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Auto Accident Checklist: Tips On What To Do Following A Car Accident
December 13, 2010 | Author admin
It is not expected of somebody who has just experienced a car accident to be fully composed and calm after such auto accident transpires. However, a substantial degree of such composure and calmness is needed in order to minimize the adverse events resulting from auto accidents. Here are some important things you have to do following a car accident:
• Ascertain the degree of resulting damages
Having an assessment of the gravity of your, your companions’ and/or the vehicle’s injuries or damage gives you an idea of what to do next. Remember that it is not advisable to mobilize somebody with fractured bones unless the situation leaves no other option but to do so (for instance, if the vehicle is on fire or about to be on fire).
• Take note of the factual details of the accident
For the authorities to have a clear picture of the accident, it is important not to miss or err on important details like at what speed where you or the other party was driving, what exactly were you doing inside your vehicle immediately before the car accident, etc.
• Go to the police and file a Car Accident Report
The importance of accomplishing this cannot be stressed enough. After a car accident, the issue as to who is to be held responsible for resulting damages can only be resolved if enough data about the accident is at hand.
via Auto Accident Checklist: Tips On What To Do Following A Car Accident.
10 Ways to Prevent an Auto Accident
December 13, 2010 | Author admin
Sure, I am a personal injury attorney, but that doesn’t mean that I enjoy hearing about, or representing the victims of, preventable car accidents. Part of my role is to help all the drivers out there to be safer on the road.Texting, eating and applying makeup while driving, changing the radio station, reprogramming the navigation system, talking on the phone or driving intoxicated all contribute to the 6+ million car accidents witnessed in the United States every year. Though you may not engage in these distractions while driving- there are many others on the road who do and here are some simple tips to help prevent causing or being involved in an accident. Here are a few simple reminders that may just make you safer!
1. Focus on the Road and Remove Distractions: Cell phones, changing out the CD, switching the music on your music player all distract you from the road. About 80% of the 6+ million accidents each year are caused by distracted drivers.
2. Stay out of the “fast lane”:
According to research most freeway accidents take place in the left lane. The right and middle lanes offer more escape routes in case of emergency- helping you avoid collision.
3. Keep an Eye Out:
Don’t simply watch what the person in front of you is doing- pay attention to the cars 3 or 4 lengths ahead of you. You will know what is happening further up the road which will enable you to avoid a collision in the event that the person in front of you is not paying adequate attention.
4. Hands on the wheel: Holding the steering wheel properly in the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock position provides more control over your car- enabling you to more easily react and maneuver.
5. Monitor your blind spots:
Quite a few accidents occur as the result of blind spots. The drivers of large trucks are often scrutinized for this, but all drivers should be monitoring their blind spots- particularly when changing lanes.
6. Be Cautious at Intersections:
Intersections can be extremely dangerous- never gun-it when the light turns green- instead make sure there are no vehicles running red lights. Also pay close attention to pedestrians who may have the right of way.
7. You Can Judge a Driver by their Vehicle: If a car has a considerable amount of bodily damage that may indicate a poor driver.
8. Be Familiar with Your Car and its Abilities: Know your vehicle’s limits so you may be able to handle adverse conditions. If you have weak tires don’t speed or slam on your breaks while raining and leave ample space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
9. Perform Routine Maintenance Visit your mechanic on time with factory recommended services, oil changes etc. Monitor your particular cars recall list and make sure you get any recalls taken care of as soon as possible.
10. Avoid nighttime driving. Lower visibility and a higher drunk-driving rate make the roads particularly dangerous after hours.
Your Right For A Work Injury Compensation Claims For An Injury At Work
December 6, 2010 | Author admin
Today, we are living in a fast-paced lifestyle. Being slow and stagnant will lead you to a pit hole. And no one in his normal state of mentality would like to be left behind in an unsuccessful living. As everyone of us crave for power, superiority, fame and a luxurious living we work hard in order to achieve these goals.
On the other side of the coin, as workers try hard to improve their working status they cannot avoid to encounter some accidents from their work places. Some of these accidents are due to the negligence of their employers. Whereas, it is every employers’ responsibilities to secure a safe- workplace for his/her employees there are some employers who simply do not look back to their people.
One of the things an employer should make sure is the safety of each of his/her workers whenever they are on duty and within the workplace vicinity. Employers are obliged to provide safety guidelines and equipment to all of his/her people. Proper lightning, ventilation, equipments are just some of the common things they need to facilitate. A good employer always see to it that his/her people are in good and safe condition in the working area. This is also to gain a productive work from his/her people.
But the sad fact is sometimes we encounter some employers who are merely after of their own benefit. They neglect their duties and responsibilities to their people. That is why unwanted events happen in the workplace. Accidents occur due to some carelessness of these kind of employers. Workers suffer from different injuries as a result of the accidents they had at work.
Work injury in the United Kingdom is already honor for a compensation claim. If one has suffered an injury from his/her accident at work he/she can apply for a work injury compensation claim. However, most of the victims of these accidents do not bother to file for their compensation which is supposed to be entitled for them. Some reasons are the worry that they might be fired out from their work. Or they simply lack some courage to ex cerise their rights. They just settle in their comfort zone.
via Your Right For A Work Injury Compensation Claims For An Injury At Work.
Can the premium rated of car insurance be lowered?
December 6, 2010 | Author admin
Car premium expenses can be a cause of concern especially when these premiums tend to keep on increasing. However, there are some ways in which you can certainly lower the amount of monthly premiums that you need to pay. I would like to share some of those ideas with you so that you are able to reduce the cost of car insurance premiums.
It should be noted that the calculation of the insurance premium is rather complex and can sometimes be incorrect. There are a number of reasons why these calculations can go wrong. You should check that the NCB has been applied correctly. If your car was driven by your children who were under age and therefore the premiums for the insurance of your car are high, then you would like to consider if your children are still underage for if they even drive the particular car. You can certainly contact your insurance company and discuss this fact with them. It should be noted that the main driver of your car should be correctly conveyed to the insurance company. If a female is the main driver then the premium rates may vary. Your age is also an important factor for deciding the monthly premiums and you have crossed 50, you may get a discount. In some cases you birth date can be incorrectly recorded, which basically implies that you might be missing the discount.
Sometimes, it so happens that people tend to over insure their car. Some people might suggest that companies often tend to levy a higher insurance premium on your automobile, for their own profits. So, before deciding on the premium rate of your car you should conduct a proper research on the market prices of the premium suitable to your car. Sometimes this makes quite a bit of difference in the premium rates. You should also check if the company offers discounts for employing multiple policies, if you have.
Once you have understood the cause of the applied premium rates for your car, you can surely scout around in the market so that you can make a correct assessment about the root cause of the problem. You can then consult your company or any other experts in the car insurance premium policies for methods which you should employ for lowering your car insurance premium.
I hope you have understood it does not obligatory to shell out a concentrated amount of money for employing a decent insurance for your car.
5 Quick Ways To Reduce Your Auto Insurance Premium
December 6, 2010 | Author admin
Looking for ways to reduce your auto insurance premium? The auto insurance rates can spiral depending on factors including age, past conduct, and other factors such as credit history. However, the trick is to find ways to reduce the annual payment off. We started for the 5 fastest ways to reduce your auto insurance premium.
Tip 1: Increase your deductible
Stop trying to get the lowest deductible, instead of going in a better payment plan pocket. Deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. This is an easy way to reduce the amount of the premium of your newspaper, however, is clear in this case, if something happens to your vehicle – You Need more nuts to cover the initial expenses, prior to entering a claim.
Tip 2: You can park your car in a garage
One of the simplest ways to reduce the insurance premium is to park your car in a garage, personal or commercial establishments. This helps to draw in some cases nearly 20% of the premium. In a garage, the chances of getting your car stolen or sideswiped are considerably lower. An operation in a garage could cause a difference between a rate and a normal rate.
Tip 3: the tower and negotiate
Nothing better than the traditional shop to negotiate. Make sure you have at least three to four awards with you, before placing it on the service provider. Make sure you do not buy for the price, but the entire business.
Tip 4: Take a defensive driving course
Few people realize that. By volunteering for a state approved defensive driving course, you can enjoy premium discount of 10%. But check with your insurer in this regard.
Tip 5: Reduce Coverage
Well, the reduction in coverage is perhaps the easiest way to reduce your auto insurance premium. However, we suggest you exercise caution and prudence, in making that decision. This could save money, but also limit coverage.
Learn More On Insurance About Insurance Insurance Quotes
Definition of Bodily Injury – Law – Personal Injury
December 1, 2010 | Author admin
Definition of “bodily injury”
A quick check on the Internet leads to many sites that provide definitions about injuries. However, the only definition that counts after you’ve been in an auto accident is the one listed in your auto insurance policy.
Check your auto insurance policy
Here are a couple of examples of General Definitions taken directly from auto insurance policies:
* Bodily injury means bodily injury to a person, including resultant sickness, disease or death.
* Bodily injury means any bodily injury, sickness, disease or death sustained by any person.
Bodily injury refers to injuries sustained
There you have it. Bodily injury is damage to your body that may show up now or later as injuries, illnesses, diseases, or even death. Bodily injuries are specific to something that happens to you that results in damage. Those injuries can be to the body, mind, or emotions, as opposed to an injury to property.
The most common forms of bodily injury are injuries to the neck and back (commonly called whiplash) or simply bumps and bruises.
Insurance companies may refer to underlying injuries as soft tissue damage. More significant injuries affect the limbs, brain and head, or spinal cord, and can cause a lifetime of damages. Here you will require Vancouver WA Personal Injury Lawyer to fight for justice by providing enough proof.
Reaction at the scene of an accident
At the scene of an accident, the adrenaline kicks in. Your body’s natural reaction is “fight or flight”, and most people are just scared and shook up, not always aware of what could be serious injuries.
So when you suffer bodily injury, protect your rights by the words you use. Instead of saying, “I’m fine,” just say something like, “I’m not sure… it’s all so sudden.” After all, how can you really tell in the rush of that moment?
Damages may not be visible
The thing that most people may not realize until later is that physical damage may not be readily apparent. Even broken bones might not be noticeable. In cases of whiplash, there may be no bruises or scraping, but the ligaments, connective tissues, and muscles may have been stretched and snapped to the point of damage that is not immediately evident. Such injuries may not be identified without an x-ray, MRI, CAT scan, or other diagnostic tools.
So what is personal injury?
The term “personal injury” is often used by victims to find an attorney who specializes in such cases, as our office does. Think of personal injury as an “umbrella” term that covers not only your bodily injuries, but other damages as well.
Educate yourself about your rights in an auto accident
Everyone deserves to find out if they have a claim. It’s better to learn about your rights sooner than later, though. For example, even in a simple conversation with an insurance company, you may say things that later might make it difficult to reach a favorable settlement. That is true whether you are talking with your own insurance company of the one that represents the other driver.
It’s better to consult with our offices immediately after the accident, to protect your rights and make sure you see medical providers who truly care about your injuries and are careful to document their findings.
My next blog will discuss some of the damages other than bodily injury that can affect your claim.
Steps to be taken in case of car Accident
December 1, 2010 | Author admin
We any ways have to be careful in our day to day life, but unluckily bad things do happen. Follow the below given 13 steps if in case you come across any car accident:
1. First thing you need to do is to notify the police on time and call ambulance if in case of serious injury.
2. Do work together with the accessible authorities who come to the scene.
3. Take based on reason steps to safe guard your vehicle from any other loss. Consider moving it out of the traffic.
4. Further try to record every thing what every possible on the scene. Your notes should carry the details of accident, recognition of the autos and people available, and the names and badge numbers of all urgent situation personnel. Take pictures in case possible.
5. Insist on breath tests if you estimate drugs or alcohol are involved.
6. Do not agree on money in any case. Do not confess fault. Do not agree on fail to notice about the auto accident.
7. Have a carbon copy of all police reports.
8. Have the insurance company inspects and evaluates the scratch before any steps are taken to repair it.
9. Cooperate with the auto insurance carrier agent in the examination, protection or settlement.
10. Send your car insurance carrier copies or lawful papers received in relations with the accident as soon as possible. Be sure you keep the originals copy with you.
11. If you are injured, submit to physical tests by physicians selected by the insurance carrier as commonly as they reasonably require. (The insurance carrier do pays the cost of these examinations.)
12. Give your support for the car insurance carrier to get medical reports and other applicable records.
13. Now its time to file a claim.
14. After filing a claim you require to keep a record of expenses you incur as a result of an auto accident, as it may be repaid under your policy.
15. Store copies of all the paperwork in your own managed files. You might be required to refer to it later.
Recorded Statement — Do I have to give one after a car accident?
December 1, 2010 | Author admin
The recorded statement is a guarantee step in the claim investigation process.
Insurance adjusters will be calling you to ask if they can take your statement about the accident. Many people believe that they have to give these statements so the insurance company provides coverage for the loss. Most insurance companies have Cooperation Clauses in them, but none of them can require you to give a recorded statement in the event of a car accident.
You have the constitutional right to remain silent and to not testify against your own person. Even in murder trials, the right to no self incrimination is respected. The concept carries over to car accidents. No one can bound coverage and require you to be in a recording giving testimony of facts.
Taking a recorded statement is entirely voluntary. Do not let the insurance company tell you otherwise. If they tell you that the cooperation clause in your policy says that you must cooperate, then you can tell them that you will cooperate by giving a verbal statement (same statement just not recorded).
The cooperation clause is just that, a clause that requires you to help the insurance company�s investigation. It does not say that you have to do it under a recorded statement. If they are too pushy, then ask them to put their requirements on writing and verify what they are telling you against your actual policy.
Benefits v. Harms of a Recorded Statement
The benefit is that your insurance company will be able to better document your file. If there is a dispute about fault, and your case goes to arbitration, the arbitrator will probably look at a file with a recorded statement as having better evidence than a file without one. I have seen arbitrators decide that one person�s version of events was �more convincing� because she/he was willing to put their words in a recording.
The harms of giving a �bad recorded statement �could be many, delay in the investigation for something that you said that could bar coverage, complete denial of coverage, fault being construed against you, interpretation of your words against you, etc.
If you think that giving a recorded statement is the right thing to do, then consider only giving it to your own insurance company. If the other party�s insurance carrier asks for a recorded statement, have them contact your insurance company and �share� a copy of the tape. This way you only give one statement, and the people questioning you is your own insurance company (the one protecting your interests).
Here are the best 10 tips of what you should do before you give a recorded statement:
1. Make sure you have time to talk. Secure at least one hour of your time.
2. Make sure is time that work s for you and the adjuster�s. Do not do it before the adjuster�s lunch time. They will rush you to get out of the tape without giving you a chance to fully explain your point of view.
3. Have all the information available in front of you. For example, Names, streets, insurance polices, and the police report if possible.
4. Read your police before hand. This way you will know why the adjuster is asking what they are asking, and see if they are trying to find information to deny your claim.
5. Tell the adjuster that you are willing to give the statement only if they give you a transcription of what you said. Make sure you say this on the tape.
6. Remember that you can decline to answer any question for any reason at anytime. Just say it. I decline to answer for personal reasons.
7. Tell the adjuster that you will also record the conversation. This usually puts them in their best behavior.
8. Answer only what they asked you. If the question is what color is the light? then answer should be a color and nothing more.
9. If the question is subjective, decline to answer, tell them that you do not know, or simply just ask the adjuster what they are looking for specifically.
10. Be polite and respectful. If they are rude or anxious, the adjuster�s supervisor will probably side you. But if you are rude, your complaint will be dismissed.
via Recorded Statement — Do I have to give one after a car accident?.
Tips to ensure your claim is processed in a timely manor
November 29, 2010 | Author admin
There are a couple of key factors that will help process your claim within a timely manor:
1. Be sure to fill out all of your personal information on each claim form. Sometimes the company will ask for the information several times on each page, it is necessary for you to complete the information each time. It seems redundant, but it is necessary.
2. Make sure to give your physician the claim forms to fill out. You can provide your physician with our fax number (724)519-7484 and ask them to complete it and fax it directly to our office. You do not have to wait for them to fax the information. You can send us your completed portion as soon as it is finished.
3. Make sure to give your employer the claim forms to fill out. You can provide your physician with our fax number (724)519-7484 and ask them to complete it and fax it directly to our office. You do not have to wait for them to fax the information. You can send us your completed portion as soon as it is finished.
4. We will also need a copy of your Operative Report faxed to our office.
5. We will need ANY copies of itemized statements, chiropractor visits, or any doctors visits.
6. Claims should be filed within 14 days of the accident or sickness. The sooner we receive your completed paperwork, the sooner the claim is filed and processed.
7. You can check on the status of your claim 24 hours a day by visiting the Insurer’s direct website or by contacting our office.
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Life and Critical Illness Insurance – never withhold information as it will invalidate a claim.
November 29, 2010 | Author admin
Withholding information is the single most common cause of a life or critical illness insurance claim being rejected by the insurer. We have a true story to tell you that will effectively highlight this issue, but to preserve the identity of the policyholder, we have changed the name and a few other details.
Mrs C had surgery to remove cancerous lymph nodes from her groin; while recovering from the operation, she fell ill with a secondary infection. At this difficult time, she received some extra bad news. Her claim under her critical illness insurance policy had been rejected, and she could not expect to receive the $200,000 payout. To understand why her claim was rejected, we need to look at the background to these events.
In June 2001, Mrs C discovered a patch of flaky skin on her back, and she went to the doctor thinking it was eczema. Her GP wasn’t sure and referred her to a specialist dermatologist for an expert opinion. However, Mrs C cancelled the appointment with the dermatologist because the flaky skin cleared up before the date of the appointment. Mrs C thought no more about it, especially as the GP did not communicate any particular urgency to her about the matter.
In August 2001, nine weeks after the GP appointment, Mrs C received a routine sales visit from her life insurance company, Standard Life. The sales representative reviewed her situation due to the fact she now had a young family, and recommended she purchase a $200,000 Critical Illness policy. Mrs C signed up to the new policy without hesitation.
The sales representative went through the application form with Mrs C, filling in the answers for her as they progressed through the questions. When asked to provide details of incidences when she had been referred to a specialist for tests or treatments, Mrs C asked the sales representative what Standard Life meant by that. Mrs C alleges that the representative stated that only referrals relating to serious conditions needed to be mentioned. Since Mrs C’s referral related to what she thought was eczema, she didn’t believe it to be a serious condition, so she did not mention it and it did not go on the form. They completed the form together and Mrs C signed the form believing that she had provided all the information that Standard Life had asked for.
Several days later Mrs C’s application was successful and she was issued with a Critical Illness Insurance policy for $200,000.
Two years down the line, Mrs C was diagnosed with skin cancer. She had to undergo major surgery to try and remove the cancer. Mrs C made a claim on her critical illness insurance policy believing that she had a valid claim.
Mrs C’s claim was rejected, Standard Life cited reckless non-disclosure as the cause the insurer’s way of saying that Mrs C purposely withheld information about her referral to a dermatologist.
How did this happen?
It is clear by now that Mrs C should have mentioned the fact that she had been referred to a dermatologist – so why didn’t she?
Two events brought about this unfortunate situation:
1. When Mrs C asked what kind of referrals needed to go on the form, the Standard Life sales representative told her that she only needed to mention serious conditions. This was completely wrong the application form question stated all occasions her GP had referred her for tests or treatments. The key words here are ALL OCCASIONS. ALL means ALL and there is no flexibility for an applicant to consider if the referral is worth mentioning or not. The sales representative provided Mrs C with the wrong advice.
2. Mrs C was not made aware by the GP that the flaky skin was potentially a serious matter. The GP later admitted that this was the case. If Mrs C did not realize that the referral was a potentially serious matter, then surely she cannot be said to have been withholding information when completing the application form. Remember, the sales representative told her that only serious conditions need to be mentioned.
It is our opinion that Mrs C should not be held accountable for what was a genuine mistake. The Standard Life representative provided incorrect advice at a crucial moment, and Mrs C followed it. We think that Standard Life should take these events into account, and validate the claim.
How to avoid the same happening to you
When you are filling out a life or critical illness insurance application form, read each question very carefully and provide an accurate and full answer. Do not consider withholding any information, because if you fail to disclose something that later comes to light, you will be held accountable as withholding that information on purpose. You may think that withholding that information could result in lower premiums, but it’s not a risk worth taking.
We’ve got our fingers crossed that Standard Life will relent and pay out on Mrs C’s policy. She was unfortunate in receiving poor advice, and did not willfully mislead the insurer.
However, people that do withhold information on purpose can expect everything they get on making a claim nothing .
NB : 5% of critical illness claims are rejected by Standard due to non-disclosure. They’re not the highest: Friends Provident rejects 15% of claims for the same reason, and Legal & General rejects 16%. The insurance industry is addressing this situation at the moment by improving the way they obtain the information from applicants, any by providing clear information about the penalties for non-disclosure.
via Life and Critical Illness Insurance – never withhold information as it will invalidate a claim..
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