Jay Trucks and Associates Legal Blog

Auto accidents can be very traumatic events. It is easy to get flustered to the point where you are no longer thinking quickly and alertly. Therefore, it is helpful to keep a checklist handy to make sure that you remember what to do after an accident. Proper action at the time of the incident can greatly affect your ability to recover compensation for your damages.

The following tips will help ensure that you are fully prepared in the event of an accident:

• Keep an emergency kit in your glove compartment. It is important to always carry the following items with you at all times:
o cell phone
o pen and paper
o disposable camera to photograph the scene
o a card containing any important information about your medical history
o a list of emergency contact numbers
• Exchange information with the other driver. Make sure to get the following information from each driver involved in the accident:
o name
o address
o phone number
o insurance information (name of provider, policy number, phone number)
o driver’s license number
o license plate number
o description of the year, make and model of the car
• Photograph and document the accident. Take photos of the accident scene and damage to all vehicles involved with your disposable camera. The purpose of these photos is to provide additional information to prove your case to an insurance adjustor or in a personal injury lawsuit. Also, document the details of the accident – where it occurred, what happened, and what part of your car was hit. If there were any witnesses, record their contact information. You may need them to verify your version of what happened.
• File an accident report. Call the police immediately so that they can file a police report at the scene of your accident. This is especially important if the accident was caused by another driver. A police report documenting that the accident was the fault of another driver will greatly strengthen your case with insurance companies and in the event of a lawsuit. Never admit fault when talking with other parties in the accident, police officers, or insurance agents, even if you believe that you caused the accident.
• Call your insurance provider. The sooner you file your claim, the sooner you can receive compensation for repairs and medical expenses.
• Seek medical attention if you are injured. It is important to be examined by a doctor immediately if you have suffered any injuries. This will provide documentation to be used in your lawsuit.
• Consult an experienced auto accident attorney. In order to ensure that you receive the proper compensation for your damages, it is important to talk with an auto accident attorney who will know how to deal with insurance companies, and who can advise you on whether or not you have a valid auto accident lawsuit.

The attorneys at Jay Trucks & Associates have been helping auto accident victims receive compensation for their injuries throughout the Lansing, Michigan area. Please contact our Michigan auto accident attorneys today to schedule a consultation.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a person is considered to have a disability if he:

• Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
• Has a record of this impairment
• Is regarded as having this impairment

Due to the broadness of this definition, there are many possibilities for impairments that can qualify as a disability. Furthermore, any one particular disability may vary in the degree to which it impacts the lives of different individuals living with it. Therefore, it is difficult to come up with a completely exhaustive list of disabilities.

The following list covers many of the common disabilities affecting Americans today:

• AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) – AIDS is the most serious stage of the HIV disease and is marked by severe immune system problems
• Blindness/Visual Impairment – Blindness indicates a complete loss of vision, while visual impairment refers to a partial loss of vision
• Chemical Sensitivity – An adverse reaction to commonly used chemicals such as cleaning supplies or perfumes
• Congenital Disability – A physical impairment acquired at birth
• Deaf/Hard of Hearing – Deaf indicates a complete loss of hearing, while hard of hearing describes a partial loss of hearing
• Developmental Disability – A permanent mental or physical impairment developing before a person’s 22nd birthday that may limit self-care, language aptitude, independent living, motor functions, or economic well-being
• Epilepsy – A disorder characterized by central nervous system issues which typically lead to seizures
• Learning Disability – An impairment affecting spoken or written language centers in the brain
• Mental Illness – A psychiatric condition typically caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain
• Mental Retardation/Cognitive Disability – An impairment in cognitive abilities characterized by below average mental functioning
• Motor Disability – A condition caused by central nervous system damage (i.e. multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Lou Gehrig’s disease)
• Paralysis/Spinal Cord Injury – Partial loss of functioning to a particular region of your body (paraplegia affects your legs, quadriplegia affects your arms and legs)
• Speech Impairment – Problems in speech patterns (i.e. stuttering, lisp, slurring)

The ADA prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals in the workplace on the basis of a disability. If you feel that you have been unfairly discriminated against due to your disability, it is important to consult with an experienced employment law attorney to find out if you are eligible to receive compensation for your damages.

The attorneys at Jay Trucks & Associates have defended the rights of discrimination victims across Michigan. Please contact our Lansing, Michigan employment law attorneys today to schedule a consultation.