Thursday, July 19, 2007

What to Look for in an Auto Accident Attorney

So, you’ve been in a car accident – now what do you do? Did you remember all of the steps you’re supposed to take at the scene of the accident, like exchanging information and documenting the scene itself? Have you done the proper follow up? Is the insurance company for the driver who was at-fault giving you the run around? Were you injured and now missing time from work to recover? Have you decided that it’s time to hire an attorney to help you?

If so, do you know what to look for in a personal injury attorney?

First, you should look for one that specializes in auto accidents. Every state’s laws are different and often very complicated, so it is essential for the success of your case that your attorney be a specialist in this area of practice.

Second, you need to consider the experience of your attorney. He may advertise that he’s an auto accident attorney, but has he actually settled or won cases for his clients? You may want to ask how long he’s been in practice and ask for a list of client referrals you can call. Also ask for a list of cases settled and the amounts awarded to his clients.

The third item may be one of the most important that you consider. Does your attorney have any litigation experience and how many of his cases has he won?

Brian J. Glick, Esq. of Boca Raton, Florida comments on the subject by saying, “If your attorney doesn’t have litigation experience, you need to look for someone else. Not all insurance companies are going to settle with fair compensation to the victim, so your attorney must be prepared to go to court on your behalf. And win.”

A fourth quality your attorney needs is compatibility and chemistry with you, the client. Does your attorney listen carefully to your concerns? Does he encourage your feedback as well? If you don’t feel you can communicate openly and honestly with your lawyer, it’s time to look for another lawyer to help you win your case.

Please click here for more information regarding auto accident law in the Boca Raton, Florida area.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Goldstein


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Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Auto Insurance - Accident With An Uninsured Motorist



Even though it is the law in most states and provinces to have a minimum amount of liability insurance, there are many people on the road that cannot afford, or simply do not have insurance. The main reason that motorists choose to drive without insurance, is that they want to save money or cannot afford to pay the premiums.

Liability coverage covers injuries to third parties, which result from accidents for which you are at fault. If you are found to be at fault for an accident, you are liable for all damages that you cause to others. These damages include both bodily injury and property damage, and could end up being several thousands of dollars! Without liability insurance, the injured parties could sue you for pain and suffering, medical expenses and property damage, which could cost you much more. It is a much smarter idea to pay the premiums and get liability coverage.

If you are involved in an accident which you are not at fault, and do not have insurance, the at-fault rules still apply. You will be still covered by the other motorist’s liability coverage, for your injuries and damages. Being compensated for injuries that were caused by other motorists has nothing to do with whether or not you have insurance. Of course you may be charged with driving without insurance and forced to face the penalties associated with that charge in your state or province.

If you have insurance and were in an accident with an uninsured motorist who was at fault, this can be a real headache, unless you have uninsured motorist insurance. If you have un-insured motorist insurance, then your insurance company will cover you up to your limit that you set for uninsured motorist insurance. The insurance company would then sue the uninsured motorist to collect for their damages. If you do not have uninsured motorist insurance, it would be fully up to you to collect for damages. You would have to sue the uninsured motorists, and invest the time and money to do so. An important thing to remember is that even when you win the lawsuit, no payment is guaranteed. If they could not afford auto insurance in the first place, how are they going to afford paying for your medical bills? This is the reason that selecting un-insured motorist insurance is a wise decision. You are covered for your losses immediately and the insurance company deals with the hassle of the lawsuit.

In close driving without insurance is not a good idea. In the long term, the small yearly premium for auto insurance will protect you from the large bills, or possible wage garnishments that may be applied if you are at fault for an accident. Un-insured motorist insurance is a wise addition to anyone’s coverage to avoid the headache that can arise from an accident involving an uninsured motorist.

Remember that the information presented above is general information, and each state/province has different laws dealing with insurance. Also each auto insurance company and policy is different, so it is best to check with your company to see exactly what your policy covers.

For more information visit http://www.auto-insurance-knowledge.com/uninsured.html Auto Insurance Knowledge at http://www.auto-insurance-knowledge.com/uninsured.html

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bill_Wannop


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Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Repairing Car Damage



The business of repairing car damage grows as the number of cars grows. This is because of the likelihood of accidents on the road. Thus, if you want a blue-collar job that earns you like a company executive, you may opt to develop yourself from a novice car repairer to a skilled car repairer.

Skilled car damage repairers earn almost four folds of what novice repairer gets. Statistics show that of the 223,000 automotive repairers in 2004, 10% of them, the skilled automotive repairers earn more than $28.45 per hour. This is about four times what the less skilled repairer’s get, which is about $9.42 per hour.

If we then compare it to the median per hour rate of company executives which is about $29.75 per hour, you probably pair enough in take-home money because being in the business of repairing car damage, you do not need to wear a suit and tie, and get stressed to much thinking of how you will run the business. You may also need to worry about the life of all the people in your company. You thus sport a stressful lifestyle, although from a distance, you may look far better than blue-collar workers. You may have the power to command as a company executive but you do not have the coziness of a blue-collar job. You may be more stressed as compared to skilled car damage repairers.

On the other hand, as a skilled car damage repairer, you go to work in noisy body shops with clatters of hammering and whining of power tools. You also will be dirty at the end of the day. You are also working in a condition where there is great possibility of being hurt while repairing car damages.

In addition to this, you will need to have at least 3 to 4 years of hands-on experience in all the paces of automotive repairing before you reach a receive a handsome pay.

Therefore, to ensure that later on, your business of repairing car damages will go up to the level where you will earn like those handsomely dressed company executives, it may help to have yourself certified by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence. Once you are certified as an ASE Master Collision Repair and Refinishing Technician, you may already command your price.

However, before you get this far in your business of car damage repairing, you may need continuing education on the modern and technically advanced quality of cars that manufacturers introduce to the market.

Formal training will help you develop your skills and attending seminars sponsored by automotive manufacturers will keep you at the top of your business.

It may also help to understand the government requirements and that of insurance companies so that you will be able to assist your clients well enough.

Your business might be slapped by the total loss assessment of insurance companies. However, this may be masked by the fact that you can buy these total loss cars, study their parts, and even use some of them for your future repairs. Understanding the requirements and the logic behind these requirements will be able to give you an edge in assisting your customers, whether to have their cars repaired or ask the insurance company for a total loss assessment. Being an authority in all the paces of owning a car may help you in your business as well.

Keeping pace with the modernity of today’s automotive industry will keep your business of repairing car damage such a lucrative business.

You may be dirty at the end of the day, but if you are able to provide for the needs of your family, I think repairing car damage is not such a bad idea.

Start by having formal education on automotive repairing and slowly go up to the being skilled in collision repair, straightening bend bodies, removing dents and replacing crumpled parts. Later on, you will be one of the most sought-after Master Collision Repair and Refinishing Technicians, and a booming business, as well.

B.A. in Mathematics and Computer Science - Master in Business administration - Founded DingIT in 2004. dingIt.com The only service that lets car owners receiving detailed estimates for reparing the damage in their cars,over the Internet, from competing body shops in their area. This free online service saves them time and money, and the hassle of going to the body shops. The idea came from a personal experience.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eyal_Golan


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Tuesday, July 3, 2007

What Should I Do If I'm In A Car Accident?

It’s a beautiful day and you’re driving down the road taking in the scenery. The wind blows through your hair and the breeze feels good beading down your face. You see there is a red mustang convertible traveling directly ahead of you. The license plate on the mustang reads you think FIN..??LY. You have difficulty reading the plate so you speed up to get closer to the rear of the vehicle. As you press down on the gas of your vehicle it accelerates from fifty to sixty-five in a flash, and before you know it you have rear ended that little red mustang. At this point your heart races and you feel angry, scared and frustrated at what just happened.

You say to yourself what am I going to do and how did I manage to cause this accident. I could kick myself for what just happened.

You now think about the consequences and try to determine what you should do next. You then decide to exit your vehicle to see how the driver of the mustang was doing. The mustang driver whose name was Manny, appeared to be doing physically fine, however he was upset that I had hit his classic red prized possession with license plates which you discovered read FINALLY.

If you’re in a car accident, first and foremost, try to obtain as much information from the other party involved in the accident which would include the following: drivers license information(name, date of birth, license number, address), telephone number, license plate number, vehicle type(year, make, model & color), insurance information(policy number, insurance company name, & address if possible). If the other party has no insurance, be sure to obtain the license plate number and all other information previously mentioned. In addition, if there is a witness or witnesses at the scene, obtain their name, address and telephone number if at all possible. This will be very helpful in determining who is responsible for causing the accident in reference to liability.

If the police department is called to the scene of the accident, a report may be taken. If this is the case, the police officer taking the report may separate the parties involved and the identification information previously listed may be difficult to obtain. If this is the case, then make sure you obtain the police report number so that you can provide this information to your insurance company. Your insurance company will obtain a copy of the report, wherein the identification and accident information will be listed for all parties involved.

Contact your insurance company to report the accident as soon as possible. Regardless if you plan on going through the other person’s insurance company for the repair of your vehicle. Most insurance companies require their policy holders to report accidents.

If you fail to report the accident to your insurance company, you may find out at a later date when you try to apply for another insurance policy that you are listed on what is called a CLUE report for not reporting a particular accident to your carrier. This may have a negative impact on you obtaining a new policy. You may be listed on the CLUE report even if the accident is not your fault.

The CLUE report is a specialized report which is used by most insurance companies concerning licensed drivers who are trying to obtain a new policy. It also provides information on your driving history.

Nocita Carter is a writer and web designer that creates websites providing informative tips on various subject matter including personal finance tips on your personal finances at http://www.personal-finance-tips-for-you.com and dating tips at http://www.mydating-tips.com.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nocita_Carter

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Sunday, July 1, 2007

Does Dynamometer Testing Damage the Car?

There is no actual proof that dynamometer testing might damage the car in any certain way.

While performing tests, dynos don’t interfere with the engines performance and more importantly, don’t do any damage to it. Some of the things that may cause damage to engines are over-revving, excessive heating, shock loading or incorrect fuel or ignition settings. If however your engine malfunctions after performing a dynamometer test, it’s almost certain that the testing, if properly done, wasn’t the cause of the damage.

It is more likely to damage your engine when you drive your car on the road than when you test it by the means of a dynamometer under controlled artificial conditions. You should always make sure that the dyno operator is a trained professional and that the dynamometer has an appropriate cooling system. A 60 centimeter diameter fan is appropriate for a power run. It will prevent the vehicle from overheating.

However, you should keep in mind that dynamometer testing and setting up race cars and bikes require more controlled testing conditions. A bike or car that heats up after a few hours testing suffers from heat soak into the transmission, bodywork, engine block, oil, and so on. This interferes with the amount of power produced, and influences the accuracy and the objectivity of the performance test.

To make sure everything will go smoothly while performing your tests on engines, you actually need a wind tunnel in which you should manipulate your dynamometer. When you are driving on the road at full power there is a lot of fresh air that surrounds and cools the entire vehicle, and you should do your best to recreate some of these natural conditions when you perform your tests.

If your dynamometer or the place you go to in order to get your car or bike dyno tested does not have suitable working conditions or lacks an appropriate cooling system, it is not advised to perform any tests. The problem concerning the damage done by dynamometers on the tires is more debatable. Tire manufacturers recommend dynamometer owners to replace tires after every test performed. They claim that the tires design is not intended for purposes like dynamometer testing and say that the heat or tire deformation could damage the interior structure. Due to these facts, they strongly recommend replacing the tires after testing.

However, this should be done more as a precaution, and if the tires are rather new, well designed dynamometers should not damage them. Just to make sure that everything is in order, remember to always check the tires condition after every test you perform.

This fine article is one of Groshan Fabiola's newest works. Also if you would like to find out full dynamometers or chassis dynamometers details please enter this web site.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Groshan_Fabiola



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Thursday, June 28, 2007

Doh! You've Had A Car Crash - Now What!

So you’ve had a traffic accident now what?

Firstly is everyone alright. Preservation of life is far more important than the damage to your precious car, so first get a proper perspective and make sure everyone is ok. If any one is injured call an ambulance immediately. Property can be replaced, people can’t.

If no ones injured then fulfil your lawful responsibilities. Exchange your details. The easiest way to do this is to swap licences and give them a phone number and who your insurance company is.

Do not admit liability. Don’t lose your head and say, “I’m sorry” or “its my fault”. Insurance companies don’t always deal in absolutes in car accidents and partial liabilities may exist at a traffic incident i.e. a 40%-60% split, 10%-90%, etc. You will not help by talking when the adrenalin is pumping and saying something that may not help later in court.

If you have comprehensive insurance breath easy. Your next step is to inform your insurance company either by phone or in person to complete their required paperwork. They may ask you to go to the police station. Why? Because its makes their job easier. Insurance companies pay to have access to traffic incident reports and if the Police do an investigation it saves them having to do their own and saves them money and possible unneccessary litigation with other insurance companies/parties. If the police determine who is at fault (liability) then the insurance companies don’t have to argue with each other about who should pay. Problem is if Police investigate an accident and your at fault you may also cop a ticket or court appearance and get a fine or lost of licence. So before you go down to the Police station, consider if it has to be reported. If the accident involves an injury, then you are required by law to report it within 48hrs. Also if a vehicle had to be towed or people failed to exchange details, Police may need to be involved, otherwise, if you don’t have to report it, save time and don’t.

Once you have made your insurance claim sit back and let your insurance deal with chasing the other party for the money. Or if you are at fault, pay the excess and let the your insurer deal with it. If the other party contacts you personally refer them to your insurer and tell them not to contact you again.

Now if you don’t have insurance you have a problem. If your not at fault you need to send a letter of demand to the other party for the costs of your repair. If they fail to respond then you need to go to the small claims court, pay a small service fee and set the matter to be heard before a Magistrate. You give your version of events and they give theirs and the Magistrate determines appropriate compensation. If they fail to pay the sheriff can seized property to force payment.

However there can be numerous problems with this. Firstly its time consuming, also if the other party is a dead beat there will be no money and likely never be any money so you will be out of pocket. If your at fault and you have no insurance then you can be liable for the other vehicle and have your future earnings garnish for years, poor you if you hit a Rolls Royce, say goodbye to your dream of home ownership.

LESSON:- always have car insurance – preferably comprehensive. Less stress, less hassle. If you cars worthless at least have third party insurance to cover you hitting someone else. Don't confuse the third party insurance or CTP on your car registration with normal third party. This only covers injuries to other persons you might cause, it doesn't cover damage to other vehicles and property.

(Whilst this is applicable to Qld, Australia, the general principles would apply to most countries. This article should not be interpreted as legal advice or expert insurance advice).

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alastair_Harris


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Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Car Accident Damage

Everyone at one point or another has been, or will be involved in an auto accident. Many of the car accidents will result in injury or property damage. It is very important to know what you need to do in case you find yourself in that type of situation. If you have been in an accident in which you were hurt, or sustained property damage, you might be able to file a claim in order for you to be compensated for your loss.

Filing a Claim

Filing a claim with your insurance company can be a very difficult and long process. It is your responsibility to have all the necessary materials and paperwork ready to make the process faster.

The most important step of filing a claim with your insurance policy is to obtain a copy of the police report. It is also very important to know what type of policy you have, as well as what type of coverage is provided to you by your insurance policy. Your next step is to obtain estimates from auto shops for repairs to your vehicle. It would be helpful if you obtain more than one from different shops. If your car is considered totaled, you will need to get at least three estimates in order for you to file a claim with your insurance company. You should then present these estimates to your insurance agent. It may then be necessary for an insurance agent to inspect your car before they can approve your claim.

Important Tip

Dealing with insurance representatives can be very frustrating. There is nothing wrong with being persistent with your insurance company, but you should also remember to remain polite. Losing your patience and becoming rude can result in you losing compensation for what you would normally be entitled to.

Warnings

The value of the car is constantly depreciating due to many factors. High mileage cars are generally worth less than an identical car with less mileage. When determining the amount of compensation you will receive, they will do so using the current value of your car. You should not expect to receive the amount you spent to purchase the car.

Car Crash provides detailed information on Car Crash, Drunk Driving Car Crash, Fatal Car Crashes, Car Crash Articles and more. Car Crash is affiliated with Car Accident Lawsuits.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kent_Pinkerton

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