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Contact Us Today You’re driving your car, obeying the rules of the road. You don’t see it happening. All of a sudden a Phoenix city bus hits you. Now what? City bus accidents are not like auto accidents When you have an auto accident, the rules are usually pretty clear. You exchange insurance information with the driver, file a police report, and you contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, your personal injury attorney, if you’ve been hurt. But what happens when the vehicle that hits your car is a city bus? The rules can change, that’s for sure. The process of dealing with the case is more complex because you’re no longer dealing with an individual – you’re dealing with a large corporation or possibly a government agency. If you or a family member have been hit by a Phoenix city bus, we can help you find a solution. Who is at fault in a city bus accident case? When you have been in an accident involving a city bus, you need to understand that the city bus may not belong to the city. Occasionally city buses are not actually owned by the city. What appears to be a city bus is actually a bus owned by a private company contracted to provide services for the city. These issues are also complicated by the typical causes of a city bus accident: Distracted driver Poorly trainer driver Intoxicated driver Driver Fatigue Poor or improper vehicle maintenance Manufacturer defect on the vehicle or vehicle systems Truly, there are many factors that come into play when evaluating the cause and responsibility for your city bus accident injury. This has the expected outcome of making a complicated issue (dealing with a personal injury case), more difficult. Why is it so difficult to pursue a city bus accident case? One element of dealing with an injury case from a bus accident is addressing the ownership of the bus. If it is in fact owned or operated by a city or municipality, there are distinct rules to follow when pursuing a claim a governmental entity in order to avoid losing your claim. Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer has worked with many city bus cases and we know that every case is unique. Too often we hear stories of people involved in bus accidents who thought they followed the rules for pursuing a case only to find out later that important notices were not sent, we sent incorrectly or were not sent in time, and their claims were dismissed. Failure to follow the rules can result in a dismissal without having a chance to present an argument. We at the Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer are keenly aware of these notice requirements and make sure a notice of claim is pursued quickly to get the issues out in front of the relevant government agency and to avoid hitting statutes of limitation issues and other problems. Just because the accident happened doesn’t mean you or your loved ones should be left without proper compensation. We will dig deep to finding out the root cause of the commercial vehicle accident so we can aggressively pursue the right parties and get you the compensation you deserve! It’s time for a free case review from the experienced team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer. Contact us or call the experienced team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer at 602-535-5899 for a free case review today.

Contact Us Today Most people don’t take the idea of “slip and fall” accidents seriously until a fall injury happens to them. However, the numbers speak for themselves. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), slip and fall accidents are the second leading cause of injury in the United States behind car accidents, resulting in over a million injuries and over 17,000 fatalities per year. Many falls are preventable. And often they’re the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that you remain safe from injury or made aware of that there is the potential for injury. Slip and Fall Case Stats The stats can be overwhelming when it comes to slip and fall injuries. From lost earnings to medical costs, the impact to Americans is billions of dollars. Here are a few stats to give you a sense for how big a problem this really is and what’s at stake: In 2013, the direct medical costs of falls were approximately $34 billion. (CDC) Falls account for over 8 million hospital emergency room visits, with slips and falls accounting for over 1 million visits, or 12% of total falls. (NFSI) Slip and falls account for over 300,000 disabling injuries per year in North America. (OSHA) Older adults, those 65 and older, are more prone to falls. Incidence of falls goes up with each decade of life. (CDC) In 2013, about 25,500 older adults died from unintentional fall injuries. (CDC) Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. (CDC) Slip and fall accounts for 15% of all workplace injuries. (CDC) Slip and falls result in Worker’s Compensation claims over $1.8 Billion a year or about 40% of all accidents claims paid out. (OSHA) Slip and falls account for 40% of general liability claims. (OSHA) You’re More than a Number Despite the mass of statistics around the injuries and impacts of slip and fall injuries, the truth is that you’re more than a number. Each slip and fall case is unique and must be treated as such. Because these accidents can be difficult to prove and win in court, they will do everything in their power to diminish or invalidate your claim. You need professional help when you’ve had a slip and fall accident. When you work with Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, you work with an experienced attorney to review your case and collect the facts. This is critical when evaluating the best approach to pursuing your claim. Determining the Value of Your Claim If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, there is no magic formula to determine what your case is worth. The assignment of responsibility and the assessment of damage is a complex process. Some factors that will determine if you have a case and what it would be worth include: What injuries were suffered? Did or will you need surgery? Did you miss work? Are you still unable to work? How long was your recovery or is full recovery possible? Is there permanent physical damage or scarring? At Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer we will undergo an extensive review of your claim, the facts surrounding it, and put together our recommendations for pursuing a claim. We’ll identify the amount of damages that we believe are reasonable to pursue based on your unique situation and our extensive experience pursuing personal injury cases. If you’ve suffered a fall, we’re here to help. Contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer or call at 602-535-5899 for a free case evaluation.

Contact Us Today Your children leave for the bus stop and you think they’re in good hands. Sadly that’s not always the case. Bus drivers understand they’re carrying precious cargo and do their best to drive safely but accidents can happen. One distracted moment, or another driver losing control of their vehicle, and everything changes. What happens when there is a school bus accident? School bus accidents are different than car accidents. During a car accident you exchange insurance information with the other drivers and file a claim with your insurance company. You may file a police report. If you’ve been injured, you call Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, your personal injury attorney. It can be complicated and messy in its own right, but the process of calling the police, getting the other driver’s contact information, and filing an insurance claim is relatively straightforward. Who is at fault for a school bus accident? We need to understand how the accident happened to determine who is at fault. There are many factors that can result in an accident happening including but not limited to: Fatigued drivers Poorly trained drivers Intoxicated drivers Distracted drivers Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance Needless to say, determining the fault and the extent of that fault is not a simple matter. We review evidence from the accident including witness statements, maintenance logs, video evidence, and physical evidence from the vehicle itself. During this investigative process we’ll find out who the responsible parties are and the role that they played in the accident. Depending who is at fault will determine who may be pursued as part of a claim. School buses and “notice of claim.” When dealing with school bus accidents in particular, it is very important that the proper school officials and government entities receive what is called a “notice of claim.” In short, in order to pursue your claim against these officials or entities, a notice of your claim needs to be given, and given properly, within 180 days of the accident or you risk losing your claims altogether. This is much different than your run-of–the-mill auto accident where you have two years from the accident to bring a lawsuit before the statute of limitations runs. You need Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, an experienced personal injury lawyer, to pursue your claim by: Investigating the accident. Gathering evidence, medical bills, photos, accident reports, witness statements, and insurance policies. Properly filing your notice of claim. Filing a lawsuit if your case cannot be settled. Assisting in completing lengthy and burdensome discovery requests from the defense attorneys. And ultimately representing you at mediation, arbitration and/or trial. Each Phoenix school bus accident is different. Working with Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer will give you peace of mind that your case is being handled by an experienced personal injury attorney who understand the complexities of school bus accidents and bringing claims against government entities. We will keep you updated as your case progresses and will contact you to schedule follow-up meetings. It’s time for a free case review from the experienced team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer. Contact us or call the experienced team at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer at 602-535-5899 for a free review today.

Contact Us Today According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), medical mistakes are the third leading cause of death among Americans, right after heart disease and cancer. If you’ve lost someone you love while in medical care, it may have been due to a medical mistake. Let’s be realistic, doctors and hospitals often become aware that they’ve made a mistake during the course of the medical care because they are trained to look closely when a patient’s condition deteriorates. Who protects you when medical mistakes happen? If you’ve lost a loved one to a medical mistake, the last thing you want or should be worrying about are what legal hassles you may be facing. That’s why Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, as experienced personal injury attorneys dealing with medical mistakes and wrongful death suits, take your claims very seriously. We will review your case and determine if you are eligible for compensation for loss of companionship, loss of financial support, reasonable burial and funeral expenses, and medical expenses, just to name a few recoverable damages. Layers of responsibility in medical mistake cases. Pursuing a hospital may mean pursuing multiple layers of responsibility including hospital administration, emergency room staff, surgeons, anesthesiologist, and nurses. Each of the professionals involved, hospital protocol, and more have to be investigated to determine who is responsible and what their level of responsibility is in the death of your loved one. Having an experienced medical malpractice attorney on your side simplifies the process because we understand the complexities of cases like yours. What if the hospital says they want to settle the medical mistake injury case with me? The insurance companies representing the hospital, doctors, and nurses will fight to deny or minimize your compensation. If they say they will settle, let them know you’re working with a personal injury attorney. Don’t give them an answer before speaking to us. It’s likely they want to settle for far less than what you deserve. Protecting your rights as aggressively as the hospital will protect theirs. As your experienced medical malpractice attorney, we will contact your insurance company, hospital and medical providers to let them know we are pursuing a case. The proceeds from the medical malpractice case can be used to pay medical debt. If you’ve lost a loved one to medical mistakes, you need a lawyer who will fight hard for your rights and make sure you get the protection you deserve. Hire the Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer to handle your wrongful death lawsuit. We’ll work diligently on your behalf to pursue justice. Contact us or call Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer at 602-535-5899 for your free case evaluation.

Contact Us Today Many of us have been in the situation where we’ve been behind the wheel after a long day and start to feel driver fatigue setting in. While this situation can be dangerous no matter what vehicle you’re driving, most of us are not driving a semi-truck when it happens. Semi-trucks can weigh well in excess of 50,000 pounds, and when an operator is inattentive, or even worse, falls asleep and they are involved in an accident, the damage is often catastrophic. That’s why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a division of the Department of Transportation, regulates Hours of Services for long distance and day-to-day semi-truck drivers. What is Hours of Service? Hours of Service applies to vehicles used for interstate travel that are a certain weight and/or passenger capacity. Drivers are required to rest a certain number of hours while on a long distance interstate trip and are required to log these hours. Failure to do so is a violation of federal regulations. What happens when we have a lack of sleep? The regulations are designed to protect everyone on the road. Lack of sleep severely impacts the ability to make decisions and safely operate a motor vehicle. Whether you’re driving a car or a semi-truck, it’s important for everyone’s safety that you’re getting enough sleep. Being awake for 18 hours causes impairment similar to that of someone with a blood alcohol level of .05. While not past the legal limit, we’d argue you should still not be behind the wheel. Staying awake for 24 hours causes impairment similar to that of someone with a blood alcohol level of .08, the legal limit. Semi-truck drivers typically try to make their drop-off destination in the fastest number of hours, occasionally going without the proper amount of sleep. Their activities are recorded (or should be). The challenge sometimes is getting to these records and logs after a semi-truck accident before they are lost or destroyed. Securing this crucial data as quickly as possible is but one reason why it is important to call Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer if you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck accident. Does Hours of Service really make a difference? Yes, since Hours of Service was implemented in 2013, the FMCSA reports fewer fatal crashes , fewer drivers working maximum schedules which decreases the risk for driver fatigue, and no increase in crashes 5am – 9am, the morning rush hour. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a semi-truck accident, you need Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, a firm that is familiar with the critical details of both federal and state laws concerning semi-truck accidents. Contact us or call today at 602-535-5899 for a free review of your case.

Contact Us Today You’ve just gotten back from the dealership after buying a brand new bike. You’re feeling exhilarated, invincible. You’ve even been responsible and paid your insurance premiums and purchased protective gear before hitting the road. You’re covered and ready to ride. The question is “Is it enough?” Minor Motorcycle Accidents Can Cause Substantial Losses Sadly even with proper gear, motorcycles leave riders dangerously exposed. Even a relatively minor motorcycle versus automobile accident can cause a rider to incur tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills. If you’re lucky and not injured, count your blessings and be thankful your biggest concern is what color your next new bike is going to be. But, what if the worst happens and you are injured in a motorcycle accident? Seek Help for Your Motorcycle Accident Claim Motorcycle claims are rarely simple and getting insurance companies to pay out on claims can be difficult. You’re going to need experienced representation. Many times, people only take into consideration short-term expenses. Medical expenses from hospital visits, ambulance fees, and surgeries can add up quickly and likely exhaust the at-fault party’s insurance limits. Injured parties neglect to account for long-term expenses, which often can be more costly than the initial treatment costs. Follow-up visits, prescriptions, rehabilitation costs, loss or reduction of wages all factor into a settlement. Frequently, an attorney needs to dig deep to find proper compensation to fully cover a claim. This may include looking at the at fault driver’s assets and underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage under your motorcycle policy or possibly under your automobile policy. Keep in mind, insurance companies seek to pay the least amount that they can. Claims adjusters are not employed to help you find coverage. If you approach a claim without guidance or without an attorney who understands how to find the additional assets that could contribute to your overall compensation, you’re leaving valuable dollars undiscovered. These dollars can make an impactful difference for both you and your family. An experienced attorney understands how to navigate through the complexities of insurance claim processes and fight for what is rightfully yours. Beyond The Basic Policy When it comes to your protection, expect the best but prepare for the worst. Arizona mandatory insurance limits are simply outdated. The $15,000/$30,000/$10,000 bodily injury and property damage limits have not been updated since 1972. More times than not, these limits are not enough to cover a claim, leaving you to fill in the gaps even if the accident was not your fault. Be Responsible, Protect Yourself After an accident, it’s too late to increase your coverage. If you can afford a motorcycle, you have to be able to afford quality insurance coverage. Don’t depend on the at-fault party’s insurance. Protect yourself and buy the best policy possible. Always purchase the maximum limits available and match your liability limits with uninsured (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. If you purchase an umbrella policy, many reputable insurance companies will add $1,000,000 in UM and UIM coverage over-and-above your auto policy limits. Insurance is one area where you can’t afford to skimp. When you purchase the minimum policy, or worse yet no policy at all, you’re only putting yourself and your family in jeopardy. Hire an experienced attorney. Hire Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer. Although you might you think you’ll save money by avoiding costly attorney fees, what you gain is immeasurable. In the end, an attorney will save you time, energy and most represented victims receive larger settlements than they would have going it alone even after the fees are paid. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, we have the experience you need. Contact or call us at 602-535-5899 for a free case evaluation.

Contact Us Today Did you slip and fall at a store and aren’t sure if you have a case? There are times when a slip and fall accident happens in what could be considered a safe property and both parties are at fault. While property owners are responsible for the safety of the property, visitors are also responsible for taking precautions and adhering to safety rules while on property. If you’re not sure if you have a slip and fall case, we recommend a free case review from the Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer. In Arizona, we have what is called comparative negligence which means that while the property owner may be at fault for your slip and fall, you may also hold a degree of negligence. If you, as plaintiff, can show valid and documented injuries from the incident, you will likely receive compensation. That is of course as long as you did not stage the incident or fail to avoid a blatant hazard. Compensation is determined based on the portion of negligence of each party. Here are real life examples of slip and fall cases that received compensation: In 2005 a woman was in a Walmart in Jacksonville, Florida for an hour and a half shopping. When she checked out, there was a price discrepancy on an item. She went back to the department to check the price, slipped, and fell. At the time of the incident she was already in recovery from shoulder surgery. She was able to prove, based on the timing of her fall and post-surgery doctor’s visits, that irreversible nerve damage in her already injured shoulder was caused by her slip and fall at Wal-Mart. She was rewarded $1 million with Wal-Mart 80% at fault. She received $800,000 in compensation. Without a personal injury lawyer reviewing the case, she may have walked away thinking her nerve damage was because of her surgery and not the fall. At a Lowe’s Home and Garden Center in West Melbourne, Florida a customer suffered injuries when an employee driving a forklift hit the customer from behind. The customer received $600,000 as the result of the accident, due in part to their attorney gathering witness accounts and other evidence from the incident. In 2011 a woman sued Home Depot after slipping on an unknown substance. She asked for the surveillance tape from that day to prove her case. Home Depot could not produce the tape, saying it had been deleted. The woman was awarded $44,383.61 for her injuries. Without an attorney to demand the evidence, the woman may not have been awarded compensation. Gathering evidence and witness accounts are two of the ways a personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve after a slip and fall. If you have suffered a slip and fall, contact us or call Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer for a free case review.

Contact Us Today Summer is prime riding season for motorcyclists across the country. Even in Arizona, riders tend to take advantage of the longer daylight hours. From Phoenix to the sweeping curves through Flagstaff and Sedona, Arizona offers some great places to ride. But with more riding, comes more risk. It’s also the prime season for motorcycle accidents. For motorcyclists, unfortunately it’s less a question of if you’ll get into a motorcycle accident and more a question of when. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimated that per mile traveled in 2013, motorcycle deaths were over 26 times the number in cars. Helmets provide a measure of precaution, about 37% effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and about 67% effective in preventing brain injuries, yet Arizona law only mandates helmet use for riders under 18 years of age. Here at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, we hope the twists and turns of the road bring you many hours of safe enjoyment this season and beyond. We want you out there riding, but we also want you safe. And if an accident does occur, have the peace of mind that we are here to help. Below are some tips and reminders to keep you cruising. Safety tips: Wear appropriate attire – While you’ll want to stay cool in the heat, it’s essential to still wear the right protective gear. Helmets top the list, as do gloves, protective eyewear, and solid footwear. If riding at night, consider wearing clothing equipped with reflective panels, or at a minimum, something bright or light colored. Know your motorcycle before riding – On the road is not the time to learn your bike. If you’re riding an unfamiliar or new motorcycle, make sure to take a little extra time prior to riding on primary streets, in a parking lot or perhaps in your neighborhood, to get to know the bike and how it handles. Maintenance matters – Be sure to maintain all safety features of your bike. Proper maintenance is vital to safe riding including maintaining proper tire pressure and ensuring all lighting and signals are in working order. Proceed with caution in the rain – Rain decreases visibility and creates a slippery surface. Extra time may be required in wet conditions and a rider will need to adjust how they accelerate, corner, and brake to prohibit loss of traction. If rain is too heavy, it’s best to wait it out. Play defense – To often we hear, “I just didn’t see them.” Motorcyclists must be defensive drivers. The reality is the risks of serious injury and even death is significantly higher for bikers. Pay attention to the space between your bike and other vehicles and proceed with caution at intersections. Safety first and foremost always! Never drink and ride – Among motorcycle fatalities in 2013, 27% had BACs of 0.08% or greater. It’s never worth the risk. Call a friend. Take a refresher course – Perhaps it’s been a while since you took a riding safety course and maybe you’ve been riding for years. Still, honing up on the basics is always a good idea and required in many states. If the worst happens and you are injured in an accident: Dial 911 and wait for an emergency response team. Never attempt to leave the scene on your own. Relocate all possible persons to a safe place to help prevent any further accidents Identify witnesses Gather personal information from involved parties Take notes and photographs of the accident scene Contact us immediately Allow us to contact the insurance company or, if the other side’s insurance company contacts you, do not grant them an interview until you seek counsel. Insurance companies seem innocent enough, but often they’ll seek information that many hinder your claim without you even realizing it. If you or a loved one has suffered motorcycle injuries, you’ll have a better chance at maximizing the compensation you deserve by retaining the expertise of Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer. Contact or call at 602-535-5899 for a free case evaluation.

Contact Us Today Swimming Personal Injuries Know Your Risk. Know Your Rights Swimming is one of the primary ways to beat the summer heat. In fact, fly over the Phoenix metropolitan area and it seems every other house has its own private pool. It’s cool. It’s refreshing. It’s fun. And what better way is there to spend quality time with friends and family? On the flip side, listen to the nightly news during summer and they’ll tally the running total of drowning incidents. In 1980, the epidemic inspired Dave Munsey of Fox 10 News to start his water safety program “Watch Your Kids Around Water.” The sad reality is about ten people die from drowning every day, of these two are children aged 14 or younger. Additionally, more than 50% of nonfatal drowning victims require further care. Many suffer permanent brain damage and long-term disabilities. The costs of care for these individuals can easily reach into the hundreds of thousands. As humans, we don’t always like to dwell on the thought of tragedy. Yet, it does happen. Earlier this year, several Gilbert families’ lives changed in an instant. The tragic backyard pool accident led to the untimely death of a child, a severe injury for another, and emotional and financial turmoil for all involved. When you go swimming, you should understand your risks. Injuries and drowning can easily happen around a pool whether the cause is horsing around, running on a slippery surface, diving into shallow water, or swimming while intoxicated. Any time you’re choosing to participate in an activity, including swimming in your neighbor’s pool, you’re accepting the risks. Then who is responsible for a swimming personal injury? The fact is the owner of the swimming pool shoulders the largest responsibility for providing a safe environment for both those actively using the pool and for those who may be around it when it is not in use. The homeowner must be proactive in maximizing preventative measures. What are methods of prevention? Below are some basic actions a pool owner can take based on the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona’s, “BLOCK, WATCH, And LEARN.” Block Most often, accidental drowning occurs when the pool is not actively being used. Make sure the swimming pool is secure when not in use. Check city fence requirements and choose to add additional safety features as necessary. Gates should be self-closing and latches should be higher than a child could reach. Pool alarms and nets are alternative forms of blocking. Make sure toys are cleared from the pool when not in use, so children are not tempted to reach after them. Never prop open gates or leave objects, such as chairs, nearby that a child could climb and reach the latch. Many children have drowned in pools that were fenced. Watch The key word in Munsey’s aforementioned slogan is “watch.” There is no better defense against drowning and injury than supervision. Supervision is non-negotiable when both children and adults are using the pool. Appoint a key person to oversee the pool and switch off duty regularly. Learn Enroll children in swim lessons early. Even infants can learn flotation techniques that could save their life. Have household members take a CPR class and understand how to use rescue equipment. It’s important to protect your rights. Even if a “Swim at Your Own Risk” sign is posted, if you’re injured in a pool accident you have rights. If you or your loved one suffers a pool-related accident, working with Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer can ensure their rights are protected and they receive the care and compensation they deserve. Retain the expertise of Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer. Contact or call at 602-535-5899 for a free case evaluation.

Contact Us Today Four Tips to Help Your Bus Accident Case If you or a loved one has been involved in a city or school bus accident, seek legal counsel immediately. Bus accidents are complicated with insurance companies, bus companies, governmental agencies, and other drivers or pedestrians often involved. It’s important to understand your rights and have an experienced bus accident attorney represent you so that you get the compensation you deserve. One Bus Accident, Many Causes. Immediately following a bus accident, it may seem a lot like a car accident with people exchanging information and calling insurance companies. While that is good to do, it’s important to understand this is bigger than a car accident. Often there are multiple causes, vehicles, pedestrians, or bus passengers all in the same accident. You have the right to compensation for injuries and damages whether you were a driver of a vehicle hit by a bus, a pedestrian, a bus rider, or the bus driver. It takes an experienced bus accident lawyer to sort through all of the witness accounts, police reports, and accident reports, to understand the complete picture of what happened. Time is of the essence. School bus or city bus accidents are often managed by governmental agencies. When this is the case, you need to follow statutory rules when it comes to filing a claim. Most require notification of claim prior to filing while others have special paperwork and deadlines. Hiring Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer as your bus accident lawyer can be the difference between making a claim or losing out on compensation. Responsible Party for Your Bus Accident – When you get in a city or school bus accident, the case is complex due to a complicated chain of responsibility. The bus operator (driver) needs to show they were acting responsibly and not drunk or on illegal drugs or on their phone at the time of the accident. The owner of the bus (company, school, or city) has a responsibility to keep the buses in good working order. Everyone involved in the accident is responsible for a portion of what happened. When you hire Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, you know you’re hiring a team that can sort out the details of your bus accident and get you properly compensated. Insurance – In addition to dealing with the owner of the bus, governmental agencies, other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, there are insurance companies. Bus companies and governmental agencies have big insurance companies with adjustors swarming practically at the point of impact. They will want you to agree to a fast and low monetary settlement. Before you settle or sign waivers, contact us immediately! If you’ve been involved in a bus accident, contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer or call 602-535-5899 for a free case evaluation.

Contact Us Today Did you know that Arizona is one of the top places for summer boating accidents? This is due in part to Arizona being among the top boat owning states per capita in the nation. Seems strange in the desert but it is true. Arizonans love heading out of the heat of the Phoenix area to relax at Lake Pleasant, Lake Havasu or Lake Powell. Before heading to the lakes for boating fun, consider these tips for preventing a summer boating accident. If you’re involved in a boating accident, call Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer to resolve your case. Summer Boating Safety The key to preventing a boating accident is to stay alert. Be aware of your passengers, other boaters, and weather conditions along with these to prevent an accident: Avoid drinking alcohol while operating a boat. Boating is often viewed as a way to relax after a long week. Along with that sometimes comes drinking a few (or more) alcoholic beverages. Arizona law is the same for drinking and driving a boat while under the influence as it is for driving a car — .08 blood alcohol level – and the penalties are the same. During March through September Arizona waterways are patrolled by the Arizona Game and Fish Department. You may see other agencies patrolling especially at the borders of California and Nevada. Summer boating may include being stopped at OUI checkpoints (Operating under the Influence). Similar to DUI checkpoints for cars, OUI checkpoints are designed to keep boaters safe. Require everyone in the boat to wear a lifejacket. All too often we hear someone lost their life in a summer boating accident due to drowning. This could have been prevented if all boaters wore lifejackets. Register your Watercraft Motorized boats are required to be registered before they can be legally launched in the water. If it’s your first registration for a boat in Arizona, you must have a certificate of number (ownership document), an AZ number, and a set of decals. Register your boat through the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Failing to do so could result in a fine. What to do if you’re in a Summer Boating Accident No matter how careful you are on your boat, there will inevitably be other boaters who are not as careful. You can do your best to prevent a summer boating accident but they happen. If you’re involved in an accident, treat it as you would a car accident: Take pictures at the scene of the accident. Call the police. Fill out police reports. Seek medical attention. Call a boating accident attorney. It may seem like you’re not injured but over the course of the next few days, you may find that you are suffering injuries. That’s why it’s important to get check by a medical professional after the boating accident. You can never be too careful. A boating accident attorney can sort through the evidence, witness accounts, and police reports to determine you level of responsibility and compensation. Contact us or call Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer today at 602-535-5899 for a free case review of your boating accident.

Contact Us Today You’re grocery shopping and slip and fall in an area with a posted wet floor sign. You ask yourself, “Is my slip and fall a real case?” It might be even though you walked where there was a sign clearly posted and here’s why: In Arizona, we have what is known as comparative negligence. That means the law recognizes you and the property owner have the same responsibility for preventing an accident. You pay attention to where you’re walking and the owner is responsible for keeping the walkway clear. When someone slip and falls, it may initially look like an avoidable accident but that’s not always the case. Rather than guessing if you have a case, we recommend contacting with the Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer to evaluate all the facts and outline your options. Sometimes your slip and fall case isn’t as clear cut as your fault or the property owner’s fault. Take the example of an injury that occurs on a public pool slide. Your child runs up the ladder for the slide, slips, falls, and suffers injuries. It might look like he or she was injured because they were running and it was just an accident. When an experienced slip and fall attorney at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer reviews the case, it is found that one of the ladder’s steps was loose. This kind of information helps us to prepare your case and make sure that all the facts are aligned in a way that focuses on the core merits of your claim. Who is negligent in this case? Just as with all slip and fall cases, it is the responsibility of the property owner to make sure their property is safe. It is also the responsibility of the person who fell to watch where they are walking and avoid a fall. A full case review would need to occur to determine the exact portion of negligence for the owner and the child who fell. The law doesn’t exist for property owners to be on high alert for any and all hazards on their property. The law exists to make sure property owners make reasonable repairs to hazards they know, or should know about. There’s a difference between a slip and fall on spilled water at a restaurant or tripping over tiles the owner has known were broken for a long period of time. If the owner of the pool slide knew the step was broken and didn’t repair it, they will likely be found more negligent than if they had inspected the slide recently and found it to be in good repair. The same holds true for the grocery store; if the wet floor sign wasn’t posted, the store would be found more negligent according to Arizona law. No matter how you slice it, determining whether you have a valid case isn’t something you should have to do alone. Let the experts at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer review your situation with you. If you have a case, we’ll help you pursue it. If you’ve suffered injuries from a slip and fall and aren’t sure if you have a case, contact Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer or call 602-535-5899 for a free case evaluation.