Many people think that because their car or truck was repaired by a reputable collision center that "everything" was repaired and their car is completely safe. Not always true. When someone is involved in an automobile crash, most of the time the seat belts are strained and the structural integrity is compromised. As such, the seat belts can be severely weakened and not perform their sole function of occupant safety if the vehicle is involved in a subsquent collision. Even automobile manufacturers such as General Motors recommend replacing a seat belt after a collision. So, if you are in an automobile accident and your vehicle is going to be repaired, demand that your insurance cover replacement safety belts.
April 2009 Archives
Insurance regulators and safety activists describe with alarm a developing climate in which many drivers are scaling back or even dropping their auto insurance coverage completely in order to save money during the economic downturn.
In California, auto insurance is required if a person intends to operate a motor vehicle upon the roads and highways. This requirement essentially ensures that most California Drivers maintain at least a minimum policy in the event of a collision.
However, despite the generally recession-proof nature of the insurance industry, some insurance agencies are reporting that up to 20% of their clients either dropped their automobile policies or missed payments in recent months. Others warn that we may be looking at record numbers of uninsured motorists across the nation.
Industry figures seem to back up that concern. An auto insurance industry study now warns that an increasing number of drivers may not be insured by the end of 2009. By 2010, 1 of every 6 drivers on U.S. roadways is likely to be uninsured, according to the Insurance Research Council.
The failure to obtain coverage, retain coverage or ensure sufficient coverage is directly attributable to the sour economy. Oftentimes people cannot afford even the minimum liability coverage required under state law. Food , rent and children are more immediate concerns. However, regardless of how tight finances get, terminating or reducing auto insurance coverage is potentially the worst option to save money, say law enforcement officials and insurance industry representatives.
Uninsured motorists may face legal fees, fines, and penalties, including a suspended license. In addition, the costs involved when an accident occurs can total in the tens of thousands for property damage and in the hundreds of thousands for medical treatment. In California, which does not have "no-fault" insurance laws, an uninsured or underinsured motorist could also be liable for the bills of other drivers or passengers, who could sue and, if successful, seize your assets and bank accounts and garnish your wages.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, which represents insurance regulators in all 50 states, said most Americans were woefully uninformed about what was covered by their auto policies. A quarter of Americans rarely or never review their policies, the association reported in a survey, while three-fifths review their coverage only when they file a claim or renew their policies. As a result, tens of millions of Americans are driving around with policies that don't reflect major changes in their incomes and family situations, it said.
Driving without any coverage is both against the law and very dangerous. Getting in an accident with someone without insurance or minimal coverage can be devastating. If this has happened to you, please call Cohn & Swartzon, P.C. and speak with an attorney regarding your rights.
Some information derived from the following article by Alex Johnson:
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30093235/
In California, auto insurance is required if a person intends to operate a motor vehicle upon the roads and highways. This requirement essentially ensures that most California Drivers maintain at least a minimum policy in the event of a collision.
However, despite the generally recession-proof nature of the insurance industry, some insurance agencies are reporting that up to 20% of their clients either dropped their automobile policies or missed payments in recent months. Others warn that we may be looking at record numbers of uninsured motorists across the nation.
Industry figures seem to back up that concern. An auto insurance industry study now warns that an increasing number of drivers may not be insured by the end of 2009. By 2010, 1 of every 6 drivers on U.S. roadways is likely to be uninsured, according to the Insurance Research Council.
The failure to obtain coverage, retain coverage or ensure sufficient coverage is directly attributable to the sour economy. Oftentimes people cannot afford even the minimum liability coverage required under state law. Food , rent and children are more immediate concerns. However, regardless of how tight finances get, terminating or reducing auto insurance coverage is potentially the worst option to save money, say law enforcement officials and insurance industry representatives.
Uninsured motorists may face legal fees, fines, and penalties, including a suspended license. In addition, the costs involved when an accident occurs can total in the tens of thousands for property damage and in the hundreds of thousands for medical treatment. In California, which does not have "no-fault" insurance laws, an uninsured or underinsured motorist could also be liable for the bills of other drivers or passengers, who could sue and, if successful, seize your assets and bank accounts and garnish your wages.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, which represents insurance regulators in all 50 states, said most Americans were woefully uninformed about what was covered by their auto policies. A quarter of Americans rarely or never review their policies, the association reported in a survey, while three-fifths review their coverage only when they file a claim or renew their policies. As a result, tens of millions of Americans are driving around with policies that don't reflect major changes in their incomes and family situations, it said.
Driving without any coverage is both against the law and very dangerous. Getting in an accident with someone without insurance or minimal coverage can be devastating. If this has happened to you, please call Cohn & Swartzon, P.C. and speak with an attorney regarding your rights.
Some information derived from the following article by Alex Johnson:
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30093235/
At 10:49 a.m., the California
Highway Patrol responded to the collision, in which two Toyota trucks, two
Hondas and one red vehicle collided. An ambulance and emergency
responders were called to the scene and a SigAlert was issued by the CHP.
Injuries sustained in these accidents can change your life or the lives of loved ones. If you have suffered catastrophic injuries, do not be afraid to contact a personal injury lawyer such as Cohn & Swartzon to discuss your options. Remember, with Cohn & Swartzon, a lawyer will always help fight for your rights.
Parents and students expect that schools should be a safe place. California courts have recognized that school districts are required to keep the school premises safe and not dangerous. School authorities have a duty to supervise other students on the school grounds and insure that the district's rules and regulations are complied with so students are protected. When the school fails to properly supervise its students, an injured student may recover for injuries caused by the school's failure to supervise. This is especially true with special needs students. Court's recognize the unique vulnerability of special needs students and the "unique responsibility" of the school district to such students. If your child has been injured at school, make sure you understand your child's rights, and speak with a lawyer before speaking with the school. The attorneys at Cohn & Swartzon will fight for you and your child's rights, and obtain fair and reasonable compensation for any injuries sustained.
All too often in Southern California do we hear the phrase Sig Alert on our radio or on our television, and think so ourselves it means just another traffic jam. Sig Alerts can cause obviously cause frustration for the commuter. Unfortunately however, most of the time Sig Alerts are issued because of auto accidents with catastrophic injuries and/or wrongful death. These type of injuries can be life changing and can send the injured party to financial ruin by life flight helicopter bills and huge emergency room bills. If you have suffered catastrophic injuries, do not be afraid to contact a personal injury lawyer such as Cohn & Swartzon to discuss your options. Remember, with Cohn & Swartzon, help is on the way.
"I can just do it myself." Many people are convinced that they can handle their insurance claim without an attorney only to find out that the insurance company is only looking out for the company's bottom line. An attorney can assist you with the preparation and submission of your claim to the appropriate insurance carrier. Oftentimes claims may be settled without resorting to legal action. Should the insurance carrier refuse to settle your claim for a reasonable sum, your attorney will be prepared to immediately file a lawsuit against the party or parties responsible for your injuries. A good attorney knows insurance company tactics and can fight to get you what you deserve. The attorneys at Cohn & Swartzon, know the insurance companies three Ds - Delay, Deny and Defend. They will stand up to the insurance company make sure they compensate you for your damages.
Cindy and her two sisters were on their way to church never expecting the worst to happen. Out of the corner of her eye, a large pick-up hit Cindy and set her car spinning our of control. She wakes up bloodied and bruised, only to see the person who hit her stumbling out of his car. He has clearly been drinking and has caused injuries to Cindy and her sisters. A good personal injury attorney who knows how to handle drunk driving accidents will make sure that Cindy and her sisters are compensated for their injuries and make the defendant pay restitution in his criminal case. The attorneys at Cohn & Swartzon, P.C. know how to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
