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress: By far the most overlooked injury following a dog bite incident is the development of post traumatic stress disorder. Such harm can affect the young and old alike and result in great emotional hardship and mental anguish lasting months and even years following a dog attack incident. Some widespread signs and symptom of PTSD can include nightmares, inability to concentrate during the day, bouts of depression, and a general long term fear of other dogs.

Police report was wrong

One important fact to remember about police reports is that they are NOT ADMISSIBLE. What this means is that they cannot be used as evidence against you in a potential personal injury or civil case for damages/injuries. So just because the report mentions potentially adverse facts against you, it does not necessarily mean that you don’t have a potential case. Police reports are almost always filled with factual inconsistencies or mistakes. Officers are overworked and cannot produce 100% accurate results all of the time.

Additionally a lot of the report is based on the officers impression of the case and how the incident took place. These reports are not always based on the scene of the accident. As a result you have many reports that are incorrect and do not properly outline how the accident happened.

I was partially at fault

In certain cases you can be partially at fault for the accident. Being partially at fault does NOT mean you cannot recover. Here is an example of how partial fault works. You are driving a motorcycle and an automobile makes an unsafe lane change. As a result you try and stop the car, but end up crashing into the back of the car making the unsafe lane change. In this type of case you will be partially at fault, likely between 25-50% at fault for the accident. This amount of damages will be reduced or deducted from the total amount awarded to you for your case.

A lot of your recovery if you are at fault will depend on the extent of your injuries. Make sure you seek immediate medical attention in order to better understand the degree of  your injury. In any case you will need to seek medical attention for your injuries, make sure you do so in a timely manner to avoid long term medical complications.

What is the Value of my case?

So what is my case worth? This is a great question, but a very difficult one to answer. First, we need to know what your injuries are. Do you have any significant damage after the accident? Second, what is the policy limits of your case? How much insurance coverage did the other party have and do you have any uninsured or underinsured coverage? Finally, we will see how much at fault you were for the case. From there it is possible to get a better understanding of  your injuries.

What about my own insurance coverage

You can tap into or use your own insurance coverage in order to recover for your injuries. This will NOT impact or change the amount that you owe in regards to your premiums. However, you must carry uninsured or under  insured motorist coverage and file a police report in order to pursue a claim. This type of claim will be permitted when the driver of the other vehicle does not carry sufficient coverage or when they carry no insurance at all. Recovering from your own insurance is commonly considered a 1st party claim, which will permit you from recovering for your damages.

What if I didn’t have insurance?

What happens if you did not carry any insurance at the time of the accident and you were NOT at fault? This is a tricky situation considering you will be subject to certain limitations in your case, however you can still recover for your injuries. California applies proposition 213 if you are injured in an accident and are NOT carrying insurance coverage. This law will not allow you to recover for pain and suffering, but will permit you to get compensation for your medical bills. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule.

What if I was a passenger and the driver was at fault?

If you were a passenger in a motorcycle accident and the driver was at fault for the accident you are entitled to recovery. Passengers are considered negligent free drivers or riders. A negligent free passenger is not subject to liability for the accident and will be able to recover for the damages they have suffered. However, a lot of the recovery value will depend on the policy limits of the at fault party. If you were injured make sure you speak with an attorney regarding your case and NEVER make any statements to the insurance company about your case.