Accident Attorneys' Group

Personal Injury Lawyers of CA

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Wildfire in California Could Still Worsen

Wildfire

Wildfire (Photo credit: agrilifetoday)

In the San Bernardino foothills, the small town of Banning is currently experiencing an intense wildfire. Though firefighters were able to calm it yesterday, the future weather conditions may expunge their progress and expand the flames.

Currently the fire rests in a 4 ½ mile area and has only claimed one house. There have been no casualties but hundreds have already evacuated their homes. The fire is moving now toward the neighboring communities of Beaumont and Cherry Valley.

The gentleman who lost his home is 53-year-old Joe Kiener. He has resided in his Banning house since the 1970s, when it was purchased by his mother. His attitude toward his loss is uplifting, though. Because he was evacuated in time, he simply feels that “losing the house is just minimal. We can rebuild.”

Despite its current secure situation, firefighters are fearful of its containment as the wind speed is only going to increase as the week goes on. Wind speed ranges from 30-40 mph and with gusts that strong, the fire becomes unpredictable.

With the heavy wind speeds as well as the dry state of the land in Banning, the fire could continue blazing for a longer time and in more locations. It is unknown what damage this fire will cause, so it is extremely important to remain on guard and alert to evacuation notices.

If you are in need of any legal information regarding your own accidents or property damage, contact an accident attorney today for help.

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The Importance of Driving with Sufficient Insurance

St. Patrick's Day Collision  3 of 4

St. Patrick’s Day Collision 3 of 4 (Photo credit: 7mary3)

Sometimes it may seem like a good idea to drive without insurance. It’s expensive, confusing and a person only needs it when he/she gets pulled over or is in accident. Most people are unaware of how much driving uninsured can hurt themselves and others.

In California, fifteen percent of the population is uninsured and driving. Perhaps they are driving safely and abiding every street law, but that is unlikely. If a car accident occurs and the uninsured driver is not at fault, it is possible to file a claim and receive compensation; however, it usually requires an attorney and the compensation has potential to be incomplete. It is also protocol that the driver loses his/her license for a period of time.

If that same driver got into a car accident where he/she was at fault, then it would be his/her responsibility to cover damages for the other driver. This could mean out-of-pocket payment for medical bills, lost wages and property damage.

Many times it is not the uninsured driver that suffers the most. When insured drivers are hit by those who are uninsured, they become monetarily responsible for the accident. Either they must have the proper underinsured motorist coverage on their own plan; or they have to rely on out-of-pocket payment, assets that can be liquidated into compensation, or the financial cooperation of hospitals and auto repair shops.

Uninsured drivers affect the lives of others with their irresponsible driving. A small fender-bender may not seem like much for which to not get compensated or for which to pay someone else, but a major collision with serious injuries or even death can bankrupt the uninsured driver at fault as well as prohibit appropriate damages for the victim.

It is always a better choice to drive with insurance for you and for others. If you have been in an accident, whether you are insured or not, contact one of our great accident attorneys for a free consultation and help figuring out your next move.