The Dangers of Oil Spills

Oil Spills

Oil spills are an unfortunate event that many people will have to deal with at some point in their lives. When oil spills occur they can leave behind not only scars and blemishes on an area, but also widespread destruction. This destruction can result in years of harmful effects on the environment like forests and waterways. Even small oil spills can lead to devastation if they occur in certain areas. Slip and fall injuries or chemical burns could be something that a person may receive from an oil spill. This is why it is critical to have these spills cleaned up quickly, properly, and securely. Let’s continue to look at other damages and dangers from oil spills. 

The Damages They Leave Behind

As previously stated, an oil spill can lead to stains on roadways, pavement, sidewalks, and driveways. It’s important to find out the correct way to clean those stains off. An experienced oil spill cleanup team will know how to deal with those types of scars. Other damages that can be caused by an oil spill are damages to the environment. If an oil spill occurs in a forest due to a faulty pipeline this can drastically hurt the animal life and plant growth in the area. Oil spills have already led to some areas around the world being somewhat uninhabitable with animal and plant populations being significantly reduced. When an oil spill happens in a waterway this can also cause a lot of problems. Fish life and the underwater ecosystem can be harmed leading to a great reduction in the amount of fish and underwater plant life in the affected area. Another thing to consider is when an oil spill happens in a large lake or ocean. That oil can wash up on beaches hurting those areas aesthetically and harming the plant and animal life there too. It can also see property values nearby being significantly reduced from the damages.

Who Can Clean Up an Oil Spill?

If you or someone you know have encountered or indirectly or directly caused an oil spill, then it’s important to know that there are professionals who can clean up these kinds of messes. Consider reaching out to an oil spill cleanup team from a company like Nielsen Environmental to assist with cleanup. These types of companies have professionals with years of experience, knowledge, and skill to get these types of harmful messes cleaned up.

Truck accidents can happen when you least expect them to. They usually are more damaging than car accidents because of the size and scale of the truck. To avoid a collision, you should remember defensive driving tactics and keep in mind things you should do to stay safe. You should stay vigilant on the road because no matter how safe you may try to be, you can’t count on other drivers to practice the best driving behaviors. As a truck accident lawyer in Houston, TX knows, like one from John K. Zaid & Associates, doing your part can help you avoid suffering the worst of injuries. Be aware of these important tips that can keep you safe. 

Get Enough Sleep and Rest 

Truck drivers must arrive at their destination on time, but with so many miles to cover, the pressure can be too much. Sometimes carriers pressure their drivers to continue their journey despite a lack of sleep. This is highly dangerous however because it makes truck drivers vulnerable to fatigue and exhaustion. Make sure to get enough sleep before you drive a vehicle and stop at the side of the road to rest whenever you’re feeling tired. 

Make Sure the Truck is Road-Safe

One of the top causes of truck accidents is related to some kind of maintenance issue. Accidents caused by things like brake failure and blown-out tires can be prevented with routine maintenance checks and inspections. Before you operate a truck, make sure the truck has been thoroughly inspected for cracks, low tire pressure, engine problems, and other issues to ensure that your truck is in prime condition.  

Stay Out of Blind Spots

Trucks are much larger than other vehicles like motorcycles and sedans, so other drivers must be attentive whenever they are around trucks. Truck drivers have a limited field of vision because of their large blind spots. Don’t stay in a truck’s blind spots for too long because it will prevent them from moving where they need to. 

Drive at a Safe Speed and Distance 

When drivers are driving too fast or too close to a truck, it can increase the likelihood of a collision. If you are a truck driver when you are going on a downgrade be mindful of where the runaway truck ramps are so you can use them in case your brakes fail. If you are driving a car near a truck, keep a safe distance and drive slowly. 

If you have been injured in a truck accident, discuss your case with a truck accident lawyer to see if you are eligible to receive compensation. 

If you have suffered dental injury as a result of another person’s negligent act, there are some things you should know. Dental injuries come with varying degrees of severity. The treatment also varies significantly depending on the type of damage. Some chips and cracks to the outer layer do not need immediate treatment. However, if the damage is such that it permeates the inner layer of the tooth and/or the roots or multiple teeth have shifted, the treatment will likely be quite extensive and may take years to complete. The bills have a way of adding up and you may be left wondering who is responsible for paying off the medical debt. While many dental injuries call for a trip to the dentist’s office to fix, the more complicated cases may require an orthodontist. In many cases, the two doctors will work together to provide the best-individualized treatment plan. The following information will explore some common issues surrounding dental injuries.

Common dental injury after a traumatic event

• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth can vary in severity. The teeth have three layers- enamel, dentin, and pulp in the center. The more severe the injury, the more extensive and costly the treatment might be. This type of injury is usually treated by a dentist.
• Luxated teeth refer to teeth that have become loose in the socket. The tooth or teeth will need to be stabilized in order to heal. In the case of multiple luxated teeth, orthodontic intervention may be in order. The orthodontist may decide to stabilize the teeth with a splint. In some cases, a root canal is also necessary.
• Avulsed teeth refer to teeth that have been completely knocked out of the socket. If the individual handles the tooth carefully and gets to a medical professional within a few hours, the tooth may be saved. Once it has been returned to the socket in the correct orientation, a splint and/or root canal may be necessary.
• Jaw damage often occurs when the jaw comes in contact with a hard object and/or during whiplash. As a result of such trauma, the jaw may become misaligned. If it is not fixed, usually by an orthodontist, misalignment can cause long-term issues such as irregular wear of the teeth and TMJ syndrome.

Orthodontist’s part in the claim

One of the most important steps that you can take for your health and your claim is to seek medical attention immediately. You should be upfront with the medical professionals regarding the circumstances around your injury so they can provide you with necessary documents as you go through treatment. X-rays and any other diagnostic tools the doctor uses to diagnose the extent of damage will be important to include in your claim. You will also want to document the orthodontist’s plan for treatment and associated costs.  

What a personal injury attorney can do for your claim

It can be complicated and time-consuming to pursue a personal injury claim. You are not only responsible for proving negligence but you are up against insurance companies with multiple, experienced attorneys. You are much more likely to receive appropriate compensation if you have your own personal injury lawyer like one from John K. Zaid & Associates guiding you along the way.

It happens to nearly everyone at some point. You’re sitting at a red light and someone stops a little too slowly, bumping into the back of your car and jolting you forward. Even if you don’t notice significant damage or feel any signs of whiplash, it’s important to call your insurance company after an auto accident.

You Probably Agreed To Do So

Nearly every auto insurance policy you can purchase requires you to report any accident you have, regardless of how minor. If you don’t report an auto accident, you will likely be in violation of your contract. If your insurance company learns of the violation, it could charge you high penalty fees or drop you from the policy and deny providing you coverage in the future.

There May Be Damages or Injuries You Can’t See

Depending on the type of accident, you may not see damages or experience injuries right away. A fender bender may look like it’s only a few hundred dollars in damage, but if your car has parts that are harder to get, or if there is damage you can’t see under the bumper, you could be looking at thousands of dollars. Additionally, the adrenaline you feel pumping after an accident can sometimes make you feel as if you aren’t hurt when you are. You may find you have neck pain, back problems, or worse days or even weeks after your accident. Many times, police won’t respond to fender bender accidents. If you don’t report it to your insurance and need to file a claim down the line, the other driver could say the accident never happened. 

The Other Driver May File a Claim

Even if you don’t think there’s a reason to file a claim, the other driver may disagree and file a claim with his or her insurance company. Even worse, he or she may not have coverage at all. If you don’t file a claim and you find out that you have an expensive repair, you won’t have the help you need to cover it. If you have underinsured auto coverage (you should!) and contact your agency immediately, you’ll have the coverage you need if repairs cost more than you expect.  

Calling Your Insurance Company Is Not the Same as Filing a Claim

If you’re worried about calling your insurance company because of an increased premium, you can breathe easier. Reporting an accident is not the same as filing a claim on one, as a car accident lawyer like one from John K. Zaid & Associates can explain. Simply reporting one won’t raise your insurance premium but still gives you necessary protection in case something related to the accident occurs in the coming weeks that requires an official claim to be filed. 

Filing a claim is also important in case you end up in court due to the other driver deciding to sue for some reason. If you find yourself with a court date, contact a reputable car accident lawyer in your area as soon as possible.

If you have been injured as a victim of a truck accident, you may be able to file a claim and take legal action against the responsible party. As a Houston, TX-based truck accident lawyer like one from John K. Zaid & Associates can tell you, there are several parties that you may be able to sue if you are a victim of a truck accident. A lawyer can evaluate your case and determine which party or parties can be held liable. Truck accidents can involve quite a few parties, since there are often many people who are employed by the trucking company. Below are some parties who can be held liable in a truck accident. 

Trucking Company

The trucking company that owns the truck and employs the driver and other staff members can be held liable. The company is responsible for ensuring that the truck drivers are fully trained and that the truck is in good condition so that it can be safely driven on the road. If the company hired an inexperienced driver or failed to provide sufficient training, they can be charged. 

Truck Driver

The driver of a truck can be held liable if they caused the accident because of negligence or reckless driving. Speeding, failing to obey traffic signs, distracted driving, and driving while impaired are common violations that truck drivers commit while on the road. They are also responsible for ensuring their cargo is secured properly so that the truck is not overloaded. 

Truck Manufacturer

Design flaws or defective parts can cause sudden catastrophic truck accidents. Victims can sue to bring a claim against the truck manufacturer if the accident happened due to parts that are found to be faulty. They can file a product defect claim if the parts were flawed. 

Government

Sometimes the quality and condition of the road itself can result in a truck accident. If the local government failed to properly repair a broken section of a street or freeway, they can be held liable. In such cases, their failure to ensure the safety of the road led to the creation of the hazard, resulting in an accident. 

A lawyer offers a variety of legal services so that you can file a successful truck accident claim. If you want to be awarded the highest possible compensation amount, working with a lawyer can boost your chances of obtaining the most positive outcome. Having the right truck accident lawyer who has the skills and experience to handle your case can mean the difference between a low and optimal settlement, so contact one now.

When you are the victim of a personal injury accident, you should take the time to explore your legal options because you may be entitled to a large amount of compensation. If you have extensive damages that you are struggling to cover the cost of, obtaining a settlement may be possible so you can get relief. You should find out if you are eligible to file a claim, but you have to do it soon because there is limited time. With the personalized help from a personal injury lawyer in Houston, TX like one from John K. Zaid & Associates, you don’t have to go through the complicated process alone. They can assist you with every aspect of your personal injury claim. Know these things that you should do in order to maximize your monetary compensation. 

Obtain the Police Report 

When you get into an accident such as a car accident or construction accident, make sure to call the police right away if you are able to. Your account will be on the record, and the police can conduct their own investigation of how their accident occurred. A few days after your accident you can pick up a copy of the police report, and it will contain details such as the parties involved and how the accident occurred. 

Keep Your Medical Records

Getting medical treatment immediately following your personal injury accident is critical. This applies no matter how minor your injury is. A doctor’s report is one of the most important pieces of a personal injury case, so it’s better if you are able to provide it to a lawyer so that they can assess your damages. Having detailed medical records is useful in case the insurance company does not accept your account and does not believe that you were truly injured due to your accident. 

Don’t Make Crucial Mistakes

Even if you have strong and compelling evidence that you are not at fault in the accident, it is easy to slip up after the accident and make basic mistakes. These errors can cost you your case, so be aware of what not to do. Talking about your case with other people, making false or misleading statements about your case, and not going to the doctor right away after your accident are all ways you can damage the strength of your case. 

In addition to these things, working with a lawyer can greatly increase your chances of obtaining more compensation. Hire a qualified personal injury lawyer if you need more in-depth legal assistance with your claim. 

Statute of limitations laws are rules that outline how long a person has to file a lawsuit after an incident. In personal injury cases, such as car accidents, the statute of limitations varies by state. You may have two years to file your lawsuit or you may have five. It’s important to speak to a car accident lawyer after your accident to take the right steps to preserve evidence and to protect your rights to understand the statute of limitations in your state.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations can be complex because the law does allow for some exceptions. In some cases, the statute of limitations can be shortened. When a car accident involves a government entity, you may have only 60 days to bring a claim to the organization. If you’ve been injured, you don’t want to wait to speak to an attorney and to start the process.

In some cases, the statute of limitations can be extended. If a person is on active duty in the military, they may have more time to bring a case. When a case involves a minor who is injured, the statute of limitations may not start until the person turns 18 years old. In medical malpractice lawsuits, there is a concept called the discovery rule. This means that the statute of limitations may not start until the malpractice was discovered. In-car accident cases, it’s referred to as equitable tolling. It’s far less common in car accident cases, but if the statute of limitations runs out before you actually discover the cause of action, you may get more time to bring a lawsuit.  

Dram shop laws let you bring a lawsuit against a drinking establishment that lets patrons drive home under the influence. If you think this applies to your case, you may have a very brief window of time, maybe 60 days, before the statute of limitations bars you from bringing a lawsuit against a business. You don’t want to miss the deadline without examining your options.

You may even be able to negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company with the help of a car accident lawyer such as one from John K. Zaid & Associates to waive the statute of limitations.

How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help You?

The statute of limitations rules are complex and specific to your state. When you talk to a car accident lawyer, you get information that helps you make decisions about your case. Make an appointment with a car accident attorney who can help you protect your rights.

For many people, driving is a stressful thing. You never know when an accident might occur, no matter how careful you are. If you were involved in a truck accident, car repairs and medical bills may be a concern. If you are unsure of how to cover the costs of these things, you may need legal help. There are truck accident lawyers like those from John K. Zaid & Associates who can help you get the financial help that you need and deserve. Consider these three things to do after a trucking accident.

Contact the Police

To have your case stand up in court, you will need evidence of what occurred. A police report is some of the most substantial evidence that you can have. Many times, the other driver involved may tell you that you can handle things between yourselves. This is to avoid getting a police report and dealing with insurance. Do not fall for this trap. Instead, insist on getting a police report so that you will be able to get the help you need.

Seek Medical Attention

Being in any type of accident is scary, but it is especially so when it is a trucking accident. Your priority should be seeking medical care for yourself and others involved in the incident. Now is not the time to worry about medical expenses. You must get the necessary treatment to determine if you sustained any injuries in the accident. Many times, you can negotiate with the hospital about paying your bills. So, focus on following your doctor’s recommendations.

Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer

If your insurance refuses to pay your claim or you are drowning in hospital bills, consider contacting a truck accident lawyer. He or she can help you fight for the compensation that you need. Look for someone who has ample experience in this area. He or she can help you determine how long the legal proceedings might last and what you should do in the meantime. Be sure to supply him or her with all medical and police report documents that you have related to the case.

Being a safe driver is not always enough. There are others on the road that you have to look out for, and they are often not as careful as you. If you have been the victim of this type of accident, contact an attorney who can help you. This way, you will be able to pay your medical bills and have your vehicle repaired or replaced.

Knowing what to do after an accident can be an overwhelming and stressful experience, especially when you are unsure of how you can pay for your expenses. You may feel like your life is in limbo. With the help of a personal injury lawyer who serves the Houston, TX community, such as one from John K. Zaid & Associates, you can have the legal support you need. However, it can be hard to find the right lawyer who will work in your interest, so keep these tips in mind. 

Experience

A personal injury lawyer that you can count on should have a large amount of experience that is appropriate for your case. You don’t want to work with a lawyer who has limited knowledge of the law or has only worked with a few clients. When you are finding the right lawyer, narrow your search to legal professionals who have had a record of success and extensive experience. 

Case History

The case history that a lawyer has can inform you about their specialties and how well equipped they are to take care of your case. Look into the personal injury lawyer’s practice areas and review what cases they have worked on. Hire a lawyer who has helped clients with similar case details to yours.

Communication 

Like with any professional that you trust to provide you services, you want a lawyer who has strong communication skills. Not only should they be able to effectively demonstrate that they can present a strong case argument for you, but they should be communicative when they are giving you updates about your case. You don’t want to work with someone who always changes their schedule, or fails to give you important information that you need to know, such as your legal rights or when you need to show up for meetings. 

Organization 

When you are trying to decide which lawyer to hire, pay attention to how organized they are. Is their office today? Do they keep their files stored and secure? It can be a small detail to overlook, but you want to make sure that whatever lawyer that you hire can quickly access your case information. The last thing you want is for your lawyer to misplace your files, or carelessly store your confidential information. 

You want to work with a lawyer with certain qualifications and characteristics, one who you can trust to accomplish the results you are seeking. To see what a personal injury lawyer has to offer you, schedule a consultation today to get started.

Many people suffer serious injuries or lose their lives after being victims of car accidents. 

When you need legal assistance from a car accident lawyer so that you can recover the losses that you have endured, you can rely on a car accident lawyer from John K. Zaid & Associates. They understand the unique needs of car accident victims and are committed to providing their services. Unfortunately, many car accidents happen due to driver error. Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents that a lawyer often sees when they work on accident cases. 

Drunk Driving

Each year, many fatalities occur because of driving under the influence offenses. It is illegal to drink and drive, even if a victim feels “buzzed” and their blood alcohol content (BAC) is not recorded as above the legal limit. It doesn’t take much alcohol to affect a driver’s senses. Drinking clouds a driver’s ability to react to hazards, judge distance, and safely control their vehicle, so drinking any amount of alcohol is risky. Drivers are responsible for sobering up before they get behind the wheel or finding a ride to their destination. 

Distractions

From text notifications and disruptive passengers, there are many kinds of distractions that can interfere with a driver’s focus on the road. When you are operating a vehicle, you need to keep your attention on your surroundings. Some drivers willingly get distracted by texting and driving because they think they can keep enough attention on their driving. However, being distracted at the wrong time can still result in a catastrophic accident.

Reckless Driving

In legal terms, reckless driving refers to a wanton or willful disregard of the consequences of dangerously driving a vehicle, putting the lives of individuals at risk. Examples of reckless driving include violations such as speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, and street racing. Reckless driving is a serious charge, and can result in penalties such as jail time and the loss of your driver’s license. 

Understanding the causes of car accidents can help you be better prepared the next time you drive a vehicle. Being mindful of your own driving habits can help you avoid the worst of injuries. If you are seeking quality legal representation after being a car accident victim, talk to a lawyer who can help you maximize your settlement amount. When you are an accident victim, you should not be left to deal with the aftermath alone. Call a trusted car accident lawyer now for help with your claim.