10 Things to Do in Case of an Auto Accident

Author: Mark A. Doughty
Website: http://GoLaw.com
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File under: Personal Injury Law, Auto Accidents, Car Crash, What to do

March 1, 2012

The following information was written by Northern California Accident - Injury Lawyer, Mark A. Doughty to help you have general information. It is intended to inform the public and not serve as legal advice.


10 Things to Do in Case of an Auto Accident

1.) Stop
No matter how minor an accident may be, the failure to stop can result in serious criminal consequences. If possible, stop your vehicle at the point nearest the accident scene without obstructing traffic more than necessary.

2.) Render Aid
If anyone is injured:
    - Render first aid to the extent you are qualified
    - Stop bleeding
    - Call a doctor or an ambulance or both
    - Do not move an injured person in any way that could possibly add to his or her injury.

3.) Protect the Scene and those Involved from Further Damage or Injury
If the accident has obstructed the roadway, take measures to adequately warn approaching drivers. If the highway is obstructed at night, illuminate the accident scene if possible. Use the warning flashers that are standard equipment on most vehicles. If you can do so safely, take photos of the scene and the vehicles at rest before they are moved.

4.) Dial 911 to call a Police Officer
State and local police officers are trained accident investigators. Their expertise may be invaluable in establishing the reason the accident occurred.

5.) Gather Information and Write It Down
Don’t trust your memory. Write down the facts, including the names and addresses of witnesses; skid marks and distance measurements; and the names, addresses and license plate numbers of the drivers involved.

Participants in automobile accidents are required by law to exhibit their driver’s licenses and provide their vehicle registration numbers, insurance carriers, insurance policy numbers, and names and addresses of their local insurance agents to each driver involved in the accident.

Below is a handy form to help you collect the appropriate information:
Name(s) Address(es) of Driver(s)____________________________________________________
License Plate Number(s)__________________________________________________________
Insurance Carrier(s)______________________________________________________________
Name(s) and Address(es) of Agent(s)_____________________________________________
Name(s) and Address(es) of Witness(es)_______________________________________________
Skid Mark Measurements__________________________________________________________
Distance Measurements__________________________________________

6.) Be Careful What You Say
Do not admit fault even if you think the accident was your fault. You may discover later that the other driver was equally or more at fault. Statements made during the excitement of an accident may be misconstrued or later misquoted by others. Discuss the accident with the investigating officer, your attorney and your insurance company.

7.) See Your Doctor
Serious injuries do not always result in immediate pain or bloodshed. It may be hours or even several days before you feel the effects of the injuries received. Consult a doctor or hospital if there is the slightest chance you may be injured.

8.) Inform Your Insurance Company Immediately
Your insurance company employs trained investigators who will attempt to develop all evidence for your defense. Failure to promptly notify your insurer may void your policy and leave you without insurance coverage for damage resulting from the accident.

9.) File an Accident Report with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Regardless of fault, the operator of every motor vehicle involved in an accident resulting in death or personal injury or property damage of $750 or more within the State of California must report the accident to the DMV within 10 days using a SR-1 form or you may lose your license.

10.) Consult Your Lawyer Promptly
If you anticipate filing a civil claim for damage or facing a trial on a traffic violation charge, the sooner your lawyer is brought into the matter the better he or she can advise you and protect your rights. Your personal injury lawyer can obtain statements from the witnesses while their memories are fresh and assure that the true facts are preserved.

Get your lawyer’s advice before giving any interviews or statements, except to representatives of your insurance carrier.

If you or a loved one is involved in a serious injury accident you should contact the Law Offices of Mark A Doughty, Accident - Injury Attorney at once.

For Yuba City, CA - call 530.674.1440
For Sacramento, CA - call 916.979.1917
For Lincoln, CA - call 916.645.1917

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How do I get the money to hire an Accident Attorney - Injury Lawyer?

The following is excerpted from our BLOG on SettlementBoard.com > Law Blog

How is Personal Injury Litigation in Sacramento Financed?

At the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty we do not collect fees on injury cases unless we collect money for you. We charge no money down and no money per month on PI cases.

You made the difficult but necessary decision to engage in personal injury litigation. But how are you going to pay for it? Fortunately, many Sacramento personal injury attorneys work on what is known as a contingency basis. This means that they do not collect a fee unless they obtain a recovery for you. While this is often a benefit enjoyed by clients of the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty, we recognize that it is not applicable to every case. Therefore, several options for financing your personal injury attorneys in the Sacramento Area are listed below at other attorney's offices:

• Discuss a payment plan with your injury attorney in the Sacramento Valley. It is not uncommon for clients to tell their counsel that a substantial payment or immediate retainer is not feasible for them. Your personal injury attorneys in Sacramento may provide payment plans for individuals such as yourself.
• Talk to a loan company that finances California injury attorneys. Some of these organizations may offer a contingency-basis loan, even if your injury attorney in Sacramento does not. This means that you only need to repay the money you borrowed if your case is won or settled.
• Research low or no-cost legal aid options. You may be able to secure a personal injury attorney in Sacramento through your local legal aid society. Look for community organizations that offer reduced fees for legal services. The Sacramento injury attorney who is retained may be a highly competent professional who volunteers his or her services. In addition, if you belong to a professional organization, such as a union for police officers, firefighters, or veterans, low or no-cost Sacramento personal injury litigation may be within your reach. Discuss your case with a leader or representative from your organization.

Contact us for your Sacramento accident lawyer today

At the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty, you can contact us twenty-four hours a day, and we are available for evening or weekend appointments. If necessary, we will even visit you at home or in the hospital. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees unless we obtain a recovery for you. For the convenience of our clients, we have Spanish and Punjabi interpreters available. If you are injured, contact the Northern California Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty for an accident lawyer in the Sacramento Area.

• Yuba City, CA - call 530.674.1440
• Sacramento, CA - call 916.979.1917
• Lincoln, CA - call 916.645.1917

Go to our website: GoLaw.com
Read full article at: Our SettlementBoard BLOG
Filed under: Personal Injury Settlements
Topic: Automobile Accidents

What Should You Do If Someone You Know Is Seriously Injured?

The following is excerpted from our BLOG on Lawyers.com > Law Blog

Catastrophic Personal Injury in Sacramento

Friday, January 20, 2012 by Mark A. Doughty

Anyone who suffers a catastrophic personal injury knows firsthand the pain, fear, and immediate physical trauma that such an experience can cause. Unfortunately, the long-term effects associated with these traumatic events cannot be overlooked. They can alter the life of the victim for years to come—and possibly on a permanent basis.

Here, the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty illustrates just a few of the lasting problems that catastrophic Sacramento personal injuries can cause:
• Loss of a bodily system or function. Victims of catastrophic Sacramento injuries such as paraplegia or quadriplegia lose the ability to perform many of their former daily tasks. Depending on the nature and extent of the damage to their spinal cords, they may lose reproductive, digestive, or even respiratory function. Such physical dependence often leads to the need for full time assistive care, either by a nurse or other medical professional, such as a certified home attendant.
• Multiple surgeries. It is not uncommon for a Sacramento personal injury lawyer from our firm to obtain compensation for victims in need of multiple surgeries. Often the physical damage from catastrophic injuries is so great that it cannot be remedied with just one, or even two, surgeries. It is possible that a victim will need to visit the operating room dozens of times in order to have his or her medical issues fully addressed.
• Rehabilitation. Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are just a few of the treatments for which a personal injury lawyer in Sacramento may seek benefits on your behalf. These therapies can continue for months, or even years, depending upon the extent of your injuries.
• Lengthy hospital stays. Weeks, and sometimes months, of intensive care can add to the financial burden borne by victims of catastrophic injuries. Retaining the services of an injury lawyer in Sacramento may be crucial to obtaining a settlement that covers the expenses incurred by these stays.

You found the right Sacramento personal injury lawyer

The Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty can provide an accident lawyer in Sacramento who will answer all of these questions and more. With over thirty years of experience, we regularly achieve outstanding results for our clients, and have obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for them. We are available to discuss your case twenty-four hours a day, and will gladly schedule evening and weekend appointments.

If necessary, we will even visit you at home or in the hospital. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees unless we obtain a recovery for you. For the convenience of our clients, we have Spanish and Punjabi interpreters available. With unparalleled qualifications such as these, we feel confident that when you retain the services of our firm, you will be sure it is the right one for you.

Contact us for your Sacramento accident lawyer today

If you are injured, contact the Northern California Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty for an accident lawyer in Sacramento.

• Yuba City, CA - call 530.674.1440
• Sacramento, CA - call 916.979.1917
• Lincoln, CA - call 916.645.1917.

Go to our website: GoLaw.com
Read full article at: Our SettlementBoard BLOG
Filed under: Personal Injury Settlements

How Does A Car Accident Occur?

How Does A Car Accident Occur?

The following is excerpted from our BLOG on Lawyers.com > Law Blog

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents in Sacramento

Thursday, Dec 15, 2011 by Mark A. Doughty

The causes of an automobile accident in Sacramento, Northern California, or anywhere for that matter, are numerous and varied. In the thirty-year practice of our firm, the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty has represented cases of this nature that stemmed from the following:
• Negligent or reckless driving
• Intentionally malicious driving
• Driver fatigue
• Alcohol or drug consumption
• Inappropriate use of prescription medication
• Speeding
• Turning improperly or illegally
• Disregard of traffic signs, signals, or road personnel
• Driver distraction
• Passenger behavior
• Mechanical failure or defective vehicle equipment
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Poorly maintained vehicle
• Road or weather conditions

You need a skilled Sacramento automobile accident lawyer

No matter what the cause of your Sacramento automobile accident might be, it is crucial to discuss every aspect of what happened with your attorney. The first reason for this approach is that more parties than you realize may be at fault for what happened. Your automobile accident lawyer can help determine if the incident occurred due to the negligence of a driver, a manufacturer, a mechanic, or even a road maintenance crew. The second reason to give full details to your legal counsel is because this will help him or her establish grounds for fault. In order to so, it must be shown that the defendants:
• Knew that he or she had a responsibility to keep you safe
• Failed to take actions honoring that responsibility
• Caused your injuries by his or her actions, or lack thereof

No matter the reason for your California automobile accident, you should discuss your case with the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty. We determine exactly what occurred during the incident that caused your injury or injuries. An automobile accident lawyer at our firm in Sacramento, Lincoln, or Yuba City can help you seek redress for your suffering, and obtain the compensation and justice that you deserve.

Contact us for your Sacramento accident lawyer today.

At the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty, you can contact us twenty-four hours a day, and we are available for evening or weekend appointments. If necessary, we will even visit you at home or in the hospital. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees unless we obtain a recovery for you. For the convenience of our clients, we have Spanish and Punjabi interpreters available. If you are injured, contact the Northern California Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty for an accident lawyer in the Sacramento Area.

• Yuba City, CA - call 530.674.1440
• Sacramento, CA - call 916.979.1917
• Lincoln, CA - call 916.645.1917

Go to our website: GoLaw.com
Read full article at: Our SettlementBoard BLOG
Filed under: Personal Injury Settlements
Topic: Automobile Accidents

Should You Represent Yourself If You Are In An Accident?

The following is excerpted from our BLOG on Lawyers.com > Law Blog
"Why Do I Need an Accident Lawyer in Sacramento?"
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 by Mark A. Doughty

Should You Represent Yourself If You Are In An Accident?

While it is possible to represent yourself in Sacramento accident litigation, the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty does not recommend this approach. The following are several reasons to seek an accident lawyer in the Sacramento Area:

• A lawyer helps determine what caused your Sacramento accident injuries. It is not always obvious to the victim, or to an ordinary observer, exactly what caused a Sacramento accident. However, an experienced attorney typically has a good idea of which parties may be held responsible for the injuries suffered. Indeed, in an automobile accident, it is not only another driver that can be held accountable for the crash. Motor vehicle manufacturers, automobile mechanics, and even road maintenance crews may all play a part in causing an accident. It requires a lawyer with extensive experience in the laws surrounding accident injuries in Sacramento to determine whether you need to pursue action against more than one person or organization.

• A lawyer knows how to hold responsible parties accountable for Sacramento accidents. Unfortunately, it is not enough to simply know that your Sacramento accident injury was caused by the negligence or recklessness of another. You must be able to prove it. A knowledgeable attorney knows how to determine liability for your accident, showing that those who caused it had a responsibility to keep you safe, and that their failure or denial of that responsibility led to your injury.

• A lawyer knows policies and procedures for accident litigation in Sacramento. For over thirty years, the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty has represented victims in Sacramento accident litigation. The average accident victim is not likely to know the courtroom rules and regulations that are required in order to secure a favorable verdict, and therefore needs an attorney with a high level of experience. From important paperwork that needs to be filed, to objections that should be made, it is important to entrust your accident litigation in Sacramento to a skilled attorney.

You found the right Sacramento personal injury lawyer

The Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty can provide an accident lawyer in Sacramento who will answer all of these questions and more. With over thirty years of experience, we regularly achieve outstanding results for our clients, and have obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for them. We are available to discuss your case twenty-four hours a day, and will gladly schedule evening and weekend appointments.

If necessary, we will even visit you at home or in the hospital. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees unless we obtain a recovery for you. For the convenience of our clients, we have Spanish and Punjabi interpreters available. With unparalleled qualifications such as these, we feel confident that when you retain the services of our firm, you will be sure it is the right one for you.

Contact us for your Sacramento accident lawyer today

If you are injured, contact the Northern California Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty to speak with an accident lawyer in the Sacramento Area.

• Yuba City, CA - call 530.674.1440.
• Sacramento, CA - call 916.979.1917.
• Lincoln, CA - call 916.645.1917.

Go to our website: GoLaw.com

Read full article at: Our SettlementBoard BLOG
Filed under: Personal Injury Settlements

Topic: Automobile Accidents

Where Can I Find a Personal Injury Attorney in Sacramento, California?

So many times, it's important to know where to turn when you need help. If you suffer an injury caused by another person, car, truck, or company and realize that you need a Sacramento personal injury attorney like Mark A Doughty. But where do you begin to look? While you might want to search in a phone book or online, doing so can be impersonal.

A better way to look for an injury attorney in Sacramento is by seeking out personal references. Ask your friends, relatives, or community organization members if they were ever in need of a Sacramento injury attorney, and if so, which firm they chose. Ask what results were obtained for them by the firm, and whether they were satisfied with those results.

Other questions you might want to consider asking are:

• What was the working style of your personal injury lawyer in Sacramento? Was he or she available when you needed to discuss your case?
• What was the fee structure used by your Sacramento personal injury lawyer? What if you could not afford to pay a large amount of money up front?
• How much experience did your accident lawyer in Sacramento have?
• What if English is not your native language? Can your Sacramento accident lawyer still assist you?

You found the right Sacramento personal injury lawyer

The Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty can provide an accident lawyer in Sacramento who will answer all of these questions and more. With over thirty years of experience, we regularly achieve outstanding results for our clients, and have obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for them. We are available to discuss your case twenty-four hours a day, and will gladly schedule evening and weekend appointments.

If necessary, we will even visit you at home or in the hospital. We accept cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees unless we obtain a recovery for you. For the convenience of our clients, we have Spanish and Punjabi interpreters available. With unparalleled qualifications such as these, we feel confident that when you retain the services of our firm, you will be sure it is the right one for you.

Contact us for your Sacramento accident lawyer today

If you are injured, contact the Northern California Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty to speak with an accident lawyer in the Sacramento Area.

• Yuba City, CA - call 530.674.1440.
• Sacramento, CA - call 916.979.1917.
• Lincoln, CA - call 916.645.1917.

Go to our website: GoLaw.com

Read full article at: Our SettlementBoard BLOG 
Filed under: Personal Injury Settlements

Personal Injury in Sacramento, CA: Facts About the Law
September 2011

You suffered injuries due the action, or inaction, of another person, and now you want to know what to do about it. You want compensation from the accountable party for what happened, and you need to know what is involved in obtaining it.

The Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty would like to take this opportunity to discuss the difference between Sacramento personal injuries that are the result of negligence, and those that are the result of malicious intention. These two types of cases are litigated in very different ways--which you need to be aware of, if you plan to pursue compensation for an injury in Sacramento, Rocklin/Roseville, Lincoln, and Yuba City, California.

Was your Sacramento injury caused by negligence?

In its most basic form, negligence means that the responsible party should have taken actions that protected the victim of an accident injury in Sacramento, and that he or she failed to take those actions. Damages awarded can include compensation for medical bills, property damage, job or wage loss, and pain and suffering.

Was your Sacramento personal injury caused by malicious intention?

An accident injury that results from malicious intention is handled somewhat differently from a case of negligence. When malicious intention is involved, it means that the responsible party purposefully attempted to cause the victim harm. In addition to the types of compensation listed above, the victim may also be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages are a way of punishing the responsible party for his or her unlawful conduct. Award amounts can be quite large, depending upon the extent of the accident injury.

Help for your Sacramento accident injuries

An automobile accident in Sacramento is certainly not the only kind of injury in Sacramento. Regardless of how your personal injuries in Sacramento occurred, you should discuss your case with the Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty, if it stems from any of the following types of accidents:

• Automobile
• Trucking
• Motorcycle
• Slip and fall
• Wrongful death

Contact us for your Sacramento accident lawyer today

If you are injured, contact the Northern California Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty to speak with an accident lawyer in the Sacramento Area.

• Yuba City, CA - call 530.674.1440.
• Sacramento, CA - call 916.979.1917.
• Lincoln, CA - call 916.645.1917.

Go to our website: GoLaw.com

Read full article at: Our SettlementBoard BLOG
Filed under: Personal Injury Settlements

What Not to Do After Sacramento Car Accidents

Most individuals know the basics of what to do after car accidents in Sacramento. Seeking medical treatment for any injuries, calling the police, and notifying their insurance companies are the most common steps that accident victims take. But what if you were not injured during the accident? Are there things you can do that could actually jeopardize your case?

The Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty wants to make you aware of actions that victims of auto accidents in Sacramento should not take, regardless of any injuries suffered. Actions that may place your lawsuit or settlement at risk include:

• Admitting blame for any part of the accident. It may help you to know that determining fault is not your responsibility. It is something that should be left to a Sacramento car accident lawyer to establish. Admitting fault, or even apologizing for the accident, may be seen as an admission of guilt--which can be held against you at a later date. This can substantially lower your award, or even eliminate it entirely. Allow your attorney to seek evidence that fault exists, and follow his or her advice on how to best seek redress for the harm caused to you by the other party.
• Making a deal with an insurance company. If an insurance company offers you a fast and easy deal to pay for damage to your car or property, do not accept such a deal without first speaking to your car accident lawyer in Sacramento. Insurance companies will almost always offer less than they can afford to pay, and usually less than you deserve, in order to avoid going to court. Accepting such a deal without legal guidance can be a costly mistake. You will probably not be able to obtain a larger settlement amount from the insurance company, should you find that the accepted amount did not cover the cost of the damage.

Contact us for your Sacramento accident lawyer today

If you are injured, contact the Northern California Law Offices of Mark A. Doughty to speak with an accident lawyer in the Sacramento Area.

• Yuba City, CA - call 530.674.1440.
• Sacramento, CA - call 916.979.1917.
• Lincoln, CA - call 916.645.1917.

Go to our website: GoLaw.com

Read full article at: Our SettlementBoard BLOG

Filed under: Accident Settlements, Car Accident Settlements

CA Personal Injury - Accident Lawyer

Personal Injury Attorney in Sacramento/NorCal Area

ACCIDENTS?
We help you:
- Get medical care
- Get your vehicle repaired or replaced
- Obtain money for pain, suffering, & lost earnings


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LAW OFFICES of Mark A. Doughty

P.O. Box 3420

Yuba City, CA 95992
Telephone: (530) 674-1440

Facsimile: (530) 674-1180
Email: mark@golaw.com

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