|
|
WHAT TO DO IF YOU'VE BEEN INJURED IN A COLLISION
|
We get asked all the time, "
What should you do if you've been injured in a collision caused by another driver?" When you're in a collision, things happen very quickly and emotions run high. However, there are important things to do at the scene of the accident and soon afterward that can be easily forgotten. Use this checklist as your general guide*.
Collision Checklist:
- Call 911 or your local police department and insist on accident report.
- If possible, put your hazard lights on and be very careful if you attempt to get out of the car.
- If possible, take pictures of the crash, both your car and the other car(s) involved.
- Ask the police officers at the scene for the insurance information for the person who hit you.
- Ask for any contact details and info from any witnesses present at the scene.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention if you suspect you are injured. You may be in shock and your injuries may not be apparent yet.
- Take pictures of any visible injuries you may have, including, bruises, cuts, "seatbelt burns", swelling, etc. Once they heal, you will not have the opportunity to document this evidence.
- After you are seen by a medical professional, follow your follow-up care recommendations. If they refer you to another physician, be sure to go.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the at-fault insurance company without consulting with an Attorney.
- Call us, your personal injury lawyers and get guidance (404) 436-1529! Let us handle the insurance companies. There are many things you may not know that could harm your case including:
- All of the possible insurance coverage available?
- What you do and do not have to disclose to the at-fault insurance company?
- What role your health insurance or Medicare/Medicaid plays in your case and if they need to be reimbursed?
- The history of the person who hit you and why that matters?
- How to property read a police report and what details of the police report play into your claim?
- How prior collisions or injuries you've had could impact your claim?
- How to determine what your case is worth?
|
We're Hiring!
Over the past year, The Gore Law Firm made some huge advances in terms of systems and processes and we searched to find our incredible staff! We are happy to announce we are hiring again! We are currently looking for an
Intake Specialist/Legal Assistant! Looking for amazing candidates with great follow-up skills.
|
|
Get to Know Our Associate & Trial Attorney Renée Morgan!
Ms. Morgan brings a unique perspective to her practice, having survived a violent automobile crash herself, as well as the aftermath of multiple surgeries and a painful recovery. She understands personal injuries cases, and empathizes with her clients. Renée says her goals as an associate with The Gore Law Firm are to serve each person she encounters to the best of her ability, while focusing on providing best practice legal services to every client, regardless of his or her case size: "I am excited to join The Gore Law Firm and to continue helping victims pursue justice and compensation for their injuries and losses. I plan to help The Gore Law Firm team in providing high quality legal counsel, and exceptional pre-lawsuit and litigation services to our clients."
|
|
|
Driver Services and Children: Whether You Should Order Your Child a Ride
Part of The Gore Law Firm's Series on Driver Service Companies
For parents, transporting your children around can be vexing to your schedule. There seems to be no shortage of doctors' appointments, after-school activities, play dates, parties, and other obligations. As drivers services such as Lyft and Uber have become more popular, parents are relying on these companies more often to save time and help pick up their children. But is that a good idea?
Company Policy: According to Lyft and Uber company policies, those requesting rides should be over the age of 18. On
Lyft's Terms of Service page
, the company specifies that they do not allow minors to request rides, even if an adult requests the ride for them: "The Lyft Platform may only be used by individuals who can form legally binding contract under applicable law. The Lyft Platform is not available to children (persons under the age of 18)..." Similarly,
Uber's Terms of Use page
indicates that the Uber "Service is not available for use by persons under the age of 18. You may not authorize third parties to use your Account, and you may not allow persons under the age of 18 to receive transportation or logistics services from Third Party Providers unless they are accompanied by you." In other words, to order a Lyft or Uber, you must be 18 years or older. Children 17 years and younger can legally ride in a Lyft or Uber car, but must be accompanied by an adult.
Whose Responsibility?: Driver service companies place responsibility on the riders to both understand and abide by the rules. However, based on the frequency of parents using Lyft and Uber to pick up or drop off their children, it is evident that plenty of people are not following those rules. It is important to note that it is within the driver's discretion whether to transport unaccompanied minors. These drivers may be motivated to transport children, because declining rides means they may be deactivated from Lyft or Uber, and no longer allowed to drive for these companies. So, it is in their interest to transport children, despite company rules and policies.
Safety Considerations: Some parents may argue that they feel comfortable using the Lyft or Uber app to request a pickup for their child, because they can track the ride on GPS and watch their son or daughter travel from place to place. But in essence, those parents are entrusting their child's welfare with a stranger. Lyft and Uber drivers do undergo background checks, but not to the same extent as taxi drivers (who are fingerprinted). Also, parents are putting these drivers in the role of a guardian - not only transporting them, but making sure they are protected, treated well, and behaving appropriately throughout the ride. What happens, for example, if a child misbehaves? Lyft and Uber drivers can cancel rides and drop off unruly adult riders, but how should they handle an unruly child, while they are driving? Further, not all driver services are equipped with the proper child safety seats. (UberX has a "car seat" option for an extra fee; UberFamily does not appear to be available in Atlanta yet).
While driver service companies have policies in place about children, it appears that parents are still using the service, and drivers are still willing to transport those unaccompanied minors. But parents, before you order a ride, keep in mind the safety of your children and the potential issues associated with such transportation. For more information about driver safety, or if you need help with a personal injury claim, give The Gore Law Firm a call today at (404) 436-1529.
|
|
Administrative Announcements
|
Speaking Engagements:
The Gore Law Firm is currently filling our calendar for our 2017 presentations. To schedule attorney Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert to speak to your organization or audience, please contact our offices at
(678) 399-6161.
Jennifer speaks about personal injury law, DUI and hit-and-run collisions, dealing with insurance companies, business marketing, practice management technology, and mentoring.
|
We want to stay in touch with you more often than just through our newsletter.
Like our Facebook page
and be kept up to date on everything from what is happening at The Gore Law Firm office, to the most current Personal Injury information.
|
The new year marks a new you, a new chapter, a fresh start. Isn't it time to get done the things you've been putting off? Do you know someone who has been trying to handle their personal injury claim without any help? Send them our way and we can help take their case off their plate and get them the money they deserve! Happy 2017! Let's make this year the best ever!
|
|
The Gore Law Firm, LLC
5755 North Point Parkway, Suite 251
Alpharetta, Georgia 30022
New Clients: (404) 436-1529
Main: (678) 399-6161
Admin: (678) 399- 6172
Fax: (678) 399-6166
Follow Me on
Facebook! &
Twitter!
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
