Car Accident step by step Part 13: What you injury is worth

According to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles injury damages are split into three categories:

1. Economic Damages:  These are your medical bills, lost wages (both present and future) and general "real" expenses.
2. Non-Economic Damages:  These are the "what-if's" you may experience from a car accident.  Other things that fall into this category are pain and suffering, loss of quality of life and emotional distress.
3. Physical Disfigurement and Impairment:  Consequences and costs of irreparable physical harm or permanent disability.

Let's look at the Economic Damages:  This is simple.  Your medical bills are your medical bills, your lost wages are your lost wages and all other expenses are just that.  Simple.

Non-Economic Damages are where the insurance companies love to muddy the water.  This is when you need an Attorney!  The insurance company is not going to agree to the loss of quality of life because they don't want to believe you have one.  The insurance company is not going to believe you have any pain and suffering because you are seeing a Doctor that they are paying for.  And emotional distress....they are just going to tell you to get over it.

Physical Disfigurement and Impairment is another way insurance companies will tell you that you are worth less than you are.  If you need surgery it's covered under Economic Damages....but what about the scar that it leaves?

When you are involved in a car accident you need to hire an Attorney who KNOWS what you are worth and will fight for it.





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

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

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

Car Accident step by step process Part 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)

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.

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.

Lean on Me!

LEAN ON ME  (Click me)

• Have you been hurt in a car accident? 
• Do you need someone to lean on? 
• Do you need someone to give you a hand?

Car accidents and injuries can cause more problems than "just your injuries."  Stress, problems in your relationship, depression...just to name a few.

If you have been involved in a car accident YOU NEED AN ATTORNEY!  Okay pick one out of the phone book, go to someone who helped someone who helped someone. 

OR

You can call Zeisler and Associates, Attorney's At Law, PC and get the ATTORNEY you can lean on.  You will meet with an ATTORNEY to get all your questions answered.  You will have an ATTORNEY that your situation is PERSONAL and will fight for your rights! 

Zeisler and Associates, Attorney's At Law, PC will help pick you up when you need help.  They will walk with you through the whole process.  They will be your friend that sings "Lean on Me" when you are not strong (okay they won't really sing it for you......which may be a good thing) but that is how they do business!

Like them on Facebook

4th of July highest car accident holiday

Statistics from 2008 show that car accidents are highest during Fourth of July!  Yes, they are higher than New Years Eve!  According to Fox News and the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration 51% die from alcohol related accidents.  WOW!  That is crazy!!  I guess it makes sense....it's hot, people drink, it's a holiday. 


Car Accidents will change your life.  Many accidents that do not cause death cause injuries that are difficult to recover from.  Neck/Back injuries, whiplash, spinal cord injuries are just a few. 

If you are involved in a car accident call Zeisler & Associates to fight for your rights!!!  They are a small firm that get to know each and every client!  You will meet with an Attorney and the Attorney will know you personally!  Don't fall for the advertisements on the television from these large firms.  You are entitled to what you are entitled to so why not go with the firm who sees you as an idividual not a number!  Why not go with the firm who cares about YOU not the end result.

Like Zeisler & Associates, Attorney's At Law, PC on Facebook

BE CAREFUL THIS HOLIDAY!!!!

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)

Calculating an Insurance Settlement

The process for an insurance settlement begins AT THE TIME of the Accident which is called the pre-trial process.  This is where, if you are able, to gather as much information of the accident as you can.  Police reports, witness names and contact information and your documentation of the accident are essential in this situation.

According to David Goguen, J.D: 

From the time your accident occurs, until you submit your claim, you need to collect and preserve evidence that documents the cause of your accident and answers the question: How has this car accident affected my life? An evidence checklist you gather should include:

• The facts of how the car accident happened, with supporting documentation such as the police report, witness statements and photos. (Use this accident investigation form to record information at the scene of your accident. Then, keep a diary of important accident-related information, using this diary form.)
• Medical records that show what injuries you received, how they were treated and how well you recovered.
• Medical bills that you incurred to treat your car accident injuries.
• A statement verifying any loss of income that resulted from your car accident injuries.
• Documentation of any other financial losses that you had as a result of your car accident.
• Evidence of your pain and suffering.

Do not try to do this alone.  Yes you can try to settle with the insurance company yourself but why not meet with an HONEST Attorney who will tell you if it is something you can do yourself.

Zeisler & Associates, Attorney at Law, PC is just that Attorney!!  If you can do it yourself they will tell you and in most cases will assist you in knowing what needs to be done. 

Call them today 1-800-961-2430

Offices located in Pueblo and Colorado Springs

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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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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


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