Click it or Ticket. 

Nationwide safety program that has focused on wearing your seatbelt.  We are all guilty, or have been in the past, of just running down the road so you don't wear your seatbelt.  I have to be honest as much as I think about the importance of wearing my seatbelt it often takes that annoying "beep" to remind me to put it on.



The click it or ticket campaign gave out over THREE million tickets over the last five years.  That is a ticket every other second.  (NHTSA)

Seat Belts: Your Single Most Effective Safety Step (Taken directly from the National Safety Council):

"Seat belts are the single most effective traffic safety device for preventing death and injury, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of crash injuries by 50 percent. They save lives:

• Seat belts saved more than 75,000 lives from 2004 to 2008.
• Forty-two percent of passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2007 were unbelted. A 2009 NHTSA study estimates more than 1,600 lives could be saved and 22,000 injuries prevented if seat belt use was 90 percent in every state.

The good news is, in 2009, seat belt use averaged 88 percent nationally, compared with 69 percent in 1998. NHTSA attributes this increase to the "Click It or Ticket" campaign, originally created by the National Safety Council as part of its Air Bag & Seat Belt Safety Campaign.

Nationwide, seat belt use is higher than ever. Yet seat belt use remains lowest among young drivers. NHTSA also reports that, in 2007:

• Seat belt use was lower among blacks than any other race.
• Seat belt use was higher among females than males.
• Seat belt use was lower among drivers who drove alone than drivers with passengers." 

If you want to know what the laws are about seatbelts or child restraints in your state click here.





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Been involved in a car accident?  Tell me your story.   

What to do after a car accident: Who is the Insurance negotiator or adjuster?

We have talked about the secrets that the Insurance Companies don't want YOU to KNOW.

Here's another secret that you NEED to know about that they will NEVER tell you.

You get the call from the insurance company.  How they are so nice.  They tell you that they are glad that you are "okay" as that is their number one concern.  (Of course it is because you being okay means they don't have to pay you, right?)  Don't think for one moment their "care" of you being okay is because of you....it is all about the dollar.

Once the get your version (and it will be taped and they will try to "trip" you up or get you to admit fault...in a nice way of course) they will tell you that one of their adjusters will follow up with you. 

Here is the secret they don't want you to know:  Most adjusters and/or negotiators are ATTORNEYS and trust me they KNOW THE LAW!  What is even worse; they know the law so well that they can get you to say something that will reduce your future rights to any claims.  

I know what most people think when they hear the word "Attorney."  Depending on your experience (or the experience of a friend/family member) those thoughts could be "ugly fight," or "shyster" or "blood sucking" the list goes on and on and on.

I want to remind you of something:  There are bad people in EVERY profession.  We just tend to hear more about the "bad attorney" than we do the good ones...so the one's who fall into those thoughts give the good ones a bad name.....I mean Attorney jokes are some of the funniest because for some they are the truth.

Here's what YOU need to know:  The bad guys are on their side...the side of the insurance companies.   Their best interest, no matter what their job title is (Claims Adjuster, Negotiator, etc) is the INSURANCE COMPANY.  

YOU NEED AN ATTORNEY to fight them.  If you haven't already read past blogs about this situation, how to find a GREAT Attorney or what you need to know please click here and learn more about this.  

I hope you keep coming back for more information.


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Been involved in a car accident?  Tell me your story.

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

Exactly what do you tell your Personal Injury Attorney?

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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Tell me about your story.

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. 

Next conversation will be about MedPay.  Hope you stay tuned.


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Please tell us about your story.

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

Insurance Companies:  They are so friendly when you sign up.  They are so friendly when you pay your premiums.  They are so friendly.....until it's time for them to follow up with their promise.  Their promise to pay if you ever have a claim.  When this happens there is so much in the fine print....not covered because of......this gets filled in by the Insurance Companies:

Did you know....

1. that in some states your insurance will not pay UNLESS you were wearing your seat belt at the time of the accident?  
2. that in other states ONLY your medical bills will be paid unless you were wearing your seat belt at the time of the accident?

Information generously provided by Zeisler & Associates, Attorneys at Law, PC 

and should not be construed as legal advice.  This is information only.  Please check your state laws and your insurance company's policy in regards to this.

In both of these incidents....NO PAIN AND SUFFERING is allowed unless you were wearing your seat belt at the time of the accident.




Did you know that what you say after an accident is like being read your Miranda rights?

“You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I have just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?”

Even though car accidents are civil and Miranda rights are criminal...don't kid yourself:  Everything you say can and will be held against you!!

So what can you do?  Hire an Attorney!  Let me say that again, HIRE AN ATTORNEY!!  It is not your job to understand the laws of your state when it comes to car accidents!!  It is not your job to understand the tricks that are applied to get you to say something that will hurt your case. It is the job of an Attorney!! 

My suggestion is if you are ever involved in a car accident, if you are not in a medical emergency and are not transported to an emergency room your first call is to a reputable Attorney.  I suggest finding one that only handles Personal Injury cases...but that is my opinion.  


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A compassionate Personal Injury Attorney; Carol Zeisler and here's why

Please click and listen to this song when reading this.

"Carol grew up in the heart of the midwest. She knows and understands people. At the young age of 11, a tragedy completely uprooted Carol's life. Her beloved mother was killed in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. This tragic event would be the catalyst for Carol eventually realizing her dream of helping people whose lives are affected by extreme difficulty. The challenges Carol faced throughout her young life would aid her in becoming more attuned to the tragedies we all face on a day-to-day basis.

Confident that becoming an attorney would allow her to help people affected by situations beyond their control, Ms. Zeisler entered law school. Ms. Zeisler received her J.D. from University of Iowa College of Law. The same year, Ms. Zeisler began a storied career in personal injury law in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She would eventually bring her business to Pueblo, Colorado in an effort to serve more people in their struggle to obtain justice in complicated personal injury cases.

Zeisler and Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., prides itself on customer service. In a day and age in which personal injury attorneys do not maintain the best of reputations, Zeisler & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C., works everyday to earn and maintain the respect of our clients.

Ms. Zeisler is tough with insurance companies and sensitive to the needs of our firm's clients. The insurance claims process is often long and difficult, but our staff has seasoned experience in battling those companies that may not always have your best interest in mind. Each of our clients has a personal story of struggle, and it is our duty to pursue justice for them all."
(This story is from her website)

I was referred to Carol after my car accident. She not only walks the walk but talks the talk!  When you are in a car accident you go through many struggles both physically and emotionally.  When my car accident happened everything good in my life stopped; I was in constant pain, my marriage, although it wasn't "good" to begin with, became even worse.  I cannot count the times Carol spent on the phone with me listening to my troubles and telling me that I could call her should I ever need her.  Carol knows each and every client personally!  Carol takes each and every case as if it was her own!  What her website says about her is true....what drives her, what keeps her going, what her passion is.......is all about is wanting to help others.  It has been years since my car accident and Carol is still in my life.  Can you say that about your Personal Injury Attorney?

Want to have a Personal Injury that has two complete and separate personalities:  Compassion for you and Pit Bull with the Insurance companies:  Call Carol and experience what Personal Injury Attorneys SHOULD be.

If you have been keeping up with the blogs for Zeisler & Associates, Attorneys at Law, PC you now understand why her need to help others is so great.  If you haven't been keeping up with them click here to read more.  This is her part of the solution; being the best advocate for you!!


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