<iframe src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-M6FBM7" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"> </iframe>
24/7 Free Consultation (800) BAGEN LAW "Se Habla Espanol"

Bagen Law Blog

Am I Liable for my Child’s Car Accident?

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Oct 4, 2012 6:48:00 AM

Being the parent of a teen driver can be a stressful and apprehensive time. New drivers are a very high-risk category of driver; they are inexperienced and maybe a little to eager behind the wheel. Young drivers are involved in thousands of car accidents each year. When you hand over the keys to your car, you often worry about the safety of your child and the financial strain that may occur should something happen. If you’re left wondering who is liable for your child’s car accident, then read on.

When you’re held responsible for your child’s accident

The truth is that there are circumstances in which a parent can be liable for the child’s accident. The parent can be held responsible for negligence use of the vehicle if a few requirements are met. The court can hold the parent responsible for negligence if they are considered the head of the household, and that the vehicle used in the accident is concerned a vehicle used for the comfort or pleasure of the family. The parent must also have given permission, either direct or implied consent, for the child to operate the vehicle. If it can be proven that the child did not have permission to operate the vehicle, courts may rule that the parents are not liable.

Read More

Topics: Car Accidents, drivers, Car

Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer? Why You Only Get One Chance to Get It Right

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Sep 29, 2012 11:59:00 PM

 

Lawyers often times stress the importance of hiring a tough and experienced attorney to defend you and fight for you in personal injury cases. It’s understandable why you need such an attorney, considering that the opposition will be brutal. It’s unwise to go into battle, without an armor or weapon, and your experienced attorney is your shield and your sword.

That said, why do so many lawyers implore you to make a wise decision, as if your entire livelihood depends on it? On one hand, obviously, attorneys are in business to make money and they make money from you. Just think of the hundreds of cases in your own city that probably never come to trial because the plaintiffs are simply too scared or too pessimistic to come forward. Yes, sometimes, personal injury victims do need a little encouragement, a little motivation, to come forward with a complaint.

Read More

Topics: Personal Injury, Personal Injury Law

Bicycle Accidents On the Rise How To Get Out And Home Safely!

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Sep 29, 2012 11:48:00 PM

 

Yes, bicycle accidents are on the rise! Statistics nationwide (most notably by The US Department of Transportation and the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals) suggest that there are 19,000 serious injuries a year, and perhaps as many as 3,000 deaths over a twelve-month-period. What’s even more alarming is the fact that most bicycle accidents are not reported to authorities! That’s right, even when there are serious injuries involved, the matter is often ignored.

Young Adults and Children Are Most at Risk
So, it’s quite likely that there are two or three times more injuries and deaths than the official estimate. Another sad fact remains that many cyclists who are injured or killed are children—and yes, toddlers through teens are at the highest risk of suffering a bicycle injury.

Read More

Topics: Personal Injury, Speeding Accidents

Baltimore Ravens’ Torrey Smith Personally Impacted by Motorcycle Accident

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Sep 23, 2012 6:58:00 AM

The Baltimore Ravens’ win against the New England Patriots in September was a comeback game for more than one reason. Not only did the Ravens come from behind with the help of two crucial touchdowns in order to narrowly win the game by just one point, but the person who caught those touchdown passes had just comeback from 24 devastating hours in his life.

The night before this exciting game, Torrey Smith, wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens, lost his younger brother to a terrible motorcycle accident. Smith’s younger brother, Tevin Jones, passed away after a motorcycle accident late that Saturday night. Torrey Smith was awakened in the middle of the night with the news, and rushed home to be with his family: his mother and five younger siblings.

Read More

Topics: motorcycle, Motorcycle Accidents

Dog Bites and Homeowners Insurance

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Jul 14, 2012 5:29:00 AM

The majority of dog bites that occur around the United States are negotiated between the dog owner, their insurance company and the victim. About 5 million U.S. citizens are bitten annually, but only 16,000 claims are payouts from insurance companies.

The Costs of a Dog Bite
On an average, the cost of medical treatments has increased, but the treatment for dog bites has become exponential. Dog bite victims are no longer seeking treatment from general surgeons, but are going to plastic surgeons. As a result, insurance companies are paying out larger settlements in dog bite cases. These payments are notably cutting into the profits of insurance companies. If a homeowner is known to have dogs, then they are required to sign liability waivers for dog bites. If an owner's dog bites someone and they are off a leash, their premiums will increase or the insurance company can exclude their dog from coverage. As a result, many companies are considering not covering dog bites at all or only covering certain breeds.

Read More

Topics: Personal Injury

Auto Accidents on the Rise in Gainesville

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Jun 11, 2012 5:23:00 AM

Gainesville has recently received negative publicity following a devastating pile up on I-75 that resulted in the death of ten people, as well as the hospitalization of eighteen. This isolated incident is just one example of the increased rate of auto accidents in the area, and residents are desperately searching for answers as to why this is occurring.

Foggy conditions make for bad drivers
One common hindrance in the Gainesville area is the low visibility during morning driving. Early morning fog is prevalent in this area, and it can significantly affect a driver's ability to see what lies ahead. In the case of the recent pile up, a mixture of smoke and fog prevented unsuspecting drivers from seeing the danger that was right ahead of them.

Read More

Topics: Car Accidents, Community, Motorcycle Accidents, Serious Accidents & Injuries

Truck Driver Runs Man Over on 1-75

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

Jun 4, 2012 6:43:00 AM

Man charged with hit-and-run, a third-degree felony, and then released from the Columbia County jail on $5,000 bond.

Read More

Topics: Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Serious Accidents & Injuries

Increase in Dog Bites May Mean Higher Homeowner's Insurance Rates

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

May 25, 2012 6:29:00 AM

The majority of dog bites that occur around the United States, are negotiated between the dog owner, their insurance company and the victim. About 5 million U.S. Citizens are bitten annually, but only 16,000 claims are pay outs from insurance companies. Every year from May 19-25, we celebrate National Dog Bite Prevention Week. This annual celebration is designed to educate dog owners and consumers, on the proper way to prevent dog bites.

Read More

Topics: News, Serious Accidents & Injuries

FAQ about Personal Injury

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

May 24, 2012 5:35:00 AM

How do I know if I am a personal injury victim?

There are two general guidelines to determine if you are a personal injury victim. First, you must have sustained injury to your person or property. The other qualifying factor is that this harm was inflicted by someone other than yourself.

Many personal injury claims slip through the cracks because victims are ignorant to the fact that a personal injury claim does not have to be physical. For example, if you have been assaulted, there does not have to be physical proof; there just must exist sufficient evidence that the assailant intended harm. Furthermore, cases where slander causes emotional distress can also present a valid personal injury case.

Read More

Topics: Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Serious Accidents & Injuries, Personal Injury Law

Auto Accidents on the Rise in Gainesville

Posted by Steven A. Bagen

May 24, 2012 5:06:00 AM

Gainesville has recently received negative publicity following a devastating pile up on I-75 that resulted in the death of ten people as well as the hospitalization of 18. This isolated incident is just one example of the increased rate of auto accidents in the area, and residents are desperately searching for answers as to why this is occurring.

One common hindrance in the Gainesville area is the low visibility during morning driving. Early morning fog is prevalent in this area, and it can significantly affect a driver's ability to see what lies ahead. In the case of the recent pile up, a mixture of smoke and fog prevented unsuspecting drivers from seeing the danger that was right ahead of them.

Read More

Topics: Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Speeding Accidents, Personal Injury Attorney(s), Personal Injury Law