Kenneth Ray Bernard Jr.’s Answers

You have a claim and should document the incident by taking photos of the scene and the damage to your car. Document the scene immediately before it is altered. If an incident report was prepared, request a copy. If any witnesses saw the incident, try to get a written statement from them. The building management should be put on notice of the claim, if they have not been already. Get an estimate for repairs and submit to the building owner and management. In most states, you would be...

It's too early to evaluate the value of your case as you are still treating. You should consult a qualified personal injury lawyer immediately; continue treatment; document everything; and focus on getting well. At the conclusion of your treatment and after reviewing your medical records, a qualified lawyer can give you an opinion about value. In the meantime, your lawyer can assist you with the property damage claim, if any, and required notices and disclosures to carriers.

Contact a qualified Personal Injury lawyer immediately. Document injuries, keep a diary, seek medical attention if needed, and avoid communicating with at-fault Insurance carrier until you know your rights. This is for general information and should not be construed as creating an attorney-client relationship.

You should contact the clerk of court involved and verify the court will accept a plea in abstentia. In Georgia such a plea is discretionary with the court. If the court does not accept your plea in abstentia and you fail to preserve your rights, a bench warrant could issue for a required non-appearance. While the disposition of the criminal driving offense may not be admissible in evidence in a civil liability case, any admissions against interest may be admissible as to the underlying...

You should seek medical attention for yourself as well as the baby. Typically, a back injury can be diagnosed while pregnant, but treatments may be more limited until the baby is born. The baby should be looked at by a parenatologist in utero. You may have to be referred by your OB/GYN. The value of the case cannot be determined until the baby is cleared after birth by it's doctor, and your back is fully treated and you are cleared. I strongly suggest you consult with a qualified Personal...

It is not too late; however, the insurance carrier will use the delay in treatment as a defense to the claim or to mitigate the value of the claim. The most important issue now is having your son treated and letting the doctor know that he was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Described in as much detail as you can what his symptoms have been since the accident. Ultimately, your son's doctor will have to link the injury to the accident, if at all. Also, collect whatever evidence you...

In all car accidents, the issue of liability (fault) and damages (proximately flowing from the accident) are elements of a civil claim for monetary compensation. Criminal citations and the effect same has on one's driving privileges are collateral to the civil claim. If you are the victim of someone else’s negligent driving, seek immediate medical treatment if injured, document the facts, and contact a personal injury lawyer to give immediate advice and counsel on protecting one’s rights and...

In every case where one is suspected of a crime, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is always the best choice when dealing with law enforcement. In many cases, a seasoned criminal defense attorney will have relationships with law enforcement, which acts as a barrier for the suspect. The attorney can filter through the situation, learn the factual background, give guidance based upon the facts and circumstances, create an atmosphere of cooperation (or someone else other than the...

Hit and run cases usually involve at least three different issues: 1). A possible criminal prosecution for violating the law and leaving the scene of an accident; 2). A possible claim/lawsuit for property damage, if any; and 3). A possible claim/lawsuit for personal injuries (including medical bills, future medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and, if married, loss of consortium, if any). The first issue involves coordination with the local prosecutor (DA/Solicitor) usually through a...