Personal Injury
How to NOT Get Taken Advantage of by Insurance Companies
| November 9th, 2020
The insurance industry is one of the most profitable in the U.S. These companies make steep profits, and that’s partly because they frequently offer policyholders and injured people far less than they deserve.
If you’re like us, you don’t like it when multi-million-dollar corporations get away with lowballing everyday people who work hard to pay their policies. As a law firm that regularly goes head-to-head with insurance companies, we can tell you that there are many strategies you can use to fight back.
Let’s look at some tips to make sure you’re not taken advantage of by insurance companies.
Consider Talking to an Attorney
Every day, we talk to people who are being given a raw deal by insurance companies. When someone is faced with the pain and stress of an accident or injury, the last thing they typically want to do is deal with the deadlines, paperwork, and endless legal complications surrounding injury claims and actually getting fair compensation. Simply put, you probably have enough going on in your life without having to worry about playing hardball with the insurance company all by yourself. An experienced attorney can take care of the hard part for you. Whatever you do, don’t accept an insurance company’s first offer without speaking to an experienced attorney.Don’t Speak to Anyone Else’s Insurance Company
After an accident, you might be contacted by someone else’s insurance company. If so, you DO NOT want to speak to them. A representative of that insurance company will want you to make a statement on the record, and they’ll use that statement to find ways to deny your claim and offer you less than you deserve. If you’ve been involved in an accident, you should notify your own insurance company. However, stick to only the basic facts, and avoid giving them any opportunity to offer you less than you’ll deserve. It’s very likely you won’t know how much compensation you’ll need until you get a clear picture of the damages you’ve suffered, which can often take several weeks or months after an accident.Keep Copies and Records of Your Damages
The accident-related expenses you’ll face will likely continue to add up over the days, weeks, and months following the accident. As the costs pile up, you should keep records of how much your injuries are costing you. Keep copies of medical invoices, medication receipts, repair bills, or any other accident-related costs you encounter. Don’t forget to factor in how much income you lose due to your injury, as missed time at work or the inability to work can also be included in the damages you list in your injury claim.Take Your Medical Care Seriously
After an accident, you should always seek medical care if there’s even a chance that you’ve been injured. Injuries often aren’t immediately apparent after an accident, so visiting a doctor helps ensure any injuries don’t worsen before they can be treated. If you’ve suffered an injury, follow all your doctor’s orders and go to all your scheduled appointments, whether they’re check-ins, tests, or physical therapy sessions. Failure to do so could indicate to insurers your injuries aren’t as serious as you claim, and it could also lead to the worsening of your injuries and add to your overall expenses. To thoroughly convey how your injury has disrupted your life, consider keeping an injury journal where you document all the challenges you face and the progress you make in recovery. These notes can help you and your attorney articulate exactly what you’ve gone through because of the accident.Don’t Give Insurance Companies an Easy Win
Remember that everything you do and say publicly will be used by the insurance companies to reduce the compensation you receive. So, it’s vital to be cautious when talking about your accident or injury. This is especially true on social media. Even innocent posts of you enjoying dinner or spending time with friends can be misconstrued by insurance companies. They might claim that your injury hasn’t reduced your quality of life in any significant way. Instead of giving insurance companies this ammunition, refrain from using social media entirely until your claim has been resolved.Don’t Wait Too Long to File a Claim
There are strict time limitations within which you must act in order to protect your rights. These time limits are complex and vary for different types of cases. You should avoid waiting too long before speaking to an attorney. The injury claim process can be lengthy, and the longer you delay taking legal action, the more you could complicate your case. In the days, weeks, and months following your accident, there will be opportunities to maximize the value of your claim and potential pitfalls that could cost you dearly. After you’ve suffered a serious injury in an accident, speak to an experienced, reputable attorney to ensure you’re doing everything you can to get a fair offer from the insurance company.Let Berg Injury Lawyers Help You
If you’ve been injured and you want an attorney to protect you from the insurance company, Berg Injury Lawyers is here to help. We’ve represented thousands of injured people in Northern California, and we know what it takes to get a fair offer for our clients. Contact the California car accident attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.Subrogation: Why Your Insurance Company Could Take Your Settlement Money
| September 7th, 2020
Medical bills are some of the most expensive costs associated with a serious injury. If you’ve been hurt in an accident through no fault of your own, your auto or health insurance company might pay those medical bills, especially if the at-fault party’s insurance refuses to foot the bill.
However, if you file an injury claim against the party or person who caused your injury, you will be seeking damages for those same medical bills your insurer already paid.
If you’ve ever wondered how you can seek money for bills that were already covered by your insurance company or what happens when those financial obligations overlap, then you’ve stumbled onto an important topic that plays a part in most injury claims: subrogation.
What Is Subrogation?
Subrogation is what happens when an injured person’s insurance company reclaims the money it paid out for accident-related costs. It’s how your insurance company recoups costs that the defendant (the person you’re taking legal action against) owes you. Subrogation clauses are a part of all insurance contracts. So, insurance companies have a legal right to be reimbursed for the money they pay out if those costs are part of a successful legal claim. Subrogation only involves recouping payments that their policyholder receives from third parties. So, for example, if your case involves only your insurance company, as it would in an uninsured or underinsured motorist (UIM) claim, subrogation would not be applicable.Where Does Subrogation Money Come From?
Essentially, the money the insurance company wants to recoup will come from the compensatory damages you received via settlement or judgment. The insurance company will often demand full repayment of the costs they’ve paid for your care once they discover you’ve received compensation from a third party.How Does the Insurance Company Know About Your Injury Claim?
After a doctor or emergency room visit, you likely received a letter from the insurance company. This letter might include standard language about notifying the insurance company if you file a compensation claim or hire an attorney. That’s because insurance companies often rely on self-reporting from their policyholders about potential injury claims or lawsuits. Your insurer isn’t necessarily keeping tabs on the cause of the injury that prompted your treatment, so it might not be aware that you are seeking payment via an injury claim or lawsuit. But insurers sometimes take steps to make sure they aren’t missing opportunities to recoup costs through subrogation. An insurance company will often work with third-party companies to identify insurance claims that are related to ongoing lawsuits or settlement negotiations. Once an insurance company knows that your injuries are part of a lawsuit or settlement negotiation, they might again rely on a third-party company to stay in touch with you to find out how the situation is being resolved.Do You Have to Pay the Full Amount Being Sought by Insurers?
Legally, insurance companies have every right to subrogation. In most cases, there’s little room for the policyholder to get out of paying back an insurer. However, though insurance contracts state that the insurance company has a right to subrogation, it’s often true that attorneys will negotiate on behalf of their clients regarding the amount of money paid back to insurance companies after judgments or settlements. This can save an injured person money and help reduce the amount of settlements or judgments paid out due to subrogation.If You Need Legal Assistance After a Crash, Get Berg!
Subrogation is one of many topics policyholders and injured people must contend with after a serious accident. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we work hard to ease our clients’ worries about their accidents and injuries. In doing so, we walk them through every aspect of their cases and deal with uncooperative insurance companies on their behalves each step of the way. Contact the California personal injury attorneys at Berg Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our team.The Importance of Filing an Injury Claim Even During a Pandemic
| August 31st, 2020
While the world struggles to deal with a once-in-a-generation pandemic, we’re constantly reminded of the fact that life goes on. Despite lockdowns and outbreaks, people still have bills to pay, work to do, and injuries to deal with.
Unfortunately, accident-related medical bills won’t go away just because we’re in a pandemic, and the time in which you can file a lawsuit is still ticking down. You can’t afford to waste time waiting for the pandemic to end when you need to file a compensation claim.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we know the importance of injury claims, which is why we’ve continued to offer the same level of service we’ve always given our clients, despite the limitations posed by COVID-19.
Why a Pandemic Shouldn’t Stop You from Taking Legal Action
Even with lower volumes of traffic on our roads, crashes persist. In some cases, our roads have proven to be even deadlier during the pandemic. Workplace injuries, medical malpractice, and other causes of serious injuries also continue to affect Californians. Though you might be reluctant to visit a doctor or take legal action during the coronavirus outbreak, you must remember how high the stakes can be if you don’t take a stand against an insurance company. Personal injury claims are as important as ever, and you shouldn’t give up hope because times are challenging. Many businesses, including Berg Injury Lawyers, have adapted to the pandemic and still offer the same level of assistance as they did pre-coronavirus.We Remain Committed to Our Clients
Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, we’ve expanded the way we serve our clients by offering remote consultations, case updates, and more. We know how important getting compensation is for our clients, which is why we guarantee the same level of dedication and service to those we represent whether we meet them in person or over the phone. For someone dealing with the prospect of an injury claim during the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s important to know that legal options (and legal help) are still available.The Importance of Personal Injury Claims
People file personal injury claims because it’s usually the only path to getting the compensation that they’re entitled to after an accident that wasn’t their fault. Serious injuries are costly, and insurance companies are often reluctant to offer people the payments they deserve. By filing a claim, an injured person is seeking compensation for accident-related costs, including property damage, medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. A successful claim can mean the difference between financial ruin and the path to recovery. Regardless of whether there are other external factors at play (like the coronavirus), you should always demand what you’re owed from an at-fault party and their insurance company. Otherwise, you risk running the chance of paying these costly expenses out of your own pocket.The Costs of Waiting to File a Claim
Time is of the essence when you’re considering filing a personal injury claim. First, you need to be mindful of the statute of limitations in these cases. In California, you have two years from the time of your injury to file, and once that period lapses, you won’t be able to demand the payment you’re entitled to. And, if a public entity is involved, you may only have six months to file a claim with the city, county or whichever public entity is involved Second, the longer you wait to begin the legal process, the greater the risk that important evidence supporting your claim and pinpointing the other party’s liability will be lost. The sooner you can contact an attorney and put them on your case, the better your chances of a successful outcome.We’re Working Hard for Our Clients
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we never stopped working hard for our clients or accepting new clients to make sure they get the legal representation they deserve. We’re fully capable of meeting with clients and conducting business remotely through video conferencing, phone, and email. We know how important it is for injured people to have their cases taken seriously and dealt with in a timely manner. If the pandemic is giving you pause from taking legal action, don’t wait any longer to seek help.If You Need Help, We’re Here for You
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we know that injury claims stop for no pandemic. We’re still here, and we’re ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.What Is the Safest Time of Day to Ride a Bicycle in California?
| August 17th, 2020
California is one of the three most dangerous states in the U.S. for cyclists, and the problem is only getting worse. Between 2016 to 2018, more cyclists died in California traffic accidents than in any three-year period since the mid-1990s.
Because of the significant danger, cyclists in California should also use caution when riding on busy roads, and knowing the safest times to ride could help keep more cyclists safe.
When Are California Cyclists Most at Risk for a Crash?
Based on statistics from 2017, the latest year for which finalized data is available, 21% of all bicyclist crash deaths happen between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. During this time of day, visibility is lower, and traffic is still relatively high, making it particularly dangerous for cyclists. The next most dangerous times of day is 9 p.m. to midnight (18% of all bicycle crash deaths) followed by 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (15% of all crash deaths). Other factors also increase the chances of bicycle accidents. For example, 75% of all bicycle crash fatalities occur in urban areas. Alcohol use contributes to more than one-third of all bicycle crash deaths, and intoxication by drivers and cyclists can both contribute to the problem.When Are California Cyclists Safest on Our Roads?
Now that we know the most dangerous times of the day, we can determine that cyclists are safest when visibility is high, but less traffic is on the road. So, ideally, cyclists should travel in daylight during non-rush-hour traffic. Unfortunately, riding only during the safest times of the day is simply not possible for many cyclists in California. To avoid increasing their risks of being involved in a crash, cyclists can take several other precautions.How Cyclists Can Stay Safe on California’s Roads
If cyclists can’t avoid riding during times of heavy traffic when driver visibility is low, they can make sure they’re equipped with the proper safety gear. The more visible they are to drivers, the easier it will be for those motorists to see them. Cyclists can wear brightly colored or reflective clothing when riding in the dark. They should have a headlight, a red light, or a reflector on the rear of their bikes, and a white or yellow reflector on each pedal. To learn more about California’s legal requirements regarding safety equipment, check out our guide to California’s bicycle laws.The Responsibilities of Drivers Toward Cyclists
If we want to make California safer for cyclists, drivers must make sure they’re following the law and safely sharing roads. This means:- Never driving in designated bike lanes.
- Yielding to cyclists the same way you would for any other motorist.
- Looking out for cyclists when turning at intersections or right on red lights.
- Giving cyclists plenty of room on our roads.
If You Need Legal Help, Contact Berg Injury Lawyers
Our Northern California bicycle accident attorneys have helped many injured cyclists get the compensation they’re entitled to. These cases typically involve crashes with severe injuries, and it’s important for injured cyclists to know that they might deserve more payment than the insurance company first offers them. If you’d like to speak to our legal team about your case, contact us today for a free consultation.California’s Bicycle Laws Explained
| August 3rd, 2020
Understanding California’s bicycle laws is essential for every cyclist in our state. From helmet laws to bicycle lane laws, California is very specific about what’s expected of cyclists.
To begin our comprehensive list of California’s bicycle laws, let’s start with the required equipment.
Bicycle Helmet Laws in California
California law is clear about the helmet requirements for riders under the age of 18. Parents are responsible for ensuring that minors have proper equipment when they ride.Cyclists Under the Age of 18
No cyclist under the age of 18 should ride a bike without a helmet. That helmet must be properly fitted and fastened. The helmet must meet the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This also applies to any bicycle passenger in a restraining seat attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle. Helmets must be clearly labeled by the manufacturer to display compliance with the safety standards of the ASTM or the CPSC.Cyclists Age 18 and Older
There are no state requirements for cyclists age 18 and older. But, you should always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle for safety purposes. Wearing a bicycle helmet reduces your risk of suffering a head injury by more than 50%. When buying a helmet, make sure it is in keeping with CPSC standards.More Laws Regarding Bicycle Equipment and Size
In addition to helmet requirements, cyclists in California must ensure their bikes also meet certain requirements:- Cyclists can’t operate a bike on a roadway unless the bicycle has a brake that will enable the cyclist “to make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement,” which is the legal standard for an effective bicycle brake.
- A bike’s handlebars should never be positioned so that the cyclist must elevate their hands above shoulder level to steer.
- A cyclist shouldn’t ride a bike so big that its size prevents them from “safely stopping the bicycle, supporting it in an upright position with at least one foot on the ground, and restarting it in a safe manner.”
- A light that illuminates the road in front of the cyclist and is visible from 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle. This light can be attached to the bike or the bicyclist.
- Either a red reflector, solid red lights, or flashing red lights visible from 500 feet to the rear of the bike.
- A white or yellow reflector on each pedal, shoe, or ankle visible from 200 feet to the front or rear of the bicycle.
- A white or yellow reflector on each side forward of the center of the bicycle, and a white or red reflector on each side to the rear of the center of the bicycle. Bicycles that are equipped with reflective front and rear tires are exempt.
- All reflectors or reflective tires should meet state requirements.
Rights and Responsibilities of Cyclists in California
California law states that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. This means that the same rules (adhering to traffic signs and signals, watching out for pedestrians, signaling when turning) apply to bicyclists as they do for car drivers. It’s illegal for cyclists to ride a bike while they’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Bicyclists traveling at speeds slower than the normal flow of traffic must ride as close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway UNLESS:- They are passing another bike or vehicle.
- They are turning left.
- Conditions of the road make traveling on the right-hand side dangerous.
- They are approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
- They are traveling on a one-way street with two lanes, in which case riding as close to the left-hand side of the road as possible is allowed.
- It is unsafe to do so,
- You’re turning, or
- You need to pass another cyclist.
Don’t Attach Your Bike to Other Vehicles to Hitch a Ride
Bicyclists, along with every other vehicle type, are forbidden from attaching their bike to another vehicle for travel purposes. In other words, you can’t hitch a ride with other vehicles. This obviously doesn’t apply to cyclists who are simply loading their bikes on vehicles for hauling purposes.Ride Only on the Designated Seat
California law states that cyclists must ride on the designated seats of their bikes. This also applies to passengers. Unless a bike is equipped to seat two people, it should only be ridden by one person. In other words, no sitting on handlebars or standing on pegs.Don’t Haul Items That Restrict Your Ability to Safely Operate the Bike
When carrying items attached to a bicycle, cyclists must be able to keep at least one hand on the handlebars. So, no hauling items that restrict your ability to control the bike.California Laws Concerning Parking or Storing Your Bicycle
Cyclists shouldn’t leave their bikes lying on their side on sidewalks. They shouldn’t park bicycles on sidewalks in any position that obstructs the path of pedestrian traffic. Local authorities can prohibit bicycle parking in designated areas of the public highway, but it must place signs in these areas that clearly indicate these restrictions.What About Motorized Bicycles?
Motorized bicyclists also have many of the same rights and responsibilities of people riding or using other vehicles, though these vehicles are considered closer to motorcycles than bikes. For example, a motorized bicyclist can’t travel on a bicycle path or trail, bikeway, bicycle lane, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail, unless it is within or adjacent to a roadway. Local ordinances might allow exceptions, but it’s best to reference those laws to make sure you’re following them.Don’t Loiter or Obstruct Bike Lanes
California law requires other road users (drivers, pedestrians, etc.) to keep bicycle lanes unobstructed. This means that people shouldn’t loiter, obstruct, or drive motorized vehicles in designated bicycle lanes.Cities Can Mandate Their Own Bicycle Laws, Too
These are just California’s bicycle laws, but each city has the right to impose stricter laws regarding bicycle use on roadways. Reference your city’s specific laws to see if any additional laws apply to bicyclists.Vehicle Drivers Have Responsibilities Toward Cyclists
Whether it’s staying out of bike lanes or giving cyclists plenty of space on our roads, motorists have an obligation to keep bicyclists safe. When they fail to follow the law, they can be held responsible for the harm they cause others. If you’re injured by a negligent driver in California, the law gives you the opportunity to hold that driver responsible for the injury-related costs you face. Through a personal injury claim, you can get compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.If You Need Legal Help, Contact Berg Injury Lawyers
At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California bicycle accident attorneys help injured cyclists get the compensation they’re entitled to by law. If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver, contact our team to schedule a free consultation.How to Avoid Overexertion Injuries at Work
| June 15th, 2020
Originally published June 15, 2020.
Overexertion injuries cause nearly one-fourth of all work-related injuries every year. They’re the most common reason for missed days at work and cost businesses billions of dollars annually. By learning how to avoid overexertion injuries, workers can be more productive, have longer careers, and enjoy a better quality of life. Before we learn how to avoid these injuries, we need to understand what they are and how they happen.
EXAMPLES OF OVEREXERTION INJURIES
Overexertion injuries can occur after performing repetitive movements over long periods or with one sudden movement. A few of the most common examples of overexertion injuries include:
- Soft-tissue injuries – Injuries to ligaments, tendons, muscles, etc.
- Back injuries – Pulled, strained back muscles or damage to the spinal cord, such as a slipped disc or cracked vertebrae
- Heat stroke and dehydration – Most common among workers doing heavy manual labor outdoors
- Repetitive stress injuries – Injuries ranging from carpal tunnel syndrome to stress fractures, often the result of weeks, months, or years of repeated movements
In many cases, two or more overexertion injuries can occur at the same time. For example, a worker might be more likely to pull a muscle if they are dehydrated or suffering from heat exhaustion. Lifting a heavy object can trigger an acute injury that stems from years of repeated actions.
HOW OVEREXERTION INJURIES HAPPEN
Certain movements and activities are more likely to cause overexertion injuries than others. Some of the most common examples include:
- Lifting heavy objects
- Performing unnatural movements
- Sitting or standing for long periods
- Using excessive force to perform a task
- Vibrations, typically from heavy machinery
- Working in extremely hot and/or humid environments
INDUSTRIES WITH HIGH RATES OF OVEREXERTION INJURIES
The National Safety Council provides a list of industries in which overexertion injuries are most common. They include:
- Education and health services
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Professional and business services
- Transportation and warehousing
- Construction
- Wholesale trade
From this data, we get a clearer picture of how these injuries happen and where they’re most likely to occur. Though workers who operate heavy machinery or lift heavy objects are more likely to suffer overexertion injuries, workers in any setting are at risk if they and their employers don’t take steps to protect their health and wellbeing.
7 TIPS FOR AVOIDING OVEREXERTION INJURIES
Preventing overexertion injuries requires preparation and mindfulness. The more aware you are of how you’re performing tasks, the better positioned you’ll be to look for more efficient ways to perform them. Here are seven ways you can reduce your chances of suffering an overexertion injury:
Use safe lifting techniques.
Keep objects you’re lifting close to your body. Maintain proper posture throughout the lift. Try to lift with your knees instead of your lower back. In addition, ask for help if an object is too large or heavy for you to lift on your own.
Break up and limit time spent doing repetitive tasks.
Distribute repetitive tasks throughout your day instead of doing them in one block of time. If possible, look for ways to avoid performing the same taxing task repeatedly.
Move often.
If you sit or stand for long periods, find opportunities to move and stretch fatigued muscles.
Rest when you need to.
Whenever you’re hot or tired, take frequent water and rest breaks.
Take pain seriously.
Persistent pain can be a warning sign of a more serious injury to come. Listen to your body and avoid performing tasks that contribute to chronic pain.
Prioritize ergonomics.
Ergonomics means “fitting a person to a job,” and it’s all about performing the correct movements for a given task. Take ergonomics seriously by considering the position your body is in when you perform tasks and look for ways to perform these tasks in a way that is less taxing on your anatomy.
Perform corrective exercises.
Whether you’re in the same position all day or using certain muscles more often than others, you’ll benefit from corrective exercises. These exercises help you correct poor posture and ensure the strength of less frequently used muscles.
IF YOU NEED A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY, CALL US
Most overexertion and workplace injuries are preventable. It’s vital that employers give their workers proper training, equipment, and rest to ensure overexertion injuries never occur. When employers fail to do so, employees have rights to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we help injured people get the payment they’re entitled to. If you were hurt through no fault of your own, contact our Bay Area personal injury attorneys today and speak to our team at no cost. We want to help you explore your legal options, so you can find the best path to the compensation you deserve.
Who Are You Actually Suing?
| September 23rd, 2019
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation by making a personal injury claim. However, you may be hesitant to take legal action, as you may be worried about the ramifications on the person who caused the accident. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we know that choosing to pursue damages after an injury can be a difficult decision for you and your loved ones—especially if the at-fault party is someone you know, such as a friend, family member, or coworker. When we take on your claim, we’ll handle it with the sensitivity and confidentiality it deserves while working to maximize your compensation. Contact our California accident lawyers today for a free consultation.The 2 Sources of Compensation for Victims After Injuries
Personal injury claims are often complex, and it’s not uncommon for victims to pursue multiple avenues of compensation. When we build injury claims for victims like you, we seek compensation from the following:- The at-fault parties’ insurance providers—In the vast majority of personal injury claims, victims collect compensation from insurance companies—not the people or parties who caused their accidents. That’s why auto accident coverage is required in all 50 states.
- The at-fault parties themselves—In a small number of cases, at-fault parties may have to pay out of pocket for victims’ expenses. For example, drivers who don’t carry auto insurance may have to personally pay victims compensation for causing accidents.
We Know How to Build Strong Claims That Get Results
Insurance companies want to protect their profits, and companies and individuals may deny responsibility altogether after accidents. That means compiling convincing evidence can be difficult, let alone getting the money you deserve, when you try to pursue compensation on your own. When you contact our firm, we’ll investigate your injury, determine who was responsible, and plan the most effective way to get you every penny you deserve. Contact us today.How Can a Lawyer Help After an Accident?
| May 13th, 2019
There are many types of accidents and injuries that can change your life forever. Whether you were hurt in a car accident, boat accident, motorcycle accident, or any other type of accident, it’s important to have legal representation on your side. At Berg Injury Lawyers, our California personal injury attorneys know what you’re going through and the challenges you’re facing. You’re in pain and medical bills are piling up, but because your injuries put you out of work, you may be unable to afford them. That’s where we come in. When you choose us to handle your case, you can count on us to handle the following aspects of your injury claim:- We’ll determine who was at fault—Insurance companies often assume that victims are responsible for their own injuries. We can collect evidence that proves someone else’s negligence resulted in the accident.
- We’ll handle all communication with the adjuster—Insurance companies count on victims making mistakes after their accidents—especially when they’ve suffered serious injuries. But when we take on your claim, they’ll have to go through us instead.
- We’ll negotiate to get you the money you deserve—Even if the insurance company concedes that someone else caused your accident, it may offer you a lowball settlement. We’ll determine how much money you deserve, and we’ll fight to help you get it.
St. Patrick’s Day Safety
| March 12th, 2019
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the busiest times of year for bars, pubs, and restaurants in California. If you’re planning on celebrating the day with friends and family, it’s important to be safety-conscious and aware of the potential dangers that you might face whether you’re out and about or heading home. To reduce your risks this year, do your best to follow these tips:- Appoint a designated driver—Having a sober driver with you can make your evening safer and more relaxed. If you don’t have a designated driver, use a ridesharing app or call a taxi to get home instead. Never get behind the wheel of your vehicle when you’re intoxicated.
- Enter and exit vehicles near the sidewalk—Whether you’re being dropped off by your designated driver, a rideshare vehicle, or a taxi, use caution when exiting the vehicle. Getting out on the side closest to the sidewalk or curb is the best way to stay safe when exiting a vehicle near a bar or restaurant.
- Be careful while walking near traffic—If you decide to pub crawl, be cautious while walking from venue to venue. Stick to sidewalks when they’re available, and never cross the street outside of crosswalks. In addition, always look both ways before crossing, even when you have a walk signal.
- Eat and stay hydrated—The effects of alcohol are felt more intensely on an empty stomach. In addition, alcohol is dehydrating. Having a meal or snacks with your drinks and ordering water between drinks can help you stay alert and hydrated throughout the evening.
Injured? Berg Injury Lawyers Is Here to Help.
Holidays are supposed to be fun times with friends and family, but the risks of accidents often increase on those days—especially when alcohol is involved. If you or someone you love was hurt in an accident on St. Patrick’s Day or any other day, our California personal injury lawyers want to speak with you. Contact us today for a free consultation.3 Things the Insurance Company Doesn’t Want You to Know
| February 20th, 2019
