MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS

Car accident

Cars with a collision front, one gray and one white, and a person in front, appearing surprised and holding a phone.

If you have been involved in a car accident, it’s important to take the following steps to protect your rights and ensure your safety:

Move to Safety: If vehicles are blocking traffic, move them to a safe location, if possible.

Check for Injuries: First, check yourself for injuries.
Call the Police: Report the accident to the police so an official report can be filed.
Gather Information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s). Write down names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance companies and policy numbers or take a photo of the other driver(s)’s driver’s license, insurance card or insurance policy, and vehicle license plate. Additionally, collect name and contact information of any witnesses.
Document the Scene: Take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Note the date, time, and location of the accident.
Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not admit fault or apologize at the scene, as this can be used against you later. Stick to the facts when talking to police and other parties.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, schedule a medical exam to detect any injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
Consult an Attorney: Contact a car accident attorney to receive advise on your rights, help negotiate with insurance companies, and guide you through any potential claims or lawsuits.

Truck accident

A scene with a large teal cargo truck, a small blue car with a white roof, and two figures, one inside the small car and the other approaching from the front. The scene also includes inside the cargo truck with a sad face and a fallen gray piece on the ground.

If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important to take the following steps to protect your rights and ensure proper handling of your case:

Move to Safety: If vehicles are blocking traffic, move them to a safe location, if possible.
Check for Injuries: Get to a safe place, if possible, and check for your injuries.

Contact Authorities: Report the accident to the police. Obtain a copy of the police report.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including the truck, your vehicle, road conditions, and any visible damages or injuries.
Gather Information: Collect contact information, driver’s license, and insurance information from the truck driver, as well as contact details of any witnesses. If possible, take photo of the other driver’s driver’s license and insurance card or insurance policy while exchanging information.
Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid making statements that could be interpreted as admitting fault for the accident.
Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety come first. Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a medical professional.
Consult an experienced lawyer: Truck accident cases can be complex due to commercial trucking regulations and multiple liable parties. An experienced attorney will investigate your claim, help you understand your rights, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Uber Lyft accident

Toy cars representing a collision between an Uber black car and a blue sedan, with a toy woman taking a photo of the scene.

If you’ve been involved in an Uber or Lyft accident, it’s important to understand your rights and the steps you need to take to protect yourself:

Move to Safety: If vehicles are blocking traffic, move them to a safe location, if possible.
Check for Injuries: Get to a safe place, if possible, and check for your injuries.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
- Take photos of the vehicles, the accident scene, and any visible injuries.
- Collect contact information from the other driver(s), passengers, and any witnesses.
- Call police to report the incident and obtain a copy of the police report.
Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention Your safety and health are the top priorities. Seek medical treatment immediately, even if injuries seem minor.
Understand Insurance Coverage
Uber and Lyft provide liability insurance policies to cover accidents involving their drivers, but coverage varies depending on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, en route to pick up a passenger, or actively transporting one. Your own auto insurance and health insurance may also be involved.
Consult an Experienced Accident Lawyer
The insurance and liability issues in Uber and Lyft accidents can be complex. An experienced attorney can help:
- Determine liability and which insurance policies apply.
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Avoid Giving Recorded Statements Without Legal Advice
Insurance adjusters may seek statements soon after the accident. It’s best to consult with a lawyer before speaking to them.

Bus accident

A scene with a red and white bus, a blue car, a woman walking, and a person in the blue car sleeping.

If you have been involved in a bus accident, it is important to take immediate and careful steps to protect your rights and well-being:

Move to Safety: If vehicles are blocking traffic, move them to a safe location, if possible.

Check for Injuries: Get to a safe place, if possible, and check for your injuries.
Contact Authorities: Report the accident to the police. Obtain a copy of the police report.
Document Everything: Collect details about the accident scene, including photos of the bus, vehicle damage, road conditions, and your visible injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and the bus driver and other vehicle(s) involved in the accident.
Avoid Discussing Fault: Do not admit fault or make statements about the accident that might imply your fault at the scene.
Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority. Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a medical professional as some symptoms can appear later.
If you are the passenger of a bus and got injured as a result of the bus collision with other vehicle(s), you also may have a claim against the bus driver and/or other vehicle(s) involved in the accident.
Keep in mind that in bus accidents you may also have a claim against a public/government entity in addition to the driver of the bus. In this case you have a limited time to file a government claim and it is essential to immediately contact an experienced accident attorney.
Contact an Experienced Attorney: A lawyer experienced in bus accident claims can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering and other damages.

Motorcycle accident

Person with a black sports car and a motorcycle on a white surface. One Person with red hair appears shocked, another with yellow face inside the car looks worried, and a third with black helmet and clothes is lying on the ground.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to take immediate and appropriate steps to protect your rights and ensure your safety:

Move to Safety: If vehicles/motorcycle are blocking traffic, move them to a safe location, if possible.

Check for Injuries: Get to a safe place, if possible, and check for your injuries.
Report the Accident: Contact law enforcement to file an official accident report and obtain the report.
Gather Evidence: Collect photos of the accident scene, your motorcycle, any vehicles involved, and your injuries. Also, gather contact information and insurance information of the driver(s) involved in the accident. Additionally, gather information from any witnesses.
Avoid Admitting Fault: Do not admit responsibility or make statements at the scene that could be used against you later.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, get a full medical evaluation. since some injuries rom accidents may not be immediately apparent.
Consult an Experienced Accident Attorney: A lawyer experienced in motorcycle accidents can help you navigate insurance claims, handle negotiations, protect your rights, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Uninsured and under insured motor accident

Two toy cars, one gray with a driver, and one blue with a passenger, along with a man in a red vest, and a sign showing a car with a cross and dollar signs, and a tire

If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident where the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. Here are key steps and considerations:

1. Understand Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM):
Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Protects you if the other driver has no insurance.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Helps when the at-fault driver’s liability limits are too low to cover your damages fully.
2. Preserve Evidence:
Document the accident scene, obtain witness’ contact information, take photos, obtain the contact and insurance information of other vehicle(s) involved in the incident, and keep medical records and repair estimates. This evidence is crucial in proving the extent of damages and liability.
3. Know Your Policy Limits:
Check your insurance policy for coverage limits, deductibles, and claim procedures.
4. Seek Legal Advice:
An experienced personal injury attorney can guide you through the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and help maximize your compensation.
5. Consider Other Potential Sources:
If UM/UIM coverage is insufficient, explore other avenues such as medical payments coverage, health insurance, or a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if assets are available.

At Doust Law, we are experienced in handling accident cases and can support you every step of the way. Protect your interests by reaching out for a consultation to discuss your situation in detail. Remember, time is critical in personal injury cases, so do not delay seeking legal advice.