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.

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)

The Good In Attorneys

WOW!  Want to hear a quick, funny joke....many can be found about Attorneys.

What is 1000 Attorneys at the the bottom of the ocean?  
A good start.

We can all get a good chuckle at these jokes but for those of us who have ever NEEDED an Attorney and found a good one they are just that.....a joke.  I can laugh at most jokes that don't hurt a person.  I share jokes about Attorneys, Insurance Agents, Football teams...they are fun.

I want to look at a different side of Attorneys:  The Good Side.

As with ANY profession you will find the bad with the good.  As with ANY Attorneys you will find the bad with the good.

I have found you can determine a good Attorney by asking a few questions:

1. What do you do for a living?      I help people.
2. Why did you choose to be an Attorney?    To help people.
3. If you could do anything else what would it be?    I wouldn't because I love to help to help people and found this is the best way I can.

It's simple:  Those who become Attorneys for the "status" for the "pay" for the "Esq." behind their name....well, I don't want to say they are not all bad Attorneys, as they may be excellent Attorneys, BUT what drives them is what concerns me.  

I want an Attorney that WANTS to be my Attorney.  

I want an Attorney that sees the injustice of what happened and WANTS to make it right.

I want an Attorney that WANTS to get to know me...not just my case.

I am fortunate, in my line of work, I have met many Attorneys....some Excellent and some...not so much.  The excellent ones I have met all have the same "thread" that hold them to their career.  That thread is integrity, honesty and knowing their clients. It is the personal challenge they give themselves that make them stand out....the challenge is not for the "win" but for the client and when the challenge is for the client, more often than not, they are going to win. 

I have written a blog before about finding a good Attorney and if you missed it you can read it HERE.

If you are needing an Attorney please ask these questions.  Please do your homework.  

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)

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.

How to find a good Lawyer

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.

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)

Spinal Cord Injuries

What is Spinal Cord Injury?   Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of function such as mobility or feeling. Frequent causes of damage are trauma (car accident, gunshot,  falls, etc.) or disease (polio, spina bifida, Friedreich's Ataxia, etc.). The spinal cord does not have to be severed in order for a loss of functioning to occur. In fact, in most people with SCI, the spinal cord is intact, but the damage to it results in loss of functioning. SCI is very different from back injuries such as ruptured disks, spinal stenosis or pinched nerves.
   A person can "break their back or neck" yet not sustain a spinal cord injury if only the bones around the spinal cord (the vertebrae) are damaged, but the spinal cord is not affected. In these situations, the individual may not experience paralysis after the bones are stabilized.
   What is the spinal cord and the vertebra?   The spinal cord is about 18 inches long and extends from the base of the brain, down the middle of the back, to about the waist. The nerves that lie within the spinal cord are upper motor neurons (UMNs) and their function is to carry the messages back and forth from the brain to the spinal nerves along the spinal tract. The spinal nerves that branch out from the spinal cord to the other parts of the body are called lower motor neurons (LMNs). These spinal nerves exit and enter at each vertebral level and communicate with specific areas of the body. The sensory portions of the LMN carry messages about sensation from the skin and other body parts and organs to the brain. The motor portions of the LMN send messages from the brain to the various body parts to initiate actions such as muscle movement.
(http://www.spinalinjury.net/html/_spinal_cord_101.html) 
    
Car Accidents can cause numerous problems to the body.  Spinal cord injuries can affect your hands, arms, legs and feet and will usually take a MRI to discover.  Depending where the injury will determine what other parts of your body will be affected.  A neck injury can affect your arm while a back injury can affect your legs. When you are involved in a car accident and you don't "feel" any injuries call an Attorney anyway.  It may take several weeks before any injuries will be discovered.  


At Zeisler & Associates you will get the attention YOU deserve and need.  Zeisler & Associates ONLY practice personal injury.  Make your first call the them and they can refer you to the best doctors for your situation.


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Whiplash



123rf.com

Whiplash is an injury that can be caused by a car accident.  There may be minimal or no damage done to your vehicle which will lead the insurance companies to claim that you were not injured in the accident.  Also, you may not know you are injured for weeks after the accident.  I know this first hand from my car accident.  It wasn't until a few weeks after my accident, and after I told the other party's insurance company I was not hurt, that I could barely move.  After months of doctor visits I learned of my neck injuries.  

Carol Zeisler had her work cut out for her after I hired her.  I hadn't been to a doctor (except for my injuries from the car accident) in about 10 years.  I told the insurance company I was not hurt (at the time I wasn't).  It wasn't until I couldn't move that I called Carol, who had been referred to me by a trusted person....who I will always be thankful to for the referral.  Carol was able to prove it wasn't a pre-existing injury (insurance companies love those words) and was able to get me my policy limits.  

When you are involved in a car accident    CALL CAROL FIRST   even if you do not think you are injured.  You need a good Attorney to ensure that you are able to receive the proper care and compensation owed to you.  


Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, pain in the shoulder or between the shoulder blades, low back pain, pain or numbness in the arm and/or hand, dizziness and/or ringing in the ears or blurred vision.  


When you call Carol first she will put you in contact with the BEST doctors for your situation.  She knows what needs to be done from the beginning and can serve you better when she starts from the beginning and doesn't have to "clean up" what has happened.  (She had to clean up my mess that I started from not realizing what I was doing).


Zeisler & Associates are exclusive to personal injury and are dedicated to serve you.  When you hire Zeisler & Associates you not only get an EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY you get a person who cares about YOU and what is right!!

At Zeisler & Associates you will always be informed of the status of your case.

Conveniently located in two locations:

Click on the city to get directions

Pueblo                                                   Colorado Springs

123 W. 12th Street                                 422 E Vermijo, Ste 412

Pueblo, CO  81003                                Colorado Springs, CO 80903

719-358-2571                                        719-694-3971

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What to do after a car accident

What to do after a car accident

Car accidents are scary and difficult to be involved in but, unfortunately, they are an every day occurrence. If you haven't been involved in a car accident chances are you know someone who has.  Accidents range from minor to deadly.

Car accidents do not discriminate.

There are all types of accidents. They can involve other vehicles or a pedestrian.  You will hear many descriptions of accidents; fender benders, an MVA, an MVC, a collision, an incident, a crash or a wreck. No matter how they are described it often results in one thing: injuries. Some injuries cannot be detected right away.  Victims of Car Accidents will often walk away saying they feel fine only to find themselves, weeks later, unable to function normally.

When you are involved in a car accident what do you do? 

Never admit fault.
Call the police.
Gather as much information about the other party involved in the accident.
Seek medical attention even if you do not have obvious injuries.

Call Today Toll Free 800-961-2430

Call Zeisler & Associates. 

A Law Firm that focuses, exclusively, on Personal Injury!!

At Zeisler & Associates you will always have your consultation WITH AN ATTORNEY!!  Beware of the firms that have you meet with a non-Attorney to assess you case.

At Zeisler & Associates you will have direct contact WITH AN ATTORNEY!!

At Zeisler & Associates you will always be informed of the status of your case.

Conveniently located in two locations:

Click on the city to get directions

Pueblo                                                                     Colorado Springs
123 W. 12th Street                                                        422 E Vermijo, Ste 412
Pueblo, CO  81003                                                       Colorado Springs, CO 80903
719-358-2571                                                               719-694-3971


Like Zeisler & Associates on Facebook