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)

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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)

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)

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Spring forward: Time change means time to change your smoke detector batteries

The dreaded time change in the Spring.  Can we survive losing one hour of sleep?

Let's look at the time change a little different and it's not going to make it easier to adjust but it may save your life.

We have all been told to pick a day of the year to change the batteries in our smoke detectors and now we add our carbon monoxide detector to this list.

I don't know about you but the batteries in my smoke detector only get bad in the middle of the night. You hear that "chirping" that drives you CRAZY and if you have a dog who's ears are sensitive...that is even worse.

I did the "pick a day" to change the batteries and for the most part...I stuck with it. BUT...it never failed that one of my smoke detectors wouldn't make the year and at 3:00 am in the morning my 85 pound dog was up on my bed crying. So sleepy I had to find the step ladder and a battery and wait....."chirp" okay it's on the north side. Down to four smoke detectors it could be. "Chirp" where the heck is it coming from. (Dog still going crazy and NO HELP in determining which smoke detector needs a new battery.)

"Chirp" ahhhh found it. Climb the step ladder, change the battery and up the rest of the night.

So what do I do now? I change ALL of the batteries every time the time changes. It is now known as "Time to change" the batteries. This makes it simple because the news tells me to go to the store and stock up on batteries weeks before I need to change. How cool is that!

I don't have those 3:00 am wake up calls anymore because of the one bad battery in a thousand that I always seemed to have. Of course that one bad battery couldn't have been in the television remote...it was always in the smoke detector.

Aside from the annoyance I am happy I have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in my home. They are there to save my life, my family's life and the life of my pets so twice a year I change the batteries in the daytime, without the chirping and awake.

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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 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)

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

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.