When you’re the victim of a vehicle accident, the justice and insurance systems have an established process through which you can fight for the compensation you deserve. But when you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident, the pursuit of justice is more complex. QUESTIONS ANSWERED YOUR BIGGEST HIT- AND-RUN
Spring is often a welcome relief from the cold, dreary, snowy days of winter, but with every change of the season, a few household chores become necessary to help protect the longevity of our homes. In March, this includes everyone’s favorite: cleaning the gutters. CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS LIKE A PRO! THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THIS MUST-DO CHORE
This season, tackle your gutters with the only guide you will ever need.
THE RIGHT SETUP If you want to be a pro, you should look the part. Dress in “work” clothes, and opt for long sleeves and gloves to protect your arms and hands. Wear sturdy shoes for support, and cover your eyes. Use a ladder that is extendable and has a strong, sturdy base. It’s always best to have someone hold the ladder for extra support, too. Experts also recommend laying a tarp below your ladder to catch any falling debris. And rather than sticking your hands into the gutters, use a gutter scoop or an old spatula to remove the gunk. If you don’t have a ladder — or fear using one — you can search your local hardware store for tall cleaning tools, like leaf-blower attachments that will stretch up to your roof. Once again, you will want a tarp below to catch debris. And anything that does come out of the gutter can be thrown away or composted. NOT DONE YET! Real housing professionals always make sure the job will be easier next time — so don’t skip these crucial steps. After your gutters are clear, spray water into them and watch the downspout. This “test” will determine if every part of your gutter is clear or if there are other concerns you need to address. Then, consider installing “gutter guards” to prevent debris from falling into the gutters. Screens or metal guards will work well, and when it’s time to clean your gutters in the fall, simply swipe any material off the guard!
Let’s take a look at some of the most pressing questions in these incidents.
‘HOW DO I GET COMPENSATED?’ Unless the driver of the vehicle that hit you can be identified, you will have to file a claim with your insurance company. This is rare in a personal injury case, as it’s usually the at-fault driver who has to make a claim with their insurance. Personal injury attorneys only target insurance companies of at-fault drivers, too. This is why it’s valuable to have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage as part of your auto policy. This will not only protect you from motorists who don’t have coverage, it will also provide you with compensation if the at-fault driver isn’t found. ‘ CAN I SUE, EVEN IF THERE ARE CRIMINAL CHARGES?’ The act of fleeing an accident you cause is a crime, so there will be criminal charges. However, this does not limit your ability to sue the at-fault driver or their insurance company. If necessary, once we can identify who is responsible for the accident, we can seek compensation from the proper insurance company. The courts may also order punitive damages to be paid by the at-fault party because fleeing the scene of the accident is an intentional act of negligence. SO, WHAT DO I DO? If you are an at-fault driver, never flee the scene. This will always result in greater, more severe penalties. If you’re the victim, proceed as you normally would after an accident. Get somewhere safe, and call for help. You should always seek medical treatment after an accident, too. Then, document the scene with photos and your personal statement. Ensure witnesses share their contact information with you or the police as well. These will all prove worthwhile when the at-fault driver is named.
Bonus : Don’t forget to repeat this cycle in the fall!
For more information and guidance, search the online directory at ConsumerReports.org. They offer advice on finding the right gutter guard and give other tips for how to clean your home.
You should never face a personal injury claim alone, especially in hit-and- run cases. For assistance, call the Texas Law Dog today!
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