Posts Tagged ‘ Pedestrian Injuries’

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How the Economy Affects Your Orange County Pedestrian Injury Case

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

The state of the economy is currently a big political issue at the national, state, and local level. It affects all of us in various ways, and it may even affect the case value of your Orange County pedestrian injury claim.

 

Insurance companies were hit hard by the economic downturn, just like individuals were. They had investments, and if these investments suffer, they will look to save money in other places to protect their bottom line. One of the first places they look is the settlement of their claims. An injury claim that may have previously settled for $20,000 might now settle for $15,000. Smaller cases will be more difficult for Orange County pedestrian injury lawyers to settle at all. Of course, cash-strapped insurance companies will try to avoid paying top dollar on catastrophic injury cases, too.

 

In addition to lowering settlement offers, insurance companies will likely cut back on their expenses by firing employees. Fewer employees means a larger caseload for each employee, meaning that it will take a lot longer to get your claim processed. Additionally, an Orange County pedestrian injury lawyer builds up relationships with adjusters over time. If these adjusters are fired, an accident attorney may have to work with new adjusters with whom he doesn’t have a relationship, and who may be more skeptical of your claim.

 

If you have been injured as a pedestrian in Orange County, it is more important now than ever that you get the help of an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer to help you get the settlement you deserve. Please call (888) 848-5084 for a free consultation.

Determining Fault in California Pedestrian Laws

Monday, June 14th, 2010

California pedestrian accident lawyer Samer Habbas makes client education a focus of his law practice, and dispelling myths about the law is a big part of his efforts. When we hear of a pedestrian accident, we usually assume that driver negligence such as running a red light or speeding caused it. But he and other Southern California pedestrian accident attorneys know that while we can blame most pedestrian accidents on negligent drivers, pedestrians acting negligently or both parties being negligent also cause a fair percentage of accidents.

For example, if a pedestrian is wearing dark clothing at night and crosses the street in the middle of a block, he or she could be found at fault or partly at fault if a vehicle strikes him or her. A jury could decide that because the pedestrian decided to cross where there was no crosswalk, was difficult to see and did not look in both directions, he or she could be at least partly responsible for causing his or her own injuries. In pedestrian accidents, there are many variables taken into consideration. Was the driver speeding and/or drinking? Was the pedestrian under the influence of alcohol or drugs? Did the vehicle involved in the accident have bad brakes or a missing headlight? Was the pedestrian crossing the street outside a marked crosswalk?

All of these factors and countless more are taken into consideration in pedestrian accident cases and no two cases are exactly alike. This is one of the many reasons why people choose to contact an experienced Anaheim pedestrian accident lawyer such as Mr. Habbas. He can explain the laws that apply, answer questions and provide a legal professional’s perspective on your situation. If you’ve been hurt or a family member has been killed in a pedestrian accident, call Mr. Habbas today at 888.848.5084 to schedule a free consultation.

Resource link: Determining Fault in California Pedestrian Laws

Pedestrian v. Hit and Run Motor Vehicle – $240,000.00 Settlement

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

Attorney Samer Habbas resolved a pedestrian hit and run at the University of Southern California for $240,000.00.  Client was a pedestrian crossing in a cross-walk when he was struck by a vehicle.  The collision caused him to suffer a pelvic fracture.  The injury did not require surgery or physical therapy.  Although the hit and run driver was never located, Attorney Samer Habbas was able to resolve the claim for $240,00.00 with the client’s own insurance company under his Uninsured Motorist coverage.

This case shows the importance of carrying uninsured motorist coverage in the state of California.  Even though the client was not in a motor vehicle at the time, his uninsured motorist coverage still applied to pay for his damages.  Many individuals including this client did not have knowledge that uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage applied for pedestrian accidents.  Furthermore, it was beneficial to this client that he carried an uninsured motorist policy that had substantial limits, making it possible for him to achieve just settlement for his injuries regardless of the unknown identity of the driver that struck him.  If you are reading this, you should take the time to immediately check your own policy to see if you are protecting yourself and your family in the event that they are struck by an uninsured or underinsured driver.  Should you have any questions regarding your policy, please contact The Law Offices of Samer Habbas  and we will assist you in making sure you have the proper insurance coverage.

Elderly Bicyclist Struck and Killed by Pickup Truck

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

An elderly woman riding a bicycle was struck and killed recently by a pickup truck at a Yorba Linda crosswalk. This Orange County Register article reported that the 80-year-Placentia victim was riding her bike on the sidewalk on East Imperial Highway when she attempted to cross Prospect Avenue about 5:40 p.m. When she attempted to cross Prospect, the white pickup truck was turning left from West Imperial Highway onto Prospect and struck her. The victim was taken to Placentia-Linda Community Hospital where she was pronounced dead of her injuries.

A local law enforcement official said that the female driver of the pickup truck was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol but was released by police. One police officer at the accident scene said that field sobriety tests had given them enough reason to arrest the woman, but more extensive sobriety tests indicated that she had not been driving her pickup truck under the influence of alcohol.

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Pedestrian v. Motor Vehicle Case Settled for $200,000.00

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Attorney Samer Habbas resolved a pedestrian v. motor vehicle claim which took place in the city of Los Angeles for $200,000.00.  Attorney Habbas was able to achieve a $200,000.00 settlement in mediation on a claim which was denied by the insurance company.

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