Showing posts with label car accident. Show all posts
Showing posts with label car accident. Show all posts

Thursday, August 17, 2023

5 Things You Can Do to Avoid Going Bankrupt From a Car Accident


Car accidents happen when you least expect them, which can be detrimental to your finances. After all, accidents come with many expenses, like medical bills, car repair fees, and insurance premiums. It's pretty easy to get bankrupt if you don't have enough cushion to cover these expenses.

That's why we have put together five proactive things you can do after an accident to protect yourself financially. Read on to find out what they are.

Contact Your Insurance Company Promptly


After an accident, contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Inform them about the accident, and they will help you handle everything. Most of the time, insurance companies will cover a considerable part of your accident costs.

Don't Admit Responsibility


Admitting responsibility for the accident can be very detrimental to your finances. It is essential to be careful with what you say when discussing the accident with other people, including your insurance company. 

Make sure you know what you are admitting to before you make any statements.

Record Information


Be sure to record all information about the accident, including pictures of the damage, the time and location of the accident, and other useful information like the other driver's contact information. 



This information is vital when filing claims with your insurance company or hiring an attorney (if needed).

Hire an Attorney


If the accident was severe and caused a lot of damage, your insurance may not cover the entire cost of your losses. At that point, hiring an attorney is essential. 

With their help, you can negotiate better deals, investigate the possibility of a car accident claims case, and ensure you get fair compensation for your damages.

Focus on Your Recovery


After an accident, focus on your recovery. Make sure to rest, and attend all follow-up medical appointments. Don't push yourself back to work until you are ready, and make sure to stay connected with your doctor throughout your recovery. 

It may seem counterintuitive to stay home from work after being in a costly crash, but if you push yourself too hard, you might sustain further injuries that put you out even more time and money. It’s best to take your time and let your body heal.

Final Thoughts


Car accidents are always unexpected and can be detrimental to your finances. However, you can avoid losing all your money by taking proactive steps like contacting your insurance company, recording information, and focusing on your recovery

Remember always to be careful with what you say to the insurance company and never admit responsibility until you fully understand what happened. 

With these five steps, you can reduce the stress of dealing with an accident and keep your finances intact.


Thursday, April 13, 2023

Getting Your Wheels Up and Running After a Crash: Repair or Replace?

Car accidents can happen no matter how cautious you are on the road. And while they’re never pleasant, the most important thing is to make sure that you and your passengers are safe.

But after the accident has been cleared and everyone is out of harm’s way, it’s time to start thinking about what you need to do for your car. Should you repair it or replace it? 

This is an important decision that deserves careful consideration. Let’s break down some of the key factors that come into play.

The Cost of Repairs


One of the first things to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your car is the cost of repairs. 

If there has only been minor damage, then repairs may be the best option; however, if the damage is extensive and requires a large sum of money for parts and labor, replacing may be more cost-effective in the long term. 

It's also important to think about how much value was lost due to the accident because this will affect whether or not insurance will cover repairs or if you will have to pay out of pocket. 

Work with a car accident lawyer as well to get compensation for the repairs you'll need to make.




Safety Considerations


It goes without saying that safety should always be a major concern whenever getting behind the wheel—even more so after an accident where major damage could have occurred. 

If there is any doubt as to whether your car can safely operate consistently without any further problems, then replacing it is likely your best option. 

It's better to err on the side of caution when it comes to these kinds of decisions; after all, no one wants their vehicle to break down in traffic due to faulty repairs post-accident.

Future Reliability


If you decide to repair your vehicle after a crash, make sure that you take steps toward ensuring its future reliability and performance. 

You might want to consider investing in additional maintenance services such as oil changes and tire rotations so that you can keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently for years after its initial repair.

Additionally, keeping up with regular inspections from a certified mechanic can help detect any potential issues before they become serious problems in your vehicle’s performance down the line.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to repair or replace your car after an accident should come down to cost analysis and safety considerations regarding both short-term and long-term reliability issues. 

Before making any drastic decisions, taking the time now can save you valuable time and money in both immediate costs associated with repairing damage caused by accidents and future costs related to proper maintenance services necessary for future reliability concerns. 

As always, consulting with a certified mechanic familiar with working on cars damaged by accidents can provide invaluable insight into this process and give you peace of mind knowing that whatever decision you make will be safe!


Thursday, December 2, 2021

Got in a Car Crash Recently? Here's How You Can Go About the Repairs

If you recently were in a car crash, hopefully, you walked away without a scratch. Even if you didn't get injured, your car probably suffered some damage. Whether it was a little or a lot, you need to go about handling the repairs. But where should you start?

Assess the Damage


Some damage to your car from a crash might be visible to the human eye and obvious to you. However, some of it might be lurking underneath the hood or inside the vehicle. 

If you can safely drive it away from the scene of the accident, then you should drive it to your mechanic promptly. On the other hand, if you have even the slightest suspicion of not being able to drive it safely, then arrange for it to be towed.

Get a Quote


Once your car is at an auto body repair shop, have the mechanics will look it over from bumper to bumper. You might have to pay for certain diagnostics, but you need to know everything that is wrong with the vehicle before you authorize repairs. Make sure you get a detailed quote from them with an itemized breakdown.




Get More Information


If the total repair bill is higher than your car's remaining value, then the car is probably totaled, and you'll just get a check from your insurance company. 

On the other hand, you might be in a position where you need to pick and choose which repairs need to be done. Safety and operational issues have to be fixed, but cosmetic damage might not.

Save Money


Your insurance provider might have set amounts they reimburse for in terms of repairs. If your mechanic can do it for less, you might get to save some money. Likewise, you might be able to call around to other mechanics to see if anyone offers cheaper quotes.

Repairs You Can Do Yourself


Bodywork might need a professional shop, but a lot of individual vehicle repairs might be things you can do on your own or with a buddy in your own garage or driveway. 

The Internet has tutorial videos for nearly every make and model of car out there, and you can find used parts from junkyards from coast to coast with just a little online shopping.

In conclusion, it's hard to live in most parts of the country without a car. Hopefully, you won't be without yours for very long. Follow these steps to make sure repairs after a crash happen right.


Saturday, July 24, 2021

When Should You Hire a Lawyer, and When Should You Not?

The law in California does not mandate that you should hire a lawyer when seeking compensation for injuries or damages after a vehicle accident. After a car accident, most victims seek legal representation while others pursue legal action by themselves.

While hiring an attorney doesn’t guarantee you an exact result for your legal case, these experts can help you in several ways and improve your possibility of winning the trial. 

After a car accident, an experienced attorney will gather sufficient evidence to use in the case procedure. The attorney can also negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf when necessary.

When Should You Not Hire a Lawyer?


There are situations where obtaining legal help from an attorney is not necessary. Several circumstances where you might not need obtaining counsel include:

No Injury Occurred

When two vehicles crash and people were not present in either car during the accident, you don’t have to hire an attorney to represent you in such a case if there were no damages. If there is no damage and you are not hurt, it is not worthwhile to pursue an accident injury claim.




You Were Compensated by the Insurance Company

If you are involved in an accident and the insurer agrees to compensate you on time to settle the matter, it is not necessary to hire a lawyer to negotiate for you.

When Should You Hire a Lawyer?


When the insurer isn’t playing nice to you or is providing compensation that does not cover all the injuries and damage suffered, you should talk to a lawyer. 

Personal injury experts like Frank Penney Injury Lawyers can help you gather the necessary evidence that proves why you deserve proper compensation from the insurance company.

You Suffered Injuries and Damage Because of the Driver’s Negligence

If you suffer significant damages from an accident you believe was due to the driver’s negligence, hiring an attorney is necessary. They can investigate your case and come up with sufficient evidence proving the accident was because of the negligence of the other driver.

If you suffer any damages, expenses, or injury that demands compensation, you should cooperate with an attorney since the insurance company will not be on your side.

Get the Legal Representation You Deserve


Getting proper compensation for those injuries or damage you suffer from a car accident can be difficult, especially if you chose to handle the case involved on your own. A skilled car accident attorney will present information the right way if the case goes to court and produce results that guarantee the best chances of success.



Thursday, June 24, 2021

How to Get Appropriate Compensation After a Car Accident

Being involved in a car accident can be one of the most disruptive and upsetting events of your life. You may have questions about your health and the long-term effects of any injuries you’ve sustained.

You may also be facing issues about your car, including how you’ll get it fixed, how you’ll get to work without it, and other pressing issues. More long-term, you’ll have questions about potential litigation, costs, and other ramifications from the event. 

Car accidents have just seconds to happen but the effects can last a long time. Getting appropriate compensation can make the difference between struggling and bouncing back quickly.

What to Do First


The most important thing to focus on after you’ve been involved in an accident is your health. Once you’ve received medical attention, be sure to follow the instructions you’re given at your doctor or at the hospital.

How Will I Pay for It All?


The ins and outs of auto insurance can feel tricky to navigate. Here’s where an auto accident lawyer can be a valuable asset. Retaining an attorney can help in a variety of ways:

  • Make sure you get the medical care you need and that it’s funded quickly
  • Gather all the documents necessary to prove your claim
  • Deal with pesky paperwork and logistics
  • Make sure filing deadlines are met
  • Advocate for you and make sure get fair compensation for your injuries and any other damages you’ve suffered.


Can’t I Just Settle up with the Insurance Company Quickly?


It’s tempting to wrap up an auto accident claim as soon as possible. You may want to put the whole thing behind you. But insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to resolve issues with as little cost to them as possible. 

Unfortunately, that could mean that you don’t get the full compensation you may be entitled to. That’s why it’s a good idea to consult with a personal injury lawyer before making any decisions.

Protecting yourself after something as traumatic as an auto accident means looking out for all your interests: your health, your finances, and your rights. 

Getting appropriate compensation after your accident could make the difference between having a tough time or a speedy recovery. Your best bet after an auto accident is to find an advocate who can make sure that the many issues that arise are dealt with. 

This is so that you can focus on taking care of yourself and minimizing any disruptions to your life. With the right help, you’ll move on quickly.


Sunday, June 20, 2021

How to Submit a Claim to Cover the Costs of a Car Accident


Filing a car insurance claim is understandably a daunting task to take on, especially if you have never gone through the process yourself. The pressure of getting things right the first time can take a toll on just about anyone. 

That is why the following includes a list of the steps you must take in order to successfully submit a claim and get our car fixed as soon as possible.

Gather Essential Documents


Gathering the documents you need begins right after your accident occurs. One of the most important of those and one that is going to be requested by your insurance company is the police report. 

Often times this means asking the officer on-site for a copy of the report, which is likely going to be emailed to you. If it has not arrived for some reason, visiting your local police department must be your next step.

Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately


One of the most common mistakes car owners make with car accident claims is waiting too long to report their accident. Instead, it is highly recommended for you to contact your insurance company and provide your agent with all the details. 



Everything must be shared, from who was driving to the types of injuries you or someone has received. It is this quick action that may help you get your expenses covered that much faster. That is why unless you have been admitted into the hospital, there is no reason why you should wait.

Working with Adjusters


After you have reported your claim to your agent, they will assign you to a person called an adjuster. This is the person that is assigned to investigate your claim. The process often includes the question of how much the insurance company is willing to pay for your damages. 

This step of your claim may be a little intimidating as most people want to have their damages covered 100%. However, it is important that you stick to your original story and not attempt to embellish it to receive a bigger check. 

This is both illegal and may cost you much more in terms of paying out of pocket. However, once this step has concluded, your adjuster will provide you with a check for the amount needed to repair your car and or medical bills depending on your plan.

Although most insurance companies have the same process for submitting a car accident claim, contacting your specific insurance agent is the best way to understanding the process for your particular situation.





Sunday, May 30, 2021

Tips for Dealing with the Aftermath of a Car Accident as a New Driver

One thing you may have to deal with as a first time driver is getting in an accident. It can be scary to be involved in a car accident. 

If you know what to do, then it will be a lot easier for you to cope with the aftermath of it. You should take the following steps after an accident.

Make Sure Everyone Is Okay


The most important thing that you can do after an accident is to make sure that everyone is okay. Call an ambulance if you suspect that someone is hurt. 

Turn on your hazard lights to let other people know that there is an accident. If it is safe for you to do so, then you should move your vehicle to help prevent another collision.

File a Police Report


Even if the accident wasn’t serious, it is still a good idea for you to contact the police. Filing a police report is a really important step in the aftermath of an accident. 

Your insurance company will likely ask to see a copy of your police report before they give you any type of compensation.



Exchange Contact Information with the Other Party


If there was another person involved, then you should get their contact information. This includes their name, address, driver’s license, phone number, and insurance information

Additionally, you need to get their car information, such as the make and model of the car as well as the license plate number.

Contact an Attorney


Negligence is a common factor in many accidents. That is why it is important for you to contact a truck accident lawyer. Your lawyer can help you get compensated. This is an important step, especially if you have sustained any type of long term damage from the accident. 

Getting your medical bills paid for is an important step in filing an accident claim and can really help if you are unable to pay your medical bills yourself.

Take Care of Your Emotional Health


A car accident can take an emotional toll on you. Many people experience post-traumatic stress disorder after an accident. You can take care of your emotional health by talking to a loved one or counselor. 

You will also need to stay active. Additionally, you should follow up with your primary care physician. They can help you recover emotionally and physically.

The thought of getting into a car accident scares many new drivers. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can deal with the aftermath of an accident. You need to make sure that everyone is okay and contact the police. 

You and the other driver should also exchange contact information. Furthermore, it is important to call an attorney and take care of your emotional health.


Sunday, August 16, 2020

Damages You Can Be Compensated for After a Car Accident



Car accidents are horrific tragedies that you hope will never happen. However, after a car accident, you can easily get on the road to recovery. Let’s take a close and detailed look at three types of damage you can be compensated for after a car accident.

Medical expenses


To start things off, you can be compensated for medical expenses. Car accidents often leave people with permanent or temporary injuries that require treatment. When you go to the hospital, you can be reimbursed for a good portion of your expenses. 


This can largely depend on your health insurance and whether you were at fault for the accident. Regardless, you always want to look into the maximum amount of money you can receive. Hospital bills are no joke, but with a little bit of help, you can get yourself out of a sticky financial situation.

Pain and suffering


Next, judges will also compensate you for pain and suffering. Although this is impossible to quantify, it definitely exists after a severe accident. It's only right that you receive some sort of monetary reward for all of your suffering. 



This can fall in line with visits to therapists or doctors who work to correct your mental state. As long as you do your part to remain positive, car accident attorneys will cover the other half of pain and suffering.

Lost income


Last but not least, there's no way you can go to work for a couple of weeks after a major car accident. Nevertheless, you still need to pay your bills without a stable source of income. Therefore, compensation for lost income is very commonplace. The government will look at your monthly income and settle on a reasonable figure for compensation.

In conclusion, these are a couple of types of damage you can be compensated for after a car accident. You don't have to address this damage on your own. Follow these tips and secure some compensation for you and your family.





Monday, December 2, 2019

How to Save Money on Repairs After a Car Accident



Almost every driver is going to be involved in at least a few accidents over the years, and those mishaps can become very expensive if you aren’t careful. Luckily, with a little patience and some professional assistance, you should be able to recoup your losses and move on with your life before you know it.

Contact Your Insurance Immediately


Every insurance company has slightly different regulations, but most of those providers require their clients to contact them within 24 hours of an auto accident. Failing to file a report within that time frame could void your insurance, and that mistake might end up costing you quite a bit of money. 


Once the report has been filed, the insurance representative should tell you where you can go for repairs and what is going to be covered.

Hire an Attorney


Unless the collision was nothing more than a minor fender bender with no injuries, you will probably want to contact an attorney. Insurance companies are always trying to increase their profits, and they often do everything in their power to pay out as little as possible. 




An auto accident attorney can help you negotiate with the insurance representatives so that you receive a fair settlement. They will also be able to represent you if the situation escalates into a trial.

Work With a Local Dealership


While smaller mechanic shops are a great option for minor repairs, you might want to head to a dealership if the damage is extensive. Most dealerships have larger service departments that can handle bigger projects, and some of them offer discounts to customers who purchased a vehicle through them.


It will also be much easier for the dealership to order replacement parts, and that should save you quite a bit of time and money.

Don’t Report Minor Dents and Dings


Every state has slightly different laws regarding what must be done after a minor accident. In most states, a driver doesn’t need to report an accident if no one was injured and less than $500 worth of damage occurred. 


For minor damage, paying the deductible could be more expensive than simply paying for the repairs yourself. You might not even need to have the damaged repaired if it is nothing more than scuffed paint or a scratched bumper.

If a recent accident has caused a huge leap in your insurance premiums, then you should consider taking a defensive driving course. Many insurance companies will reduce your monthly premiums if you take one of those courses within a few months of a collision.


Monday, May 20, 2019

How to Salvage Your Finances after Your Car is Wrecked in a Hit and Run



Any collision requires careful documentation and follow-up with one’s insurance. However, after a hit and run, many drivers aren’t sure what to do. With the culprit nowhere to be found and the car a total wreck, drivers often wonder how they can pick up the pieces. Read on for four ways to fix your finances after your car has been totaled by an unknown driver.

Know Your Insurance Coverage


Liability insurance exists for scenarios like a hit and run. Unfortunately for most people, being the victim of a hit and run can result in them being at the center of a civil suit and subject to liability, as the culprit’s insurance will not be paying for the resulting expenses. 


There are a variety of coverages that a hit and run may fall under depending on the circumstances. These circumstances will also dictate whether or not you pay a deductible. However, if the driver is not found, it’s important to know that the hit will go on your insurance record.

Work with Auto Attorney for Full Insurance Payout


With hit-and-runs, there can be several legal consequences. For many people that aren’t covered by their insurance for hit-and-runs, they may not be able to get the full insurance payout. This is where auto accident attorney services come in. 





These attorneys will do the negotiating on behalf of their clients to get the full payout possible. This is especially important when deductibles and other expenses are involved, as every penny that your attorney can get you will count. It’s best to have your ideal attorney picked out before you need them so that you can take the time you need to compare services and fees.

Work with Police and Collect Evidence


When a hit-and-run occurs while you’re present, it can be tempting to drive off and chase the culprit. However, leaving the scene will compromise the facts of what happened. Additionally, drivers that do leave aren’t able to get eyewitness testimony that may help them later on when it comes to speaking with their insurance and the police. 


By staying at the scene, filing a police report, and collecting photos for evidence, victims of hit-and-runs will have a more solid case to present to their insurance. Traffic cameras in the area may also be able to pull up a license plate for the offending car.

Use Credit Repair Services


If held liable, a hit-and-run victim will likely take a hit to their finances. Even though they weren’t at fault, the costs of repairing a totaled car, paying for a rental, and any missed work as a result of not having a vehicle can take a toll on their credit. 


Most of this will be able to go onto the victim’s insurance, but the claim itself will still fall under their insurance history and the deductibles may still affect their credit. In the event that this happens, drivers should work with credit repair services to start fixing their credit score.

Hit-and-runs can happen to anyone, regardless of how careful they are. If you’ve experienced damages to your vehicle as a result of a hit-and-run, be sure to keep these four strategies in mind to help you get back on your feet. Consult with professionals so that you can minimize the damage to your financial standing.


Thursday, May 11, 2017

Wreck Recovery: How to Limit the Financial Impact of an Accident



After a car accident, you might be afraid that you won't be able to make it in terms of supporting your family. Time taken off of work will decrease the amount of money that is coming into the home. 

With a little planning and careful thinking about the future, there are ways that you can limit the financial impact that an accident has on your life. 


New Budget Details


Once you are settled at home after the accident, it's time to rework the budget for the home. You need to determine what needs to be paid and what can be put off until later. 


Contact the people who you can work with who will accept a payment at a later time or who will take a smaller payment until you get back on your feet. Another aspect of the budget that you want to think about is the money spent on food and extras for the home. Consider using coupons or using emergency funds that are available. 


Getting Professional Help


If things get to where you can't handle them financially, then consider talking to an attorney like Speers Reuland & Cibulskis, P.C., or someone you recognize and trust in your area, about filing a personal injury claim. 

The attorney can often get compensation for medical bills, time lost at work and pain and suffering for everyone who was in the vehicle. You can also seek professional help in the way of getting assistance for medical visits and paying for the bills that you owe. 


Credit Protection


One of the things that you might want to do is take out a loan. While a small loan might be beneficial for getting you through the first few weeks, it's often not the best option for long-term as the interest rates are likely high, and it can begin to ruin your credit if you can't make the payment. 


You can protect the credit that you have by making payments as you can so that something is sent in to show an effort instead of not paying anything at all. 


Side Work


If you're not able to go back to your full-time job, consider finding side work that you can do to make money. It could be babysitting, writing for an online company or baking items to sell. While performing your work, you might find that you like doing these jobs more than your full-time position.

Any time lost from work can put a dent in the budget. If it's because of an accident, there are some things that you can do to keep the family on its feet, such as asking for help when it's needed. Stay positive as you want to maintain a good demeanor until you're ready to work again.



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