Automobile Accident Damage F. A. Q.

Automobile Accident Damage F. A. Q.

When your vehicle is damaged in an auto accident, you will want to have it repaired and on the road again as quickly as possible.

Who decides where it is repaired? You can decide where your vehicle is repaired. The insurance company decides how much will be paid for the repairs, which may not be the same amount as the repair shop estimate.

Will the repair shop charge me for storage? The insurance company of the person who caused the accident will pay towing and storage costs, according to what is reasonable in your area. If the vehicle is declared a total loss, the insurance company will pay to move it to a salvage or wrecking yard. If you do not allow the company to move your vehicle, you will be liable for any storage or towing fees. More information from our austin car attorneys here
Who decides if my vehicle is repairable or totaled? The insurance company that is liable for payment can decide that your vehicle is not worth repairing. If the cost of the labor and parts exceeds the market value of your vehicle, the company can declare it a total loss and pay you the market value. Market value is determined by the fair market value of similar vehicles in your area, or from an independent source such as the Kelley Blue Book. If you want to keep the vehicle after it has been declared a total loss, you must pay the salvage value to the insurance company.

Who pays the bank loan if my vehicle is financed? You are still liable for any loans on the vehicle. If the fair market value of your vehicle is less than the outstanding loan, you are still required to pay the entire loan amount.

Do I get a rental vehicle while my vehicle is being repaired? You can always get a rental vehicle if you are willing to pay for it. If you want the insurance company to pay for it, while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced, payment depends on several factors. If you caused the accident, check to see if your own insurance coverage includes rental vehicles. Many policies do not include rental vehicles unless it is specifically stated. If the other driver caused the accident, then you can expect the liable person’s insurance company to pay the costs of providing you with a rental vehicle. The vehicle will be a substitute for your own vehicle, that is, a vehicle of similar quality. Be sure to check with your own insurance company about insurance coverage on the rental vehicle.

I just paid for my license plates. Do I have to pay for new ones? The insurance company should pay the prorated amount of any unused registration fees and transfer fees for the new registrations.

If you or a loved one is in need of legal assistance, call the skilled
car accident lawyers at our Law Firm toll-free. Our firm offers a free case evaluation. Our dedicated team can help you understand your legal rights and obtain the compensation you are entitled to.

Construction Defects Law: Water Damage

This Blog was brought to you by the Brian Woods Law Firm, your San Antonio Construction Defects Lawyer

Construction defect attorneys play a crucial role in handling cases involving water intrusion, including leaks, roof defects, drainage issues, and foundation cracks allowing water infiltration. These attorneys specialize in representing homeowners, developers, contractors, and other parties involved in construction projects where water intrusion has caused damage or other issues. Here’s how a construction defect attorney would handle such a case:

Initial Consultation: The attorney will meet with the client to discuss the details of the case, including the nature of the water intrusion problems, the extent of the damage, and any relevant documentation or evidence. During this consultation, the attorney will assess the strength of the case and explain the legal options available to the client.

Investigation: The attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the water intrusion issues. This may involve inspecting the property, reviewing construction plans and specifications, and consulting with experts, such as engineers or building inspectors, to identify any defects or deficiencies that may have contributed to the problem.

Identifying Responsible Parties: Once the cause of the water intrusion is determined, the attorney will identify the parties responsible for the defects. This may include the developer, contractor, subcontractors, architects, or engineers involved in the construction project.

Legal Action: The attorney will advise the client on the best course of action, which may include filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties to recover damages for the cost of repairs, property damage, loss of use, and other related expenses. The attorney will prepare and file all necessary legal documents and represent the client in court proceedings.

Negotiation: In many cases, the attorney will attempt to negotiate a settlement with the responsible parties outside of court. This may involve mediation or arbitration to resolve the dispute in a more timely and cost-effective manner.

Expert Testimony: In cases where the cause of the water intrusion is complex or disputed, the attorney may rely on expert testimony to support the client’s claims. Experts may include engineers, architects, or construction industry professionals who can provide insight into the defects and their impact.

Documentation: Throughout the case, the attorney will gather and organize documentation to support the client’s claims, including repair estimates, invoices, photographs, and other evidence of the water intrusion and resulting damage.

Resolution: The goal of the attorney is to achieve a resolution that fully compensates the client for their losses and holds the responsible parties accountable for their actions. This may involve obtaining financial compensation for repairs, property damage, and other related expenses, as well as pursuing punitive damages in cases of egregious misconduct.

In conclusion, a construction defect attorney plays a vital role in handling cases involving water intrusion issues. By investigating the cause of the problems, identifying responsible parties, and pursuing legal action, these attorneys help clients recover damages and hold those accountable for construction defects.

More interesting Blogs about Construction Defects and how our attorney handles them, here:
https://www.butlerandprimeau.com/construction-defect-law-we-are-trial-ready/
https://www.sambrandlaw.com/construction-defects-types-of-building-issues/
https://www.petergoldsteinlawfirm.com/construction-defects-types-of-building-issues-voc/
https://www.thaddavidson.com/construction-defects-types-of-building-issues-faulty-foundations/
https://www.keithsaylorlaw.net/construction-defects-types-of-building-issues-cracked-tiles-deteriorating-wood-trim/
https://www.irvingattorney.net/construction-defects-law-common-problems/
https://www.griffithlaw.net/construction-defects-types-of-building-issues-improper-design/
https://www.siringolaw.com/construction-defects-law-common-problems/

Traffic Ticket Law: You Have Options

This Blog was brought to you by the San Antonio Traffic Ticket Attorney Gordon Slade 210-820-3033

Traffic Ticket Law: You Have Options

You may be surprised to learn that there are several things to consider before ending up in traffic court paying a big fine, logging up points, and higher insurance premiums. What are your chances of getting a reduced fine or a complete dismissal? Can you get rid of a traffic ticket once it’s been issued? Just like you would call a plumber to fix a leaky pipe, you can call a local traffic school and enlist someone to find any leaks in your case. I would advise skipping the expensive lawyer if this is a first offense and having an experienced educator look over the ticket details for a fraction of the cost.

There are several things to look for when on the receiving end of a traffic violation. Paperwork can sometimes be the bane of our existence, but it can also be exactly what saves your case in court. When the ticketing officer writes a ticket look closely at the date, time of day, and other pertinent information recorded on the ticket. If any of those facts are skipped or entered inaccurately, you have an automatic dismissal. Cops make mistakes, too. It may not happen often, but it only takes one screw-up to tilt the scales of justice in your favor. In the event that you are in the wrong and justifiably at fault, your attitude can be a deal breaker. Don’t come off as affronted, annoyed, ticked off, or defensive. Keep the tone in your voice low-key and businesslike.

What is the first thing an officer asks after approaching your car? Usually, it’s a version of Do you know why I pulled you over? Be polite, but don’t answer anything in the affirmative. If you say yes, I was going 10 miles over the speed limit, a note could be made. Being cooperative does not mean you have to admit guilt. Simply avoid the question and hand the officer your license and registration. If he asks again answer with the question; Can you tell me, Sir/Mam? Remember, any affirmative answer can be used against you by the ticketing officer. On the other hand, the officer will remember you in court as being compliant if you answer questions non-combatively. Remember, he or she deals with a lot of people on a daily basis, so you don’t want to stick out as one of those he had trouble with.

When you know your assigned court date, do yourself a favor and enroll in traffic school prior to showing up in court. This pleases the court. The Judge will see you as repentant and pro-active. His sentencing could include a complete dismissal. Be prepared to fight your case. Learn enough to ask the correct questions and give the appropriate answers.

Know the consequences of pleading guilty or not guilty. Either way, know what results from each verdict. Assume you have a chance to win. Winning may be a complete dismissal or a lesser fine. Always present your case with a calm, businesslike demeanor. States the facts intelligibly and without embellishments. Speak directly to the Judge and not to the officer. Do not try to make the officer look bad. Just state the situation cleanly and concisely.

For the sake of an untarnished driving record, don’t just accept a ticket as a final sentence. Learn, prepare and practice good common sense while in court to give yourself the best fighting chance you deserve.

Lastly, the best prescription is to drive according to the rules of the road, and then you won’t need to take any of the above advice. However, if you have one of those days, and we all do on occasion, you know what to do.

More great blogs here:
https://www.butlerandprimeau.com/red-cars-and-traffic-tickets/
https://www.sambrandlaw.com/about-moving-violations/
https://www.petergoldsteinlawfirm.com/types-of-traffic-violations/
https://www.thaddavidson.com/traffic-violations-lawyer-san-antonio/
https://www.keithsaylorlaw.net/traffic-violation-lawyer/
https://www.irvingattorney.net/speeding-ticket-attorney/
https://www.griffithlaw.net/speeding-high-speed-ticket-defense/
https://www.siringolaw.com/traffic-violations-lawyer/