Jacobson LawJacobson Law2023-10-26T11:05:28Zhttps://www.jaydjacobson.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1402473/2020/11/cropped-jacobson-law-favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Jacobson Lawhttps://www.jaydjacobson.com/?p=473002022-12-12T20:38:18Z2022-12-14T20:37:12Zfatal crash while driving at night than during the day. There are many reasons for this, including driver fatigue and lowered visibility.
Here are some things people can do to help lower their chances of getting into a motor vehicle accident on New York highways at night.
Inspect your headlights
Since headlights are the main component that helps drivers see at night, it is imperative that they are in good working condition. Motor vehicle operators should ensure their lights are clean and bright before heading out at night. In addition to being a safety hazard, having a headlight out between dusk and dawn violates New York law.
Pay attention to fatigue
Most people have biological clocks programmed to sleep at night, making night driving even more difficult. Drivers should pay close attention to how tired they feel while on the road and find a well-lit spot to pull off and rest if they feel too sleepy to continue safely.
Avoid looking directly at bright lights
The bright lights along the road and from other vehicles are another hazard of night driving. Although these lights exist to keep motorists safe, it can be dangerous to look at them directly as that can cause a momentary reduction in vision.
Taking precautions when driving at night helps motorists avoid accidents and stay safe on the road.]]>On Behalf of Jacobson Lawhttps://www.jaydjacobson.com/?p=472972022-11-16T20:41:49Z2022-11-16T20:41:49ZDrive away
Regardless of who is at fault for the accident, and even if the crash did not seem serious, leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident is a bad idea. The main reason that this is not a good idea is that it is probably illegal to not stop. Another reason is that drivers are sometimes unaware of the extent of the damage or injuries involved in the accident until they get out to assess the situation.
Fail to contact authorities
Even if both drivers involved in a motor vehicle accident exchange information and come to an agreement, it is still important to contact authorities so that someone can clear any debris from the road as well as to have an official record of the incident.
Admit fault right away
There are usually many factors that contribute to a crash, so drivers should be careful before admitting fault after the accident.
By knowing what not to do after an automobile accident, drivers can avoid breaking the law and make better decisions for themselves and those around them.]]>On Behalf of Jacobson Lawhttps://www.jaydjacobson.com/?p=472952022-10-25T19:23:52Z2022-10-25T19:23:52ZMaking unsafe choices
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an unsafe trucker may choose to use their phone or try to open a container of food or another item while driving. These actions can lead to them failing to react in time to obstructions in the road, including swerving wildly into traffic.
This sudden turn can shift the weight of the truck so much that it does not just skid but actually tips over. The momentum of this stop or swerve can lead to truckers losing control of their vehicles even if their hands are only temporarily off the wheel.
Daydreaming or thinking about distractions
When a trucker needs to operate their vehicle for long hours for work, they may start to think about subjects other than the road in front of them. A wandering mind can lead to a lack of attention to traffic rules.
This tiredness can also influence how much attention they pay to braking in a safe manner. Stopping quickly can lead to trucks tipping over and rolling onto the road. Learning more about the danger of heavy trucks and mental fatigue can help you when rollover accidents happen.]]>On Behalf of Jacobson Lawhttps://www.jaydjacobson.com/?p=472922022-09-24T02:42:02Z2022-09-24T02:42:02ZIgnoring blind spots
According to the United States Department of Transportation, truckers need to pay special attention to the back and sides of their vehicles. Since they sit up so high and cannot see what most people in cars or on motorcycles see, they are responsible for checking their blind spots when other vehicles approach.
Truckers who are planning to turn should signal and make their intentions known since these bigger vehicles cannot slow down to a stop in most situations. This means that if they make a mistake, they cannot correct it as quickly as you could on a motorcycle.
Looking away
Truckers on long, straight roads such as a highway could feel bored as they continue on their journey. Partway through a long trip, they could turn away from the road in front of them to check their phones or look out at a billboard to the side.
Since motorcycles take up less space on the road, truckers can easily miss them if they enter a lane or try to exit.
Underestimating their speed
Truckers who are overconfident and reckless may speed while driving in the rain or on unfamiliar roads. They may assume their years of experience mean they have sufficient enough skills to stop in time to avoid a collision.
After a catastrophic crash, you may notice some of these factors that led to a truck causing an accident.]]>On Behalf of Jacobson Lawhttps://www.jaydjacobson.com/?p=472882022-08-30T19:42:48Z2022-08-30T19:42:48Znegligent behavior, you have a right to recover compensation for economic and non-economic losses.
Steps to take in the immediate aftermath
What you do in the immediate aftermath of a slip and fall accident can impact your case and your claim for compensation. Following these steps can help protect your rights:
Call 911. If you suffered an injury, call for emergency medical attention. The police and other emergency responders will arrive as well.
Ask to speak to the property owner. If your accident occurs in a restaurant or other public place, you want to speak to the person in charge and ask for a copy of the accident report.
Seek medical attention. See a doctor right away, even if you did not need an ambulance.
If you have questions about your legal rights, you may benefit from speaking with a personal injury attorney as well. Premises liability cases are rarely uncontested.
Things you should not do after a slip and fall
Common mistakes people make after a slip and fall accident include talking about the incident online and failing to seek medical attention. When you file a claim for your injuries, the insurance company will investigate, including looking at all your social media activity since the accident.
Additionally, failing to see a doctor can make it difficult to prove you suffered injuries.
Not all slip and fall cases warrant a claim. If you slip and fall without injury, you have no damages to recover.]]>On Behalf of Jacobson Lawhttps://www.jaydjacobson.com/?p=472862022-07-25T18:49:11Z2022-07-25T18:49:11ZVictims who are minors
In New York, legal adults are at least 18 years of age. Anyone younger cannot file their own personal injury lawsuit. The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is typically three years from the date of the injury, so a 15-year-old minor could wait to file until they become a legal adult. However, waiting too long to file could decrease the strength of their claim.
Victims with traumatic brain injuries
If the accident is serious enough, it could lead to a traumatic brain injury that incapacitates the victim. Parents or legal guardians can file on behalf of an incapacitated individual, but they must prove that they are legally related to the victim. People can apply for guardianship of someone who has a permanent disability.
Victims who are mentally disabled
New York law may consider someone "incompetent" if they have a mental illness that makes them unfit to represent themselves in a case. Psychotic disorders and intellectual disabilities often fall under this category. In these cases, parents, legal guardians or court-ordered guardians could file for them.
Victims who cannot file their own personal injury lawsuit must have a legal guardian help them get the compensation they deserve.]]>On Behalf of Jacobson Lawhttps://www.jaydjacobson.com/?p=472832022-06-28T15:40:23Z2022-06-28T15:40:23ZBehavioral symptoms of a traumatic brain injury
A traumatic brain injury can lead to a range of behavioral symptoms. One of these is frequent mood swings. If your brain got injured in any way, it can lead to moodiness and frequent mood swings. It can also lead to personality changes, as well. If you have hurt your head and have been acting out of character lately, then it could be a sign of a brain injury. Trouble remembering things is another hint that there could be a TBI, along with confusion.
Physical symptoms of a traumatic brain injury
Along with mental symptoms, there are lots of physical symptoms that occur, as well. For example, headaches can be more frequent or severe after a brain injury. You may also notice things like more eyestrain, as well as ringing in the ears. Blurred vision and lightheadedness can also occur.
If you have gotten injured you may not know what to do next. The first step often is identifying what your injuries are, and if they are severe enough that you need to seek outside help.]]>On Behalf of Jacobson Lawhttps://www.jaydjacobson.com/?p=472802022-05-24T17:01:39Z2022-05-24T17:01:39Zpersonal injury lawsuit. The wrong choices can jeopardize your quest for courtroom compensation.
The importance of seeking medical care
Even if you feel fine, visit a doctor. You may be unaware an injury exists, as symptoms sometimes take time to surface. A comprehensive medical evaluation might reveal a neck or back injury. Rehabilitation or surgery could be necessary. Seeking medical advice also creates official records essential to proving your case.
The importance of not communicating with insurance companies
Insurers are always looking for reasons to deny payment. They will scrutinize any comment that comes out of your mouth, no matter how benign. Thus, it is in your interest to tell them as little as possible.
The importance of consulting an attorney
Mounting hospital charges make settling out of court seem tempting. Striking an agreement absent the benefit of legal counsel is unwise. You are bound to collect less without a negotiator by your side. Also, this individual should know when and how to end the negotiations if a trial is the better option.
You only have one shot at extracting payment from an at-fault motorist. Make sure your decisions do not prevent you from acquiring what you deserve.]]>On Behalf of Jacobson Lawhttps://www.jaydjacobson.com/?p=472772022-04-21T22:37:12Z2022-04-21T22:37:12Zmotor vehicle accident, the insurers on either side will seek to pay out damages that satisfy the injured individuals without breaking their own banks. When liable parties do not put a fair amount on the table, litigation could be necessary.
The effect of litigation
One study by the New York State Department of Health shows an average exceeding 12,000 hospitalizations each year due to motor vehicle injuries. While a small percentage of cases each year will result in litigation, you should be aware of how a court case will affect your claim for compensation in the event of an accident. Though litigation can be lengthy and costly in itself, the process may be necessary if the other party does not offer a fair settlement. Your legal representative will advocate for your right to appropriate compensation.
The option to settle
It is preferable in most cases to reach an amicable settlement for your personal injury compensation, rather than pursuing a tiresome court case. Your legal counsel can help you negotiate a favorable settlement without resorting to courtroom litigation.
Choosing to fight for a higher reimbursement will affect your accident claim by adding time, stress and additional expenses to your case. While you surely want the full extent of your compensation, the decision to settle or litigate is not one to make lightly.]]>On Behalf of Jacobson Lawhttps://www.jaydjacobson.com/?p=472742022-03-18T15:36:39Z2022-03-18T15:36:39Zaccident.
See below for some frequently asked questions to learn more about car insurance in New York state. Do not drive in New York without understanding the requirements for you to operate a motor vehicle legally.
Do I need insurance?
New York State requires car insurance to maintain your license and registration. If you neglect to re-up your insurance policy, the DMV may suspend your license. New York residents must have in-state insurance policies.
Do I need insurance if I do not use my car?
Even if you do not use your vehicle, you must have active liability coverage on any registered motor vehicle. The policy must be in the name of the person who has the car registered. Only one or two names may be on a registration for a vehicle.
Can I register without insurance?
You cannot register your vehicle without insurance. Once your policy becomes active, you must register your vehicle within 180 days.
What is the minimum coverage required?
There is a minimum amount of insurance you must have in New York. For property damage, you need $10,000 for a single accident. For one person, you need to cover $25,000 for injury and $50,000 for death. For two or more people, your insurance needs to cover $50,000 for injury and $100,000 for death.
Besides the information described in this article, there are several laws surrounding New York motor vehicle insurance. Ensure you have the proper coverage and do not drive a vehicle without it.]]>