And as usual, it's time for the weekly 10-minute session of communication with Michael Brook, Head of the Bureau of Accident Investigation and Road Traffic Incidents.
Michael: Hello, Alexander. Hello, dear listeners. As always, I wish everyone good health and to avoid any troubles. But if something unfortunate happens to one of your friends, acquaintances, or colleagues—like a car accident or a fall—simply call my phone number, 718-256-5610, at any time of day or night. You can also find me online at michaelbrook.com, spelled as one word, Brook is "B-R-O-O-K," where all my contact information is available. I advise saving my website on your phone so the icon is always handy.
So, 718-256-5610, Michael. As usual, you're not even here yet, but there are already questions for you. One listener asked: he works as a school bus driver and got into an accident. Judging by his description, he is at least partially at fault. He was leaving a stop sign, and his bus got hit by a car coming down the main road. He wonders if you can still help him in such a situation. Could you please respond?
Michael: First of all, if he was working at the time, regardless of fault, he is entitled to a special lawyer that deals with workers' compensation insurance, which covers his medical treatment and missed work. This lawyer will be completely free for him and won't take a percentage, regardless of who is at fault. I will definitely provide him with such a lawyer, as well as a doctor who specializes in treatment under this specific insurance. Not all doctors accept it, so it's crucial for him, especially if his health suffered because of the accident, and he will be missing work for quite some time—let's say for half a year. In such a case, he'll also receive an additional special sum called lump sum, and again, this is regardless of fault.
Moreover, even if he left a stop sign and there's partial blame on the car that hit him, there's at least a 30% fault on the other vehicle. If it's proven that the vehicle was speeding, it could be more than 30%, maybe even 50%. I've had such cases. For instance, someone came to me, left a stop sign, and got hit by a vehicle going so fast that the vehicle of the person who came to me flipped over. I provided a lawyer who managed to prove that the other vehicle was not in its lane at the time of the accident, being partially on the oncoming traffic lane. So all the blame transferred to that driver, even though they seemed to be on the main road. You should assess these situations individually. I'll provide a second lawyer to challenge his innocence and attempt to claim insurance money from the other driver.
If something similar happens, call me as soon as possible at 718-256-5610, Michael Brook. Save the number to your mobile and keep it with you. Thank you for the answer that will surely help our listener. Now, let's listen to Peter, who's been waiting for his turn. Peter, please...
Peter: Michael, my wife and I were walking at the pier, and my wife tripped and fell badly, injuring her face extensively. Our son tried to contact the lawyer, but was told it's impossible to sue. What can you say on this subject?
Michael: Well, you're quite fortunate to have called my office because I work with lawyers who take on almost all situations, particularly with severe injuries like your wife's. In many cases, they do win compensations, even though it's tough to prove that a city was aware of a defect beforehand. However, my lawyers are capable of proving such cases, often by reviewing the history of similar incidents and finding evidence of previous cases. They successfully extract significant sums from the city. Recently, my attorney secured $200,000 for someone who broke a hip due to a faulty pier. So, if this happens, call me as soon as possible at 718-256-5610. Save my number; you can call any time, and I will promptly connect you with a lawyer.
If for some reason you can't find my number, you can always search for Michael Brook online, spelled "B-R-O-O-K," and there you'll find all my contacts. You can also save my site icon on your phone for quick access or send a message directly from the site.
Thank you, Peter. We still have time to hear from Larisa. Larisa, welcome...
Larisa: We had a bit of an unusual accident. We were driving on a two-lane road in the left lane, and a police car approached from behind. To let it through, we started to shift right, and another vehicle behind us decided not to yield and crashed into us. Will we be at fault in this accident? Can we sue the other vehicle? What should we do in such a situation?
Michael: In your case, it seems you've done everything correctly. You must yield to the police car, and other vehicles should respect such maneuvers. If the driver behind you did not let you change lanes, significant blame will fall on that driver, as they should have allowed you to make way for the police car. This situation is quite straightforward, and my lawyer is confident that they can prove the other driver's significant fault. If, however, your health was not affected, you're not entitled to a lawyer. But if you start experiencing pain, for instance, in your back, neck, or lower back, I will immediately provide a lawyer. They will direct you for a health check and start proving your lack of fault. If the health check reveals any serious issues, you gain several benefits: a lawyer representing and proving your innocence, timely medical attention, and prevention of chronic issues.
Even if no serious injuries are found, resulting in only mild bruises, the doctor will confirm your good fortune, and the lawyer will handle all necessary documents for insurance claims. Therefore, if you notice any discomfort, start a health check and open a case. That way, you'll get an attorney immediately.
Once again, I remind you of my number, 718-256-5610, Michael Brook. I had a similar case where a police car was involved, and another vehicle didn't expect a lane change and rear-ended the client when the police arrived. They explained the situation, and the police wrote in their report that the car behind did not maintain distance, allowing my lawyer to claim almost complete fault on the other driver. This led to a successful insurance claim for $100,000 for my client who had severe spinal issues.
If anything similar ever happens, call me as soon as possible at 718-256-5610. Keep my number handy. Michael Brook, 718-256-5610, reachable any time of day or night, any day of the week, and I will connect you with a lawyer promptly.
In the case of accidents, injuries, or fractures, Michael Brook, Head of the Bureau of Accident Investigation and Road Traffic Incidents, will provide you with an experienced attorney to secure maximum compensation. My number again, 718-256-5610.