• Protecting Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident

    Motorcyclists often choose this particular mode of transportation for the freedom it provides, not to mention the excellent gas mileage. But motorcycles do have a serious disadvantage: The lack of the fiberglass shell that protects the occupants of a car. After a motorcycle accident, it’s likely that you will accrue significant medical expenses and other losses, which you may be able to recoup by filing an accident lawsuit in Riverside. To protect your legal rights, get in contact with a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. motorcycle - accident

    File a Police Report

    It should go without saying that it’s essential to call 911 after a motorcycle accident. However, if you were unconscious after the crash and were taken to a hospital, then you will need to contact the local police department later to file a police report. Be sure to get a copy of the report and share this with your motorcycle accident lawyer.

    Get Medical Care

    Assuming that you aren’t taken to the ER while unconscious, it’s essential to get to the nearest hospital after the police clear you to leave the scene. Even if you think your injuries are relatively minor, you may need medical attention for undetectable internal injuries. Plus, your motorcycle accident lawyer will need your medical records as evidence to support your legal claim.

    Follow the Doctor’s Instructions

    It’s important to pay careful attention to your doctor’s discharge instructions. Keep all follow-up appointments as recommended by your doctor and undergo all recommended medical tests. Let your doctor and your lawyer know about any new or worsening symptoms and any complications that may develop. Be sure to keep copies of all of your medical receipts, including bills for your hospitalization, diagnostics, treatments, and medications.

    Preserve the Condition of the Motorcycle

    It may be tempting to rush your motorcycle to the repair shop as quickly as possible. But actually, your motorcycle accident attorney may ask that you preserve the post-crash condition of your bike. This is because your attorney may hire accident reconstruction experts. Additionally, the damaged bike is a convincing piece of evidence in the event that the lawsuit goes to trial.

  • A Look at Government Liability Cases

    You might already know that if you’re involved in a car wreck that was the fault of the other driver, you have the right to pursue legal recourse against that party with the help of personal injury attorneys in Riverside, CA. But what happens if the other party was driving a government vehicle? In these cases, it’s best to consult a car accident lawyer who has experience with government liability cases . You do still have the right to pursue compensation from an at-fault city, state, or federal government entity. Similarly, a car accident lawyer can help hold government entities liable for crashes that occur with other private citizens due to dangerous intersections, lack of traffic signage, and other problems that were the responsibility of the municipality.

    Government liability cases extend well beyond auto crashes. Accident attorneys may file a lawsuit in the wake of civil rights violations committed by law enforcement officers. They may also sue for injuries caused by the negligence of public schools or public school districts. And since slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, an attorney can step in to help if you fall on public property or in government buildings because of someone else’s negligence.

    Government Liability Cases Lawyer in Riverside, CA

  • Why You Need Evidence in a Personal Injury Case?

     Evidence is the backbone of a successful lawsuit. When you meet with a personal injury attorney serving the Riverside, CA area, he or she will ask you about any evidence you can produce. Evidence is best preserved in the immediate aftermath of an incident. To help your personal injury lawyer substantiate your claims, it’s a good idea to take photographic evidence of the scene of the accident, your injuries, and any property damage.

    As you’ll learn when you watch this video, your personal injury lawyer may also contact other parties to obtain evidence. For instance, he or she can obtain copies of the report you filed with the police officers. An accident lawyer might also use the testimony of expert witnesses or eyewitnesses to the accident. The more compelling evidence you can produce, the stronger your case will be.

  • Spotting the Signs of Elder Abuse

     

    Elder abuse is among the most reprehensible of offenses because the victims are quite often powerless to protect themselves. If you suspect that a loved one might be suffering abuse at the hands of his or her caregivers, you should contact the authorities and an injury lawyer in Riverside, CA, right away. Inform the police and your personal injury attorney of all the signs of possible elder abuse you’ve noticed, such as suspicious bruises or other unexplainable injuries. Seniors who are being abused might suddenly develop depression, withdraw from social activities, or display an unusual change in alertness.

    Tell your personal injury attorney about any recent changes to your loved one’s medical history, such as whether he or she has developed pressure sores or urinary tract infections. These could be indicative of neglect. Personal injury lawyers can also advocate on behalf of your loved one’s rights if you suspect that he or she is not receiving appropriate medical care. For example, a caregiver might be neglecting to administer prescribed medications.

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  • What to Do If You’re Injured in a Slip and Fall?

    Property owners have a responsibility to exercise reasonable caution regarding the condition of their property. If you slip or trip and fall on someone else’s property, it is possible that a personal injury attorney could file a lawsuit on your behalf. An injury lawyer located in Riverside, CA, could help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses. To preserve your legal rights and help your personal injury attorney build a case, there are a few steps you should take immediately after an accident.

    Accident Lawyer at Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler

    Document the Evidence

    Depending on how seriously you are injured, your first step might be to call 911 to request an ambulance. However, if you are able to do so, it’s best to document the evidence as soon as possible after falling. If you have a cellphone with you, take pictures of your injuries and the scene. Make sure to get pictures of any hazardous areas, such as broken handrails, loose floorboards, or similar problems. This physical evidence can prove invaluable when your accident lawyer files a claim. Make a note of the date and time of the accident and write down a few notes about how the incident occurred.

    Report the Incident

    Inform the property owner or manager about the accident as soon as possible, preferably before you leave the scene. Ask the owner or manager to create a written report of the incident and request to have a copy.

    Talk to Witnesses

    If there were any witnesses to your accident, ask them to share their full names and contact information with you. You might also obtain a written and signed statement from these witnesses about what happened. However, this is not necessary; your personal injury attorney can interview them later.

    Get Medical Attention

    If you’ve sustained a serious injury such as head trauma, you should call for medical attention immediately after falling. Otherwise, go to the nearest ER or urgent care center as soon as you’ve documented the incident. Even if you think your injuries are not too serious, getting medical attention promptly can help support your case. Be sure to tell the doctors and nurses that you were injured in a fall.

  • What Happens in a Personal Injury Trial?

    After sustaining injuries due to someone else’s negligence , you can retain the services of a personal injury attorney with offices in Riverside, CA. Your personal injury attorney might file a lawsuit against the negligent party to demand compensation for your losses. If the case goes to trial, your accident lawyer will make an opening statement, present evidence, and question witnesses to prove your losses and the other party’s negligence. The case may be resolved with a jury verdict or a settlement.

    For more on what happens leading up to the trial, watch this video or consult your personal injury attorney. The professional in this video explains that your attorney will begin the process by submitting a notice of representation to the negligent party and possibly to his or her insurance company. Then, your lawyer will review all relevant evidence to prepare your case.

  • How to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?

    If you’re looking for a personal injury attorney in the Riverside, CA area, you might have slipped and fallen on someone else’s property, been struck by a negligent driver, or been attacked by someone else’s dog. A personal injury attorney can handle all of these types of cases and many more. It’s best not to hire the first injury attorney you come across. Spend a little time researching the attorney’s background and get the most out of your initial consultation by bringing a list of relevant questions.

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    Understand the Value of Experience

    There are plenty of personal injury lawyers out there, but not all of them have years of experience in and out of the courtroom. Look for a personal injury attorney who has at least a couple of decades of experience. Experienced lawyers understand the fine art of negotiation during settlement talks and they know the tactics the other party might try to use in the courtroom. Seasoned attorneys can provide you with the one-on-one service you deserve and the personalized guidance you need to move forward with your life after the accident.

    Schedule an Initial Consultation

    When you’ve identified a personal injury attorney who might be right for your case, schedule an initial consultation at the law office. This brief consultation should be free of charge and without any obligations. It’s a chance to meet each other, discuss the case, and consider the details of retaining legal counsel. Bring a list of questions you have about your case and the attorney’s qualifications.

    Explore the Attorney’s Track Record

    During your consultation, feel free to ask the injury lawyer about past cases he or she has handled that were similar to yours. It’s acceptable to ask for an estimate of how many cases the law firm has handled over the years and how much money in jury awards and settlements the law firm has recovered for clients.

    Ask About the Fee Schedule

    Before hiring the personal injury lawyer, you should have a clear understanding of the legal fees involved. It’s generally best to find a lawyer who works on contingency, which means that he or she will not recover a fee unless there is a favorable resolution to your case.

  • What Are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

    Motorcycle accidents have a higher potential for serious personal injury or death than many other types of automobile accidents. This is because motorcycles leave riders much more vulnerable to injury when they are struck or lose control. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident or any other type of vehicle collision, contacting an auto accident lawyer near Riverside, CA, is an important step you should take to protect your rights and seek reparations for injuries that may have occurred. Regardless of the cause for your accident or the party at fault, working with a car accident lawyer is a smart move that will ensure your case is treated properly under California’s personal injury law.

    Causes of Motorcycle Accidents by Law Offices of Harlan B. Kistler

    Poor Handling

    Motorcycles are unique vehicles that handle very differently than enclosed vehicles. One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is poor handling, either through rider inexperience, unexpected occurrences such as animals, people, or obstacles in the path ahead, and changes in weather that make driving and handling more hazardous. As a driver, it’s important to understand that motorcycles are less stable in poor conditions, and provide extra space and time for riders to stop and maneuver to avoid an accident. If you own a motorcycle, ensuring you have the skill and strength to handle it is vital to your safety.

    Inattentiveness

    Car and truck drivers often cause motorcycle accidents. When driving a traditional vehicle, many drivers unintentionally ignore the presence of two-wheeled vehicles, such as bicycles and motorcycles, or misjudge the likelihood of a collision. This most frequently occurs at intersections and when making turns or lane changes, when drivers often miss or misjudge the presence of pedestrians, bikes, and motorcycles. The best way to avoid this issue as a driver is to be aware of your own tendency toward ignorance; as a motorcyclist, slowing down when a car in front of you signals to turn or change lanes and assuming they do not see you is the safest way to avoid a collision that could cause serious personal injury.

  • A Brief Overview of Wrongful Death Claims

    Losing a loved one is a difficult experience, regardless of the circumstances. However, that loss can feel more acute when your family member died as a result of another’s negligence. A wrongful death claim may be brought by the surviving family members of a deceased individual against one or more persons when it is believed that the circumstances surrounding their loved one’s death could have been prevented. These lawsuits seek to provide reparations for the family members to atone for factors such as the financial, physical, and emotional losses suffered as a result of the death, such as the loss of financial support, physical actions, guardianship or companionship, and even funeral and burial expenses. If you are considering filing a wrongful death claim, it is essential to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Riverside, CA , to file your claim and support your case.

    Accident attorneys have an up-to-date working knowledge of your legal resources if you have suffered an injury or loss due to negligence. Your personal injury attorney will provide you with the guidance, counsel, and legal knowledge you need to file a successful wrongful death claim or a personal injury claim.

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  • Reducing Your Risk of a Rear-End Collision

    Automobile accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury cases handled by accident attorneys in Riverside, CA. The majority of accidents are caused by distraction and negligent behavior, meaning that these situations are highly preventable.

    This video discusses several of the causes for rear-end collisions, as well as how you should modify your own driving behavior to avoid them. Understanding how changes in speed and vehicle distance affect accident likelihood can help drivers navigate more safely. Reducing your risk for an accident will also help you reduce your risk for facing a personal injury claim; if you are involved in any collision that causes injuries, it’s best to discuss the situation with a car accident lawyer promptly to determine your options. An auto accident lawyer will examine factors such as driver behavior, road conditions, and more to help you best present your case.