Have you been in A car accident?

Car accidents are the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Rear end collisions are the most typical type of case that Colette Heck Law sees. Failing to yield the right of way, and turning in front of on-coming traffic are other accident cases that are commonly handled by Ms. Heck. Other car accident cases we handle are crashes involving drunk drivers, negligent drivers running a red light or stop signs, speeding, and cars entering intersections from private driveways. such as shopping centers, without looking before entering the street or highway.

Although there are countless reasons why motor vehicle accidents occur, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates the number one factor contributing to car accidents in the nation is distracted or inattentive driving, which accounts for approximately 80% of all motor vehicle accidents.

Other factors that cause car accidents are driving under the influence of alcohol or drug related substances, violation of traffic laws such as speeding or not stopping at stop signs, fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel, and lack of maintenance to the vehicle. In other situations, car accidents result from external factors out of an individual’s control, such as poor weather conditions, improperly maintained roads and highways, or a defect on the vehicle from the manufacturer.

Our DeLand car accident attorney assists victims of car accidents in attempting to obtain compensation for their injuries. In order to best protect your rights, it is important that you contact an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately after your accident.

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With or without a criminal conviction, Colette Heck can help

Not all alcohol-related car accidents involve a driver who is legally drunk. Alcohol has a measurable impact on a driver's reflexes and decision-making at levels below .08 blood alcohol content (BAC). We have extensive experience in car accident cases. We know how to investigate an accident and prepare your case to demonstrate why you are entitled to full compensation. We have an excellent record of verdicts and settlements for victims of all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those where alcohol was a factor.

There are many ways to show that the driver who caused your accident was behaving negligently. A driver who is speeding or checking a cellphone is driving negligently. A driver who is impaired by alcohol is driving negligently. If the driver who caused your accident is convicted of DUI/DWI, that is certainly evidence of negligent driving. With or without a criminal conviction, Colette Heck can help you present the strongest possible case to get you the compensation you deserve.

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Florida is a No-Fault State

When a Florida resident gets into a car accident, several state laws affect the insurance claims and lawsuits that might result. Let's examine a few of those laws, including Florida's status as a no-fault state, how long drivers have to file court cases after a crash, and how Florida's "pure" comparative fault rule might affect the case.

Florida is a No-Fault State
The most important thing to note about Florida law if you've been in a car accident is that Florida is a no-fault car insurance state. That means, if you've been injured in a car accident in Florida, you'll need to first turn to your own car insurance coverage to get compensation for your injuries and other losses stemming from the accident, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

Only in certain cases can you step outside the no-fault system and try to hold the other driver liable for your injuries -- meaning you can file a liability claim with the other driver's insurer or file a personal injury lawsuit against him or her. In Florida, only car accidents that result in permanent injury, or significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, will take a claim outside of the no-fault system.

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You need a reliable auto injury attorney

If you’re the victim of a car accident, you need to take immediate steps to make sure you can be compensated for any physical injuries. Even if you think you haven’t been injured, take these steps. Serious injuries can show up days or even weeks later. If you can’t act immediately, call a friend or family member to take these steps for you or ask for help from someone at the scene.

--Call 911

Immediately report the accident. Let the 911 dispatcher know if anyone has been hurt.

When the police arrive, be completely honest and cooperative. Remember that what you tell the police about your injuries will be recorded and can be used as evidence when you file an insurance claim or a lawsuit. If you are hurt, get this information into the police report. Do not discuss the accident or “fault” for the accident with anyone other than the police.

--Record the Scene

Use your cell phone to take pictures of the accident scene from all angles. Take pictures of the inside of the vehicle you were in. Photograph your injuries. Get the contact information, insurance, license plate and drivers’ license information of anyone else involved in the accident. Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. Make note of weather conditions, construction activity or any other contributing factors.

Record your version of exactly what happened, in the order it happened. If you are not able, ask someone else to do these things.

--Seek Medical Attention

Even if you think that your injuries are not serious, immediately seek medical attention. Closed-head injuries, for example, rarely show up at once. Do this because EMT, emergency room and doctor’s records will be required by insurance companies and needed in lawsuits. It is important to be completely honest. Disclose any previous injuries that might be seen as contributing to your current injuries. Be sure to follow up on any discharge advice you are given. Failure to do so can jeopardize your case. Save all receipts and bills.

--Notify Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Often, insurers have notification deadlines. If you fail to meet these deadlines, you might not be compensated. Cooperate with the adjuster. You may be compensated for your medical expenses, future medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages, loss of earning capacity and loss of consortium. An insurance carrier will first look to the types and amounts of damages suffered, and then to fault or percentage of fault.

--Don’t Sign Anything Yet

In the hours, days and weeks following an auto accident, insurance companies – both your own and others – often try to “settle” for a specific amount of money if you agree to give up your rights to make a claim or sue in the future. The money can be tempting, but it is much better to wait and see what the actual extent and cost of your injuries will be.

--Call a Personal Injury Lawyer

The laws on personal injuries caused by auto accidents can be complicated. You need to call a reliable and trusted Daytona Beach Shores auto injury attorney. Contact Colette Heck Law today.

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Colette Heck will accurately investigate liability in truck accident cases

Although trucking companies say they set high driving standards for their employees, truck drivers contribute to thousands of accidents each year. If you've been injured by a semi-truck or commercial vehicle, you need accurate representation from a qualified lawyer who will help you seek just compensation. When you need a truck accident lawyer in Daytona Beach Shores, FL, let Colette Heck help. She will fight for your rights.

How Can a Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
Federal regulations require truck drivers to work no more than 70 hours a week and drive no more than 11 hours per day. However, many semi-truck drivers drive more hours than they should. Some companies keep fraudulent log books, and others fail to maintain their trucks so they can save money on maintenance and repair costs.

As a result, trucking companies scramble to protect their driver even when he or she was fully or partially responsible for the accident. This means that when you're seeking compensation after a truck accident, you need a lawyer who will begin the liability investigation immediately.

Colette Heck will work to accurately investigate liability in truck accident cases. Colette Heck will investigate the role of the truck driver in the crash, as well as the truck's maintenance and the trucking company's liability. Colette Heck will pursue every avenue as they explore what caused the crash and who should be held responsible.

Contact Colette Heck Law today!

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Injured in an accident involving a tractor trailer?

While common sense dictates that a properly trained and licensed driver of large trucks will improve performance and reduce auto accidents, this isn't always the case.

In fact, a Federal Highway Administration study in 1996 concluded that the trucking sector is not providing adequate training for new drivers of large rigs, while currently, drivers with a CDL license are not required to have on-the-road experience.

Tractor trailer and commercial vehicle accidents are known to be caused by a variety of factors, with most serious accidents generally being attributed to five main contributing factors.

These include:

-Drunk driving
-Vehicle safety
-Driver skill level
-Load shift / incorrect cargo stowage
-Driver fatigue
-Speeding
-Overloaded trailers
-Oversize cargo

These all contribute significantly to the chances of serious truck accident occurring.

Knowing what to do and who to contact after being involved in a serious truck accident can be very confusing for many accident victims.

If you have been injured in an accident involving a tractor trailer, it's important to contact an experienced law firm to help explain your legal options and relieve the burden of pursuing an injury compensation claim. Contact Colette Heck Law today!

www.colettehecklaw.com | (386) 253-3033 | plus.google.com/112342627763158578314/posts?hl=en | twitter.com/colettehecklaw | colettehecklaw.tumblr.com | www.linkedin.com/pub/colette-heck/107/612/852

Florida is a No-Fault State

When a Florida resident gets into a car accident, several state laws affect the insurance claims and lawsuits that might result. Let's examine a few of those laws, including Florida's status as a no-fault state, how long drivers have to file court cases after a crash, and how Florida's "pure" comparative fault rule might affect the case.

Florida is a No-Fault State
The most important thing to note about Florida law if you've been in a car accident is that Florida is a no-fault car insurance state. That means, if you've been injured in a car accident in Florida, you'll need to first turn to your own car insurance coverage to get compensation for your injuries and other losses stemming from the accident, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.

Only in certain cases can you step outside the no-fault system and try to hold the other driver liable for your injuries -- meaning you can file a liability claim with the other driver's insurer or file a personal injury lawsuit against him or her. In Florida, only car accidents that result in permanent injury, or significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, will take a claim outside of the no-fault system.

www.colettehecklaw.com | (386) 253-3033 | plus.google.com/112342627763158578314/posts?hl=en | twitter.com/colettehecklaw | colettehecklaw.tumblr.com | www.linkedin.com/pub/colette-heck/107/612/852