Author Archives: Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C. Law Offices

Steps to Take After Your Accident

As a driver, it’s essential to know what to do if you’re involved in an accident. While some drivers may never need this information, the reality is that most people will face this situation at some point. With nearly 400,000 miles of roadway in California carrying hundreds of thousands of vehicles daily, accidents are an unfortunate but common occurrence. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the steps you should take immediately following an accident…. read more

San Diego Car Accidents Involving Pedestrians

Every year, countless people are hurt in car accidents involving pedestrians. These incidents can be devastating for both the pedestrian and the driver. Regardless of who is at fault, accidents like these almost always result in some form of injury or worse. If you find yourself in such a situation, seeking help from an experienced San Diego car accident lawyer is crucial to navigate this stressful time effectively. Car Accidents & Pedestrians When a car… read more

Factors in Your San Diego Motorcycle Accident Claim

People who are injured and survivors of those killed in motorcycle accidents can seek fair compensation for damages and losses under California law. There are many important factors that apply to motorcycle accident claims that should be understood before taking legal action to recover expenses or punitive damages. An experienced California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can guide you through this process at every step, and they will be ready to represent you in litigation if a… read more

Demand Letters for Motorcycle Accidents

Successful resolution for many California Motorcycle Accident cases begins with creation of demand letters. This method for obtaining compensation for accident claims is relatively simple and cost-effective. It is said to work in about one third of dispute cases, especially when both parties wish to avoid the time and expenses involved in a lengthy courtroom procedure. Demand letters are usually sent out prior to any legal action, as a method for ending a dispute quickly… read more

Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Millions of people enjoy the freedom and fun of riding a motorcycle on all types of roadways, from freeways to backwoods trails. In California, this method of transportation is very popular, but motorcycle riders also run great risks when they get into an accident on their bike. Unlike cars or trucks, the rider on a motorcycle rides with far less protection from their mode of transportation. Motorcycle accidents generally mean physical damage occurs to the… read more

San Diego Work Accident & Injury Lawyer

Every year, millions of people are injured at their workplace. Sometimes the problem is a safety issue, where proper precautions are not taken by employers, and the employees suffer injuries. Other work injuries occur during the normal course of work duties because the job itself is hazardous. Workers in the transportation industry, construction and other jobs that involve dangerous materials or locations are most prone to becoming injured on the job. If you are injured… read more

San Diego Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrian accidents are a significant concern in San Diego, where the bustling city environment and frequent pedestrian traffic increase the risk of such incidents. These accidents often result in severe injuries, given the vulnerability of pedestrians compared to vehicle occupants. When a pedestrian accident occurs due to someone else’s negligence, the victim may be entitled to compensation. An experienced pedestrian accident lawyer in San Diego can help victims navigate the complex legal process, ensuring they… read more

San Diego Bus Accident Lawyer

Bus accidents are among the most severe and potentially life-altering types of traffic accidents, often involving multiple victims and resulting in significant injuries or fatalities. In San Diego, victims of bus accidents may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. This article explores the legal aspects of filing a bus accident lawsuit in San Diego, outlines notable case settlements, and provides guidance on how to pursue justice if… read more

Worst Cars for Personal Injury Insurance Claims 2016?

Many consider Friday the 13th to be a very unlucky day of the year, but for some cars, there is plenty of bad luck year round. In October, the Highway Loss Data Institute released a list of the best and worst cars and trucks for insurance losses. HLDI looked at model years 2012-2014, according to the number of times personal injury insurance claims were brought. These claims insure against any expenses for any types of… read more

Recorded vs Written Statement

In the aftermath of a car accident, you’ll likely need to provide statements to insurance companies to support your claim. These statements can be either recorded or written, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s crucial to understand these differences and how to handle each type effectively. Here’s a breakdown to help you navigate this process more smoothly. Why Insurance Companies Prefer Written Statements Insurance companies often favor written statements for several reasons. Primarily,… read more

Tips on Getting a Fair Car Accident Settlement

If you were injured or had your vehicle damaged in a car accident in California, it is essential to recover any costs or expenses resulting from that incident, especially if it was due to someone else’s negligent behavior. In cases involving significant damage, injuries, or fatalities, obtaining a fair settlement can be complex, requiring competent legal representation from an experienced car accident attorney. For minor damage claims, settlements can be relatively straightforward. However, more complicated… read more

What to Know About Hiring a Car Accident Attorney

Being involved in a car accident can change your life, at least for the near future. You not only have to deal with any injuries and damages that resulted from the accident, you usually also have to use the legal system to recover fair compensation for accident-related expenses and claims. If there is only minor damage and no injuries or fatalities, you can handle matters yourself. However, when there are significant damages and injuries, you… read more

Who Pays for Car Damage?

Recent statistics reflect that accidents on U.S. roadways cost over $230 billion a year, injuring millions and causing death to over 37,000 people yearly. This is a high price to pay in human terms, and related vehicle damage costs. When people are involved in a motor vehicle crash, one important question to answer is: who pays for car damage? Who is Liable for Damage? When a car accident is reported, the police reports often become… read more

Car Accidents and the Lawsuit Process

When a car accident leads to a lawsuit, you should understand what this process will be like. For the average person, dealing with legal matters is not simple or easy to do. However, highly educated and competent Car Accident Attorneys know exactly what is needed and how to proceed with these often complex cases to obtain justice and the best possible outcome for their clients. Most lawsuits over car accidents are initiated when someone is… read more

Insurance Coverage and Car Accidents

When you own or drive a car, you have a responsibility to carry proof of insurance with you. This information is used when you are involved in a car accident, and it is used by all parties during the process of obtaining payment for covered accident expenses. When you have an accident, you turn to your insurance company for help obtaining compensation for damage claims. Car Accidents Accidents are bound to happen, and many people… read more

How to Prove Fault & Liability for Car Accidents

When there is a multi-car accident, in most cases, at least one of the drivers is considered to be at fault through carelessness or negligence. Regardless if the state is a “fault” or “no fault” state, car accidents usually happen when someone does something wrong, i.e., is at fault. In every case, insurance companies and lawyers will look at the evidence to try to determine which party or what road hazard caused the accident. If… read more

10 Steps to Take After a San Diego Car Accident

You’re driving along and suddenly, the unexpected happens – you get involved in an accident. Whether someone else ran into your car, you collided with another vehicle, or you hit a deer that jumped out from nowhere, knowing what to do next is crucial. Car Accidents and You Being involved in a car accident is shocking. It often takes a few moments to understand what happened and assess the situation. Your first thought is likely,… read more

Steps to Take in Reporting a Car Accident

When you are involved in a car accident, you must know what needs to be done next to report the incident properly. Depending on which state you are in, different rules may apply. All states require you to report most vehicle accidents, according to their specific regulations. Be an informed driver; learn the rules that apply in your home state and in states you are traveling through before you have an accident. Variables by State… read more

8 Things to Do at Car Accident Scene

For the year 2013 in the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association recorded 5,657,000 non-fatal crashes. California, with its high number of miles of roadways, ranks as a leader in highway traffic and motor vehicle collisions. With accident numbers in the millions, risk is present whenever you are in a motor vehicle. Every driver should know what to do if they are involved in an accident. There are several steps to take even… read more

Top 7 Most Common Car Accident Injuries

A California Car Accident Attorney can help you find justice and obtain fair monetary compensation for harm due to accident injuries caused by negligence. You can file a Personal Injury claim and get action fastest when you work with an experienced accident attorney. Settlements offered by insurance companies are not going to reflect the best possible outcome; those reps only want to offer minimum settlements. Your own attorney will fight diligently on your behalf to… read more