Can You Claim If You Have an Accident in a Public Place?

You probably know that if you have an accident at work that isn’t your fault and suffer a physical or mental injury or a financial loss as a result, then you may be entitled to claim compensation. But what happens if an accident occurs in a public place or on a commercial property? Your first action, after any appropriate medical treatment has been administered, should always be to seek expert advice from a personal injury lawyer, but let’s examine why you may indeed be able to make a claim if you have such an accident.

What Are the Responsibilities of Property Owners?

The first thing to emphasize is that owners of property have a duty of care to ensure that it remains safe for the public to be within or to pass through, whether it be a commercial property, a privately-owned property or one owned by a public authority. Let’s take a public swimming pool as an example. The owners, or directors responsible for it, must ensure that the water is safe to swim in at all times, that public walkways and changing areas are safe and free from tripping hazards, and that professionally trained lifeguards, with certified lifeguard skills, are in place. This applies to other public areas as well: the responsible person or people must assess the risk of any accidents and take steps to prevent them.

Has Necessary Maintenance Been Carried Out?

As we’ve seen, it’s essential for those in charge of public places and commercial areas to carry out a thorough and accurate risk assessment, but this can’t be a one-off occurrence. Buildings change over time and depending upon the use they’re put to, so the dangers associated with it will change too. Maintenance is essential in buildings, on roads and on sidewalks, and failure to carry out essential maintenance in a timely manner can have catastrophic results. Slips, trips and falls are among the most common causes of hospitalization in America, so if you suffer because of one, you could be entitled to compensation.

What Can You Claim for If You Have an Accident in a Public or Commercial Place?

Every accident is different, and the severity of its aftermath can also vary greatly from one incident, and one person to another, but if you suffer injury or other loss through no fault of your own then you should seek redress via a specialist personal injury solicitor. You can commonly claim for the cost of immediate and ongoing medical treatment related to the accident, as well as any loss of earnings that you have suffered. In the case of severe injuries, you may also be compensated for any additional expenditure you or your family will have to make as a result of it, such as adjustments to property or motor vehicles.

Making a successful claim for a personal injury isn’t as daunting, or as lengthy, as you might think. Expert lawyers will talk you through the process and endeavor to make it as straight forward as possible, as well as doing their best to ensure that you receive the compensation you need and deserve. If you’ve had an accident in a public or commercial place, don’t keep silent about it.

Types of Accidents that Can Happen

With another summer season just around the corner, many of us will be heading out to have some time outdoors. Indeed, this is when we all want to take a break and enjoy the good weather that the summer season brings. It is great to be able to relax with family or friends in a beautiful place, but it is also a time when we are more vulnerable because we choose to leave our homes. Below I will give you some sort of ideas about what type of accidents you can expect and how to avoid them:

1. Motorcycle accidents. It is true that bikes are more dangerous than cars. Even if you are dressed in leather and have a bike helmet on you, you are still very vulnerable and many bad things can happen to you. The best advice I can give you here is to stay away from motorcycles if possible and try to choose to travel by car instead.

2. Wrongful death in a hospital. This is something that a Memorial Regional Hospital accident lawyer can help with. If you need to undergo a specific medical procedure make sure to check the hospital you will be heading to. Does the hospital in question have a history of wrongful death? Is the staff working there competent enough to ensure that you will be in good hands? Do you really need the procedure or you could do better without it?

3. Pedestrian accidents. Summer is this time of year when many drivers who usually don’t drive often head out and drive to various destinations. This means that extra caution needs to be taken when on the roads to prevent any unwanted accidents. My advice is to wear some visibility clothing to reduce the chances of being injured by a car. This way the cars approaching you will be able to see you more clearly and will be able to take notice of your presence at the right moment. Avoid any distractions if possible that can cause you to have an injury. Don’t listen to any music if this would cause you not to be able to hear the traffic, and don’t text on your smartphone while waiting on a pedestrian crossing.

Got Jury Duty? Learn the Dos and Don’ts Surrounding Your Civic Duty

If you’re over 18 years of age, you’ve seen those mailers with your name printed on them. These envelopes are jury duty requests. You’ll be summoned at least once in your life. These proceedings may not seem exciting, but it is your justice system at work. Don’t be nervous about your trip into the courtroom. Explore these simple, dos and don’ts as you embark on a jury duty journey.

Be Punctual

Courtrooms don’t have after hours. They essentially run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ideally, arrive early to your first day on jury duty. There’s normally an introductory video that you must watch. Pay careful attention to break times and lunch hours. Every courthouse is different. You want to leave as soon as possible, but give yourself enough time to venture back into the building when it’s time to reconvene. As a juror, you can actually hold back a trial if you’re late.

Answer Questions With Honesty

You’ve waited your turn to enter the courtroom. You’re now part of a panel of potential jurors. Questions will be asked of you by the lawyers, including the professionals at Cordell and Cordell. Answer every question to the best of your knowledge. These questions are designed to eliminate certain people from the jury pool that may not match the case. The lawyers can dismiss you at will. Don’t be hurt by any dismissal, however. You may not be right for the case, which works in everyone’s favor at the end of the day.

Maintain Flexibility

You’re understandably out of your comfort zone when you’re called to jury duty. Rescheduling your entire day is frustrating, but maintain some flexibility. You may have a one-hour lunch instead of two hours. The judge might hold the court until 5 p.m. or beyond. By maintaining some flexibility with your time, the process will be more enjoyable than not. Remember that a person is being judged by his or her peers, and a sentence may come down very soon. A relaxed demeanor is better for everyone in the courtroom.

Silence Those Cellphones

Most courthouses require phones to be turned off inside the courtrooms. Be aware of the rules so that a ringer doesn’t go off during the proceedings. Showing your respect for the court makes you a valuable juror. Judges have every authority to remove you from the courtroom if electronic distractions continue on.

Listen to Instructions

You are at the courthouse to perform a job. If you receive a case and listen to the evidence, you’ll eventually enter the deliberation room. Before you come up with a verdict, listen and understand the directions put forth by the judge. A case may be fascinating, but you’re debating whether or not a person is guilty of a certain aspect. Always stay on topic in the deliberation room. The defendant’s judgement may be improperly weighed if the instructions are warped or skewed in any way.

There will be a lot of banter between attorneys in the courtroom, including professionals at Cordell Cordell, but be patient with the process. Each side is trying to put their best foot forward. Put yourself in the shoes of the defendant. You want talented lawyers and quality jurors for a fair verdict. The justice system depends on you to uphold the process.

What to do after a car accident

Since the summer season is about to start again soon, I decided to write a few words about safety on the road or generally outdoors during this time of year.

I am sure that you are going to agree with me that summer is not a good time for everybody when it comes to accidents and traveling. Even though roads are not slippery in summer, still many accidents can happen on the road as simply so many people decide to travel to various destinations.

Summer is also this time of year when many of us engage in various activities including sports. Sports are a wonderful and healthy activity, but the problem is that you never know when you might fall and hurt your back or leg.

I know it for a fact that injuries and accidents are more likely to happen during summer as the weather is usually good and many people like to spend their free time outdoors, and it is not a secret that accidents are more likely to happen outdoors rather than indoors.

If an accident including a car accident has already happened to you and you feel helpless not knowing what to do, you can always hire Opa-Locka car accident attorneys and ask them for help, especially if you do not have any previous experience with such matters. That way you will make sure that you are going to get some money back for all the suffering you had to endure.

If you injured your back in a car accident or in any other way, you are no longer fit to work for some time. This means that you will not be able to make the money at work. Hire a lawyer to get the compensation to get what you deserve. If you had an accident, this is going to mean that you cannot work for some time. This can be inconvenient for you and all those who depend on you.

The Legal Aspects of Self-Storage Units

The moment you decide to rent a storage unit you need to sign a contract to ensure that you get the key to the unit. As usually, you need to be sure what is in your agreement that gives you access to storage units such as storage units Phoenix.

As usual, it does matter what you include in your contract. A few things need to be taken into consideration such as who for example is going to have access to your unit. Be very careful while naming those who have a right to enter it. Make sure that you only name those whom you can trust including your family and friends.

Some people wonder what you can or cannot store in a storage facility. You can store almost anything there provided that it does not pose a danger to other storage users. Here are some of the most popular items that people store in self-storage facilities:
1. Furniture. It is probably not a surprise since many people might want to get rid of some of their furniture and then bring it back home when they have more space for it. this will be especially valuable to you if you are in the process of moving, but also when you want to de-clutter your home.
2. Electronics. Again, no surprise here. It is usually businesses who tend to store more electronics, but you will find some individuals who want to do it as well because they might want to keep some of their electronics such as computers for future use. They might for example think that their computer will come in handy in a few years time when they are children are old enough to use it.
3. Documents. Mostly companies do that, but you will find from time to time those individuals who have so many documents that they prefer to rent a storage unit to hide all of their papers there. When yo9u choose to store your important documents make sure that they are insured against theft, fire, as well as other hazards. It night be impossible to recover those documents in case of fire.

How To Stay On The Right Side Of The Law While On Vacation: 4 Tips That Could Keep You Out Of Trouble

No-one wants to get into trouble while they’re on vacation, but it does happen, and it can potentially taint your time away. The good news is that you can stay on the right side of the law if you know what you can and can’t do in your choice of destination.

Read Up On Local Laws

Try to read up on local laws, and find make a note of the laws that mean you may have to change your behavior in some way.

For instance, in some parts of the world, your vehicle may not need a visible license plate, whereas in other parts of the world you do. Find out what the local laws are so you don’t get into trouble for speeding, aggressive driving, or not having a license plate.

Don’t forget that some countries drive on the other side of the road, so make sure you’re aware of the local traffic laws, and how they affect you.

Respect Local Laws And Customs

It’s very important that you respect local laws and customs while you’re on vacation, even if you do not agree with them.

For example, some countries forbid the consumption of alcohol. You could be forgiven for thinking that it’s ok to have a few drinks in your hotel room out of sight, but this is still considered an offense in some countries.

Respect the local laws and customs, and you shouldn’t get into trouble.

Taking Photographs

When it comes to taking photographs on vacation, you’ll probably find yourself being quite snap-happy. However, you may need to ask permission if you want someone to appear in your photographs, as taking the photograph without asking could cause offense.

If your request is declined, please accept that sometimes people just don’t want to be photographed.

If you’re visiting a foreign country, you’ll need to make sure you are careful about who and what you photograph, especially when it comes to the local military, government buildings, and even some airports.

Ask permission if you’re not sure whether you can get your camera out. It doesn’t hurt to ask and you could avoid getting arrested for something that you consider to be entirely innocent.

Dress Appropriately

In some vacation destinations, it may not be deemed appropriate for you to wear shorts, or to walk around bare-chested.

Many people love to relax on their vacation, and sometimes this involves exposing a little more skin than usual, however, you need to dress appropriately to the country you’re vacationing in.

Dress appropriately, and you’re less likely to cause offense and be asked by a police officer to put more clothes on. If you’re too hot, go back to your hotel room, re-hydrate, cool down and become accustomed to covering up a little more.

You probably go on vacation to relax, enjoy yourself and forget the stresses and strains of everyday life.

However, if you’re vacationing in a foreign country, or simply visiting another state, you need to be aware of the local laws and customs so you don’t cause offense. Stick to the laws, respect the customs, and you shouldn’t find yourself in trouble.

 

 

 

 

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Law Practice Marketing

The success of a law practice heavily depends on the marketing strategies you choose to use. Gone are the days when word of mouth used to be the only thing you had to worry about. In the Internet era, this sort of planning is not enough and if you don’t take care of this aspect of running your practice you are living in the dark and will start falling behind.

I could write a lot about law practice marketing, but in this post I would like to focus a little bit on the strategy known as PPC management, which comes in the form of this PPC Agency Clicteq. When done right, a legal practice has a chance to be found easily on the Internet at the right time to allow more customers to appear at your doorstep.

Reaching your prospective clients can be outsourced to somebody specialising in PPC marketing. This person, or an agency, has the right tools to conduct all sorts of steps to allow your practice to appear highly in search rankings. Sometimes all that needs to be done is choosing the right set of keywords, although in fact this can be a rather difficult task and time consuming as well. Choosing the right set of keywords needs a lot of experience, expertise, as well as knowledge, because different keyword combinations will yield different results. It all depends what kind of practice you are and what kind of money your are willing to invest. there are some very competitive keywords that you might want to battle for, but sometimes going for something that is less obvious might be the best choice. The good news that the owners of legal practices do not have to worry about such things because with the right kind of help coming from a PPC agency a lot can be accomplished.

PPC marketing has been working for many practices for over a decade and it seems that the popularity of this strategy is not going to fade any time soon. The market has been changing over the last couple of years due to the practices undertaken by Google as well as other search engines, but good and trusted PPC agencies have been following those trends and they know how to implement them to help their clients grow.

The personal injury claims process explained


If you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault and you would like to find out if you have a valid claim for compensation, the first task will be to discuss the accident with some personal injury solicitors. This will be the case whether you have had an accident at work, been injured in a car accident, have been the victim of medical negligence or have slipped on a wet floor in a shop.

Choosing a personal injury solicitor

As with all professional services, it is worth speaking to at least two or three different firms before you decide who to hire. This will not only give you an understanding of the services being offered by each firm, but it is also an opportunity for you to find out how you actually get on with them.

This is often overlooked, but as the claims process can take anywhere from six weeks to over a year to complete, it is important that you feel comfortable and confident in your chosen injury lawyer.

For each firm you contact, you should be provided with a free consultation. This is where the firm will discuss your accident and the injury or injuries you have suffered and will determine if you have a valid case.

During the consultation phase, it is a good idea to ask a few questions to help you decide who to hire. Some of the questions you might want to ask include whether they will offer a no win no fee service, have they worked on similar cases in the past and what will be the success fee will they charge if the case is won?

Once you have chosen the solicitors you want to hire for your case, you will be sent some paperwork that you will need to sign. This will include the no win no fee agreement, also known as a conditional fee agreement (CFA). This will need to be signed and returned, and officially instructs and authorises the particular firm to act on your behalf.

Gathering evidence to support your claim

After being officially instructed as your representative, your personal injury solicitor will begin the process of gathering evidence and information to support your case.

What evidence is collected will largely depend on the type of accident you have had. Examples of possible evidence could include photographs, witness statements, medical records, police reports and accident records.

All personal injury claims will also need medical evidence to confirm the type of injury or illness you sustained, as well as any ongoing issues. For example, will you need to have physiotherapy, are you going to be left with any permanent pain or difficulty carrying out certain tasks, etc.

The details of your claim are recorded in a letter of claim, which is sent to the defendant. This confirms that a personal injury claim is being made against them, the accident they are being held responsible for and the injuries that have been suffered.

The defendant, or most likely their insurance company, will then have to decide whether to accept or dispute liability for the accident.

Negotiating a suitable compensation award

If the defendant accepts liability for the accident, the next step will be for both parties to begin the negotiations for how much compensation the claimant should be awarded.

The amount of compensation will be based on an assessment of the injuries you have suffered, the impact on your life and any financial losses you have faced. Perhaps you have had to take time off work, had to pay for medical treatment or have needed to spend money on taxis to transport you to and from doctors appointments.

In some cases, the defendant may accept the amount of compensation being asked for by your solicitor. But in most cases, there will be some back and forth negotiations before a settlement agreement can be reached.

Once an agreement has been made, the case will be concluded, and you will receive your compensation award. Your solicitor will take their success fee from the payment before the balance is forwarded on to you. The success fee would be agreed with you in advance and can be a maximum amount of 25%.

Taking court action for personal injury

The vast majority of claims for personal injury and medical negligence are settled without any need for court involvement. One of the key reasons for this is the huge legal costs that can be incurred by going to court.

However, there are situations where court action may be needed. The first of these is if the defendant denies liability for the accident or injury. The second is where the defendant accepts liability for the accident, but an agreement cannot be reached regarding the settlement award.

If the courts are required, your injury lawyer will be there to provide you with advice and guidance along the way. If the decision goes in your favour, you will then receive your compensation, and the case will be closed.

Explaining the Ogden tables change and how it will affect truck fleet insurance

We are always shocked to hear when a driver has a horrible industry at work. Unfortunately stories such as these are common. Sadly news frequently reports catastrophic accidents caused by commercial vehicle drivers. Although this type of accident has irreparable damage, we do expect the victim to receive compensation. Whether life altering or fatal, accidents on the roads are a sad certainty; but certainly if we were the victim, we would want our loved ones suffering to be minimalized by payment of appropriate compensation.

What are the Ogden tables

Published by the UK  government, the Ogden Tables enable appropriate calculation of compensation for a victim. These are used in cases in the UK of both personal injury and death.

Why are the Ogden Tables important now?

There has been a recent way in which the Ogden tables are calculated. The key change is that the victim is now seen as a risk adverse investor. As such, accounting for the lower rate of interest they will receive when investing a lump sum, a higher initial payout is necessary. Elizabeth Truss made it clear she believe the tables now have right rate to compensate claimants.

Although we want to expect an appropriate pay-out in the case of an accident, this change has caused the insurance industry turmoil.  Underwriters are being forced to look at how they will cover these increasing pay-outs. It resulted in dropping share prices, and statements from a number of insurers, and their trade organisation, to highlight their unease with this increase.

How will this affect Truck Fleet Insurance?

Unfortunately a disproportionate number of accidents on the roads are the responsibility of commercial vehicles. According to the Campaign for better transport HGV fleets are involved in 52% of motorway fatalities. Despite HGVs comprising only 10% of the traffic on the roads.
As a large claim, for example as the result of a fatality, is statistically more likely for HGVs, this cost to the insurer will likely be subsumed into the insurance premiums that truck fleet operators pay. As insurance underwriters comprehend the impact the change in the Ogden tables has, this will be included in their risk calculations.

Is this likely to change the cost of my other motor insurance policies ?

It has been reported that the change in the Ogden rates will have an impact on the cost of commercial fleet insurance paid by businesses, as well as personal premiums. But it has also been highlighted that insurance premiums remain competitive in the UK. As businesses and individuals take the time to seek the correct coverage. Motor trade insurance policy holders for example benefit from specialist brokers who negotiate the best deal to abate the increase in premiums. There are increasing ways to compare insurance products in niche sectors such as the motor trade.

With increasingly congested roads it is more important than ever before that drivers stay vigilant, whether driving for themselves or for work. But unfortunately accidents happen, and for HGV fleet operators a suitable insurance product is a good investment, in the case of claim. Even in the scenario of no claim being made, the added value of peace of mind is important. With the right insurance, the numbers on the Ogden Tables do not constitute a risk, as even with the higher level payouts, with the correct insurance policy a business will be covered.

 

An Overview of Legal Professionals and Their Qualifications

If you are in the process of reviewing lawyers and law firms for the possibility of hiring them, you may find yourself getting confused by the variety of degrees and certifications legal professionals can hold. However, understanding these distinctions can help you make a well-informed hiring decision. The following list explains the differences between the degrees, privileges, and responsibilities of various legal professionals.

1. Certified Paralegals

While they are qualified legal professionals, paralegals are not lawyers. Usually, they hold undergraduate degrees in government or related fields, though there are also paralegal degree programs available. Most paralegals hold certifications from either the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) or the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). These certifications distinguish them as having mastered a body of legal knowledge, but the parameters of these certifications vary by state and law firm.

By law, paralegals are not permitted to give legal advice, represent clients in court, sign documents on behalf of a party, establish attorney-client relationships, or set or collect legal fees. Despite these limitations, paralegals are essential players in any law firm’s success. They can perform critical research, write briefs, contribute to strategy development, and prepare exhibits for trial.

2. Master of Laws

In your research, you may notice that some attorneys have obtained their Master of Laws (LLM) while others have earned their Juris Doctor (JD). This distinction generally signifies where the lawyers were educated. Lawyers with LLM degrees often received some or all their education outside the United States, while JDs are awarded to lawyers educated primarily in the United States.

In the United Kingdom and other commonwealth countries, law degrees are awarded at the undergraduate level. International students who wish to practice U.S. law can become qualified to do so by obtaining their LLMs. For example, a student in Spain could get an online LLM from USC, which would enable him or her to take the California Bar Exam. After passing the bar exam, the student could become a U.S. Attorney at Law.

3. Juris Doctor

Lawyers educated in the United States obtain their Juris Doctor (JD), which is a graduate degree obtained after a bachelor’s degree. Most people who go to law school earn their undergraduate degrees in areas such as government and policy or economics, although no specific degree is required. Usually taking three years to complete, JD degrees give prospective lawyers the knowledge they need to sit for the bar exam. Bar exams vary somewhat by state, but all of them designate individuals as being qualified to practice law.

As mentioned previously, lawyers have the authority to represent clients in court and provide legal advice. In general, it is illegal to practice law in the United States without having passed the bar exam. However, people who have graduated from Wisconsin law schools are permitted to practice law in that state without taking the bar exam.

4. Specializations

Many lawyers choose to limit their practice to certain areas of expertise. For example, some lawyers primarily represent personal injury victims, while others advise and represent clients during litigation proceedings. Lawyers who choose a specialization often do so out of a desire to serve their clients better and enjoy greater success rates. They can delve more deeply into the complexities of one type of law and therefore develop better strategies for reaching the conclusions they desire for their cases.

Knowledge Is Power

Seeking the services of any legal professional can feel daunting, but understanding the distinctions between them can contribute some clarity to the process. Now that you know a bit more about the qualifications and duties of various legal professionals, you may feel more prepared to consider additional factors and eventually make your final decision.

How Your Business Can Provide Reasonable Accommodation To The Disabled At Work

As a business owner, you are responsible for adhering to certain laws regarding the rights of your employees. That includes proper accommodation for disabled employees. By following the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and other acts such as the Rehabilitation Act and Fair Employment and Housing Act, you can ensure that you are providing reasonable accommodation to the disabled at your workplace and not infringing on the rights that they are privileged to.  Failure to provide reasonable accommodation could result in a disability discrimination lawsuit against your business.

Accommodation

“Reasonable accommodation” does not mean giving preferential treatment to disabled employees, but giving them the means necessary to be able to perform as well as their able-bodied colleagues. Examples of these accommodations would be offering disabled parking right by the building, having reading materials printed in Braille for blind or visually impaired people and offering modifications to the job function that are within reason. Proper accommodations should not require any extensive overhaul of how the job is performed in order to accommodate a disabled employee.

Types of Disabilities

Disabilities covered by the ADA range in type. Examples of physical disabilities include loss of mobility that necessitates the use of a wheelchair, loss of limbs and diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Mental disorders include major depression, autism and schizophrenia. Chronic diseases and conditions include cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and HIV infection.

Accommodation Requests

Any employee with a disability that needs accommodation to perform their job successfully will need to submit an accommodation request. There is no official format or guidelines for these requests, but they should be easy to parse and be specific in their intent. The accommodation request can be made orally or in writing and should be properly handed to by whoever receives it first and designated to the proper figure if necessary. As an employer, you can choose a specific person to handle these accommodation requests. Other employees should have some training for handling accommodation requests if they receive them.

Receiving Requests

Each accommodation request should be reviewed carefully and discuss any questions or elaboration needed from the requester. As an employer, you will need to ask as many questions as you feel necessary in order to offer proper accommodation. The requester will need to be as specific as possible about what kinds of accommodations they need. A disabled employee should be able to offer information regarding their requirements, but as an employer, you should be educated about typical accommodations needed for disabled people in the workplace. The limitations of the disabled employee and the extent to which they need accommodation should be determined in order to move forward properly.

Medical Requests

Sometimes, further information might be required, particularly if an employee’s disability is not readily apparent. As an employer, you have the right to request medical information pertaining to the employee’s condition that helps you to determine what kind of accommodation they need. This information can also provide information about the severity of the condition, such as whether it is going to stay stable for the foreseeable future or whether it is liable to worsen over time, and therefore require further accommodation. Any medical information received must be kept confidential by those who receive it.

Building Requirements

A workplace with disabled employees will be required to have structures in place that accommodate the disabled employees. These include things like handicapped parking spots and wheelchair accessible entry. For private employers, these are only required on the basis of an employee or applicant needing such access. However, if you are an employer who is making modifications to or constructing a new public or commercial facility, then you will be required to meet requirements for accessibility as listed in Titles II and III of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Responding to Requests

When a request for accommodation has been received, an employer should take the proper response measures right away. All necessary steps should be followed and the request should be fulfilled no later than 30 days after it is made. If the need for accommodation is already clear when the employee applies or begins working, then the request should be fulfilled in a much shorter time span.

 

Should You Handle A Fender Bender Yourself Or Call The Police?

Do you need a car accident attorney? There are quite a few things you may do when you’re in a car accident, and you should take this advice to heart, depending on the type of accident you’re in.

You may walk away from the accident if there is no damage, or you may choose to use the police to ensure that the accident is reported properly. Here are a couple rules of thumb to consider when you’re deciding whether you should or shouldn’t call the police after a car accident.

Scenario 1: Damage to the Vehicles, or Someone is Hurt

You need a report when you have damage to both vehicles, and you will need a report if you are filing with the insurance company. Your lawyer cannot do anything for you if there is not a report on the accident, and you must have one in your hand when you leave the scene of the accident.

The officer will help you determine who was at-fault, and you will avoid any confusion that may arise when you have an accident or claim with the insurance company. Damage to your vehicle cannot be settled without a proper police report.

Scenario 2: Vehicles Aren’t Damaged and Everyone is OK

You and the other driver may choose to walk away from the accident when you are unharmed and have no damage to your vehicles. The mutual agreement you have with the other driver will help you save time dealing with the police, but keep in mind,  you may not protected if the other driver wishes to sue you at a later time. You will have no record of what happened at the scene of the accident, and your lawyer will need to investigate the case completely before they have come to a conclusion.

If you do end up going this route, and avoiding the police, it’s best to take photos of both vehicles to cover your butt in case the other party tries to come after you for damages later. At the end of the day, whether or not you choose to call the police is a judgment call on your part, but it could come back to bite you later, even if no one’s hurt and both vehicles are still in tact.