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After a serious injury, you need financial security that you may have struggled with since your accident. You may be unable to work, or you may have long-term, expensive surgeries. Your personal injury settlement should give you that security and peace of mind.

But tax season will roll around eventually. What will happen to your claim then? Will you have to pay taxes on your personal injury settlement?

The answer is complex, and it may depend in part on the types of compensation you’ve received. Because of this, you may need to discuss with a lawyer the effects of taxes on your personal injury settlement. Your lawyer can help you get the max settlement without losing it all to taxes.

Taxes on Your Financial Recovery

Generally, you don’t have to pay taxes on the funds given to you for the costs of your injuries and recovery. If you didn’t take a deduction for the expenses in the past, you may be able to keep the full amount.

For example, let’s say you slipped and fell in a store a year ago, and you suffered a severe concussion. You didn’t include the hospital bills on your taxes at the time for a deduction because your Orange County injury lawsuit was underway. When you receive compensation for the economic damages you suffered, you don’t have to pay taxes on that amount.

Similar rules are applied to your non-economic damages, or the mental and emotional losses you suffered because of the accident. As long as these non-economic damages happened because of your injury or illness, you can keep the full amount from your settlement without paying taxes on these losses.

Exceptions to the IRS’ Rule

But not every part of your personal injury settlement is definitely yours, without any taxes to be paid. The exceptions can be costly. For example, you may have received compensation for the loss of income you suffered while you were unable to work. Because this is a replacement for your missing income, this amount can be taxed.

Interest on your settlement can also count as a part of your income, and punitive damages are also usually taxable. All these exceptions can lead to serious losses due to the costs of your taxes.

But paying your taxes on a personal injury settlement shouldn’t bankrupt you. Your Orange County personal injury lawyer can help you understand what you’ll pay in taxes before your claim is settled. They can also help you maximize your settlement, even if you have to pay taxes on some parts of your claim.

Talk with a Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Settlement

When you’re injured, you need to know that you no longer have to worry about the costs of your accident. Hiring a lawyer from Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys can help you get the guidance and assurance you need about taxes on your personal injury settlement. If you’re worried about your financial recovery and you need help, reach out to a lawyer for guidance. Call 949.535.1341, or fill out the online contact form below.

When you’re in a California car accident, your losses may mean more than a totaled car. You may be seriously injured, and you’re worried about the bills for your ambulance ride, hospital stay, and any treatment you needed. 

One of your first questions may be, “Does auto insurance cover medical expenses?” The answer may depend on your insurance provider and your coverage. If you’re not sure whether you’re fully covered, reach out for help getting answers about your insurance policy from a trusted car accident lawyer

What Your Auto Insurance May Cover

In some cases, your car insurance will cover your medical expenses. Your policy may include your medical bills in your settlement. This coverage may be included regardless of fault. 

The problem is, this coverage is optional. Although you must carry liability coverage, which means you won’t have to pay out of pocket if you caused an accident, you may not have coverage that includes medical bills. Although your health insurance may cover some losses, you may be worried about the costs left over after your car accident. 

Getting Coverage Through Your Car Accident Claim

When you’re hurt in a serious car accident, getting coverage isn’t always easy. Your insurance company may even downplay the severity of your injuries or the value of your settlement. Because of this, it can be difficult to get compensation for your losses from the insurance company.

If you don’t have the right coverage, though, your insurance company won’t cover your economic damages, such as medical expenses, no matter the circumstances. In cases where turning to your insurance company isn’t an option, you may need to seek compensation through a civil lawsuit. 

Going to court never sounds like a good time, but it could be key for your financial future. Your Riverside car accident attorney can help you by gathering evidence of your injuries, determining the at-fault party, and representing you in the courtroom. 

How Your Auto Accident Lawyer Can Help

Your car accident lawyer can do more than represent you in court, though. Our firm offers a guarantee that we’ll get your expenses delayed or covered until your claim is settled. You shouldn’t have to worry about how you’ll pay your bills, especially if you’re seeking compensation at the time. 

Your Orange County car accident lawyer can represent you in court so you don’t have to worry about facing the auto insurer alone. They can help you determine whether your auto insurance covers medical expenses, prepare evidence showing you need compensation, and seek the maximum compensation you’re due. 

Seek Out an Orange County Car Accident Lawyer

When you’re hurt in a severe car accident, your insurance may not cover all your losses. But that doesn’t mean you have to pay out of pocket, either. Your car accident lawyer from Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys can help you seek the compensation you need for your financial and physical recovery. We also offer free consultations. Call 949.535.1341 or fill out the online contact form below to get started.

When you walk along a street, you may only be vaguely aware of the danger you’re in. At any moment a reckless driver could strike you. You need to be aware of your surroundings when walking down the street because you might be able to avoid being injured in a pedestrian accident in Orange County.

The more you know about potential dangers, the more prepared you can be when danger comes your way. Here are some of the common causes of pedestrian accidents.

What Could Cause an Orange County Pedestrian Accident?

You can probably think of a dangerous situation that could result in a pedestrian accident on your own. For example, most people realize that drunk drivers are dangerous and frequently cause pedestrian accidents, but there are many other causes of pedestrian accidents.

Distracted Drivers

On the rise are drivers who can’t put their phones away. Driving distracted is nearly as bad a driving drunk. Taking your eyes off the road and your mind off the task of driving can lead to serious injuries and deaths for pedestrians.

Dangerous Intersections and Roads

Did you know that the road you’re walking on could contribute to an accident? If there are no sidewalks along the road, this can make the road dangerous for pedestrians. What about intersections? Could they be made safer for pedestrians? If crosswalks are faded or lights poorly timed, accidents could happen.

Reckless Drivers

Of course, there are always the reckless drivers you need to watch out for.

For instance, red light runners cause a lot of pedestrian accidents. Always keep your eyes out for drivers who aren’t following the rules of the road. It’s a good idea to wait a few seconds before crossing a busy intersection in case a reckless driver has decided they don’t feel like stopping for that red light.

What to Do if You’ve Been Hurt in a Pedestrian Accident

Let’s say it’s too late—you’ve already been injured in an accident. What are you supposed to do now? You’re severely injured, suffering in pain, and struggling to overcome emotional trauma.

You have the right to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the person who caused your pedestrian accident. That person can be held accountable for their actions. They could be made to pay you financial compensation for all you’ve been through.

Your compensation could pay for things like medical bills, lost income, permanent disability, trauma, and lost life enjoyment.

Get in Touch with a Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Orange County

You’ve been hurt in a pedestrian accident despite your best efforts to avoid injury. Contact an Orange County pedestrian accident lawyer to learn your rights and learn about the personal injury claim process. You don’t have to deal with the stress and hassle of filing a claim all by yourself. Your lawyer can help make the process easier for you.

Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys can be reached by dialing 949.535.1341 or you can fill out the internet contact form on this web page. Get a free case assessment when you contact our firm.

On March 16, 2020, Governor Newsom issued a shelter-in-place order for the entire state of California. This is because the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has become a serious problem in the U.S., and California has seen some of the worst spread rates.

More than 4,000 people have been diagnosed with coronavirus in California, and that doesn’t include the number of people who may have it but haven’t been formally diagnosed.

But the shelter-in-place order hasn’t stopped life from going on, and with that are the existing personal injury claims of our clients. The shelter-in-place order also does not mean that accidents won’t continue to happen, which means injury victims will still be in need of legal representation.

Read on to learn more about what the shelter-in-place order for California means and how Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys are continuing to work for those in need during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Coronavirus in California

With all nonessential businesses closed, and residents across the state being told to shelter-in-place through at least May 1, 2020, California has taken unprecedented and necessary steps to stop or slow the spread of the coronavirus within the state.

People are being asked to remain at home at all times, and to go out only for essentials such as food and other necessities. You can still go outside to get exercise and fresh air, but the state is strongly encouraging people to continue practicing social distancing and self-isolation. This means staying home and not engaging in social gatherings of any kind.

How We Are Working for Injury Victims During the Coronavirus Pandemic

All courts are currently closed or only handling cases that can be done through video or telecommunication services or are necessary due to time-sensitive criminal matters. But that doesn’t mean we aren’t still working diligently for our existing clients and even available to take new ones on. We can transmit and receive documents digitally during this time and are working remotely on our client’s cases.

There are a number of reasons you may be in need of a personal injury lawyer during this time. Maybe you were misdiagnosed and contracted the coronavirus, or perhaps you are an essential employee who was in a car accident on their way to work. No matter what accident or incident you find yourself in, you may still have the right to seek full compensation from the negligent party.

We are prepared to get started on your case now, so that when the state’s shelter-in-place order is lifted and life can resume as usual, we’ll have a head start on your personal injury.

Contact an Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have questions about your existing personal injury claim, or if you have been injured or fallen ill due to the negligent actions of another, contact Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys to discuss your case. You can fill out the convenient contact form included below or call 949.535.1341 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Car accidents can impact a victim’s life in countless ways, but when you file an insurance claim and possibly bring your case to court, you need to be sure to include every single loss to maximize the amount of your injury settlement.

Below, we go into further detail about some of the various economic losses you shouldn’t forget to include in your claim, and the non-economic damages that can be sought after under California law.

Financial Losses You Can Recover in Your Orange County Car Accident Claim

Economic damages, also known as financially based losses, are the most commonly thought of type of loss a person experiences after being involved in a car accident in Orange County. The first thing that probably comes to your mind is:

The good news is that both of these economic damages are recoverable. But they may be worth more than you might think. When we take a closer look at medical expenses, this should encompass every single healthcare cost related to your injuries. This might include:

  • Medical equipment, such as hospital beds or prosthetic limbs
  • Costs of physical or occupational therapy
  • Copays
  • Costs of diagnostic imaging
  • Fees associated with mental health counseling
  • Costs of prescription medications

These are just a few of the different types of medical expenses you may be able to recover in your car accident claim.

Then, when we look more closely at your lost wages, we may also find that you are entitled to far more than the income you lost while out of work. Perhaps you are unable to continue working due to your injuries, which means you’re out of a job entirely. Such lost earning capacity could include compensation for:

  • Lost contributions to your retirement savings plan
  • Loss of salary increases and bonuses you may have earned
  • Reasonable lost future earnings

In addition to your lost wages and medical expenses, you will also want to be sure that you don’t forget to seek restitution for other economic damages such as:

  • Housekeeping expenses
  • Property damage
  • Unexpected childcare costs

What Are Non-Economic Damages in California?

Non-economic damages refer to the losses you have suffered that do not pertain to money. This might include your pain and suffering and emotional distress, for example.

These items do not have a set monetary value, but they are often equally, if not more, impactful. Some of the lesser known non-economic damages you may be able to include your Orange County car accident settlement include:

  • Reputational damage
  • Inconvenience
  • Scarring
  • Loss of companionship and love
  • Disfigurement
  • Diminished quality of life

Get Help from an Orange County Car Accident Lawyer

If you would like to get a better idea of what your car accident claim could be worth, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a respected Orange County car accident lawyer at Kohan & Bablove, Injury Attorneys. We can be reached through the quick contact form below or by phone at 949.535.1341.

Find a Car Accident Lawyer Office below:

Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys
Address: 20371 Irvine Ave Suite 110, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: +1 949.535.1341

It is more common than you might think for accident survivors to be hesitant to file personal injury lawsuits against the individual or entity that is to blame for their injuries. Most often, this is due to the fact that they aren’t sure whether contacting an attorney is the right move.

With this in mind, we have provided more information below about the ways you can tell that contacting an Orange County personal injury lawyer may be the right move for you.

Is Someone Else at Fault for Your Injuries?

To outsiders, civil court is sometimes seen as a place for frivolous lawsuits. But people who take the time to file a claim after suffering a devastating injury are, more often than not, doing so because their lives have been seriously impacted by the accident they were involved in and/or their injuries.

If you are unsure whether you should pursue a personal injury claim, you can start by asking yourself if someone else is to blame for your injuries. This may not always be easily determined at first glance, so you may need to discuss your accident with a personal injury lawyer to find out. But you can review the table included below to see what party or parties are typically found liable for your type of accident.

Type of Accident Liable Party
Car, Motorcycle, Bicycle, Pedestrian Accident Another driver’s negligence, auto parts manufacturers, city/state/county department of transportation
Truck Accidents Same as other motor vehicle accidents but also includes cargo loaders, truck owners, safety inspectors, and trucking companies
Dog Bites Owner of the dog
Slip-and-Fall Accidents Property owners
Defective Products Product manufacturers and distributors

Have You Suffered Considerable Losses?

Another way you can tell that contacting a personal injury lawyer may be a good option for you is if you have suffered significant losses due to the accident.

Maybe you have exorbitant medical expenses that need to be paid, or maybe you’ve been struggling to deal with the emotional trauma that you’ve been through, for example. There are many other losses you may be able to recover if you move forward with a civil claim against the liable party, including:

  • Lost quality of life
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages and earning capacity
  • Loss of consortium
  • Inconvenience
  • Reputational damage
  • Loss of household services

These are just a few of the various losses you may be able to recover in your lawsuit. Speaking with a lawyer about the extent of your damages doesn’t cost anything, and it could provide you with the opportunity to obtain the compensation you need to put this experience behind you.

Get Help from an Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer

To learn more about what legal options may be available to you after being involved in an accident caused by the negligence of another, schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer at Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys.

You can reach our office by phone at 949.535.1341 or through the quick contact form we have included at the bottom of this page.

 

Motor vehicle accidents are known for being incredibly destructive. It is not uncommon for accident survivors to endure devastating injuries, such as traumatic brain damage, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and third-degree burns, to name a few. 

But, this often leads those who have suffered minor injuries to wonder whether they have a viable case. This is especially true for individuals suffering from back pain following a car accident. Below, we go into further detail below about whom you might sue for your back injury and why you have the right to sue for back pain after a California car accident.

Culpability in California Car Accidents

For a California car accident claim to be successful, you must be able to prove who is to blame for the accident you were involved in. Although every accident is different, there are some liable parties that are far more common than others.

Negligent and irresponsible drivers are the top cause. Whether a driver has gotten behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, is distracted by their cell phone, is too tired to be driving, or is driving aggressively, they are putting other drivers at serious risk of injury. When an accident occurs due to a reckless driver, they should be compelled to cover your costs

Although negligent drivers are, arguably, the most common cause of car accidents, there are other entities who could have played a part in your injuries. If the roads were dangerous in some way or if there was a malfunction in a car part, for example, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) or the vehicle parts manufacturer may be to blame for your losses, respectively.

The Financial and Non-Financial Impact of Your Back Injury

Back pain after an accident is generally caused by an injury to the spinal cord, shoulder, or other part of the back. The back pain itself doesn’t determines whether you can file a lawsuit, though. What is more important is how the back pain has impacted your life.

Maybe you’ve had to miss out on work due to chronic pain, or you’ve been in and out of the doctor’s office to find relief. Maybe you are no longer able to bowl with your weekly league or play with your kids outside because the pain is so consuming.

If your medical records demonstrate that your accident-related back pain has had a tremendous impact on your life, you may be entitled to financial compensation.

Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer

To learn more about the car accident claims process or how a regarded California car accident lawyer at Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys could help you with your lawsuit, schedule a free claim review at our office. 

We can be reached through the quick contact form we have included at the bottom of this page or by phone at 949.535.1341 when you are ready to seek maximum compensation for your suffering.

Find a Car Accident Lawyer Office below:

Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys
Address: 20371 Irvine Ave Suite 110, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: +1 949.535.1341

If you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you might be unsure if you have any options available to you. You’re likely looking at injuries, mounting medical bills, and damage to your property. You don’t deserve to be stuck with the costs of an accident that you didn’t cause. Continue reading to learn more about what to do when a negligent driver strikes you and then flees the scene.

What the Law Says About Hit-and-Runs

In the state of California, it is a criminal offense to leave the scene of an injury accident before the authorities arrive. The driver who hit you and caused your injuries will face criminal charges once they are identified and located. But a criminal conviction won’t repay you for the cost of your injuries and damages. For that, you’ll need to file a civil claim against the negligent driver. This can feel like a daunting task when you don’t have legal experience and you’re just trying to get your life back on track. An experienced hit-and-run lawyer can help gather evidence that proves fault.

Notify the Local Authorities

Even if you feel fine and your car doesn’t appear to be damaged, notify the authorities immediately and wait for them to arrive. The officer who arrives on the scene will take stock of the incident and file a police report. This is a document that will be crucial to successfully proving negligence in your case.

Gather Evidence

Collecting evidence that proves negligence is necessary in every car accident claim, but it’s especially important when you have an unidentified party. Before leaving the scene, take some time to write down everything you can remember about the accident. Answer questions such as the following:

  • What color, make, or shape of the car?
  • Did it have any outstanding features, such as bumper stickers or custom rims?
  • Did you notice any aggressive or careless driving minutes before the collision, such as swerving, brake lights, or honking from surrounding vehicles?

Take pictures of your vehicle and the surrounding area. The police will also document the scene, but it can never hurt to have as much information as possible.

Seek Medical Attention

Documentation of your injuries is crucial. Even if you feel fine after the wreck, schedule a doctor’s evaluation. This can help in two ways: first, it will provide specific and professional information about your physical health directly after the accident. This can help prove that any injuries were the direct result of the accident and not something unrelated. Second, car accidents are known to bring about injuries that you don’t notice at first. Conditions such as whiplash, for example, can surface several days or even weeks after the accident. Internal bleeding might not feel like an injury, but without treatment, it can be fatal.

Contact a Hit-and-Run attorney for Help Seeking Compensation

A car crash can be a traumatizing experience. Factor in a driver who leaves the scene without even checking if you’re OK, and you’re likely feeling extremely violated and scared. Seek justice in the form of monetary compensation with the help of an Orange County hit-and-run lawyer. The team at Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys is ready when you are. Fill out the form below or dial 949.535.1341 for a free consultation.

Find a Hit and Run Car Accident Lawyer Office below:

Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys Address: 20371 Irvine Ave, Suite 110, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Phone: +1 949.535.1341

Dockless scooter companies have taken over the streets of Orange County with their convenient and efficient idea of transportation. Although electric scooters are a fun way for pedestrians to get around town, they’ve proven to come with many risks. These scooters can travel at a maximum speed of twelve miles per hour and, when safety precautions aren’t taken into consideration, severe injuries can occur.

If you’ve been injured in a dockless scooter accident, our team at Kohan & Bablove, Injury Attorneys can help you pinpoint the liable party. We’ll assist you in pursuing legal action so you can recover the compensation you deserve for your damages. An Orange County dockless scooter accident attorney will support you throughout the legal process as you seek justice and focus on a full recovery.

Investigate Your Accident

The first step to take after getting injured in an Orange County dockless scooter wreck is to investigate your accident. By investigating, you’ll collect key information regarding how your accident occurred, why it occurred, and who’s ultimately responsible.

If a vehicle hit you while riding your scooter, you can try to get the police report to obtain details about the colliding driver. If your accident happened because of a scooter malfunction, you may need to get the scooter examined for a record of the defects. Your medical records and any documentation about financial losses you’ve suffered will also be helpful in supporting your case.

Prove Negligence Against the Liable Party

Once you’ve investigated your accident with the help of an experienced attorney in Orange County, you can pinpoint the liable party in your case and prove negligence against them in court.

If a driver hit you on your scooter, your investigation may have uncovered that the driver was distracted, speeding, or driving under the influence. As long as you have evidence such as witness testimonies or video footage to support your case, you’ll have a solid chance of winning a settlement.

If a scooter malfunction caused your injuries, an examination of the scooter and proof of the malfunction should be sufficient proof to sue the scooter company and recover compensation in court.

Calculate Your Settlement

When calculating your overall settlement, you’ll want to include all the damages you’ve suffered. You can include both financial losses and ways in which the accident has affected your overall lifestyle in your claim.

Financial losses, also known as economic damages, may include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Effects to your lifestyle, also known as non-economic damages, may include pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring and disfigurement, or emotional distress.

Contact an Orange County Dockless Scooter Accident Attorney

You may feel hesitant to pursue a lawsuit for your scooter accident when there haven’t been many scooter accident cases in the past to compare to. Our team at Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys has an in-depth understanding of personal injury litigation and we’re confident that we can apply the law to your accident. We’ll do our best to maximize your claim and secure you the compensation you deserve.

To discuss your case in greater detail with an Orange County scooter accident lawyer, fill out the contact form below or call 949.535.1341 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

When you are injured in a car accident in California and someone else is responsible for the collision, you have the right to file a car accident lawsuit against the liable party and obtain compensation for any damages you’ve experienced. Usually, the first thing you’ll be worried about is covering your medical expenses and any other financial losses you’ve suffered. What many injured victims are happy to find out is that their attorney can help them win other damages for the ways in which the accident has affected their lifestyle. These damages are known as non-economic damages. Both economic and non-economic damages are common in car accident lawsuits, but punitive damages are awarded only in rare circumstances. At Kohan & Bablove, Injury Attorneys, we’ve helped clients recover all sorts of damages from their cases. If you believe you should be awarded punitive damages after a wreck, an Orange County car accident lawyer from our team can investigate your accident and negotiate on your behalf in the courtroom.

How Punitive Damages Differ from Compensatory Damages

Compensatory damages is the overarching term used for both economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages differ from compensatory damages in that they can only be awarded by a judge and they’re only awarded in circumstances where the defendant has shown particularly harmful behavior or blatant negligence. Often, a judge will award punitive damages in order to set an example.

California’s Law on Punitive Damages

California’s law on punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, is stated in California Civil Code Section 3294. The code states that punitive damages can only be awarded when the defendant is proven guilty of oppression, fraud, or malice with clear and convincing evidence. It also says these damages will be awarded for the sake of example or as a way of punishing the defendant. The code defines malice as intentional injury to a person or disgraceful behavior with a deliberate disregard for safety. The code defines oppression as disgraceful behavior that subjects a person to cruel and unjust suffering with mindful disregard to the person’s rights.

When Punitive Damages May Be Awarded for Car Accidents

In order for punitive damages to be awarded in a car accident in California, the accident needs to be severe and the negligent driver needs to be proven particularly harmful in their actions. For example, if you’re hit by a drunk driver who’s facing their second or third DUI offense, punitive damages may be awarded. If your accident was caused by a driver who experienced a fit of road rage and cut you off, then this would also be considered malicious and may be eligible for punitive damages.

Reach Out to an Orange County Car Accident Attorney

An investigation of your car accident will need to be performed in order to determine whether blatant negligence occurred. If the negligence can’t be considered oppressive, fraudulent, or malicious under the law, you’ll still have a chance of receiving compensatory damages for your wreck. At Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys, we’ll do our best to maximize your claim and convince the judge that you deserve this recompense. If you’d like to speak with an Orange County car accident lawyer about your case, call 949.535.1341 or fill out the contact form below to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

Find a Car Accident Lawyer Office below:

Kohan & Bablove Injury Attorneys Address: 20371 Irvine Ave Suite 110, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Phone: +1 949.535.1341

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