Car Accidents

3 Things You Need to Know After a Car Accident

Car accidents can lead to expensive medical bills and auto repairs. You need to be compensated for your losses. In the aftermath of a car accident, here are three things to keep in mind.

• Keep track of your losses – This includes your medical bills, the damages to your vehicle, missed workdays, and any long-term damages you may have experienced. Additional pain and suffering should also be added on to compensate you for emotional pain and other less tangible damages.
• Don’t sign anything without a lawyer reviewing it – Agreeing to the initial settlement is rarely in the best interests of the injured party. The insurance company tries to come up with the minimal amount that they think you will accept in order to make things go away as quickly and cheaply as possible. Remember that insurance companies are big businesses. They are not your friend or a wealthy benefactor, regardless of whether it is the other driver’s insurance company or your own.
• Hire a personal injury attorney – You want an experienced lawyer on your side who knows how to deal with insurance companies. This will ensure that you receive a fair settlement in a reasonable amount of time.

San Diego’s Personal Injury Lawyers

At Petrov Law Firm, we have the experienced personal injury lawyers you want in your corner when trying to reach a settlement with an insurance company. Contact us today at 619.344.0360 to go over the particulars of your case. We look forward to helping you get the settlement that you deserve!

Don’t Fall for These Driving Myths

There are many myths surrounding driving and owning a car, and believing those falsehoods could be potentially dangerous. Here are a few things that you need to be able to recognize as being untrue.

• Myth 1: If pot is legal in your state, you can smoke and drive – Driving under the influence is driving under the influence. Prescription drugs and alcohol are legal as well, but you still have to be sober when you drive. Pot and driving do not mix – ever.
• Myth 2: Male drivers are safer than female drivers – Insurance companies settle this falsehood very quickly. They wouldn’t offer cheaper premiums to women if they were the more dangerous drivers.
• Myth 3: You should warm up your car in winter – This actually has no benefit for modern vehicles. In fact, cars are designed to warm up rapidly while being driven. So your car may run cold longer if you just sit in the driveway.
• Myth 4: My driving record only impacts my car insurance – Actually, there is another insurance provider who is going to care about your driving record – your life insurance. Bad drivers are more likely to be involved in a fatal accident, so your life insurance may go up as well if you have a poor driving record.

If You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident in Southern California

Petrov Law Firm can help you seek a reasonable settlement from an insurance company. Before you sign anything, call 619.344.0360. We’re on your side and want to help you get what you truly deserve.

Shocking Statistics About Distracted Teen Drivers

Did you know that the number one killer of adolescents in America is also 100% preventable? Teens driving distracted or in a reckless manner results in numerous car accidents each year, many of which are fatal. Here are a few shocking statistics to encourage your teen to drive safely.

• 4,000 teenagers die each year due to distracted driving.
• 50% of deaths due to distracted teen drivers are passengers.
• 400,000 are injured every year by distracted teenage drivers.

Clearly, this has become a part of teenage culture in America. Whether it is driving while using the phone or performing other activities, such as eating – teens need to be educated on how dangerous it is to be distracted while behind the wheel.

It is no wonder that California has enacted additional regulations for drivers under 18 when it comes to phone use. For example, if a driver is 18 or over, they can use a mobile device in a hands-free manner. However, drivers under the age of 18 cannot use a phone at all while on the road, even with voice commands.

What can you do if you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted or reckless driver in the state of California?

Personal Injury Law Firm in San Diego

Petrov Law Firm is here to help! Don’t try and go up against an insurance company alone, and don’t accept an offer without seeking counsel first. Call 619.344.0360 today so we can help you to get what you really deserve as compensation for your losses.

The Link Between Car Accidents and PTSD

According to researchers, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is very possible in the wake of a motor vehicle accident. In fact, people who experience severe car accidents are at risk for psychological problems in general. What are some of the signs of PTSD?

• Unwanted memories – reliving of the event
• Flashbacks to the trauma
• Nightmares regarding the traumatic event
• Severe emotional distress when reminded of the trauma
• Trying to avoid thinking about or talking about the event
• Avoiding places or people that remind you of the trauma
• Negative or hopeless thoughts
• Emotional numbness
• Feelings of detachment and difficulty maintaining relationships
• Being easily startled and always on guard
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feelings of guilt or shame
• Irritability or aggressive behavior

If you begin to notice any of these symptoms in the wake of a motor vehicle accident, you should contact a healthcare professional immediately. A doctor or mental health professional may be able to help you work through the challenges caused by PTSD, possibly with the help of prescription medication or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Getting Help for Your Car Accident Settlement

Receiving care is the number one thing following an accident. After that, you need to figure out how to pay for it. A settlement from the insurance company can help to cover medical bills, including ongoing expenses due to related issues like PTSD. Petrov Law Firm can help you to get what you really deserve from the insurance company. Before accepting any settlement, contact us at 619.344.0360 to discuss your case and learn what options are available to you.

The Top Phone Settings for Safer Driving

Avoiding distractions from your phone while driving is about more than just the potential for a ticket. You want to be a safe driver for yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. Here are the top phone settings to use when you are on the road if you want to stay as safe as possible.

• Turn it off – Of course, the best way to avoid distraction is to have your phone off altogether. However, we will consider several other options since this is not always a viable solution. For example, you may need to use your phone as your GPS.
• Manual Do Not Disturb – You can also turn the DND mode on your phone on manually. Make sure that it is set not to alert you for calls or texts. When you arrive at your location or stop for a break, you can check your phone and respond as needed.
• Driving Do Not Disturb – Most phones will allow you to set an automatic DND mode for when you are driving. This mode will alert the person who calls you that you are currently driving and will respond when it is safe to do so.
• Bluetooth – Many cars now allow you to link your phone via Bluetooth, which permits you to perform some functions legally, such as answering calls or having texts read to you.

If You Have Been Injured By a Distracted Driver in San Diego

Petrov Law Firm is here to help car accident victims maximize insurance company settlements. If the other driver was distracted, this gives you valid cause to seek compensation. Call us today at 619.344.0360 to learn more.

Safety Tips to Help You Avoid Drowsy Driving

More people are taking road trips rather than flying to their destination during the pandemic. Driving back and forth on a daily commute can also lead to drowsy driving, especially if you drive off-hours to try and beat the traffic. Here are a few tips to help keep you safe at the wheel.

• Don’t drive during your normal sleep hours – If you stick to a sleep schedule, don’t change it up and get behind the wheel. You’ve trained your body to be asleep during those hours.
• Take needed breaks – If you are driving for longer than two hours or more than 100 miles, schedule breaks.
• Have a second driver – On long trips, it helps to have a second driver who can take over if you get tired.
• Check medication labels – This is especially vital if you are starting a new medication. If the label says that it may cause drowsiness, you need to see how your body responds before you get behind the wheel. Talk to your doctor if you think a prescription medication is making you drowsy during times you have to drive.

What If You Have Been Injured by a Drowsy Driver?

If you have been injured in a car accident by a drowsy driver, or if the other driver is at fault for any other reason, then you deserve compensation. Contact Petrov Law Firm today at 619.344.0360 to get our experienced personal injury attorneys on your side. We have the know-how you want when dealing with an insurance company to get the settlement you deserve.

Most Car Accident Causes Are Avoidable

California is a tort state when it comes to auto accidents. The driver who is at fault for the accident is on the hook for the damages. So avoiding car accidents where the blame is you is a must. Otherwise, your insurance company will have to pay out, and your rates will go up.

Since most car accidents are avoidable, you may be due compensation if the accident was the other driver’s fault. Here are some things that would make it clear that the other driver is to blame for the accident.

• Driving distracted – Whether they were on the phone, eating, reading, or applying makeup, a distracted driver is at fault in most auto accidents.
• Speeding – Car accidents that involve a driver who is speeding often end up doing more damage, both to property and to passengers. There’s no excuse for breaking the speed limit.
• Drunk driving – This one should be obvious. If someone is in a car accident and it turns out they are drunk, the blame is going on them. They should never have been behind the wheel.
• Reckless driving – When you see a car weaving in and out of traffic on the highway, it is best to let them go by. If they cause an accident, they will be to blame, but it’s just better to avoid the accident if possible.

If You Have Been Injured By a Driver in California…

These are just a few of the many behaviors that would make an auto accident a driver’s fault. If you have been injured by a driver involved in such a dangerous activity in southern California, contact Petrov Law Firm in San Diego. Our personal injury lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 619.344.0360 to get started right away.

Pro Tips for Receiving a Fair Car Accident Settlement

In order to optimize the settlement that you receive in the wake of a San Diego car accident injury, you will want the assistance of a California personal injury attorney. Here are a few more tips to ensure that you receive a fair offer from the insurance company.

• Report the accident to the police and get a copy of the police report. Be sure never to admit any amount of liability.
• Document the accident scene if possible. If you can take pictures or even record a video of the scene and the surroundings, this is all helpful. Get pictures of the vehicle positions, damage, street signage, and the like. If any eyewitnesses pulled over, get their names and contact information.
• Don’t wait to see a doctor. Being in shock may cause you not to feel pain or injury. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to connect your injury to the accident.
• Don’t go on the record with either a written or verbal statement. The only person you should be speaking about your accident with is your personal injury attorney. This includes social media! Don’t Tweet or in any other way post information about the accident.
• Keep track of the damages. This includes your medical bills, missed days of work, and any other losses that directly or indirectly relate to the accident and injury.

Call Petrov Law Firm Today to Maximize Your Settlement

Petrov Law Firm in San Diego has the experienced attorneys that you want on your side when dealing with an insurance company. Don’t sign anything before you have the chance to discuss your case. Call 619.344.0360 to get started.

The Most Crucial Information to Share with Your Personal Injury Attorney

A personal injury case involves damages due to negligence or intent of an individual, property owner, dog owner, or the like. You may experience a car accident, a slip and fall, a bite, or some other type of injury that leads to material loss. Here are some crucial pieces of information that your personal injury attorney will need in order to maximize your settlement.

• How it happened – If the injury was your own fault, it is unlikely you are due any compensation. However, if an individual, business, or public entity was responsible, then you should be able to receive compensation.
• Proof of the damages – Did you fill out an accident report, take pictures of the scene, or are there any eyewitnesses to the event? The more evidence you have, the more likely it is that an appropriate settlement can be reached.
• Direct and indirect losses – You can’t sue if you didn’t lose anything. Losses include medical bills, missed days of work, lack of ability to work, emotional turmoil, and the like. Be sure to track all of your medical expenses, regardless of whether something was covered by insurance or not.

Finding the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in San Diego

Petrov Law Firm is here to help you with your California personal injury case. Contact us right away to get your settlement as soon as possible. Just call 619.344.0360 today and schedule a consultation to see if you are eligible to receive compensation.

Common But Dangerous Things People Do While Driving

When we talk about dangerous things that drivers do, we often focus on using smartphones, being too tired, or operating a vehicle under the influence. However, there are many other common things that people do behind the wheel that are also dangerous. Here are a few other things to avoid.

• Speeding – This is at the heart of most car accidents, especially when there is a fatality involved. The faster that vehicles are moving, the more damage that will result from a collision.
• Tailgating – This term means that the driver is too close to the vehicle in front of them. As a result, if the car in front needs to stop short, the tailgating driver is likely to rear-end them. A good rule of thumb is to leave a car length between you and the vehicle in front of you for every 10 miles per hour that you are driving.
• Eating – Keep your hands on the wheel! Eating while driving is distracting, and you simply don’t have time to drop a burger and grab the wheel when a crisis arises.
• Road rage – Driving angry causes people to do dangerous things behind the wheel. A normally safe driver may take reckless risks out of sheer frustration with other drivers. If you can’t get your rage under control, it’s time to pull over and walk it off.

If You Have Been Injured By a Dangerous Driver

Whether the other driver was involved in any of these activities or something else that is dangerous, you may be able to get your losses covered by his or her car insurance. The personal injury attorneys at Petrov Law Firm can help to ensure that the insurance company includes everything that you deserve in the settlement. Call us today at 619.344.0360 to get started.