by Staff Blogger | October 9th, 2019
Children are among the most vulnerable occupants of any type of vehicles during accidents. To help make children safer during crashes, it’s vital to securely buckle them into car seats. However, car seats are only truly effective if they’re the right size and fit for the children using them. When car seats are too big or too small, the protection they offer may be inadequate, and that can put children at risk.
There are three main types of car seats for children of different ages. They include:
- Rear-facing car seat—This type of car seat is used for infants and babies until they weigh around 40 pounds. It provides the most protection for very young children during crashes.
- Forward-facing car seat—This type of car seat should be used for older children, including toddlers.
- Booster seat—Booster seats are designed to make seat belts work more effectively for bigger children. Remember to always place your booster seat in the back seat of your vehicle.
Children can switch to riding unassisted with only the use of a seat belt between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. However, they should still continue to ride in the back seat until they’re around 12 or 13 years old, as airbags can be dangerous to them during crashes.
Even the most cautionary parents and drivers can still be involved in accidents—and that’s where we come in. If you or your child were hurt in a crash caused by a negligent driver, the Nashville auto accident lawyers at Ponce Law want to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | October 7th, 2019
Getting behind the wheel of any vehicle when you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs is well known to be dangerous and to significantly increase your risk of being involved in a crash. But the same is also true for getting behind the wheel when you’re exhausted or drowsy, whether from sleep deprivation or certain medications.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that more than one-third of American adults don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, and many of those people get fewer than six hours of sleep per night. Chronic sleep deprivation produces symptoms that are similar to driving while intoxicated, including reduced reaction times, poor judgment, and impaired fine motor skills. It also increases the risk of falling asleep behind the wheel.
Even well-rested adults face dangers in the form of certain types of prescription and over-the-counter medications when they cause drowsiness as a side effect. There are many types of medications that produce that side effect, including antidepressants, pain medications, allergy treatments, cold treatments, sleep aids, and even some herbal supplements.
It’s important to avoid driving when taking medications or supplements that cause drowsiness. In addition, you should pull over if you feel drowsy or sleepy behind the wheel. Falling asleep even for a few seconds at a time—known as microsleep—is enough to cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
At Ponce Law, it’s our goal to help people who have been hurt in crashes that weren’t their fault. If you were injured in a crash, contact our Nashville auto accident lawyers today. We’ll fight to help you get maximum compensation.
by Staff Blogger | September 30th, 2019
There’s no getting around it: driving is an inherently dangerous task. Even in the most well-equipped modern vehicles that are loaded with lane departure warning systems, blind spot detectors, crash avoidance technology, and other safety features, drivers and passengers can be put in extreme danger—especially when other drivers on the road are negligent.
Unfortunately, drivers can’t control the behavior of other motorists. But they can reduce their risks by being as safe and attentive as possible when they get behind the wheel. That means always avoiding the most common causes of crashes, which include:
- Impaired driving—There are many types of impaired driving. Drunk driving is among the most common, and drivers are considered legally intoxicated when their BAC surpasses 0.08 percent. Other types of impaired driving include drugged driving and even drowsy driving.
- Distracted driving—Recognized by many law enforcement and safety organizations as an epidemic, distracted driving is commonly associated with texting and cell phone usage. However, it can involve other types of distractions, and it can put drivers and others at serious risk of accidents.
- Speeding—Exceeding the speed limit is dangerous because it increases stopping distance, reduces the amount of time that drivers have to react to the movements of other vehicles, makes it easier to lose control while driving, and increases the risk of injury during crashes.
If you were involved in a crash and the other driver was violating any of these safe driving principles, you may be eligible for compensation. Call the Nashville auto accident lawyers at Ponce Law today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | September 23rd, 2019
There are many reasons to call a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. Evidence can quickly disappear, making it more difficult to prove you weren’t at fault. In addition, the statute of limitations can expire, nullifying your chance of getting compensation.
Another important aspect to consider is when you’ll get paid. Simply put, the longer you wait to call a lawyer, the longer it will take for you to get the check you and your family need. Your auto accident-related expenses don’t pause after a crash just because you don’t have the money on hand to pay for them. You’ll still be on the hook for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses, and you may be unable to afford them until you get compensation.
When you call the Nashville car accident attorneys at Ponce Law, we’ll go to work right away on getting you paid. We know that you need money right now, but we also know that you want maximum compensation. Our years of experience mean we can efficiently build a claim for you that’s designed to improve your chances of getting every penny you deserve. Best of all, you won’t owe us anything unless we get money for you and your loved ones.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain when you call our law firm. Trust our experience and our dedication to success. Contact us today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | September 16th, 2019
After an auto accident, there are a few steps you should take to protect your health and your rights. First, you should call 911. Doing so sends police officers and emergency medical personnel to the scene. Second, you should call a lawyer. Doing so helps protect your rights to compensation.
An additional step that some victims forget is to contact their own insurance provider. This is a necessary step, even if you weren’t at fault for the crash. Virtually all auto insurance providers require notice of accidents shortly after they occur, often within a matter of a day or two. That’s because it’s not always clear who is at fault for crashes, and they want to begin preparing for the possibility of a compensation claim.
If you fail to meet that requirement, it can complicate the compensation process and may even jeopardize your claim. In addition, it may make you ineligible to pursue compensation from your own policy, especially if you purchased personal injury protection or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
In addition, not all insurance claims are cut and dry. That’s because the fault may be split among multiple parties during crashes, and you could be ruled partially at fault for the accident. Protecting your rights means fulfilling all of your responsibilities, and that includes contacting your insurance provider.
However, it’s important to stick to the facts when talking to your insurance provider. Never admit fault, never exaggerate your injuries, and never stray from the topic at hand. Having an experienced Nashville auto accident lawyer on your side from day one can help you avoid common insurance pitfalls. Contact Ponce Law today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | September 9th, 2019
After a car crash, you have a lot on your mind and on your to-do list. Your biggest priority is making sure you and your loved ones recover from your injuries. That can involve weeks or even months of doctor visits and physical rehabilitation. You may even require surgery with a prolonged recovery period.
In addition, you need to get back to work as soon as possible, but you may be unable to work until you’re on the mend. In the meantime, you may need to use disability insurance to get compensated for some of your missing wages, or you may try to get your employer to agree to alternate work arrangements so that your family will still have income while you wait to fully recover.
While those are important aspects of your post-accident recovery, it’s important to remember that you should also file a personal injury claim as soon as possible after the crash. It’s important to do so for three reasons:
- Evidence can disappear—It’s vital to prove you weren’t at fault for the crash early, because evidence from the accident scene can disappear within a matter of days or even hours. The sooner you call a Nashville auto accident lawyer, the sooner that evidence can be collected.
- The statute of limitations may run out—Tennessee’s statute of limitations on personal injury claims is just one year. If you wait to file and miss the deadline, your claim will be dismissed.
- The insurance company may be skeptical of your claim—The longer you wait to file, the more difficult it may be to convince the insurance company that your injuries were caused by the accident instead of by something else.
Don’t let the clock run out on your claim. Get the legal representation you deserve by contacting the Nashville auto accident lawyers at Ponce Law today.
by Staff Blogger | September 4th, 2019
Rideshare vehicles are extremely popular in many cities, including Nashville. And while using a rideshare app to get rides around town can be a safer alternative than driving yourself—especially if you plan on drinking—they aren’t free from all dangers.
Many people are hurt in rideshare accidents every day, and the injuries they suffer can be severe. That means expensive medical bills and lost paychecks. However, not all rideshare accident victims pursue compensation that they might be entitled to.
If you’re involved in a rideshare accident, take these steps to protect your health and your rights:
- Call 911—Regardless of who caused the accident, whether it was your driver or another motorist, it’s important to stay at the scene and call 911. Doing so dispatches both police officers and emergency personnel who can file accident reports and administer aid to you and other victims.
- Take pictures of the accident scene—Use your camera or phone to take pictures of the crash scene. Because multiple parties may attempt to defend themselves after the crash, it’s important to document what happened as closely as possible.
- Call a Nashville auto accident lawyer—Rideshare accidents can be legally complex, and fault may be split among passengers’ drivers and other motorists. The sooner you call a lawyer, the better your chances of getting compensation for your injuries may be.
At Ponce Law, we know rideshare accidents, and we know how to help victims get the money they deserve. Call today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | August 26th, 2019
Scooters are everywhere in Nashville, especially in the city’s most walkable areas. And while they’re convenient and fun to ride, it can be extremely dangerous for riders when they’re ridden near traffic. In May 2019, a scooter rider was struck by a vehicle in Nashville and died from his injuries.
Many cities, including Nashville, have gone back and forth on the safety and legality of scooters, but at the moment, it appears they’re here to stay. If you choose to ride a scooter, keep these safety tips in mind to reduce your risks:
- Wear a helmet—Anytime you travel on two wheels, wearing a helmet may be the one step you take that saves your life. That’s true for bicycles and motorcycles, and it’s also true for scooters.
- Don’t double up—Scooters are meant to be ridden by one person at a time. Never double up on a scooter, even if you and another person don’t exceed the weight limit. Riding with another person makes it more difficult to control your scooter, even if the other passenger is a small child.
- Follow traffic laws—Just because you’re on a scooter doesn’t mean you can ignore stop signs, traffic lights, and lanes. Ride like you’re in your vehicle, and follow all traffic laws as closely as possible—including speed limits signs.
While some scooter accidents are riders’ fault, others are caused by negligent drivers. If you or someone you love was hurt by a careless driver, the Nashville car accident lawyers at Ponce Law are here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
by Staff Blogger | August 19th, 2019
After an auto accident, dialing 911 is the most important step you can take. Not only does it dispatch police officers who will make an official accident report, but it also dispatches emergency medical technicians who can administer aid to victims and transport them to a local hospital.
Some victims go to the hospital right away after a crash, while others leave the accident scene on their own and seek medical attention later. While you don’t have to go to the hospital via ambulance, it’s important to get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible after your crash. In addition to establishing a connection between the car accident and your injuries, a full evaluation can also rule out internal injuries.
Auto accidents are traumatic for victims, both physically and mentally, and the outcomes of crashes may not be fully visible or felt for hours, days, or even weeks. The pain and inflammation of torn or stressed muscles and tendons may be masked by adrenaline or other injuries. In addition, some victims may even suffer broken or cracked bones without being aware of them until long after the adrenaline has worn off.
Internal injuries can be even more dangerous after auto accidents. The forces involved in auto accidents can cause victims’ organs to move inside their bodies, creating the risk for damage and bleeding. Victims also may suffer head injuries that can result in brain bleeds, which can be fatal if they aren’t treated promptly. Unfortunately, internal injuries may be asymptomatic after crashes, with symptoms not becoming obvious until victims are at home recuperating.
Don’t risk your health or your rights to compensation. See a doctor right away, and then contact the Nashville car accident lawyers at Ponce Law.
by Staff Blogger | August 12th, 2019
If you were recently hurt in an auto accident, your first question afterward was likely whether you and your loved ones would recover from your injuries. Your second question is likely whether you’ll be able to get compensation for the other driver’s negligence to cover your expenses, and if so, how much.
At Ponce Law, our Nashville auto accident attorneys work to help victims like you get maximum compensation for their car accidents every day. However, even with the help of a law firm, no two auto accident claims are alike when it comes to the total compensation that victims can receive.
Factors that can influence how much money you’ll get include:
- Whether you were partially at fault—If the other driver is ruled to be fully at fault for the crash, you may be eligible to get more money than if you were partially responsible.
- The severity of your injuries—Victims who suffer serious and long-term injuries are often eligible to receive more money than victims who suffer short-term mild or moderate injuries.
- How long you’ll be out of work—Many auto accident claims pay victims for their lost wages. However, the amount you receive may be dependent on how long your injuries will keep you out of work.
Those are just a few of the factors that we’ll review when we build your claim. Regardless of the circumstances, you can count on us to do everything in our power to get you the money you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
