A Nissan Sentra crashed along the northbound 110 Freeway early this morning, killing two occupants and injuring three others, including the driver. According to KTLA News, the accident happened in Highland Park at about 2:00 a.m. when the Sentra crashed into a chain-link fence and a tree near Avenue 52. The collision was so violent that the victims had to be cut from the wreckage by emergency workers. The five occupants ranged in ages from 22 to 23 years old, and the two who died were pronounced at the scene. The driver of the Sentra was taken to County USC Medical Center in critical condition and was subsequently arrested on suspicion while driving under the influence. The other two survivors were also listed in critical condition at a local hospital.
Who to Talk to After an Accident
Typically, if you have been injured in motor vehicle accident and the police respond to the scene you will be asked questions about the how and why of the accident. Additionally, if you are able to respond, you will be asked about any injuries sustained in the collision. It is perfectly fine to respond to an officer's questions, and in fact you have a legal duty not to interfere with a police officer in the course of his investigation. However, shortly after the accident you may also be contacted by the insurance carrier for the driver of the vehicle causing the crash, and your cooperation with them is not legally required. Adjusters will often inform victims, from whom they are trying to take a recorded statement, that their claim file will be closed if they do not cooperate. This is just a trick, and the "closing" of an insurance claim file (if it were to truly happen) has no impact on your right to pursue a claim and/or a lawsuit in the future. Cooperating with your own insurance company is generally required by your contract of insurance, but the same is not true for the insurance company of the at-fault driver.
When to Give a Recorded Statement
In general, it is not a good idea to give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster unless and until you are sure about the circumstances surrounding the accident and what injuries you have sustained. It is not uncommon for the victim of an auto accident to feel fine for the first day or two after an accident, only to learn later they have a serious neck or back injury. Also, it should be kept in mind that the insurance company has an interest in minimizing your injuries and the value of your claim. Their loyalty lies with the insurance carrier and their insured. Consequently, it is often a good idea to retain an attorney before giving a recorded statement so they can ensure the questioning is fair. Under circumstances, a recorded statement may not be productive when it is clear from the outset that a lawsuit will have to be filed to obtain compensation.
If you or a lover one have been seriously injures in an automobile accident, contacting a personal injury attorney before giving a recorded statement may be in your best interests, and may help to protect your right to compensation in the future.
SOURCE: 2 Killed, 3 Injured in Crash on 110 Freeway; Driver Facing DUI Charge, KTLA News, November 3, 2013, by Ann Pride
Who to Talk to After an Accident
Typically, if you have been injured in motor vehicle accident and the police respond to the scene you will be asked questions about the how and why of the accident. Additionally, if you are able to respond, you will be asked about any injuries sustained in the collision. It is perfectly fine to respond to an officer's questions, and in fact you have a legal duty not to interfere with a police officer in the course of his investigation. However, shortly after the accident you may also be contacted by the insurance carrier for the driver of the vehicle causing the crash, and your cooperation with them is not legally required. Adjusters will often inform victims, from whom they are trying to take a recorded statement, that their claim file will be closed if they do not cooperate. This is just a trick, and the "closing" of an insurance claim file (if it were to truly happen) has no impact on your right to pursue a claim and/or a lawsuit in the future. Cooperating with your own insurance company is generally required by your contract of insurance, but the same is not true for the insurance company of the at-fault driver.
When to Give a Recorded Statement
In general, it is not a good idea to give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster unless and until you are sure about the circumstances surrounding the accident and what injuries you have sustained. It is not uncommon for the victim of an auto accident to feel fine for the first day or two after an accident, only to learn later they have a serious neck or back injury. Also, it should be kept in mind that the insurance company has an interest in minimizing your injuries and the value of your claim. Their loyalty lies with the insurance carrier and their insured. Consequently, it is often a good idea to retain an attorney before giving a recorded statement so they can ensure the questioning is fair. Under circumstances, a recorded statement may not be productive when it is clear from the outset that a lawsuit will have to be filed to obtain compensation.
If you or a lover one have been seriously injures in an automobile accident, contacting a personal injury attorney before giving a recorded statement may be in your best interests, and may help to protect your right to compensation in the future.
SOURCE: 2 Killed, 3 Injured in Crash on 110 Freeway; Driver Facing DUI Charge, KTLA News, November 3, 2013, by Ann Pride
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