Helmet laws: To wear or not to wear

One of the biggest controversial topics, especially this time of year, is riding motorcycle helmets.  Does the State have the right to mandate an individual to wear one or not?

Yes 65% of motorcycle deaths are because the rider did not wear a helmet.  But here is the question that has been proposed, "It is the rider's life so it's the rider's choice."

"In absence of proof that certain events could not cause motorcyclists, unprotected by helmets, to lose control of their vehicles and cause injury to others on or near the public highway, plaintiffs failed to meet burden of proving that statute requiring motorcyclists and their passengers to wear protective headgear bore no reasonable relationship to the public health, safety, and welfare." Love v. Bell , 1970, 465 P.2d 118, 171 Colo. 27.

As a rider, myself, I have to say that I believe it is the rider's choice UNLESS the rider is a minor.  I think we, as adult riders, have the right to decide for ourselves whether we wear helmets or not but minors should not have to live by our decisions.  I want to go as far and say that if you are an adult and have a minor ride with you I think you should wear a helmet also. 


A good friend who is also a police officer was called to a motorcycle accident.  The child was wearing a helmet, the adult was not, when they were both flown from the bike.  The child watched his father die from injuries (on the scene) caused by not wearing a helmet.  We teach children by example.

Helmets do not prevent accidents and some believe that they may assist in causes accidents.  I am a rider and a passenger.  When I ride alone I wear my helmet (not secure enough of my riding abilities to go without).  When I am a passenger with my husband I do not wear a helmet. (crazy as this may seem because other drivers carelessness cause accidents but my husband is better prepared to adapt to those situations than I am).

"In action to declare statute requiring motorcyclists to wear protective headgear, unconstitutional evidence did not support contention that helmets as such do not prevent accidents, but rather interfere with proper operation of a motorcycle." Love v. Bell , 1970, 465 P.2d 118, 171 Colo. 27.

I know helmets save lives...but it is the riders' life it will save therefore I believe it is the rider's choice to wear or not to wear a helmet.  

To learn what the laws are in your State, click HERE.

What are your thoughts?




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

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Car Accident step by step process Part 16: Understanding Policy Limits

You are hurt in a car accident.  You have car repairs, medical expenses, you cannot work...your car insurance should pay, right?  Yes they should BUT what they pay is based on you.  It's called policy limits and you decide what they will be when you get car insurance.




For example:  In Colorado all driver are required to carry $25,000/$50,000 but what does this mean?

The first number is easy:  This is the number that is allowed per person in a car accident. The second number is the tricky part...this number is the TOTAL amount that is paid per occurrence.  What this means is if there are four people hurt in a car accident the $50,000 is divided between the four; $12,500 per person.  This number is regardless of how many people are hurt.  Imagine a five car pileup.....12 people are injured....this is not a lot of money to go around.

Now comes the uninsured/underinsured  (UM/UIM) coverage.  In Colorado you can waive this in writing but for the few extra dollars it is well worth the money.  My personal example; I was hit by a person who carried only the required amount 25/50.  $25,000 didn't even come close to what I needed for my injuries.  This is where my UIM (underinsured motorist kicked in and my insurance company paid the difference.  

I will admit until I needed it, I didn't understand it....by then, it's too late.  After my car accident and the information provided to me by my Attorney, Carol Zeisler, I changed my policy.  When I went in to discuss this with my agent I was surprised at the little difference it made in my premium amounts.  

No one wants to be in a car accident.  Most of us take care when driving so we aren't involved in a car accident....but they happen no matter how much care you take when driving.  One trip to the grocery store, to work or going home.....five seconds later your life can change.  

Ask yourself this:  would $25,000 pay for a lifetime injury in your life?  Know your policy, know what it means to you and if you are ever in a car accident....hire an Attorney. 




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

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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)

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Car Accident step by step process Part 10: Hiring an Attrorney

You have narrowed you search down to one or a few Attorneys...what next?
Most initial consultations with a Personal Injury Attorney are FREE. (I say most because you can never say all unless you have called every single one of them).  You get the one opportunity to make that free consultation work for you so here are some tips to make it better for both of you.

1. Make an appointment:  Even if their yellow page ad, website or your friend who recommended them to you say "walk in's welcome" MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!  You want their attention on YOU not the work they had to put aside to meet with you.  Another good reason to make an appointment is you want to make sure the Attorney is in the office and available at the time.  
2. Take all your paperwork with you to your appointment.  Remember it is what the FACTS of the case is not what your opinion is.  You will save yourself and your Attorney a lot of time if you have the FACTS with you in the initial consultation.  Depending on when you meet with them (the sooner the better) will determine what paperwork you will need.  Police reports, Doctors visit evaluations, witness names and contact, etc.  
3. Pictures if you took them.  There is nothing better than pictures of the accident.  (For those who are reading this please remember this:  if you are in an accident TAKE PICTURES.) Pictures of the accident, the surroundings, license plate, person, etc. are highly useful.
4. Insurance Information.  Yours and the other party's information is essential and any conversations you may have had with either company.  Document, Document, Document!!

You are in front of the Attorney.  Although you are also interviewing them let them direct the interview. If they want to ask questions first, answer. If they want to review your documents first, stay quiet while they review them.  DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT ask them what your case is worth as there is no way in this initial consultation that they could know the answer. 

It is okay, and I highly recommend this, to ask them about their experience.  I have said this before and I'm going to say this again....the bigger "commercial" Attorneys will have more "experience" but remember that experience isn't personal.  Find the Attorney who makes your case PERSONAL!!

If you haven't read the blog on what to tell your Personal Injury Attorney please click HERE to read.

If the Attorney decides to take your case and you decide to hire this Attorney a contingency fee agreement will be entered into at this time.  This is your contract with the Attorney keep it in a safe place.

First impressions are very important.  Make yours COUNT!!

Now you have decided on who you want to hire....what do you tell them?

Everything!  I could end this here but I will go on to explain:

Don't "hide" anything from your Attorney.  What they don't know can come back and hurt you.

1. Previous injuries:  You may not think it is important to tell your Attorney that you were in a car accident 10 years ago because your injuries are healed BUT if they are not aware of your past injuries than they can't fight the insurance companies when they tell them that your current injuries are pre-existing and aren't covered....and trust me the insurance companies will try.  Forewarned is forearmed.  
2. Injuries since the accident:  If you are injured after your car accident you do not want that to cause problems for your current case.  Let your Attorney know of all injuries you sustain after the car accident so they can be prepared.
3. How's your marriage?  Are you divorced or getting divorced?  If you were married at the time of the accident your spouse may be entitled to compensation and your Attorney needs to know this.
4. Bills, Bills and more Bills:  They are a headache without a car accident and get even worse afterwards because you may have medical bills and may not be able to work.  If you have filed bankruptcy or thinking of filing tell your Attorney as your settlement could become part of your estate and your settlement could go to your creditors.
5. Criminal History:  You may not think it is important that your Attorney knows you got a DUI seven years ago but the Insurance Company's Attorney will think it is important.  Most Criminal History will have no relevance to your case but you do not want your Attorney to be "surprised" by what is discovered.

Information is provided by Zeisler and Associates, Attorneys at Law, PC and is not to be construed as legal advice but for informational purposes only.

In order for Insurance Companies to avoid paying you...they have to find reasons not to.  Don't let any of those reasons be something that could have been avoided had you been honest and forthcoming with your Attorney.  And, don't think that your history cannot be discovered because to avoid paying our settlements Insurance Companies DO THEIR RESEARCH!!  Don't let your Attorney get caught by surprised. 

One very important warning:  If an Attorney says they can't represent you because of xyz, do not leave xyz out when meeting with other Attorneys.  XYZ may be something that the first Attorney is not experienced in fighting where another one is.  EVERYTHING about you is important for the Attorney to know.  I have said this before but it is worth repeating.  Don't hide anything from your Attorney.  They are there to FIGHT for you, you just need to provide them with all the ammunition that can be used against you.

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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.  

Car Accident step by step process Part 9: Understanding the Personal Injury Case

Let's begin with the definition of Tort Law:  

"A body of rights, obligations, and remedies that is applied by courts in civil proceedings to provide relief for persons who have suffered harm from the wrongful acts of others. The person who sustains injury or suffers pecuniary damage as the result of tortious conduct is known as the plaintiff, and the person who is responsible for inflicting the injury and incurs liability for the damage is known as the defendant or tortfeasor."  (Legal Dictionary)

How does this tort law work in Personal Injury cases?

• the plaintiff must establish that the defendant was under a legal duty to act in a particular fashion  
• the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant breached this duty by failing to conform his or her behavior accordingly
• the plaintiff must prove that he suffered injury or loss as a direct result of the defendant's breach

Keep in mind that tort law is a combination of common-law principles and legislative practices. In a Personal injury case in Colorado, for example, may use: 

C.R.S. 42-4-1101(3) EXCEEDED SAFE SPEED FOR CONDITIONS “No driver of a vehicle shall fail to decrease the speed of such vehicle from an otherwise lawful speed to a reasonable and prudent speed when a special hazard exists with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions.”

should the accident happen from a person speeding in a winter storm.

Another example would be if you were rear-ended by another vehicle the 

C.R.S. 42-4-1008(1) FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.”

could be used to support a tort claim.

The defendant cannot use "I didn't know that law" as an excuse.  Ignorance of the law is no defense.

"Ignorantia juris non excusat or ignorantia legis neminem excusat (Latin for "ignorance of the law does not excuse" or "ignorance of the law excuses no one") is a legal principle holding that a person who is unaware of a law may not escape liability for violating that law merely because he or she was unaware of its content."  (Wikipedia) 

Did you know when you apply and receive your Drivers License and you sign it you are agreeing to abide by the laws of your state?  In Colorado you are given a drivers manual (honestly don't remember ever getting one or reading it) but it details the safe driving practices in Colorado.  If you are like me and don't remember or don't have it anymore you can find it here.

Drive safe and always pay attention while driving.  One small distraction can change a life forever.

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

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

The information provided in this blog is for informational use only and not legal advice.  Please consult an Attorney.

Signs of DUI after you are stopped

I'm on a campaign this week to keep people from drinking and driving.  Many think they can "get away" with it...and let's be honest; most of us have gotten away with it.  I'm here to tell you it goes beyond "getting away with it."  It is about SAVING LIVES; whether it is yours or someone else's.  

TOO MANY LIVES ARE LOST AT THE HANDS OF DRUNK DRIVERS!!!!!

I am writing about what signs are a give away to police officers after you are pulled over NOT to give you a heads up but to let you know you can't "deceive" the officers.  If I thought this would help people drink, drive and get away with it I would never put these out there...but let's be honest...a drunk cannot control what they do, not do, say, not say, etc. otherwise they wouldn't be a danger on the road!

Psychological Reactions:

• Bloodshot, red, watery and/or drowsy eyes
• Red of flushed face
• Uncontrollable eye movement

About the body:

• Difficulty exiting the car
• Fumbling or inability to find proper paperwork; driver's license/registration/proof of insurance
• Swaying, instability or balance problems
• Leaning on object (vehicle or other person) for support; difficult standing
• Staggering
• Difficulty in operating vehicle controls; window, locks, door handles, etc.

Your appearance:

• Clothing wrinkled, soiled, disheveled, stained
• Odor of alcohol on person or in vehicle

Your behavior:

• Repeating questions or comments
• Slurred or slow speech
• Inappropriate Laughter
• Irrational phrases and sentences
• Slow or unable to answer officers questions
• Provide incorrect answers to questions
• Unresponsiveness to questions asked
• Nervous
• Disrespectful
• Argumentative
• Combative

Before you drink and get behind the wheel of a vehicle....ask yourself this:  Would I want my child, spouse, parent, etc. to be on the road with someone who is in my condition?  And do me a favor...ask yourself this question BEFORE you start drinking.  BEFORE you leave the house.  Make arrangements for a ride home if you plan on drinking.

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Pueblo Office: 113 W. 12th Street  (Map it)
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Please click HERE to read previous blogs about this subject

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)

Facts about drinking alcohol

Drinking and driving has never been a good idea; people are seriously injured or die because of this. We have lost too many lives to drinking and driving.  Here are some facts about drinking.



I hope you read and understand because time is the only thing that will sober you up! 

The average person metabolizes alcohol at the rate of about one drink per hour. Only time will sober a person up. Drinking strong coffee, exercising or taking a cold shower will not help.   (Michigan State University. “Basic Alcohol Information.” East Lansing, MI: Michigan State University, 2003.)

The speed of alcohol absorption affects the rate at which one becomes drunk. Unlike foods, alcohol does not have to be slowly digested. As a person drinks faster than the alcohol can be eliminated, the drug accumulates in the body, resulting in higher and higher levels of alcohol in the blood. (Narcotic Educational Foundation of America. “Alcohol: A Potent Drug.” Santa Clarita, CA: Narcotic Educational Foundation of America, 2002.)

The average person metabolizes alcohol at the rate of about one drink per hour. Only time will sober a person up. Drinking strong coffee, exercising or taking a cold shower will not help.  (Michigan State University. “Basic Alcohol Information.” East Lansing, MI: Michigan State University, 2003.)

Remember:  sobering up takes TIME!!!  Coffee does not work.  If you are a designated driver please do not think you can have a "few" and switch to coffee.  Here are the dangers of thinking coffee can sober you up:

The dangers of this:  It makes you more alert so you will think you are sober and able to drive.  As the Mayo Clinic states:

"Coffee's about as helpful as a cold shower or a brisk walk in sobering you up. That is, it's not helpful at all!"

According to Bill Hendrick (WebMD Health News): Gulping down coffee won’t sober you up if you’re drunk, but it may make you awake enough to be dangerous, new research suggests.

Researchers draw that conclusion from laboratory experiments on mice, in which caffeine made drunken rodents more alert but didn't reverse learning problems caused by alcohol. Their study is published in the journal Behavioral Neuroscience.

“The myth about coffee’s sobering powers is particularly important to debunk because the co-use of caffeine and alcohol could actually lead to poor decisions with disastrous outcomes,” Thomas Gould, PhD, of Temple University and one of the study authors, says in a news release. “People who have consumed only alcohol, who feel tired and intoxicated, may be more likely to acknowledge that they are drunk.”
Gould tells WebMD in an email that "coffee may reduce the sedative effects of alcohol, which could give the false impression that people are not as intoxicated as they really are."

So what does sober you up?  TIME and of course stop drinking.  Remember what we see in the movies isn't real.  Be safe when you are drinking, be safe when you are driving and never combine the two.

Adults drank too much and got behind the wheel about 112 million times in 2010 - that is almost 300,000 incidents of drinking and driving each day.  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, October 2011)

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

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When someone dies from a car accident

No one wants to be in a car accident.  No one leaves their home looking to be in a car accident.  No one expects to be in a car accident.

The truth is one person dies in a car accident every 13 minutes!  (Car-Accident.com).  

I have written about the stress that comes with being involved in a car accident.  I have written about what to do after a car accident.


What do you do if someone you love dies in a car accident?  According to Carol Zeisler, Zeisler & Associates, Attorneys at Law, PC wrongful death claims are one of the hardest for her clients to go through.  Not only are you dealing with the pain of the loss of a loved one but you are dealing with the stress of the Insurance Company's denial of responsibility. As if the grieving of a loved one isn't hard enough let's add insult to injury by fighting for the security of your family's financial future!

In wrongful death claims it is essential that you have an Attorney to fight for your rights!  While every State is different in the process there is one common thread:  The Statutes of Limitations.   These Statutes allow you only a certain amount of time to file a wrongful death claim which is why it is, all the more important, to contact an experienced Attorney to start the process as soon as possible.  A great Attorney will take your case and move forward with it allowing you time to grieve.

Here are some things you can do and should know if you ever find yourself in this situation:

1. Secure your records:  In the grieving process some things are often misplaced or lost.  Secure all records of anything pertinent to the accident and your claim as soon as you receive them.  
2. Police reports:  Often times a police report will be incorrect because the deceased cannot give their version of what happened.  An experienced wrongful death Attorney understands this and can get the truth behind the police report.
3. The reaction of the Insurance Company:  Because wrongful death claims are serious and often end with a large amount of money being paid to the family they will Deny, Delay and Defend again these claims.
4. One way to disclaim the police report and fight the Insurance Companies is to do an accident recreation.  An experienced Personal Injury Attorney will hire an expert to recreate the accident to review all the documentation and come up with their own determination of how the accident occurred.
5. Witness statements:  One of the hardest things to fight the Insurance Companies is the witness statements if they are taken too long after the accident as memories fade with time.  Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney who is experienced in wrongful death claims will understand this and secure witness statements quickly but they can only be as quick as you are to hire them.

If you have ever lost a loved one, whether it's due to a car accident or not, you understand the grieving process.  It is difficult to function when you are dealing with the loss of a loved one so hiring a Personal Injury Attorney as soon as possible will help you cope with the loss while not losing valuable time.  

There are so many facets of a wrongful death claim that only an experienced Attorney can help you with.  Find an Attorney who is compassionate  to your needs and grieving process and will fight for your rights because your financial future depends on 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

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

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

Car Accidents because of winter weather conditions

Let's face it...we all want the 90 degree weather, clear sky cruising down the highway with the top down on the convertible.  For those who live in climates that allow this year round we envy you.  But for those who don't live there or for those who love the snow it's time to pull out the winter coats and remember how to drive in winter weather.

We need to be more careful driving in the winter as the weather conditions can and often lead to a car accident.  

Please watch this short video on driving in winter conditions.

This video is made up of a few short, non-injury accidents but shows how a winter conditions will affect everyone.

Just to get into the mood of cold, snow and ice click this video and come back and read while listening.

The first snow of the year is usually the most dangerous.  We "forget" how to drive on snow and ice. We are a society that is rushing everywhere we go...time is money, right?

If you are one of the cautious drivers good for you but remember you will not always determine whether you are in a car accident.  Defensive driving is essential this time of year as there will always be some that disregard the winter conditions.  Those who are inexperienced driving on snow and ice, those who think it will never happen to them and those who think because they have a four wheel drive they won't slide are dangerous to us all.

• "as usual essex county council state we are ready for the bad weather stock piles of grit to be call on in climate weather 3 nights of frost 1 motor cyclist dead due to black ice 1st fall of snow yes the council were ready for this not crashes cars and hgvs stuck traffic ground to a halt were were the gritters i was on the road at 6-15 am this morning got as far as the witham turn off on the A12 turned round headed back towards southend on sea the first gritter i saw was on the A 127 at 8-45 am yep they were ready after the horse hasbolted again .i bet on think for certain than in april the spare room tax is nicely in place and there wont be any delays with that . once again well done essex county council" (Echo)
• Indianapolis, Ind.
A quick burst of overnight snowfall and icy roads in Central Indiana resulted in dozens of accidents Monday morning.
Indiana State Police estimate approximately 60 accidents occured Monday. On an average day, police estimate approximately 20 to 30 accidents. Among the multiple overnight crashes around the Indianapolis area, crews were investigating a fatal single-vehicle accident on the south side of the city.
Just after 3 a.m. Monday, police said the driver of a black SUV apparently slid out of the northbound lanes of I-65, on the bridge passing over I-465.
The SUV hit a guard rail, throwing the male driver out onto the highway.
Three passengers in the car suffered injuries, including a broken leg, cuts and back pain.
Police said the car was from Wisconsin and the driver was a man, likely in his 30’s.

When an accident happens because of inclement weather it is often difficult to prove fault.  Whether is was a single car accident (meaning you slid into a tree) or a multi-car accident your case will come down to who has the most plausible excuse.  Black ice is one of the examples of a plausible excuse as there is usually no warning of black ice.  What is not an excuse is traveling too fast for the conditions...remember the speed limit is for good weather conditions not snow and ice.

Your best weapon in these types of situation is a police report.  Before you drive in inclement weather know what your police department is wanting you to do.  In some situations if there are no injuries and no alcohol and/or drugs involved they want you to exchange information and report it within 48 hours.

You absolute best weapon after a car accident is to call an experienced Attorney!  Insurance companies want to deny your claim and will look for any reason to do so.  Don't let that happen to you!

Please drive safe no matter what the condition but pay extra attention during the snow and ice.  If you are in Colorado and have been involved in a car accident please call 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)

Stress behind the wheel during the holiday season

Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression

When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.

1. Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.
2. Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships.
3. Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children can't come to your house, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos.
4. Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.
5. Stick to a budget. Before you go gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone's name, give homemade gifts or start a family gift exchange.
6. Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, visiting friends and other activities. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That'll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for party prep and cleanup.
7. Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. If it's not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
8. Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Continue to get plenty of sleep and physical activity.
9. Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Take a walk at night and stargaze. Listen to soothing music. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm.
10. Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

I do not own this nor did I write this.  This information comes directly from the Mayo Clinic.

With holiday stress and depression it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms in yourself or those you love.  Getting behind the wheel of a car is dangerous during the holidays but it becomes more dangerous when the drivers are stressed.  Drive safe.

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)