Car Accident

Many people mistakenly believe their insurance company should be the first point of contact after an accident. While car insurance is crucial for protection, it is important to remember that they may not always prioritize your best interests. Before speaking with any insurance company, reach out to Fielding Law. Our team can help you navigate the complexities of dealing with insurance companies, ensuring you receive the support and compensation you deserve.  

Understand Your Coverage  

It is important to familiarize yourself with the type of coverage your vehicle has to understand how you are protected.  

Liability Coverage  

This is the minimum amount of coverage required by law. Liability insurance does not cover your own damages and injuries, but it helps pay for damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident. 

MedPay Coverage 

Optional coverage that can be added to an auto insurance policy. It covers medical expenses for you and your passengers if injured in a car accident, regardless of who is at fault.  

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage  

If you are hit by a driver without car insurance, uninsured motorist coverage can help pay for your medical bills and repairs to your vehicle. If the driver who hits you has insufficient insurance to cover all your medical expenses, underinsured motorist coverage can help. 

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) 

Known as ‘no-fault insurance,’ it covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, along with other costs incurred after an accident. 

The Role of the Opposing Adjuster  

The opposing adjuster’s job is to deny or minimize liability for the person at fault in an accident. They aim to reduce the amount paid out in claims, often challenging the extent of damages and injuries. This is where your attorney steps in, advocating for you to make sure you receive fair compensation for your losses. 

Mistakes to Avoid When Talking to Insurance 

Limit Conversations: Let your attorney handle all communication. Never discuss the accident, admit fault, or talk about injuries with the other party’s car insurance company. 

Stay Off Social Media: Avoid oversharing details online that could jeopardize your case. 

Be Aware of Insurance Investigations: The other party’s adjusters will conduct their own investigations to downplay the extent of your injuries. They may hire a private investigator to watch your interactions. 

Do Not Accept the Initial Settlement Offer: Allow your attorney to negotiate a higher settlement. Insurance will always initially offer you less than what you deserve. 

How Fielding Law Can Help? 

You can trust our team at Fielding Law to have your best interest in mind and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our mission is to take the weight of legal complexities off your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery. Call us at 833.88.SHARK for a free legal consultation, available 24/7.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

Jeeps are popular for their rugged design and off-road capabilities. Many owners enjoy the freedom of driving their Jeeps with the doors off, especially in sunny California and Arizona. But is it legal to drive a Jeep without doors in both states? Let us explore the laws and safety considerations to ensure you stay compliant and safe on the road.

If you are injured in an accident while driving a Jeep with the doors off, it could potentially impact your case. Insurance companies and legal entities may consider various factors, including the safety measures taken and adherence to state laws. While you can drive a Jeep without doors on is generally legal in California and Arizona, failure to comply with safety regulations could be used against you in a legal proceeding.

Mirrors:

• • California and Arizona laws require vehicles to have at least one rearview mirror.
  • Ensure your Jeep has functional side mirrors if you remove the doors, as the factory mirrors are often attached to the doors themselves.

Safety:

• • Driving without doors can be risky. Always wear your seatbelt and ensure all passengers do the same.
  • Consider adding aftermarket mirrors and safety features to enhance visibility and protection.

Risks of Driving with Doors Off:

Limited Protection: Without doors, occupants have reduced protection in case of a collision or rollover. Doors provide structural integrity and act as a barrier in accidents.

Ejection Risk: In the event of a sudden impact or rollover, occupants without doors are at a higher risk of ejection from the vehicle, leading to serious injuries.

Exposure to Elements: Doorless Jeeps expose occupants to the elements, such as rain, wind, and debris, which can pose safety hazards, especially at high speeds.

Safety Features to Consider for Doorless Jeeps:

Aftermarket Roll Bars: Installing roll bars can enhance structural stability and provide additional protection in case of a rollover accident.

Harness Seat Belts: Upgrading to harness-style seat belts can offer better restraint and protection for occupants when driving without doors.

Side Mirrors: Adding additional side mirrors or extended mirrors can improve visibility, compensating for the loss of factory mirrors attached to the doors.

Vehicle Stability Control: Some modern Jeeps come equipped with stability control systems that can help maintain control and stability, especially in challenging driving conditions.

Why Hire Fielding Law?

At Fielding Law, our dedicated team is committed to helping you navigate any legal challenges that may arise during your Jeep adventures. We provide expert legal advice and support to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 833.88.SHARK for a free 24/7 legal consultation. We are here to assist Jeep owners after an accident with any legal questions or concerns.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

Car modifications can enhance performance and personalize your vehicle, but they also raise questions about insurance coverage. If you have modified your car in California, it is crucial to understand how these changes impact your insurance policy. Learn the essentials of modified car insurance coverage and what you need to ensure your modifications are covered.

Understanding Modified Car Insurance Coverage:

What Are Car Modifications?

• • Modifications include any changes from the manufacturer’s original specifications.
  • Common modifications: upgraded sound systems, custom paint, performance enhancements, and more.

Does Standard Insurance Cover Modifications?

• • Most standard policies do not cover modifications automatically.
  • You need to inform your insurer about all modifications to ensure coverage.

What Do I Need to Be Covered?

1. Notify Your Insurer:

   • Always report modifications to your insurance company.
   • Failure to disclose modifications can lead to claim denials.

2. Get an Appraisal:

   • Have your modifications professionally appraised to determine their value.
   • This ensures accurate coverage and compensation in case of damage.

3. Update Your Policy:

   • Ensure your policy reflects the modifications and covers their replacement value.
   • Consider purchasing additional coverage or a specialized policy for modified cars.

4. Keep Documentation:

   • Maintain detailed records and receipts for all modifications.
   • Documentation helps in filing accurate claims and verifying the value of modifications.

Will I Be Covered for Injuries if I Do Not Have the Right Coverage?

Without the appropriate coverage, you may not be fully protected in the event of an accident. Lack of coverage can result in out-of-pocket expenses for medical bills and vehicle repairs, making it crucial to discuss your insurance needs with your provider to avoid gaps in coverage.

Potential Coverage Issues:

Undisclosed Modifications:

• • Not reporting modifications can lead to claim denials.
  • Insurers may refuse to cover damages related to undisclosed changes.

Increased Premiums:

• • Modifications can increase your premiums due to higher repair costs.
  • Discuss potential premium changes with your insurer before making modifications.

Specialized Insurance Policies:

• • Consider modified car insurance policies tailored to your vehicle.
  • These policies often provide comprehensive coverage for both standard and modified parts.

Why Hire Fielding Law After a Modified Car Accident?

At Fielding Law, our attorneys are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of modified car accidents. We provide expert legal advice and support to ensure your rights are protected. Modifying your car can be exciting, but it is essential to ensure your insurance coverage is up to date. Always inform your insurer about any changes and consider specialized insurance if necessary. We offer free 24/7 legal consultations at 833.88.SHARK if you have questions after an accident.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

If you have been a victim of a drowsy driving accident, you understand the severity of these situations. It is important to recognize that driving while sleepy can lead to impairment like driving under the influence. At Fielding Law, we are here to support you in seeking justice if you are affected by the consequences of drowsy driving. 

What is Drowsy Driving?   

• Sleep deprivation
  

  Drivers with insufficient or poor-quality sleep can lead to dangerous behavior such as nodding off behind the wheel, putting others at risk of an accident. 

• Sleep disorders  
  

  Sleep disorders like Sleep Apnea, Insomnia, and Narcolepsy can significantly impair drivers with these conditions. Seeking treatment is crucial to ensuring road safety to avoid hazards. 

• Medication effects  
  

  Driving while taking medication can be dangerous due to side effects such as drowsiness. Being unaware of these effects puts not only the impaired driver at risk but also everyone else on the road. 

• Overworked  
  

  Fatigued drivers caused by long hours at work or school are a risk on the road. Fatigue can impair judgment and reaction times which can lead to an accident. 

Understanding the Risks   

Driving sleepy may not feel like a big deal until the driver falls under microsleep. This is common among tired drivers. It occurs when you fall asleep for several seconds. It happens so fast that the driver may not even realize they are sleeping behind the wheel. A study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported 328,000 drowsy driving car accidents annually resulted in 6,400 fatalities. The risk of driving drowsy is significant and should be taken seriously.  

Common Signs of Drowsy Driving   

• Excessive yawning and blinking
  

  Continuous yawning and frequent blinking signal potential drowsiness while driving. 

• Trouble paying attention to road
  

  Difficulty with staying alert and focused on the road is one of the many risks of driving fatigued. 

• Drifting into other lanes
  

  Unintentionally swerving into neighboring lanes is a telltale sign of being drowsy behind the wheel. 

See Something Say Something 

If you notice any of the common signs of drowsy driving while on the road, notify law enforcement of the danger. If you are the passenger of a drowsy driver, have them pull over and get some rest.  

How to Prove Driver Drowsiness  

Unlike alcohol or drug impairment, which can be detected through tests like breathalyzers or blood tests, drowsiness is less tangible and often subjective. It does not leave physical traces in the body, making it harder to prove but not impossible. The following pieces of evidence can help your pursuit of justice:  

• Witness statements
  

  Whether a passenger of the driver or other vehicles witnessed the scene, gathering witness statements is crucial for any case. Gather statements and information of anyone who noticed signs of inattentiveness, including names and contact information. 

• Police statements
  

  Firsthand police officer accounts are valuable in recognizing signs of impairment, including drowsiness. Officers are trained to detect these signs through behavioral cues and standardized field sobriety tests. They may observe sluggish responses, delayed reactions, or notice empty energy drink containers in the vehicle. 

• Admission of fatigue 
  

  The best-case scenario would be the driver voluntarily admitting to feeling fatigued or sleepy at the time of an incident. Such admissions can serve as compelling evidence of drowsiness. Drivers may understate their level of fatigue due to fear of legal consequences so avoid relying only on their word.  

• Retaining dashcam footage
  

  Patterns like drifting between lanes or sudden braking can indicate impairment due to fatigue. Car technology such as dashcam footage can provide real-time insights into driver behavior leading up to an incident establishing direct evidence of drowsiness.  

• Contact Fielding Law
  

  Gathering all this evidence can be a tricky task but it is crucial for your case to do it promptly. At Fielding Law we will take the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery. Our team is equipped to gather the evidence we need to bring you justice. 

Fielding Law is Here for You

Driving drowsy creates a serious risk to everyone on the road. At Fielding Law, we understand the gravity of these situations and stand ready to support you in seeking justice if you are a victim of drowsy driving. With our expertise and dedication, we will get the justice you deserve, call us at 833.88.SHARK.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.