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.





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 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.  







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)

What is your injury 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.

Zeisler & Associates, Attorney At Law, PC is just that firm!  Specializing and exclusive to Personal Injury cases only.  Visit their website for more information.

Part of the problem or part of the SOLUTION: Animal Abuse

This topic is near and dear to my heart.  I cannot stress enough how horrible and sickening abusing animals is so please bare with me in this blog as it is going to be difficult to write.


A person who would abuse an animal has no soul!!  It is one of biggest types of abuse and one of the most preventable!!  The most common animals to face abuse are cats and dogs.  People use them for target practice, they use them for dog fights, they starve them, the list goes on and on.  Animal abusers come in all shapes, sizes and backgrounds.

The following information is copied from NowPublic.com

What to Look for in Animal Abuse and Cruelty in Cats and Dogs:

• Malnutrition
• Hair Loss
• Unexplained injuries, health problems or permanent disabilities
• Being left in extreme heat for more than 15 minutes
• Animal Hoarding
• Engaging in dog or cock fighting or attending the "games"
• Shock collar, electric fences and prong collar training

Animal Cruelty Statistics

• Each year, 10,000 bull dogs die in bullfighting.
• Women in abusive relationships often don't leave their abuser because they worry what will happen to their pet if they leave.
• 13% of animal abuse involves domestic violence.
• 70% of animal abusers also have records of other crimes.
• 3 to 4 million cats and dogs (young, healthy and adoptable) are euthanized every year in shelters. 
• Animals that aren't euthanized are often sent to no-kill shelters where the animals are caged for days, weeks, months or years and the animals risk becoming insane and dying of loneliness.

Ways to Prevent Animal Cruelty

• Know who to contact in your area if you suspect animal abuse. You can call your local police department for the information.
• Teach your kids and other children how to treat animals and to respect them as living creatures like ourselves.
• Support the local shelter or society and get to know the work they are involved in. 
• Take care of the animals you have. If you don't want kittens or puppies, spay or neuter your animals or don't let them around other animals while they are outside.
• Donate to local shelters, pet abuse organizations or the ASPCA.

I have to tell you a story.  A story of a beautiful dog named Corona.  Corona's owner shot her.  This owner opened her mouth and shot her.  I won't share the picture of her when she went into the shelter but I will share this video of her after many people stepped in to save her.  Although her story ended well, most don't. You can stay updated on her recovery here.  If you see any type of animal abuse PLEASE call the authorities.  Animal Abuse is a CRIME in all 50 states.  Anyone who will abuse an animal can start to abuse the people around them.  

Sign the petition today to expose animal abusers!!

Like Zeisler & Associates, Attorney at Law, PC on Facebook or visit their website for more information

What won't get paid after a car accident...

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.  


Like Zeisler & Associates, Attorney at Law, PC on Facebook or visit their website for more information

Part of the problem or part of the SOLUTION: Child abuse and neglect

Five (5) children each DAY die of child abuse or neglect.  (Childhelp)

3.3 million reports
6 million children abused

The numbers are staggering.  We are supposed to be a civilized Country but we are destroying our future by destroying our children.

Copied directly from Childhelp website:  (This information belongs to Childhelp.  For more information you can go directly to their page)

• A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds
• *More than five children die every day as a result of child abuse.² 
• Approximately 80% of children that die from abuse are under the age of 4. ¹
• It is estimated that between 50-60% of child fatalities due to maltreatment are not recorded as such on death certificates. ³
• More than 90% of juvenile sexual abuse victims know their perpetrator in some way. ⁴
• Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education.
• About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse. ⁵
• About 80% of 21 year olds that were abused as children met criteria for at least one psychological disorder. ⁵
• The estimated annual cost of child abuse and neglect in the United States for 2008 is $124 billion. ⁶

• 14% of all men in prison in the USA were abused as children. ⁷
• 36% of all women in prison were abused as children. ⁷
• Children who experience child abuse & neglect are 59% more likely to be arrested as a juvenile, 28% more likely to be arrested as an adult, and 30% more likely to commit violent crime. ⁵
• 
  

• Abused children are 25% more likely to experience teen pregnancy. ⁵
• Abused teens are less likely to practice safe sex, putting them at greater risk for STDs. 

• One-third to two-thirds of child maltreatment cases involve substance use to some degree. ⁸
• Children whose parents abuse alcohol and other drugs are three times more likely to be abused and more than four times more likely to be neglected than children from non-abusing families. ⁸
• As many as two-thirds of the people in treatment for drug abuse reported being abused or neglected as children. ¹⁰
• 
  

Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect:

Recognizing Child Abuse (Copied directly from U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.  This information belongs to them)

The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect.
The Child:

• Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
• Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents' attention
• Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes
• Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen
• Lacks adult supervision
• Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn
• Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home

The Parent:

• Shows little concern for the child
• Denies the existence of—or blames the child for—the child's problems in school or at home
• Asks teachers or other caregivers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves
• Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome
• Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve
• Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs

The Parent and Child:

• Rarely touch or look at each other
• Consider their relationship entirely negative
• State that they do not like each other

Types of Abuse

The following are some signs often associated with particular types of child abuse and neglect: physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. It is important to note, however, that these types of abuse are more typically found in combination than alone. A physically abused child, for example, is often emotionally abused as well, and a sexually abused child also may be neglected.

Signs of Physical Abuse

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child:
Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes
Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school
Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home
Shrinks at the approach of adults
Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:
Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child's injury
Describes the child as "evil," or in some other very negative way
Uses harsh physical discipline with the child
Has a history of abuse as a child

Signs of Neglect

Consider the possibility of neglect when the child:
Is frequently absent from school
Begs or steals food or money
Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses
Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor
Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather
Abuses alcohol or other drugs
States that there is no one at home to provide care

Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver:
Appears to be indifferent to the child
Seems apathetic or depressed
Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner
Is abusing alcohol or other drugs

Signs of Sexual Abuse

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child:
Has difficulty walking or sitting
Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities
Reports nightmares or bedwetting
Experiences a sudden change in appetite
Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior
Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age 14
Runs away
Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:
Is unduly protective of the child or severely limits the child's contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex
Is secretive and isolated
Is jealous or controlling with family members

Signs of Emotional Maltreatment

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the child:
Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity, or aggression
Is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriately infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example)
Is delayed in physical or emotional development
Has attempted suicide
Reports a lack of attachment to the parent

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the parent or other adult caregiver:
Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child
Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child's problems
Overtly rejects the child

This is a lot of information...but it is information that can save a life!  I apologize for coping word for word but it is important that we all recognize & understand what is going, and honestly they said it best, on and be part of the solution!!

Like Zeisler & Associates, Attorney at Law, PC on Facebook or visit their website for more information


Watch this video warning:  it is hearbreaking

Motorcycle safety: Inattentional Blindness

"inattentional blindness". Put simply, it means that if you are not expecting to see something, you won't see it. (Motorcycle Council of NSW, Inc)


According to the Motorcycle council of NSW, Inc. Almost Two out of Three (61%) multi-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle the "other" driver was at fault.  If the multi-vehicle accident happened at an intersection that percentage is raised to 71%. 
Great messages from the Motorcycle Council of NSW, Inc:

"There is also evidence that drivers who lack awareness of motorcyclists are more likely to be involved in crashes with motorcycles (Hurt, 1981)."

"Lack of attention and driver attitude to the driving task are also major road safety issues. Poor driving practices such as changing lanes on curves and failing to maintain crash avoidance space or to check over the shoulder are compounded when drivers divide their attention between other tasks such as eating or using mobile telephones."

"These findings are important and suggest that motorcycle crashes could be reduced by changing motorists expectations and perceptual behaviour. This could involve changing road safety messages to be more specific by establishing patterns of expectation with lists and labels. Rather than exhorting drivers to look to see if anything is coming, the message should be, for example to check for any "motorcyclists". Such strategies could have a major impact particularly on the 55% of all multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes that occur at intersections."

We have all been saddened by Officer Matthew Tyner who died recently, in the line of duty, while riding his motorcycle and through his death maybe we can raise awareness of our actions when we are behind the wheel.

When you do not pay attention a person riding a motorcycle could pay for it with their LIFE!  This 20 second video shows you how quickly not doing YOUR job as a responsible driver can cause devastating outcomes.  This happened at an intersection and although the statistics show it is 71% the fault of the driver...in this situation the other driver is 100% WRONG!

Please drive safe and watch for motorcycles.

Like Zeisler & Associates, Attorney at Law, PC on Facebook or visit their website for more information