Car Accident step by step guide Part 1: What do you believe?

You are in a car accident...what do you do?  The best thing you can do is to know what and what not to do BEFORE the car accident.

For the next several weeks we will discussing this in a step by step process.



The first thing you need to know....do not listen to your friends or family or believe what you have heard.  

Myths are usually enjoyable..you get some smile out of them. Urban legends are even better. UNLESS the Myths are about your car accident and your back injury.  I truly believe the myths were started by the insurance companies to deny your claim.

Information provided by:  Car Accident Facts:

Myth #1:   Your car has little or no damage how could you have hurt your back?  Some of the smallest car accidents have caused the biggest injuries.  I thing Insurance Companies have decided if your car isn't "hurt" than how can you be?  

Bumpers on most of our cars these days were designed to tolerate some impacts without damage. What the studies have been finding, is that although your car does not look damaged, the force of the other car hitting yours is now moving into your body, the bumper tolerates it, but the force still has to go somewhere, and you are where it goes.So, do not allow damage to your car or LACK of damage in any way inform whether you are injured. If you need treatment for back pain after a car accident, your pain is real and you should get the help you need.

Myth #2:  I had my seat belt on (didn't get thrown from the car) how could you have injured your back?

Well, it does actually, the seat belt is designed to prevent you from being thrown against the steering wheel which used to cause tragic injuries and it prevents you from being thrown out of the car.However, when you are in your seatbelt, and you are in an accident, you are often thrown against the belt. The seat belt sort of acts like a brick wall, when the accident occurs you are thrown against it, it tightens, and your body keeps moving around it, causing shoulder injuries, bruising and damage where the seat belt tightened against your body, and whiplash symptoms as your neck was not restrained.

Myth #3:  You weren't hurt right after the car accident, it's now three weeks later and you are claiming a back injury.

Your pain and your injury are just as real as the person who went to the hospital in an ambulance after a car accident. Injuries in your muscles and ligaments and tendons for unknown reasons can take a long time to show up.

Myth #4:  You are just "sore" take a pill (Advil, Ibuprofen, etc.) and it will go away.

Unlike other injuries you may have experienced, most small accidents can take up to 3 months with steady treatment before your pain starts to change. Ibuprofen can make the day a little more tolerable, but it's not actually a medicine, and can not help your muscles heal and repair their injuries.

Listen to your body, not the insurance companies, or friends, or family or whoever is trying to tell you that you aren't hurt because of any of the above.  Go to a trusted Doctor to find out exactly what is wrong.  Back injuries can cause many problems that you may not recognize as being a back injury (tingling or numbness of the legs, trouble breathing, etc).  LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!  A back injury, no matter what the reason that caused it, can change your life forever.  It will change it more drastically if the injury isn't discovered and/or treated soon enough.  

Not all back injuries are the same.  Not all "identical" injuries will be received the same...what may cause one person "little" pain may cause another extreme pain.  Only you know your body and only you and your Doctor can treat your back injury.  Be honest, be patient and work your treatment.

In every blog in this step by step process I am going to tell you to contact an Attorney!  You need someone who will fight for you.  Stay tuned for the next step.

If you are hurt in a car accident, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR INJURIES ARE, consult an Attorney!  The best way to heal is let someone else fight your battle with the insurance companies and it is a BATTLE!!  



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Pueblo Office: 113 W. 12th Street  (Map it)

Colorado Springs Office:  422 E. Vermijo Ave., Suite 412 (Map it)

Car Accident step by step process Part 15: Understanding your insurance dec page

This one is fun.  Pull out your declaration page for your auto insurance and see what is actually covered and what it means:

This is a general overview of the definitions of what auto insurance really means.  For a clear understanding call your agent for details.  Know what your insurance will pay for, cover and will not BEFORE you get into a car accident. 



Liability Coverage/Bodily Injury Liability (Some know it as Liability; BI)
You are not covered:  Let me explain; This type of policy covers OTHER people's bodily injuries or death in which you may be found responsible.  This could be THEIR medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering.  HINT:  Have enough to cover yourself against in a lawsuit so your personal assets are protected.     Again, this type of coverage does not cover you or other people on your policy.  Required by most states.

Property Damage Liability (PD)
This type of policy covers you if your car damages someone else's property; most cases their vehicle but it could be their home/fence should you drive through it.  It will also provide you with a legal defense if they file suit against you.  Required by most states.

Physical Damage Coverage (Comp and Coll) or Comprehensive Coverage
Covers your vehicle and the damage to other vehicles in which you may have caused.  This usually covers stolen vehicles or damage from outside forces.  It will pay to have your vehicle (and others) fixed (minus your deductible).  States do not require this but if you have a loan on your vehicle, most likely, your lender will require it.

Collision Coverage (Coll)
This is when someone or something else hits your vehicle.  This coverage will fix your vehicle (minus your deductible).  States do not require this but if you have a loan on your vehicle, most likely, your lender will require it.

Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UNDUM)
Covers you, members of your household and your passengers for injuries and/or death caused by another person's negligence.  This coverage pays when the negligent person does not have enough coverage through their policy.

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)
This coverage is for your property when it is damaged by a negligent person who does not have insurance.  If you do not have collision coverage (Coll) you may have a limit on how much is paid for repairs.  If you do have collision coverage than this would pay for your deductible only (in some States...please check your State for complete details).

Underinsured Motorist Property Damage (UNDPD)
Covers your property when the negligent party does not have sufficient coverage on their policy.  As with the Uninsured Motorist coverage some states have a max this will pay for and if you have collision, this will pay for your deductible (in some States).





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Pueblo Office: 113 W. 12th Street  (Map it)

Colorado Springs Office:  422 E. Vermijo Ave., Suite 412 (Map it)

Car Accident step by step process Part 14: Understanding MedPay

The more I treat the more I get.....not true.  Insurance companies have a pre-determined amount that each injury is worth.....so if you treat the injury more than you should than less money will come to you....unless you have a powerful Attorney to fight this!

Gotta love Colorado:  You are allowed to "sign off" on MedPay. 



MedPay:  A type of auto insurance covering medical and funeral expenses resulting from an accident for the policyholder and any passengers riding with the policyholder. MedPay also covers the policyholder for any accident in which he is a pedestrian. MedPay provides coverage regardless of who is at fault. (Investorwords.com). 

Here's what most people do not know....

.......MedPay is PAID BACK out of your settlement....UNLESS you have an Attorney who fights for you.  When I was told this, honestly, I was shocked!! 

When you sign on for auto insurance and do not "opt out" you are automatically signed up for $5,000 MedPay (Colorado....please check your state policies).  

The good thing about MedPay is it kicks in immediately.  The bad thing is it is not closely looked at so if you visit an "unscrupulous" Doctor your MedPay can be used up very quickly....and as I said earlier....it is normally paid back out of your settlement.

We talked about Policy Limits so let's assume you have the Colorado minimum requirements of $25,000/$50,000 with $25,000 MedPay.  The person who hits you has the same minimum policy limits.  You are seriously injured and your MedPay is exhausted.  You have to have surgery and will have scars the rest of your life.  Bye Bye settlement.  

First thing you need to do is check what your policy limits are.
Second check what your MedPay is.
Third:  If you are ever injured in a car accident TALK TO A Personal Injury Attorney.  They will fight for your MedPay and they will have referral Doctor's that won't abuse the MedPay so you have more money for treatment.





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Pueblo Office: 113 W. 12th Street  (Map it)

Colorado Springs Office:  422 E. Vermijo Ave., Suite 412 (Map it)

Car Accident step by step Part 13: What you injury is worth

According to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles injury damages are split into three categories:

1. Economic Damages:  These are your medical bills, lost wages (both present and future) and general "real" expenses.
2. Non-Economic Damages:  These are the "what-if's" you may experience from a car accident.  Other things that fall into this category are pain and suffering, loss of quality of life and emotional distress.
3. Physical Disfigurement and Impairment:  Consequences and costs of irreparable physical harm or permanent disability.

Let's look at the Economic Damages:  This is simple.  Your medical bills are your medical bills, your lost wages are your lost wages and all other expenses are just that.  Simple.

Non-Economic Damages are where the insurance companies love to muddy the water.  This is when you need an Attorney!  The insurance company is not going to agree to the loss of quality of life because they don't want to believe you have one.  The insurance company is not going to believe you have any pain and suffering because you are seeing a Doctor that they are paying for.  And emotional distress....they are just going to tell you to get over it.

Physical Disfigurement and Impairment is another way insurance companies will tell you that you are worth less than you are.  If you need surgery it's covered under Economic Damages....but what about the scar that it leaves?

When you are involved in a car accident you need to hire an Attorney who KNOWS what you are worth and will fight for it.





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Pueblo Office: 113 W. 12th Street  (Map it)

Colorado Springs Office:  422 E. Vermijo Ave., Suite 412 (Map it)

Car Accident step by step process Part 12: What won't get paid

Insurance Companies:  They are so friendly when you sign up.  They are so friendly when you pay your premiums.  They are so friendly.....until it's time for them to follow up with their promise.  Their promise to pay if you ever have a claim.  When this happens there is so much in the fine print....not covered because of......this gets filled in by the Insurance Companies:

Did you know....

1. that in some states your insurance will not pay UNLESS you were wearing your seat belt at the time of the accident?  
2. that in other states ONLY your medical bills will be paid unless you were wearing your seat belt at the time of the accident?

Information generously provided by Zeisler & Associates, Attorneys at Law, PC 

and should not be construed as legal advice.  This is information only.  Please check your state laws and your insurance company's policy in regards to this.

In both of these incidents....NO PAIN AND SUFFERING is allowed unless you were wearing your seat belt at the time of the accident.

Did you know that what you say after an accident is like being read your Miranda rights?

“You have the right to remain silent. 

Anything you say can and will be used against you 

in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?”

Even though car accidents are civil and Miranda rights are criminal...don't kid yourself:  Everything you say can and will be held against you!!

So what can you do?  Hire an Attorney!  Let me say that again, HIRE AN ATTORNEY!!  It is not your job to understand the laws of your state when it comes to car accidents!!  It is not your job to understand the tricks that are applied to get you to say something that will hurt your case. It is the job of an Attorney!! 

My suggestion is if you are ever involved in a car accident, if you are not in a medical emergency and are not transported to an emergency room your first call is to a reputable Attorney.  I suggest finding one that only handles Personal Injury cases...but that is my opinion.  







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Pueblo Office: 113 W. 12th Street  (Map it)

Colorado Springs Office:  422 E. Vermijo Ave., Suite 412 (Map it)

Car Accident step by step process Part 7: Hiring an Attorney

Finding the right Attorney for you is "Feeling the Rain".  Others will just allow you to get wet!



I'm off to pick the perfect Apple off the tree.  The bottom branches have dropped some pretty bruised Apples.  The low hanging branches have some "okay" looking Apples.....but I extend my search and find some great Apples a little higher up.

Same thing goes for finding the "right" Attorney for you.  There are the one's on the ground....not saying they aren't a good Attorney but are they a good Attorney for YOU!!

Do some research!  Ask questions!  Ask people you trust!  If you take the time to search for that GREAT APPLE it will be worth the time spent finding it!!!

Shopping for shoes:  Yellow pages under Shoes
Shopping for Restaurants:  Yellow pages under Restaurants

Shopping for an Attorney:  You cannot simply pick up the phone book and look there.  If it were that simple Attorney's would not do a good job for their clients.  They would charge a retainer, charge an hourly fee and let the chips fall where they may.

So how do you find a good Attorney?  You ask people who have been in your situation.  Don't just take one person's word on the Attorney, as with all professionals and professions no one is perfect. Get the opinion of several people.  If you get several referrals, schedule a free consultation (if possible) with all of them.

Now it's time to do your homework.  Check with your State Bar Association to see if there are any complaints.  Check online referral websites:

Avvo and Colorado Bar Association are just a few links you can do some research on.

Important questions to ask when YOU are interviewing an Attorney.  Most people think that when they meet with an Attorney it is a one-way decision; "Will they take my case."  What you need to remember is that you need to also decide if "I will hire this person."

Communication is very important when deciding to hire an Attorney.  If you call and schedule an appointment to meet with an Attorney ask if the person you are meeting with IS AN ATTORNEY. When you need an Attorney it is essential you speak to an Attorney, not an assistant, not a paralegal, not anyone but an Attorney.  Your time is important.

Ask the Attorney if he/she will be communicating with you or will his/her assistant?  Please know that it is absolutely appropriate for an Attorney's assistant/paralegal to keep you updated on your case but you need to know that if you need to speak with the Attorney that you will be able to do so. (Please note that it is probably unlikely that you will get to speak with them when you call).  Ask them how long it takes for them to normally return a phone call.  I have found that if you can email the Attorney you will often get an answer quickly but it is understandable that you would want to "talk" to them.

Most important when you are trying to find a good Attorney, do not explain your situation differently than the facts.  If you meet with one Attorney who will not take your case because of XYZ do not fail to tell the next one of XYZ.  If you want a good Attorney than you must first be a good client.

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Pueblo Office: 113 W. 12th Street  (Map it)

Colorado Springs Office:  422 E. Vermijo Ave., Suite 412 (Map it)

Car Accident step by step process Part 6: Contingency fees explained

A contingency fee is defined as any commission, percentage, brokerage, or other fee that is contingent upon a favorable legislative result.  (NCSL)

We've all heard on the commercials "you don't owe us anything unless we win your case."

So what does this mean for you?  The most common use of contingency fees are auto accidents.  You enter into an agreement with the Attorney to take you case and the Attorney will receive a percentage of what your award is.

This is a great way for those who cannot afford Attorney fees UPFRONT to still get representation.  For example:  you are involved in a car accident and enter into a contingency fee agreement.  The Attorney will pay the expenses through the duration of your case (or set up arrangements for those expenses to be paid out of the proceeds of your award) so you are not out any money.  In auto accidents all policies are different and all claims are handled differently so I can explain by my experience.  My policy limits are $100,000.  I enter into a contingency agreement for 35%.  It cost the Attorney $10,000 to gather information.....and let me tell you this is not cheap,

see example of costs at the Letric Law Library sample number 7:   COSTS. Attorney will advance all "costs" in connection with Attorney's representation of Client under this agreement. Attorney will be reimbursed out of the recovery before any distribution of fees to Attorney or any distribution to Client. If there is no recovery, or the recovery is insufficient to reimburse Attorney in full for costs advanced, Attorney will bear the loss. Costs include, but are not limited to, court filing fees, deposition costs, expert fees and expenses, investigation costs, long-distance telephone charges, messenger service fees, photocopying expenses, and process server fees. Items that are not to be considered costs, and that must be paid by Client without being either advanced or contributed to by Attorney, include, but are not limited to, Client's medical expenses and other parties' costs, if any, that Client is ultimately required to pay.

When you win, and only if you win, does the Attorney get paid.  In this case $100,000.  $10,000 is reimbursed to the Attorney.  You now have $90,000 to work with.  The Letric Law Library has a sample agreement (see number 5 for Attorney fees).

Each Attorney and/or firm have their own agreements the agreement provided here is just to be used as an example.

Contingency fees are not allowed in all types of cases and each State regulates this.  For example:  In a divorce with children...if an Attorney were allowed to accept a contingency fee on the outcome of how much child support or alimony is awarded how would the Attorney collect on years of monthly payments and how fair would it be to all the parties to have Attorney's collect forever.

Don't be swayed by the Personal Injury Attorney commercials that say you won't pay a dime if we don't win...they all do this.  It gets your attention and you call not realizing that they all do.  Now you know....find the Attorney that YOU want and will fight for YOU!!

It will cost you NOTHING to meet with a Personal Injury Attorney!  It may cost you A LOT not to! 

Like Zeisler & Associates, Attorney at Law, PC on Facebook or visit their website.  

Pueblo Office: 113 W. 12th Street  (Map it)

Colorado Springs Office:  422 E. Vermijo Ave., Suite 412 (Map it)

Car Accident step by step process Part 5: Quick Settlements

You are driving down the street and someone backs into you.  Clearly their fault.  Each of you get out of your vehicle and exchange information, call the police for a police report and report it to your insurance companies.  




The next day (or maybe a couple of days but pretty quick):  Your phone rings and it's a representative of the other drivers insurance company.  Ahhhh they are calling to see if you are okay.  How nice of them.  You give them the details of what happened and they either offer to send an adjuster out to determine the damage to your vehicle or ask you to take it in and get several quotes because they want to make sure you are taken care of.  

A few days later you have the repair quote submitted to them.  They call you and offer you a settlement.  WOW, you have heard stories about insurance claims being difficult to get...it's not so hard and you didn't even need to hire an Attorney.  

BE CAREFUL!!  If an Insurance Company is offering you a quick settlement chances are they are trying to avoid what your accident is worth.  Many injuries from a car accident are not even apparent for a few weeks and if they can get you to "settle" on their initial settlement you may not be able to recover any future needs.  Don't gamble your money away.

So it's a week after your car accident.  You feel "okay" a little sore but you will live.  Your car is worth $10,000, you can replace it for $12,000 and they are offering you $15,000.  Wow, you can pay off your credit card, go on vacation, buy a better car with that "extra" $3,000 they are just "giving you."  Why do people say it's hard to get a settlement?  The truth:  because it is hard to get the Insurance Companies to do THE RIGHT THING!  They did not become a multi-billion dollar industry by doing the right thing.  They became a multi-billion dollar industry by doing the complete opposite.  Insurance: the necessary evil.  

When you are involved in a car accident you need to call a Personal Injury Attorney.  Unless you are seriously hurt make this your FIRST call.  Personal Injury Attorneys are experienced in fighting the insurance companies.  They have a list of Doctors that the insurance company already "accepts" and can help you through the process.  Once you hire an Attorney the insurance companies cannot call you.  

If you are thinking of taking the early settlement think about this:

• You accept $15,000 and didn't have to pay Attorney fees.
• Your claim was actually $100,000 before Attorney fees.
• Personal Injury Attorney's on average are 35% contingency fee.

Take $100,000 minus the Attorney's contingency fee of $35,000 would have totaled $65,000 and you took the quick settlement of $15,000.  That's one big $50,000 OOPS!!  Not to mention should any injuries develop later the medical bills will be at your cost.

It will cost you NOTHING to meet with a Personal Injury Attorney!  It may cost you A LOT not to! 

Like Zeisler & Associates, Attorney at Law, PC on Facebook or visit their website.  

Pueblo Office: 113 W. 12th Street  (Map it)

Colorado Springs Office:  422 E. Vermijo Ave., Suite 412 (Map it)

The information provided here is not to be construed as legal advice.  Please consult an Attorney if you have any questions.  General questions about Colorado Personal Injury can be asked here and Carol Zeisler will gladly assist you in the proper direction for your situation. 

Car Accident step by step process Part 3: What not to do

Social Networking.  What would we do without it.  Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, MySpace and blogs.  It's the newest way to communicate.  

Although I believe nothing "personal" should ever go into any of these venues some feel it is necessary to tell the world about what is going on in their lives.  Okay that is fine unless you have been in a car accident.



Let me tell you a story about a man who was "hurt" on the job.  This was before the Facebook craze but it will give you an idea of the measures insurance companies will go to NOT to pay you.  He had been out of work, on workman's comp, for about six months.  Yes he was hurt.  On his wedding day (which was in a very public place) pictures were taken of him doing things that a "hurt" man could not do.  These pictures were used to close the case.

Now add Social Media to the "picture."  (hehe get it....picture)

You are hurt in a car accident.  You claim you are injured (not saying you are not). Facebook is NOT your friend.  I cannot tell you how many times my picture had ended up on Facebook...by total strangers (I'm in the background).  If you are dancing, snow or water skiing, lifting weights at the gym....you have just given the insurance company "proof" you are not hurt.

Let me tell you this.  I was hurt in a car accident.  I was hurt.  I had good days and I had bad days.  On those good days we want to enjoy life because those bad day are BAD.  The good days do not mean you are not hurt but if the pictures on Facebook, twitter, Linkedin, MySpace show you "not hurt" on those good days....what's the old saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words."   There are never pictures of you on these venues showing your bad days. Who wants pictures of you on the couch, right?  

If you are hurt in a car accident I strongly suggest you halt all social media.  If you cannot do that set all your setting to FRIENDS only.  Not friends of friends, not public, FRIENDS only!  Pictures are never a good idea even if your settings are friends only.  Public places are just that...PUBLIC!  Remember the story I told you about the man at his wedding?  Even on your good days don't go crazy out in public.

I know....it sounds like I'm saying do not enjoy yourself EVER.  I'm not saying that.  I'm saying anything you say or do can and will be used against you.  

Being hurt in a car accident is hard enough on us.  Don't add problems to your case that ARE avoidable!!  Don't hand the insurance company ammunition to deny your claim. 

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Pueblo Office: 113 W. 12th Street  (Map it)

Colorado Springs Office:  422 E. Vermijo Ave., Suite 412 (Map it)

Car Accident step by step guide Part 2: watch your words

You are driving down the street and the next thing you know you are face in your airbag.  You've been hit by someone.  You don't know what happened.  What should you do?

Keep your mouth shut!!

"Insurance companies didn't get to be $15 billion and $20 billion (companies) because they give money away," says John Smith of Morgan Hubble Smith Insurance, based in Columbus, Ohio.

What happened? Is usually the first question asked by the first responders; police, fire department, paramedics, EMT's, witnesses to the accident, etc.  What you say can be twisted to whatever the insurance company wants, remember they didn't get to be a $15 billion dollar company because they want to take care of you!

No matter what the situation is.....keep your mouth shut.  When the adjuster comes out...keep your mouth shut.  They are looking for "key" words or phrases that can and will be used against you.  Don't discuss anything personal: "I just lost my job" or "I just broke up with....." NOTHING!!

"People talk too much. Your best advice is to make sure everyone is OK and then say nothing," says Smith, who's been in the insurance industry for 27 years.

Car accidents are a very stressful situation to be in.  It is natural to "talk" because you are nervous.  But....you don't want what you say to hurt your claim and, trust me, if they can manipulate what is said, to their advantage, they will.

Don't apologize...this can be construed as an admission of guilt.  I have been in two car accidents, neither of which was my fault, and I can tell you...the first thing out of my mouth on the first one was "I'm sorry" meaning just that...not that I was guilty but I was sorry the accident happened.  That was a hurdle that we should not have had to jump through....but it did teach me for the car accident that happened later.  

So, what can you do? 

• Get to a safe place
• Make sure everyone is okay
• Call the police and, if needed, an ambulance
• Have your driver's license, registration, and auto insurance (Everything they need to know about you is on these items)
• SAY NOTHING!!!
• Call an Attorney

Learn from other's mistakes!  
In every blog in this step by step process I am going to tell you to contact an Attorney!  You need someone who will fight for you.  Stay tuned for the next step.

If you are hurt in a car accident, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR INJURIES ARE, consult an Attorney!  The best way to heal is let someone else fight your battle with the insurance companies and it is a BATTLE!!  



Like Zeisler & Associates, Attorney at Law, PC on Facebook or visit their website.

Pueblo Office: 113 W. 12th Street  (Map it)

Colorado Springs Office:  422 E. Vermijo Ave., Suite 412 (Map it)

Herniated disc injuries

You are in a car accident.  Everything seems okay, no serious injuries.  You exchange information and file a police report.  You obtain temporary transportation and schedule for you car to get fixed.  
You wake up the next morning and you are stiff and sore.  Okay, you were in a car accident, it's to be expected.  Two weeks later....you can barely move.  What the heck?

You go to the Doctor and x-rays are taken.  You are now experiencing "tingling" or "numbness" in your fingers or hands.  

This is my story:

Pictured borrowed and owned by:  Laser Spine Institute

I thought I was fine until the pain happened two weeks later.  I couldn't adjust to the tingling in my fingers one day and the numbness the next.  After MONTHS of treatment I was sent for a MRI only to discover that I had an extruded herniated disc at C5/C6 and C6/C7.  It was explained to me in very technical terms which of course went over my head.  What I did learn and what I finally understood was this:  The "gel" that cushions the discs in my neck was extruding out and pushing on the nerves which caused my neck and arm pain plus the tingling or numbness sensation.  I went through months of pain and discomfort for something that could have been discovered much earlier had I know what I should have done.

I should have:

• Hired an Attorney IMMEDIATELY even though I was not "hurt" at first.

Pictured borrowed and owned by:  Laser Spine Institute 

Here's the thing:  Did you know that Personal Injury Attorneys KNOW what tests should be done?  

Remember that your Personal Injury Attorney wants you better!!!  

I waited too long because I was not hurt.  I waited too long after the discovery I was hurt because I was trying to get better.

If there is one thing each and every person should know it is this:

IF YOU ARE EVER IN A CAR ACCIDENT CONTACT A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY!!

Personal Injury Attorneys are very familiar with common injuries from car accidents.  They work closely with your Doctor.  

I lost a lot of precious time not hiring an Attorney immediately.  I spent a lot of time being treated for the wrong thing.  Don't let this happen to you.

If you are in Colorado and are involved in a car accident I highly recommend Carol Zeisler!   

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Pueblo Office: 113 W. 12th Street  (Map it)
Colorado Springs Office:  422 E. Vermijo Ave., Suite 412 (Map it)

Trusting after a car accident

How do you define Trust?  How do you feel about losing the trust of someone?  What do you do when you lose trust?

trust [truhst]  According to dictionary.com
noun

1. reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of aperson or thing; confidence.
2. confident expectation of something; hope.
3. confidence in the certainty of future payment for property orgoods received; credit: to sell merchandise on trust.
4. a person on whom or thing on which one relies: 
5. the condition of one to whom something has been entrusted.

Trust is in our lives every minute of every day.  We trust our spouse.  We trust our children.  We trust our bosses and co-workers.  We trust our neighbors.  We trust that everyone who is driving is sober and paying attention.  We trust that the cashier isn't going to overcharge us...it's everywhere.

We don't really think about trust until it's broken.  

If our spouse has cheated we have trust issues that it won't happen again.

If our children lie to us we have trouble believing them.

If we are laid off of work we have trouble trusting that it won't happen again.

If we are overcharged by a cashier we check our receipts all the time.

If we are involved in a car accident...well our trust is really tested.

We hear from the Insurance Companies, "trust us we want to take care of you" to only find out that they are going to deny the claim because:

• a pre-existing condition (how dare us not be 100% healthy at all times)
• we were partially at fault (how dare us be on the road)
• your injury(s) aren't that serious (how dare you have a neck/back injury with only $1000.00 of damage to your car)

The list goes on and on and on.  Trust is broken.  They promised that you would be taken care of in the event of a car accident and now they are looking for any reason to not take care of you.

What do you do?  You find a Personal Injury Attorney that you can trust!  You start to rebuild your trust in the system by letting someone FIGHT for your rights!!

Like Zeisler & Associates, Attorney at Law, PC on Facebook or visit their website.

Pueblo Office: 113 W. 12th Street  (Map it)

Colorado Springs Office:  422 E. Vermijo Ave., Suite 412 (Map it)

Secrets of a Personal Injury claim

You have been the victim of a car accident.  Do you know the process and the secrets of successfully winning your claim?

Understanding your rights as a victim is critical to your emotional, psychological, physical and financial well-being.

Choosing the Attorney to represent you is important.  If you missed that blog you can read it HERE.



Here are some secrets if your Personal Injury case you need to know:

1. Time is of the essence:  Because of Statute of Limitation you only have a certain amount of time to bring a lawsuit.  Please check you State's Statute of Limitations HERE.  Because of these statutes of limitations it is critical to speak with an Attorney as quickly as possible.   
2. Who do you sue?  Depending on the circumstances and the laws in your State will determine who will be sued.  Again, speaking with an Attorney about this as quickly as possible is essential.  
3. What will it cost me?  Most Personal Injury Attorney's offer a free consultation and if they take your case most will work on a contingency basis which means you will pay for nothing until they win your case.  Each Lawyer and Firm are different so make sure you know how their fees are collected during the consultation.  Remember to make that consultation work for you.  Please read HERE on how to make the most of this appointment.
4. How much will I get?  State laws will determine this so there is no real clear-cut answer to this question.  An Attorney can give you a clearer idea of what your injury is worth.  If you missed the blog on what your injury is worth you can read it HERE.
5. How long will it take?:  This is going to depend on so many different circumstances that there is no definite answer.  Remember you are going to be dealing with Insurance Companies that have Attorneys fighting NOT to pay you anything.  Finding the right Attorney to fight FOR YOU is essential.

Insurance Companies may offer you a quick settlement.  DO NOT accept it without talking to an Attorney about your rights!  

Going through a personal injury case is difficult for you both emotionally and financially.  Find an Attorney who will take that burden off of you so you can focus on getting better.  A Personal Injury lawsuit can take years so patience is important and remember it is not your Attorney who is keeping it from settling or going to court quickly.  Your Attorney wants what's best for YOU.  Your insurance company wants what's best for them.  Please read HERE for the secrets of car insurance.

The information provided here is not to be construed as legal advice.  Please consult an Attorney if you have any questions.  General questions about Colorado Personal Injury can be asked here and Carol Zeisler will gladly assist you in the proper direction for your situation

Like Zeisler & Associates, Attorney at Law, PC on Facebook or visit their website.

Pueblo Office: 113 W. 12th Street  (Map it)

Colorado Springs Office:  422 E. Vermijo Ave., Suite 412 (Map it)