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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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





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

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

Car Accident step by step process Part 14: Understanding MedPay

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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





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 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 guide Part 2: watch your words

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

Keep your mouth shut!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, what can you do? 

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

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

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



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

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

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

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 does your declaration page for you auto insurance really says

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).

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

Tell me about your story...did you learn too late about your auto insurance policy?

Words that can hurt you after a car accident...more than your injuries

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

Keep your mouth shut!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, what can you do? 

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

Learn from other's mistakes!  

If you are injured in a Colorado car accident I highly recommend (from personal experience):

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

If you have a horror story about your car accident or if you have hired Zeisler & Associates, Attorneys at Law, PC please tell me about your experience.

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.

Previous blog on MedPay

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Do you have a story you can share?

Labor Day: Don't drink and drive

How many drinks would it take to be considered drunk? Too drunk to drive? Have you ever wondered....okay have you ever wondered this BEFORE you started drinking and not after?





Okay, one (1) drink per hour is a safe calculation.....it's too hot after that long.

Here is a calculator that tells you (estimate) what your BAC (Blood Alcohol Count) would be after so many drinks in so many hours.....COOL!! BUT.....I just learned that if I have four (4) beers at 6% alcohol in 2 1/12 hours oops DUI. This shocked me because when I have four (4) beers at 6% alcohol in 2 1/2 hours I FEEL FINE....I guess that's where the impairment comes in huh?

So here's the thing. No one wants you to drive drunk or impaired....even bar owners. If you aren't safe you won't return, am I right? It used to be called a $10,000 DUI...well those days are over because the with the increase of insurance, legal fees, fines, bail it could be up to $25,000 when you are finished.....that is $6250.00 PER BEER I just had. MSN has a breakdown of most fees that may be incurred with a DUI. (MSN Money arrive alive).

It is important that if you are going to be drinking please do not drive. Get a designated driver, call a cab or call a friend (hopefully not the friend who was sitting next to you drinking with you). I am going to have to call someone or have a designated driver as the calculator says I am allowed two (2) beers at 6% alcohol in a 2 1/2 hour time span.

Labor Day is a great day to celebrate...just do it safe!!

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What is aggressive driving

We have all gotten angry while driving.  We have all either honked, or wanted to honk, at someone who has cut us off.  Some of us have actually given a few "gestures" while passing someone who has angered us on the road.

Matthew Joint, Head of Behavioral Analysis, states that in 1995 tailgating was the most common form of "road rage" followed closely flashing your headlights at someone.

Statistics show that 250,000 people have died in traffic since 1990. It is believed that two-thirds of these deaths are at least partially caused by aggressive driving, although only 218 were found to be a direct cause of angry drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 66 percent of all annual traffic fatalities are caused by aggressive driving actions, such as passing on the right, running red lights and tailgating. In addition to fatalities, there have been an estimated 20 million injuries; 12,610 caused by aggressive driving. These numbers show that there has been a 51 percent increase in aggressive driving incidents since 1990. Of these incidents, 37 percent involved the use of a firearm, 28 percent involved other weapons, and 35 percent involved the use of a car as a weapon. Related to this increase in aggressive driving incidents may be the fact that the number of drivers on the road is increasing; as of 1990, 91 percent of people drove to work.

This video is a minor incident of road rage but it's these minor incidents that, if they happen with the wrong person, could lead to car accident injuries or death.

In this video it was very fortunate that no one was injured or killed by this person who displayed extreme road rage.

Dr. John A. Larson, author of Steering Clear of Highway Madness, groups aggressive drivers into five categories: Speeders, passive aggressors, narcissists, vigilantes, and competitors. Several characteristics are related to the most typical aggressive driver: being under 35, single, no education and a mid-level income. Furthermore, although women are more likely to confess to angry driving, men are more likely to participate in true “road rage”, in which an angry driver intentionally harms another driver. Whether or not an aggressive driver takes physical action depends on the degree of anger he or she feels. “If someone pulls out in front of you or cuts you off, you may be justified at four or five on a scale of 10…if you’re up to seven to 10, though, that’s an exaggerated response,” says Larson.
Redford Williams, M.D., at Duke University, points to a hostile personality type as an indicator of someone who is more likely to get angry quicker. “They are also four to seven times more likely to die of other health problems by age 50 than are even-tempered people,” said Williams. For example, people with long drives to work are found to have higher blood pressure than people who take shorter routes to work. One frustrated commuter states, “it feels unnatural to forget about the jerk riding my tail or ducking in front of me to save half a second and some drivers—not me, of course – respond to overaggressive road behavior as if piloting a car were a contest. They drive to ‘win’ rather than simply to get to their destination.”

If you are an aggressive driver pay close attention to what Dr. John A. Larson says:  there is a reason you are an aggressive driver and it could be because of other issues in your life that could lead to health problems.

If you are a victim caught in the crosswinds of an aggressive driver remain calm and get away from the driver.  Never pull over in a deserted area.  Get the license plate of the aggressive driver and if you have a cell phone call 911.

Remember, no one's life is worth a little anger.  No death is acceptable under these conditions.  Please drive safe.



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Part of the problem or part of the SOLUTION: Suicide

I can't imagine there is anyone who doesn't know someone who has attempted suicide, committed suicide or has lost someone to suicide.  




When things get tough...sometimes people don't see any other option.  It has to be a difficult situation to be in.  It's horrible for the person who attempts or commits suicide and it's horrible for their family and friends who are left with unanswered questions.




The following statistics are from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the information belongs to them:  

National Statistics

General

• Over 36,000 people in the United States die by suicide every year.
• In 2009 (latest available data), there were 36,909 reported suicide deaths.
• Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for adults between the ages of 18 and 65 years in the United States.
• Currently, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.
• A person dies by suicide about every 15 minutes in the United States.
• Every day, approximately 101 Americans take their own life.
• Ninety percent of all people who die by suicide have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death.
• There are four male suicides for every female suicide, but three times as many females as males attempt suicide.
• There are an estimated 8-25 attempted suicides for every suicide death.

Youth

• Suicide is the sixth leading cause of death among those 5-14 years old.
• Suicide is the third leading cause of death among those 15-24 years old.
• Between the mid-1950s and the late 1970s, the suicide rate among U.S. males aged 15-24 more than tripled (from 6.3 per 100,000 in 1955 to 21.3 in 1977). Among females aged 15-24, the rate more than doubled during this period (from 2.0 to 5.2). The youth suicide rate generally leveled off during the 1980s and early 1990s, and since the mid-1990s has been steadily decreasing.
• Between 1980-1996, the suicide rate for African-American males aged 15-19 has also doubled.
• Risk factors for suicide among the young include suicidal thoughts, psychiatric disorders (such as depression, impulsive aggressive behavior, bipolar disorder, certain anxiety disorders), drug and/or alcohol abuse and previous suicide attempts, with the risk increased if there is situational stress and access to firearms.

Older People

• The suicide rates for men rise with age, most significantly after age 65.
• The rate of suicide in men 65+ is seven times that of females who are 65+.
• The suicide rates for women peak between the ages of 45-54 years old, and again after age 75.
• About 60 percent of elderly patients who take their own lives see their primary care physician within a few months of their death.
• Six to 9 percent of older Americans who are in a primary care setting suffer from major depression.
• More than 30 percent of patients suffering from major depression report suicidal ideation.
• Risk factors for suicide among the elderly include: a previous attempt, the presence of a mental illness, the presence of a physical illness, social isolation (some studies have shown this is especially so in older males who are recently widowed) and access to means, such as the availability of firearms in the home.

What are the warning signs for suicide?  (Copied from the Cleveland Clinic)

1. Following are some of the possible warning signs that a person may be at risk for suicide:
2. Excessive sadness or moodiness — Long-lasting sadness and mood swings can be symptoms of depression, a major risk factor for suicide.
3. Sudden calmness — Suddenly becoming calm after a period of depression or moodiness can be a sign that the person has made a decision to end his or her life.
4. Withdrawal — Choosing to be alone and avoiding friends or social activities also are possible symptoms of depression. This includes the loss of interest or pleasure in activities the person previously enjoyed.
5. Changes in personality and/or appearance — A person who is considering suicide might exhibit a change in attitude or behavior, such as speaking or moving with unusual speed or slowness. In addition, the person might suddenly become less concerned about his or her personal appearance.
6. Dangerous or self-harmful behavior — Potentially dangerous behavior, such as reckless driving, engaging in unsafe sex, and increased use of drugs and/or alcohol might indicate that the person no longer values his or her life.
7. Recent trauma or life crisis — A major life crises might trigger a suicide attempt. Crises include the death of a loved one or pet, divorce or break-up of a relationship, diagnosis of a major illness, loss of a job, or serious financial problems.
8. Making preparations — Often, a person considering suicide will begin to put his or her personal business in order. This might include visiting friends and family members, giving away personal possessions, making a will, and cleaning up his or her room or home. Some people will write a note before committing suicide.
9. Threatening suicide — Not everyone who is considering suicide will say so, and not everyone who threatens suicide will follow through with it. However, every threat of suicide should be taken seriously.

What should I do if someone I know is talking about committing suicide?

1. If someone you know is threatening suicide, take the threat seriously.
2. Do not leave the person alone. If possible, ask for help from friends or other family members.
3. Ask the person to give you any weapons he or she might have. Take away sharp objects or anything else that the person could use to hurt himself or herself.
4. Try to keep the person as calm as possible.
5. Call 911 or take the person to an emergency room.

Suicide is a silent killer....if it wasn't silent we could prevent more of them.  Often we don't even realize a person is thinking of suicide.  Maybe if we understand the statistics and signs to watch out for we can be part of the solution.

Great song about suicide and tribute to some who have lost their lives. Please watch, listen and learn.  Be strong, be aware and be part of the solution.

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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.

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When you don't watch for motorcycles people can die

This week is being dedicated to motorcycle safety as we are currently in Sturgis week 2012. 






Let me explain to those of you who do not understand motorcycles.....just because they can go faster, maneuver easier does not mean they can avoid YOU if you don't see them.  They are trusting each and every person driving four plus wheels to be paying attention to what is around you.  Honestly, when you are driving you should always be doing this anyway...but those on bikes are trusting YOU with THEIR lives.

I have written about distracted drivers and how quickly it can go from bad to worse.  Take that text you send to tell your friend you are five minutes away.....going 55 miles per hour you will travel the length of a football field. 

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation in 2010 1 in 5 traffic fatalities were motorcyclists.  I know there are arguements that these numbers are high because Colorado does not have mandatory helmet laws.  There are pros and cons about this law but that is not what I want to focus on....I want to focus on if you are watching for motorcycles and you are paying attention YOUR actions will not cause an accident.  Those of us who ride motorcycles take a higher risk of injury because we are on two wheels, we have less protection than you do in your vehicles and it is harder to see us IF YOU AREN'T paying attention and looking over your shoulder when you change lanes.  (This should be common practice no matter what.)


Yes, more often than not, motorcycle accidents happen to the "less experienced" riders than the one's who have been riding forever BUT we all started out as inexperienced drivers at one time or another no matter what we drove and no matter if they have only one year experience or 40 years experience riding a motorcyle their lives are precious to someone and no one should be hurt or lose their lives because of a distracted driver....no matter what they drive.
Watch this video on how quickly an accident can happen when you aren't watching for motorcycles.

If each person who gets behind the wheel of a car, truck, semi and, yes even a motorcycle pay attention to their surroundings we can all be safer.

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The unspoken injury of car accidents

We all know the common injuries from a car accident; back, neck, broken bones, etc....what we don't often know about, realize or talk about is the injury that happens to a marriage after the car accident.

Car accident injuries can last a long time.  At first the spouse is understanding, caring and willing to do everything while you recover.

When the stress of your injuries, stress of loss of income, stress of medical bills, stress of "doing it all" will eventually cause problems in a marriage.

It is hard for the healthy spouse to do everything.  It is even harder for the injured spouse who is used to doing things...watching others take care of them.

It is hard for the healthy spouse to take the children to all their school events, recreational events, appointments.  It is even harder for the injured spouse to miss these events.

Resentment begins to build from both spouses.....the healthy one resents the injured one because they have to "do it all" and the injured one resents the healthy one because they can do it all.

In my personal experience my husband was very caring.......in the beginning.  Then he became very resentful.  Then he started to tell me to quit "exaggerating" my injuries.  Then he went from not believing I was ever hurt...I just wanted to lie around for eight months.  The he went OUT THE DOOR.

There is a saying "Your friends know you when times are good, You know your friends are when times are bad."  I guess this will work in a marriage also.

The worst thing that you can do is stop communicating with each other and start complaining to others.  If you are the healthy spouse try to understand that the injured spouse has to deal with the PAIN of the accident and deal with the inability to help out after the accident.  If you are the injured spouse understand that the feelings of the healthy spouse is normal.  Talk, communicate and be there for each other.

I have to tell you about Carol Zeisler at Zeisler & Associates, Attorney At Law, PC.  She understands the stress you are going through at home.  She listens to her clients.  She understands her clients.  She is there to help her clients outside of the "legal" aspects of a car accident.  Visit their website for more information.

History of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

 Harley on a Harley

It's that time of year again.  Excitement, motorcycles, food, vendors, alcohol, games and LOTS of fans.  It is very important that you always look for motorcycles on the road but with the upcoming Sturgis Rally right around the corner there will be MANY MORE bikes on the road so please always look for motorcycles....because everyone that rides a bike is precious to someone.

We all know what Sturgis Motorcycle Rally IS but do you know when and why it started?

It's held in Sturgis, South Dakota and it is always the first full week of August...so this year, 2012 it begins Monday, August 6th and ends Sunday, August 12th...but most people start showing up the Sunday before.

The very first Rally was founded on August 14, 1938 and was founded by the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club (who still currently own and operate the tracks, hillclimb and field areas).  The first rally lasted only two days and focused on racing and stunts.

The Sturgis Rally has been held EVERY YEAR since 1938 except during WWII.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will have an attendance of 500,000+ each year.  The new "breed" of riders are often found "trailering" their motorcycles to Sturgis (many make this a family event) and camp in RV's in the campground.  There used to be a patch that said they "attended" Sturgis and the year the attended but with many people that trailer their bikes there is now new patches that say "I Rode Mine to Sturgis" with the year.

Whether you trailer your bike, ride your bike or just drive your car it is an event for all.  In the years past it has been known to "get out of hand" and it wasn't really the appropriate place for children but the community stepped in and has calmed the Rally down and now it is a fun environment for everyone.  The "hard" riders will be there the entire week while the "seasonal" riders will show up on the Saturday before it begins to see all the vendors, say they were there and leave before it gets too busy.

Please be safe while driving or riding on the roads.


Zeisler & Associates, Attorney At Law, PC is there if you need them but would hate to meet you because of an accident.  Visit their website for more information

History of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally provided by SturgisRally.com

Secrets Insurance Companies don't want you to know

Okay, so you have been in a car accident. Here are a few secrets you HAVE to know before you say anything to anyone.

Insurance companies ARE NOT YOUR FRIEND!! They will call you, and more often than not it is being recorded, to see if you are okay and to ask you a few "questions." DO NOT AGREE TO DO THIS. Even the truth can hurt you later on. Imagine a murder suspect in interrogations...the police are allowed to lie to the suspect in the hopes of a confession. After the car accident you are now in this situation. The insurance company will lie to you in hopes to get the answers they need.

Their ONLY GOAL, no matter what they say, is to

SAVE MONEY!!

If you are hurt you need to seek medical attention. Keep in mind that not all injuries do not materialize right away. It is essential that you seek a PROFESSIONAL and RESPECTED Doctor as your injuries can cause long term damage OR hurt your claim if not documented correctly. 

Here's my oops that I want you to learn from:

By this....I strongly urge you not to answer the question "What are you doing for the pain?" with......."lots of alcohol."

Negotiations: Lets be honest...we all think we can "get more" if we don't hire an Attorney.

"Insurance companies will NEVER tell you to consult an attorney, because they know that if you hire an attorney, you will get more money, even after you pay the attorney, than you will get if try to negotiate with them yourself. Insurance companies will NEVER tell you that their negotiators and claims adjusters are often attorneys." (The Washington Times)

Did you know that Insurance Companies will often request your Doctor's summary to compare with other Doctors? Did you know that they PAY other Doctor's to review your injuries to decide if treatment is necessary?

Guess what the findings are......yep, treatment wasn't necessary.

Don't get bullied by the Insurance Company! Get medical treatment from an HONEST and REPUTABLE Doctor and/or clinic! 

If you are unsure which Doctor to see call Zeisler & Associates, Attorney at Law, PC for a referral.

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