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Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
Keep a Camera in your Car at all Times
 This Newsletter is my way of sharing information helpful to keeping you and your family safe, informed, empowered or entertained. John Bisnar |
Accidents on our Nation’s roadways are a serious threat to the traveling public. And unfortunately, during your lifetime you are likely to be involved in at least one auto accident. You should know what to do in order to protect yourself and your legal rights.
If I could give one piece of advice to my clients it is to keep a disposable flash camera in your glove compartment at all times. It is important that the camera be equipped with a flash just in case the incident occurs at night. Photo documentation is the most efficient way of collecting and preserving evidence at an auto accident scene for the parties involved.
- Use the whole roll of film to photograph the scene prior to moving the vehicles. You want to photo-document the whole event.
- Get pictures of damage to the vehicles (especially the other vehicles).
- Take pictures of the driver of the other vehicle (without being too conspicuous).
- Get pictures of any debris on the roadway.
- Take photos of the approach of each vehicle so you can clearly see where each vehicle came from.
- Print this list out and keep it along with the camera
in your glove compartment for future reference.
In the Event of an
Auto Accident
Call the Police First and foremost, call the police (and paramedics if necessary). It is imperative that the police make a report at the scene. Some police agencies (depending upon how busy they are) may refuse to come to the scene or make a report. If this is the case, you need to collect the information that they would have collected.
Many police agencies will not come to the scene if the accident occurred on private property (i.e.: a shopping center parking lot), if there is not bodily injury or significant property damage.
If the Police do not respond, collect the following data:
1. Names, auto license number, driver’s license number, address, and phone numbers of all involved parties and witnesses.
2. Note the date, time and exact location of the accident.
3. Note the traffic conditions, weather, pavement conditions and any contributing factors (i.e.: construction, potholes, and malfunctioning lights).
4. Photo document everything possible.
If You Are Injured
Seek Medical AttentionSeek medical attention immediately. A delay in treatment may make your injuries more serious, you may suffer more and it may make your recovery substantially longer and not as complete. If treatment is delayed, the Defendant may argue that it was not his negligent driving that caused your injury, but rather something that occurred between the time of the accident and your visit to the doctor. A Defendant may also argue that your negligence in obtaining treatment substantially increased your injuries and that you are therefore responsible for the increased injuries.
Time Limits
Keep in mind that there are time limits within which you must commence suit. Statutes of limitation vary from state to state. In general, they limit the amount of time an injury victim has to file a lawsuit. Failure to timely and properly file suit within the applicable limitation period may forever bar your claim. In most cases, other than children, the time limit is California is two years. There are California time limits that are only six months which apply to adults and children.
Consult a Law Firm that
Specializes in Personal Injury
If you have been injured in an auto accident, or any type of accident,
consult with a personal injury law firm immediately. The best personal
injury law firms will provide you a free consultation, usually right
over the phone. Know your rights and options. Be informed. Do not
be taken advantage of by an insurance adjuster. Call me.Bisnar & Chase will evaluate your case free of charge by simply calling: 800-561-4846.
More Information
For more information on automobile accidents see our website:
www.california-lawyer-attorney.com
For more information on motorcycle accidents see our website:
www.motorcycleinjurylawyers.com
Employee Profile
I am very pleased to introduce Shannon Barker. Mrs. Barker is the heart of our operation, most everything flows through her, one way or another. As Bisnar & Chase’s Senior Paralegal and Office Manager, Shannon runs the office.Shannon started with us in 1995, as a paralegal managing her own caseload. Six months later she was the Supervising Paralegal. Now she is responsible for management of the entire operation. Shannon is also a fierce negotiator - She negotiated over 200 cases last year. Shannon recovered $1.25 million for a client within two months on a case that the client and the firm initially thought $15,000 was going to be the maximum recovery from the defendant.
Shannon says, “I like what I do. And when you work doing something you love, it is very satisfying.” She also says, “I enjoy working with the partners John Bisnar and Brian Chase. They are not only fantastic attorneys, they are fantastic people. I have a lot of respect for both of them and they trust me to do the job.”
Shannon also enjoys seeing what Bisnar & Chase can accomplish for the clients. She says, “It is so gratifying to see the difference we can make for clients. I would refer my family and friends to Bisnar & Chase because I trust them.” In fact a few years ago Shannon referred her sister, Kerry, to us for a personal injury case. Kerry is now a paralegal with us as well.
Shannon has been happily married for 16 years and has two children. She enjoys family time, taking walks with her husband, working outside in her garden, and is constantly remodeling her house. She says she always has a project going. Shannon certainly is a busy lady and we are so happy to have her onboard.
If you have important information, or an empowering or funny story that you would like to share with my readers please email it directly to me at: jbisnar@bestattorney.com.
--John Bisnar, Bisnar and Chase, LLP.
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