A multi-car crash occurs when three or more cars collide in a series of accidents, often leading to a “pile-up.” A multi-car accident can be particularly traumatic because of repeated collisions that increase the risk of injury. If you were injured in a multi-car crash caused by someone else’s bad behavior, an accident attorney in El Paso can investigate the case and advise you of your legal rights and options. Types of Multi-Car AccidentsSome common types of multi-car accidents in El Paso, Texas include:
How Fault Is Determined in Multi-Car AccidentsDetermining fault in a multi-car accident is no simple task. There might be multiple at-fault parties, each with their own insurance companies or defense attorneys who will try to shift the blame to others. If you get hurt in a multi-car accident, you need an accident attorney in El Paso to review your case, assess the liability of the parties involved, and seek compensation on your behalf. An injury lawyer in El Paso can start on your case by gathering evidence from the accident scene. Their investigation could include interviews with responding officers, emergency medical personnel, and witnesses. They might also take statements from the other drivers and vehicle passengers. Attorneys also often look at video footage, photos, and crash reports to piece together how the accident occurred. Texas law bars you from recovering compensation for your losses if you are more than 50 percent responsible for an accident. As a result, insurance companies often try to save themselves money by pinning the blame on crash victims. At the Law Offices of Michael Gopin, PLLC, we can stand up to the insurance companies and fight for fair compensation on your behalf. Injured? How Michael Gopin Can Help YouThe El Paso car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael Gopin, PLLC have been helping accident victims in El Paso, Texas for more than 30 years. If you were injured in a multi-car accident due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help you demand the recovery you deserve. Contact us today to get started with your free initial consultation. The post Multi-Car Accident: Fault, Causes & Your Legal Rights appeared first on . via https://www.michaelgopin.com/blog/multi-car-accident-fault-causes-your-legal-rights/
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The amount of money a car accident costs depends on several factors, including the severity of the injuries and property damage involved. There are also costs beyond the more obvious ones for medical treatment and property damage. When accidents occur, and particularly when people are injured or killed, it creates costs like lost workplace productivity, lost household services, legal expenses, and other costs. If you have been hurt in a car accident, turn to the Law Offices of Micahel J. Gopin, PLLC. Our El Paso accident attorneys have more than 30 years of combined experience fighting for the rights of car accident victims. We want to help you pursue the compensation you need for your injuries and losses. Call us today for your free initial case review. Cost of Vehicle Collisions Each YearAccording to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roadway incidents cost Americans $340 billion in one recent year. That’s equivalent to $4,140 for a family of four. However, the number doesn’t account for other costs related to car crashes, such as diminished quality of life and similar losses. Including these factors increases the annual cost to $1.4 trillion. The NHTSA released a report of all factors considered in the study and the costs to Americans each year. They include:
The report also shows the number of traffic-related deaths was lower than the analysis from a decade earlier, a trend that has recently reversed course and reached record highs, according to the NHTSA. Still, the 36,500 fatalities included in the report accounted for $1.6 million in economic costs for each person. Non-Financial Costs of AccidentsUnfortunately, car accidents cause other consequences besides financial strain. Medical bills can be expensive, but an insurance claim can lead to a settlement covering those costs. However, compensating someone for their physical and emotional suffering is challenging. Diminished or lost quality of life, physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other non-economic losses can significantly affect someone after a car crash. Dealing with chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other physical or psychological issues can have long-term consequences. An experienced car accident lawyer can also help fight for fair compensation that covers these non-financial losses. Involved in an Accident? Michael Gopin Can HelpCar accidents are costly in terms of money and the damage they do to people’s lives. Many accidents are preventable, but other drivers may act carelessly and wreck into you. If you have been hurt in a collision, a car crash attorney from the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC can help pursue the compensation you deserve. Call or contact us online for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer in El Paso if you sustained injuries in a car crash due to someone else’s negligence. The post How Much Do Vehicle Crashes Cost Americans Every Year? appeared first on . via https://www.michaelgopin.com/blog/how-much-do-vehicle-crashes-cost-americans-every-year/ The publication Get Circuit recently conducted a Twitter survey in search of the cities that tweeted the most about road rage. The results are in, and the findings are alarming for those in The Lone Star State. Road Rage StatisticsHere are some concerning statistics about road rage:
How Do We Define Road Rage?The NHTSA defines aggressive driving as operating a motor vehicle in a way that endangers or is likely to endanger others or property. Road rage occurs when drivers behave in more extreme ways on the aggressive driving spectrum and are typically considered criminal offense. Aggressive driving or road rage behaviors may include:
Locations Where Road Rage is Most CommonThe Get Circuit survey searched for cities with the most posts referencing #roadrage. According to the survey, the top 20 cities with the most #roadrage tweets per 100,000 people were:
Alarmingly, some of the cities where road rage was most often tweeted about were in states with more lax gun laws. The survey revealed:
It is not difficult to imagine a situation involving an angry driver and weapons easily escalating into a dangerous encounter that results in death or serious injury. Injured in a Road Rage Accident? Michael Gopin Can HelpIf you were injured in a road rage accident in El Paso or surrounding areas, a car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Michael Gopin, PLLC can help. We have been advocating for the rights of accident victims since 1987. Contact us today for a free case review. The post Survey Reveals the Cities that Tweet About Road Rage the Most appeared first on . via https://www.michaelgopin.com/blog/survey-reveals-the-cities-that-tweet-about-road-rage-the-most/ Although Texas is notorious for having some of the hottest summers in the country, extreme weather can wreak havoc in the winter, too. The combination of cold temperatures and unpredictable precipitation can create dangerous driving conditions for motorists on Texas highways in the wintertime. Here are some tips on protecting yourself and your vehicle this season. Why Does This Season Present Dangers on the Roads?Winter weather can create driving hazards like low visibility, high winds, and sudden temperature fluctuations. The following data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) and the Texas Department of Insurance illustrate how dangerous this weather can be:
What to Look Out ForIf you’re commuting to work, visiting loved ones for the holidays, or going on a road-trip vacation this winter, keep the following safe driving tips in mind:
Remember to Keep These Items in Your VehicleYou can prepare yourself for possible emergencies on the road this winter by keeping the following in your vehicle:
If an Accident Happens, Remember To…If you get hurt in a Texas car accident this winter, remember to take the following steps to protect yourself and your legal rights:
Why Legal Representation MattersThe best way to pursue the financial relief you deserve in the aftermath of a car accident is with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC to learn about your legal options during a free case review. The post Safe Driving Tips for Texas Highways This Season appeared first on . via https://www.michaelgopin.com/blog/safe-driving-tips-for-texas-highways-this-season/ The Partnership for Analytics Research in Traffic Safety (PARTS) recently launched a collaborative study regarding the effectiveness of automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems. AEB already held promise as a premier safety feature among techies, but no formal automatic braking study had tested the system’s real-world benefits. Were vehicles equipped with AEB and front collision warning (FCW) safer than those without these technologies? If so, by how much? El Paso car accident lawyer Michael Gopin answers those questions in detail.
Results from Automatic Braking Analyses The automatic braking study showed that passenger vehicles with driver assistance programs like AEB and FCW decreased rear-end collisions by about 50 percent. Separated by crash type, these are the averages in crash reduction linked to AEB:
AEB was more effective than FCW in preventing rear-end collisions. Compared to the 53 percent decrease in crash injuries for cars with AEB, vehicles with FCW saw only a 16 percent overall reduction and a 19 percent decrease in injury-causing collisions.
Automatic Emergency Braking in Pickup Trucks El Paso drivers may be surprised to learn that pickup trucks make up only 20 percent of vehicles on the road nationwide. They are far less likely to be equipped with the latest driver assistance technology. However, those with AEB saw a similar 43 percent reduction in overall crashes and a 42 percent drop in accident-related injuries, according to research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. As a lawyer in El Paso with over 30 years of experience, Michael Gopin maintains that even trucks equipped with AEB can get in collisions. Automated driving assistance cannot overcome the effects of human negligence.
The Science Behind AEB Studies The 2022 comprehensive AEB study used data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and reports from U.S. automakers represented by the Partnership for Analytics Research in Traffic Safety (PARTS). The AEB study involved:
The study analyzed over 2.4 million vehicles involved in crashes, including compact, midsize, and SUVs. In all vehicles, AEB stood out as a useful feature that helped drivers avoid collisions, especially in less-than-ideal driving conditions caused by bad weather, poor lighting, or uneven roads. The issue now is whether other vehicles should adopt AEB as a standard safety feature.
How Michael Gopin Can HelpEl Paso car accident lawyer Michael Gopin keeps up with these studies because they affect the safety of the roads we all share. Since 1987, the experienced accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael Gopin, PLLC have maintained their community focus on recovering fair financial compensation for injured victims. If you were hurt in a collision caused by a negligent driver, contact our office today for a free case evaluation. The post Automatic Emergency Braking Drastically Reduces Rear-End Crashes, Studies Show appeared first on . via https://www.michaelgopin.com/blog/automatic-emergency-braking-drastically-reduces-rear-end-crashes-studies-show/ Tailgating causes accidents, many of which could be avoided if drivers simply kept enough distance between their vehicle and the one in front of them. Tailgating is following another vehicle too closely and is dangerous because it can result in rear-end collisions or lead to road rage. Some drivers tailgate because they become frustrated when a car in front of them moves too slowly or cuts them off, or because they are texting, eating, or otherwise distracted. Here, the team at the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC explains the tailgating laws in Texas and what you should do if another driver follows you too closely. Is Tailgating Illegal in Texas?Under Transportation Code §545.062, drivers must maintain a clear distance from the vehicle ahead to stop safely without colliding with it or another vehicle. Failing to maintain a safe following distance constitutes a Class C misdemeanor and carries a penalty of a fine of up to $500. Tailgating Accident StatisticsTailgating car accidents are common throughout the United States. But how many accidents are caused by tailgating? According to the Texas Department of Insurance, rear-end accidents (many of which are caused by tailgating) account for nearly one-quarter of all auto accidents nationwide. These wrecks lead to an estimated 950,000 injuries and 2,000 deaths each year. Why Tailgating Leads to Car AccidentsSome drivers may think tailgating is harmless, but they do not understand the real dangers of tailgating. Tailgating often leads to accidents because a driver following too closely does not have enough distance to safely stop if traffic ahead suddenly comes to a halt. Furthermore, some drivers do not realize that stopping distance is proportional to the size and weight of a vehicle. For instance, trucks need more stopping distance than passenger cars. Tailgating can also impair a driver’s perception and reaction time. For example, a driver following too closely may not have time to see a hazard on the road ahead, nor will they have time to physically react to that hazard to avoid a collision. What You Should Do If Someone Is Tailgating YouIf someone is tailgating you, remain calm and remember the following tips to keep yourself and other road users safe:
Contact a Car Accident Attorney for HelpIf you’ve been involved in an accident caused by a tailgating driver, contact the car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC today. We can answer your questions and explain your legal options during a free consultation. The post Tailgating Is Illegal and Dangerous appeared first on . via https://www.michaelgopin.com/blog/tailgating-is-illegal-and-dangerous/ As a leading personal injury law firm, one of the most common questions the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC receives is, “What is my case worth?” However, this is not a simple question to answer because every claim is different. Determining the exact amount of compensation for which you may be eligible can be difficult. An attorney can explain how to calculate personal injury damages and the factors that may affect the value of your claim. How Are Personal Injury Claims Calculated?This is generally how personal injury compensation is calculated: Add all of your damages together. This may include:
Subtract amounts that you have already received for the claim and any damages you were responsible for. The difference between these two figures is roughly the amount of personal injury compensation you could receive. Factors in Determining CompensationsMany factors can make your claim more or less valuable, including: The Severity of Your InjuryGenerally, the more severe your injury is, the more valuable your claim will be. This is because you are more likely to incur more expensive medical expenses, more extensive pain and suffering, and more lost wages. Lost WagesLost wages include pay you lost if you were unable to work because of your injuries, including:
Incurred Medical BillsYour compensation should include the costs you incurred for medical treatment related to your injuries. Medical expenses you may have incurred include:
In addition to those expenses you already incurred, anticipated medical expenses you might incur in the future should also be considered. Shared DamagesTexas uses a modified comparative negligence system if you contributed to the accident. This means that as long as you were less than 50 percent at fault for the accident, you can still seek compensation for your injuries. However, your accident injury compensation is reduced by your degree of fault. For example, if you were hurt in an accident and suffered $100,000 in damages but were found 25 percent at fault, your damages would be reduced by $25,000. Steps Used to Calculate CompensationThe following steps are involved in your injury claim calculation:
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney for HelpIf you would like a personalized estimate of your claim’s value, the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC can help. We have been in business since 1987. We can help you understand how Texas law applies to your case and the factors that can affect its value. Contact us today for a free case review.
The post How to Calculate Personal Injury Compensation appeared first on . via https://www.michaelgopin.com/blog/how-to-calculate-personal-injury-compensation/ Fall in El Paso marks the return of Miners football, the end of scorching summer heat, and the coming holiday season. While there is a lot to celebrate this time of year, changing weather and seasonal chores can present opportunities for dangerous accidents. Failing to take precautions could spoil the fall fun you and your family have planned. The legal team at the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC, wants to ensure you and your loved ones have a happy and safe fall. Below, you will find tips on avoiding hazards on the road and around the house this season. Driving SafetyRemember these safety tips while driving around El Paso:
Home SafetyHere are a few tips for maintaining your home and protecting your family in the fall:
Fire SafetyFollowing these safety tips can help you prevent fires this fall:
For All Personal Injury Cases, Call the Law Offices of Michael Gopin TodayNo matter how careful you are, accidents still happen. If you’ve been hurt and someone else is to blame, contact the El Paso injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC for a free consultation. The post Safety Tips for the Fall Season appeared first on . via https://www.michaelgopin.com/blog/safety-tips-for-the-fall-season/ Traffic deaths have soared in the United States in recent years, prompting the nation’s auto safety agency to take measures to discourage motorists from speeding. Steven Cliff, who runs the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), recently announced to Reuters the creation of a “speed campaign” highlighting how speeding is just as harmful as other unsafe driving behaviors, such as drunk driving. Data from the NHTSA indicate that the average speed of motorists in the U.S. has increased and that more motorists are driving carelessly. In one recent year, 42,915 people were killed in U.S. traffic accidents, the highest annual rate in nearly 20 years. The legal team at the Law Offices of Michael Gopin, PLLC discusses recent crash data, the latest speeding regulations, and what you can do if you were injured in a car accident caused by a speeding driver. Recent Accident StatisticsThe following speed-related crash statistics from the NHTSA and the National Safety Council (NSC) illustrate how common and deadly speeding is on American roads:
New Speeding RegulationsThe head of the NHTSA says the agency is working hard to develop and implement new anti-speeding regulations nationwide. Since 2021, the NHTSA has reportedly finalized 16 new speeding laws and begun work on 25 more. Notably, many new rules are “related to automation” because more automakers are releasing vehicles with varying degrees of autonomous-driving capabilities. Injured in a Car Accident? Car Accident Lawyer Michael Gopin Can HelpIf you have been injured in a collision caused by a speeding driver, contact the El Paso accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael Gopin, PLLC. Our experienced legal team has advocated for the rights of injury victims in El Paso, TX for a quarter-century. We pride ourselves on providing compassionate legal representation to all our clients and aggressively pursuing full compensation for their injuries and other losses. Contact our firm today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and learn how we can help. The post New Push Against Speeding from NHTSA appeared first on . via https://www.michaelgopin.com/blog/new-push-against-speeding-from-nhtsa/ From Facebook to TikTok and from Reddit to Twitter, it seems there are no escaping social media. Social media is everywhere, and chances are you use at least one, if not multiple, platforms. But did you know that social media usage can impact your personal injury claim? It’s true, and it costs many accident victims the money they deserve. The El Paso personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC want you to know how social media can affect your personal injury case and your ability to get the money you need from the party that hurt you. Contact us today if you need help getting compensation after an accident that wasn’t your fault. How Social Media Can Negatively Affect Your Personal Injury CaseWhether you are negotiating with an insurer or taking a case to court, there is one universal truth you should remember: no one wants to part with their money. Insurers and opposing attorneys will go to great lengths to protect themselves and their clients from a settlement or judgment that could cost them. Weakening your case is an effective strategy to this end, and all it might take to jeopardize your claim is an internet search. No matter how innocent you believe your words are, they can be twisted and used against you. Talking about the accident online can reveal contradictions in your account of the accident. Photos of you enjoying life could undercut your claims of being too hurt to work. Some of the ways that social media can negatively impact your personal injury claim include:
Even if the information is taken out of context, it might be compelling to an insurance company, judge, or jury. Inconsistent Information Shared on Social MediaAfter a traumatic event, it is natural to want to share your experience with your friends and family, cope with the events, and get support from your loved ones. However, posting information about an accident online is extremely risky. What if you mention something on social media that you forgot to include in your official statement? You may call it an innocent mistake. An attorney or insurer could call it fraud. Differing accounts or inconsistent statements about how an accident happened are one of the leading ways social media can jeopardize a personal injury case. Tips for Social Media Usage While Your Case is PendingBefore you post anything online, consider these social media usage tips:
The best advice is to stay off social media. It may be appropriate to deactivate all your social media accounts and then reactive those accounts when your case is finalized. For All Personal Injury Cases, Call the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin TodayBefore you turn to social media after an accident, turn to a personal injury lawyer in El Paso who knows how to pursue the full compensation you deserve. Contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC. We offer free consultations to all prospective clients and look forward to learning more about your situation and how we can help. The post How Social Media Can Affect Your Personal Injury Case appeared first on . via https://www.michaelgopin.com/blog/how-social-media-can-affect-your-personal-injury-case/ |
AuthorExperienced El Paso Personal Injury Lawyers For a quarter of a century, people in El Paso have known the name Michael J. Gopin. ... And if you've been hurt in an accident, attorney Gopin is ready to go to work and help you demand justice. FIND US ONLINE Box Diigo DropBox Evernote Postach.io Flickr Instapaper Nimbus OneDrive OneNote Quip Toodledo Trello Tumblr Weebly Wordpress Blogger Google Drive Youtube GMB Search Related Links About.me Behance.net Brandyourself.com Followus.com Gravatar Ello.co Compiled.social Sleek.Page Contactup.io Scoop.it Dribble.com Medotcom.com Local Citations yelp.com bbb.org texasbar.com avvo.com expertise.com yellowpages.com lawyers.justia.com ArchivesNo Archives Categories |