About 14 years ago I  lost someone who I loved very much to the careless negligence of a few large corporations. That “someone” was my father. He died at age 62 from asbestosis (lung cancer from asbestos). What hurt the most was knowing that my two daughters would never meet their grandfather.  This event fueled my purpose to help injured victims and their families receive the justice they deserve.

Having gone through this, I understand what an injured victim is feeling when they walk into my office because I have walked in their shoes. Every client that comes to me for help is treated with respect, compassion and understanding because I see them as a part of my extended family. I know that I cannot change what has happened as a result of the crash, however I will do my best to right the wrong that has resulted from the collision.

Insurance adjusters know that if you are not represented by a lawyer, then there is no way for you to know just how much you are legally entitled to . The last thing they want you to do is get advice from an attorney so that you know your rights. It makes their job of minimizing losses, generating profits for shareholders, and protecting the interest of the insured party (the person who caused the collision) so much more difficult. Instead they need you to be vulnerable and trusting so that you are easy prey.

Unfortunately, a long battle awaits if you do not accept their initial offer so get ready to:

1. Be overwhelmed with mountains of paperwork.

2. Be placed on hold for countless hours.

3. Have stall tactics used to put pressure on you to settle.

4. Be sent on a wild goose chase for old records.

Before entering into this battle, arm yourself with as much information as you can so that you are not pressured into accepting an offer that could possibly leave you in debt. My job as an attorney is to educate, empower and enlighten you so that you do not fall victim to the insurance company.

Know your rights, talk to an attorney before accepting an offer from the insurance adjuster.

Nothing is worse than breaking down on an icy pass with no cell phone reception. With all of the extra holiday travel you may be doing this season, get your vehicle ready before you hit the road.

1. Top off your antifreeze.

2. Install new wiper blades.

3. Fill your washer fluid.

4. Check your tires. Tire pressure should be checked monthly using a pressure gage. The correct tire pressure is located on your vehicles tire information label.

5. Check your battery. If it is more than three years old then have it tested by a technician.

6. Change your oil. (Approximately every three months or 3,000 miles)

7. Keep an emergency kit. This should include blankets, flares, a medical first-aid kit, a basic tool kit, a flashlight, jumper cables, bottled water, snacks, a shovel, candles and matches.

8. Keep an emergency contact list. Do you know the number for a tow truck, cab company or locksmith? It’s a good idea to keep a list on your phone or have a phone book in your car just in case you break down.

If you are in a minor accident or your car stalls, then pull over to the side of the road and stay in your vehicle while you wait for help to arrive. Do not get out to inspect the damage because you are at risk of being hit by another driver.

Stay safe this holiday season and always remember, “Before you sign your name, call Joe Cunnane.”

It’s that magical time of year when people are traveling to be with one another in spite of all weather condition. Unfortunately with freezing temperatures, it is somewhat hard to tell the difference between black ice and water on the road. Being prepared for these driving conditions can help you stay safe this holiday season. Here are some winter driving tips to help you prevent a car accident.

 
1. Loose Steering – When the front wheels begin to lose traction it is sometimes an instinct to jerk the wheel back, however letting go of the steering temporarily is the easiest way to get control of the car while shifting to neutral and slowly guiding the wheels back in the direction you want to go.

2. Ease Brakes – Do not pump your breaks. You will need to brake gently at all times so that your wheels do not lock up. This will prevent you from skidding and sliding off the road.

3. Use Headlights – Keep your headlights clean and shiny so you can be seen easily. It is important to keep them on even during daylight.

4. Avoid Night Driving – Night driving is much more challenging with snow and ice. Try only driving when there is plenty of natural light.

5. Slow Down on Bridges – Bridges and overpasses will be the first to freeze when temperatures drop. Slow down when approaching them and lightly tap your breaks to notify other drivers that your speed is decreasing. High speeds can lead to a vehicle spin.

6. Look Ahead – You will need to double your visibility range for extra reaction time. If visibility is bad, then slow down.
Plan for what is ahead. Snow plows, sand trucks and other road maintenance vehicles are difficult to maneuver and may decrease your visibility. Keep your distance and be cautious when approaching them.

7. Be Defensive – Practice getting control of your car after you skid in an empty and clear parking lot during non-driving hours to become more skilled.

 
If you are involved in an auto collision, it is best to stay in your vehicle and wait for help to arrive. Getting out will put you at risk of being hit by another vehicle. If you suffer any injuries in the collision, call an ambulance to seek treatments for your injuries or if an ambulance is not required make sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible within the first 24 – 48 hours after the accident.

An Insurance Adjuster will talk with you as if they are a close personal friend who has gone through a horrific experience. They will be sympathetic about what has happened, gaining your trust through sincere comments. That is because they are trained to do so. Once you open up to them they will come back with a great sounding offer, looking to settle your claim before you have the opportunity to know the full extent of your injuries. Always consult an attorney before accepting any offer from an insurance adjuster.

If you accept an offer before the treatment of injuries, then future expenses related to your injuries will most likely come out of your own pocket. Insurance Adjusters know this and want you to sign an early settlement before you have the chance to learn what you are legally entitled to.

The insurance adjuster might tell you that the person who hit you only has a policy limit of $25,000. These types of statements are meant to make you feel like they are helping you to the best of their abilities. If that is the case, then why do you pay car insurance premiums in the first place? The insurance company makes money by reducing claims as much as possible. They will always operate in a manner that is in the best interest of the insurance company. That is why it is important to always seek legal advice and get a second opinion from an outside party.

Everyday millions of people’s lives change across the country due to accidents. These lives are cut short due to someone else’s carelessness as they drive under the influence, text or simply don’t pay attention. Unfortunately these people simply do not understand what course of legal action to take and what they are legally entitled to.

The following is a typical scenario of what tends to happen after an accident:

1. You are taken to the emergency room by ambulance.
2. Your car will be towed from the scene of the accident to an impound yard.
3. Book an appointment for your car to be looked at by a repair specialist.
4. Get three written estimates.
5. If your car is totaled you’ll want to get “fair market value” for your car.
6. Start looking for a new car.
7. If your car can be repaired you’ll want to make sure that it’s done correctly.
8. Rent a car for the next four to six weeks.
9. Pick up the police report.
10. Fill out mountains of paperwork.
11. Call various toll free numbers then wait, and wait, and wait some more.
12. Worry about your insurance rates going through the roof.
13. Give a recorded statement (please read my book before you give any statement).
14. Make an appointment to be evaluated by your doctor.
15. Start treating for injuries.
16. Make sure all of your paperwork is filled out correctly so the ambulance provider and doctors are promptly paid.
17. Keep up with all your physical therapy and rehabilitation appointments.
18. Lose time away from work.
19. Make sure that you are able to keep up with the bills, feed your family, and meet obligations.

This leaves one huge question, who will pay for this? Receiving payment for wage loss, medical bills and permanent injury can be a lengthy process even if you have “full coverage”. An insurance adjuster will likely be on the phone within days or weeks of the collision to get a recorded statement so they can settle your claim for pennies on the dollar. It is important to talk to a qualified attorney before saying or signing anything.

For more information, download “What Every Injured Victim Must Know To Avoid Getting Ripped Off” by Joe Cunnane at: www.cunnanelaw.com