Car Blog

Can you imagine a life without your car? Getting back and forth to work, running errands and going on vacation would become challenging without your vehicle.  Staying on top of necessary maintenance ensures your vehicle is ready to go when you are. Here are a few basic projects you can do at home to keep your car in top shape.

1. Check Your Oil

Your automobile’s engine needs oil to keep the parts lubricated and protected against the high heat created when it runs. It’s always a bright idea to check the oil levels to ensure there is plenty available. Sometimes a small leak can drain enough oil from the motor that it no longer has enough to run without overheating. To check the level, use the dipstick located under the hood designed to display the oil level. If you notice it is low, many stores that sell auto parts Weslaco TX have oil available for purchase.

2. Replace Windshield Wipers

Another item you can take care of at home is replacing your windshield wipers. On stormy days you may need to use them to make it easier to see the road. However, if you haven’t used them in a while, you may be caught off guard by how poorly they clear the water off the windshield. Extreme temperature and sunlight cause the wipers to warp, so they don’t fit snug against the glass. When this happens, you may notice streaks or hear scraping noises when you use them. The easy solution is to buy new wipers. Since they come in many different shapes and sizes, ensure you purchase those that fit your vehicle.

3. Check Tire Pressure

Lastly, driving your car without enough air in the tires makes them wear faster, and it may cause damage to the wheel. Periodically check the air in your tires while the vehicle is cool. A sticker inside the driver’s door identifies the necessary amount of air needed in your specific tire, and most gas stations have pumps if you need to add air.

Insurance companies make money through premiums charged to drivers for protection from liability in car accidents and vehicle repairs. Insurers do not make any money paying out claims. Paying out settlements, in fact, is simply not good for their bottom line. That’s why conversations with your insurance company after a car accident should be handled very carefully.

Low-Balling In The Insurance Industry

Low-balling, or offering the lowest possible settlement, is widespread in the insurance industry. Some even go so far as to practice intimidation tactics to get you to accept a smaller settlement than you deserve.

Don’t be led astray by the insurance adjusters’ kind demeanor, either. They might be trying to get you to admit guilt. Talking to your insurance company after a car accident can be intimidating, but maximizing your settlement should be your only goal.

Three Ways to Maximize Your Settlement

Collect Evidence at the Scene

Immediately after any accident, you should start gathering evidence, such as:

• Photos and video of the scene
• Statements from bystanders or witnesses
• Try to get footage from nearby public surveillance video cameras

You’ll also want to file a police report and be transported to the hospital so you have a record of injuries. You will have to be agile, even though you will likely be suffering. Quick thinking on your part will help you get the payout you deserve for medical bills, vehicle repair and pain and suffering.

Keep Good Records

It’s imperative that you visit the emergency room regardless of whether you think your injuries are serious. The ER physician will provide you with a document that outlines your injuries. If you wait, you may wind up facing a judge who thinks that your injuries happened before the accident because he has no solid proof the accident caused them. Keep every doctor’s appointment and all of your doctor’s notes.

You should also get two copies of vehicle repair estimates, police reports, and any other documentation that’s even remotely related to your accident. Keep one copy for yourself and give another copy to your attorney. A car accident attorney will let you know if further documentation is needed and negotiate with the insurance companies for you.

Be Wary of Signing Documents

It is highly likely that the insurance company will ask you to provide them with a statement or sign official documents related to your accident. Be extremely careful of anything you are asked to sign because oftentimes these documents will either restrict your legal rights, limit your ability to collect a settlement, or prevent you from being able to go after the full amount of your claim at all. Always have a lawyer look over anything you’re asked to sign.

Avoid Social Media

Most people document their entire lives on social media, but that is a very bad idea for anybody involved in any kind of lawsuit. If you claim you cannot walk because of a back injury sustained during a car wreck and you are trying to sue the negligent party but then post a video of yourself on Instagram dancing at your cousin’s birthday party, guess what? The defense attorney is going to present that as evidence against you.

Some people find it particularly hard not to communicate with loved ones and family through online platforms at the scene of the accident. You will definitely be shaken up after a wreck, but your judgment will be off because of the stress, so it’s important, particularly at this time, to avoid communicating the wrong things.

Finding an experienced trial attorney is important for those who suffer personal injuries from car accidents and any other accident. Once one’s claim has been accepted as valid, and you can proceed, there are many necessary things that need to happen prior to the testing process. A good car accident lawyer will know the importance of informing the accused person that they are responsible, filing various motions, and negotiating with opposing legal counsel. If a settlement is not negotiated as fair to the plaintiff and there is sufficient evidence, the personal injury lawsuit begins. The legal team will organize any witness testimony, archive all evidence, and complete all necessary paperwork for the trial.

Personal Injury Trial: Jury Selection

Once your trial is set to continue, your legal team will select a jury. They will choose impartial people to pass judgment according to the direction and instructions of the court. However, the defense team will try to complicate the process by choosing members who can challenge the case. That is why the jury selection process is so important to determine the success of the case.

Personal Injury Trial: Case Processes

The processes of your case and the details of the car accident will vary by judge and court. Opening statements are first given before the jurors or panel of jurors. Sometimes it is possible to ask questions of certain potential jurors, other times not. Some questions might be about your age, your drinking habits, your lifestyle choices, and other things that would affect your ideology in the car accident. If the answer is not to your liking, you can excuse yourself. The legal team will explain the court processes to you before your case begins.

What Is The Voir Dire Procedure?

This process attempts to determine if members have any bias towards the claim. For example, the juror could look at whether you have ever been involved in an accident or do you have a loved one who was? Asking these personal questions allows us to get the best possible feedback and make the best decisions when it comes to choosing a jury for your case.

Personal Injury Trial: Evidence

Once the jury is chosen, opening statements are made. These opening statements are intended to appeal to the emotions of the jury. They establish the case and what is expected throughout the trial. From there, witnesses to give their testimony, which will help the jury reach a verdict at the end of the trial. Each group of lawyers asks questions of the witnesses. The process continues until there are no witnesses left and each side rests.

Final Statements And Verdict

Once all evidence has been presented, witness statements detailed, and all legal processes completed, closing arguments are heard. The legal team will attempt to discredit the defense to make your case appear as strong as possible. Once this is completed, the jurors deliberate to reach a verdict. There must be consensus for a verdict or this is an indecisive jury. If the members of the jury cannot reach a consensus, the judgment is declared null and void. In a car accident, it is best to retain a car accident lawyer to defend you to the full extent of the law.

After a car crash, you can choose to work with a lawyer or deal with the defendant’s insurance company on your own. Handling the claim alone seems like a great idea because there is no stress of choosing a lawyer, or paying one.

However, the at-fault insurance company loves working with unrepresented victims because they do not know the law or the value of their claims.

When given a chance to calculate the damages, the only economic damages that come to victims’ minds are medical bills and damage to their car. The insurance company will agree to your demands because it is a small percentage of your rightful compensation.

In this article we will discuss some damages you will miss out on if you handle a car accident claim without a lawyer.

What Are These Damages That You Can Miss Out On?

1. Ongoing Medical Care Expenses

Sometimes, the type of injuries sustained after a car crash requires long-term or lifetime medication. The victim may need multiple surgeries, pain medications, or physical therapy, to mention a few. If you calculate your settlement demands based on the current pressing medical expenses, you will have to handle future medical burdens related to the injury on your own.

Unfortunately, the defendant’s insurance company will not enlighten you on this. They are out to make money. They might seem eager to handle your claim, but it is because they are benefiting.

2. Aftercare Expenses and Costs

Unfortunately, some accidents leave victims disabled and in need of long-term care. Depending on the situation, some will remain at home while others are sadly sent to a nursing facility.

As if that is not enough, unrepresented victims underestimate this damage or guess potential costs. Nursing care is expensive, and soon the bills will overwhelm your family.

3. Loss of Future Earning Potential

While some people can return to previous work or start new employment, others will never get back to work. For the latter, it means loss of future wages, and sadly, an individual who was once independent and financially stable becomes dependent.

Without experience, you will not be able to calculate your potential future wages accurately. That said, you need the help of a lawyer, who will consult with vocational experts and come up with an exact amount of how much the accident has robbed you.

4. Lost Value of the Vehicle

After a car crash, your car will be damaged, and its value reduced. In the worst scenarios, some vehicles are totalled. To recover that loss, you must claim diminished value damages. And as with the above cases, most unrepresented car accident victims do not know that they can get compensated for lost value.

To get the right estimate of diminished damages, you need an expert to calculate the value of your car before and after the accident. The compensation can help you get another vehicle or repair the old one.

5. Punitive Damages

Last but not least, car accident victims should claim punitive damages depending on the facts surrounding the case. Unfortunately, they may not understand the law, and do not know to claim. The court awards punitive damages, not just to compensate the victim for damages or injuries, but also to punish the at-fault driver and warn others against such behavior.

You Deserve Fair Compensation

We cannot foresee accidents, and they can happen to anyone, but it hits differently if they result from negligence. With all the pain and trauma, it is only fair that you get rightful compensation. However, you might not get what you deserve if you decide to handle the case independently.

The insurance company will take advantage of your naivety and ignorance, and you will miss out on multiple damages discussed above.

Buying a car can be an exciting opportunity to upgrade your driving experience, and it’s easy to get caught up in the latest and greatest trends in car manufacturing. But before defaulting to buying the newest model, consider the advantages of buying a used car instead.

Buying a used car will save you money, which is perhaps its most important benefit. New cars depreciate in value very quickly after they’re bought (and continue to depreciate about fifteen to twenty percent every year), so a car that’s only one or two years old (and likely still in great shape) will be a much better deal than it was as a new vehicle.

And this is not only good for your pocketbook but also for your options, because more makes and models will be available to you in more affordable price ranges when you shop for used vehicles. For example, if you’ve always wanted to have a luxury car like a Lexus but have never had the money to buy a new one, you might find a Lexus in good condition that is four or five years old, has a reasonable amount of mileage on it and has a great history (that is, no collisions or significant repairs indicating potential issues). When researching used cars for sale Ferguson MO, keep an eye out for deals like that. You might also find certain cars with certain features for sale that have since been discontinued by that car manufacturer.

So it’s important to keep in mind that buying used doesn’t have to mean buying something dingy, beat up or on its way out. You are simply trading the perks (and sometimes comfort) of buying new for the savings and options of buying used, and you’ll thank yourself later for making the smart financial choice and not breaking the bank with your car purchase.

You have done your due diligence and attended driving school successfully. While on the road, you always exercise caution and uphold every driving rule you’ve ever learned. It also seems like everyone around you is doing the same. Therefore, it is baffling to check the news only to see an increase in car accidents. So, what more can we do as a society to avoid car accidents?

How to Avoid Car Accidents

How many times have you seen the debris or damage of a car accident while just driving regularly down a highway? You may not have been keeping count, but there are many instances if you come to think of it, right? Apparently, while driving on most highways in the U.S., you are bound to see a road accident aftermath. This is because every five seconds, a car is being totaled. Quite an alarming statistic to say the least!

While the majority of these accidents can be prevented, it is good practice to prepare yourself for the worst at all times. Arm yourself with the contacts of a car accident law firm, and utilize the tips below to be on the safe side when danger comes lurking.

1. Look Out for Red-Light Runners

Arguably the most crucial moment while driving is entering an intersection. With the convergence of many lanes and cars moving in different directions, it can be easy to hit or get hit by another motorist.

There are some drivers who are notorious for running yellow lights or even trying to speed away from a red light. Always be cautious and be careful not to drive within blind spots of the cars ahead of you.

2. Ensure the Steering Wheel Is Never Hands-Free

Always have at least one hand on the wheel at all costs. Avoid distractions such as changing songs, using your cell phone, eating, et cetera. Without both hands on the steering wheel, a blown tire or a pothole could swerve the car into another lane and cause a severe accident.

Ensure to uphold the proper hand placement on the steering wheel at all times.

3. Turning on the Headlights Before Sunset

Statistics show that many accidents occur at nightfall. Therefore, turning on your headlights before sunset makes your car more noticeable to other drivers. Turning the headlights on at least a half-hour before sunset. The point of doing this is not to see any better but to be seen.

4. Take Extra Caution on Wet Roads

Hydroplaning is a typical result of driving on wet roads. You can as quickly lose control of your car as severely as someone driving on ice. At this moment, you should avoid slamming on your brakes specifically because that could result in a more severe skid.

Instead, you should slowly bring your car to a halt while at the same time steering the car in the direction of the rear wheels.

5. On Long Trips, Take Regular Breaks

It doesn’t take a lot to get bored and fall asleep while driving long distances. The aftermath of that is potentially fatal. For every 100 miles or every two hours, be sure to take a break. Eating heavy can make you drowsy, so just eat light and wait until you arrive to eat some more.

6. Always Wear Your Seatbelt

The first thing you should do before taking off is buckle your seatbelt. Seatbelts often reduce the chances of severe injury during collisions. Additionally, always ensure that every other passenger in your car has fastened theirs as well. Young children should always ride in child safety seats, and this should be non-negotiable.

7. Park Carefully

Parking lots typically have this air of leisure surrounding them, don’t they? However, don’t let that ambiance fool you. Many motorists are usually scouting for parking spots without really paying attention to their surroundings, which is potentially hazardous.

Drivers should look out for doors swinging open, shopping carts, kids darting around, and other pedestrians in the parking lot. Therefore, you should try worrying less about finding the best spot and more about keeping your wits about you.

Avoiding Car Accidents Is a Joint Effort

Each and every licensed driver should take a refresher of these safety tips every so often. And for parents wondering how they can prevent car accidents among teenagers, we say road safety education is an excellent place to start. Let us all play our part to avoid car accidents.

 

 

 

What would you do if you injured someone in an accident and they sued you for damages? Knowing what type of bodily injury coverage you need can be essential to prevent financial loss because of an accident. 

What Is Bodily Injury Insurance? 

If you or someone on your policy causes an accident that results in medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering for others, then bodily injury insurance, such as from a insurance company Poulsbo WA, can cover it. This policy can also pay for legal fees you incur if you are sued. This coverage pays for damages and costs in an accident where someone on your policy is liable. Many U.S. states require this type of insurance.

How Does Bodily Injury Insurance Work?

There are several types of bodily injury coverage. In combined single limit coverage, the limit covers any damages, including both bodily injury and property damage. In split limit insurance, your insurer will have individual limits for bodily injury and property damage. “25/100/15” is the format the policy is written, which means $25,000 coverage for each bodily injury claim, $100,000 total for bodily injury claims per accident, and $15,000 coverage for property damage.

How Much Bodily Injury Insurance Coverage Do You Need? 

Most basic auto policies cover bodily injury to a certain limit which is listed on your policy. This limit is determined by the amount you normally pay for your auto insurance. Unless you have an umbrella policy, you will be responsible for any bodily injuries and legal damages above the limit of the policy. 

If you have a car accident and injure someone, it is important to know what type of bodily injury coverage your vehicle has. You should consult your insurance agent to determine whether you have coverage to prevent overwhelming financial losses.

SEO’s critical role in a business is indisputable; any business owner who has incorporated SEO into their business will attest that it is the best way of enhancing business performance.SEO aims at improving a business website so that your page appears top on search engines. It is a fact that content writing and SEO go hand in hand; for a successful SEO Denver project, the content created for this purpose should be of high quality. Keep in mind that poor quality of content will discourage potential customers from visiting your site. On the other hand, quality content can easily direct traffic to your site and eventually boost your online presence.

How to write SEO content?

Nothing matters in SEO more than unique content; most people rush into content writing without understanding this duty. A good content writer should appreciate that content writing demands creativity and passion; this will ensure that you publish relevant SEO content that will capture people’s attention. Here are useful tips for SEO content writing;

·Write for your audience first – It is important to ensure that your article or blog is relevant to the targeted audience. It is wrong to assume that every SEO content must be designed to promote your product or service. An informative article is equally useful in engaging a wide range of prospects. Therefore, every content writer must put the targeted audience’s interests at the center of their writing. This will help them to write SEO content that resonates with the prospective buyers.

·Make headlines that pack a punch – Most people underestimate the power of a catchy headline. Therefore, it would help if you spent time crafting an exceptional headline. A captivating headline encourages prospects to read your article and consider buying the service or product you are selling.

·Use keyword-rich phrases – One major benefit of using keyword-rich phrases in SEO is that it emphasizes the authenticity of the information you are passing across. It also turns off your readers and reduces your chances of converting leads into customers. As you use keyword-rich phrases, it is important to understand that keyword phrases must be used sparingly and thoughtfully to avoid keyword stuffing. Using too many keywords might expose you to search engine penalties for keyword stuffing. Therefore, every content writer worth their salt needs to regulate the number of keywords appearing in their article.

·Propel content with social media – Social media platforms play a key role in the dissemination of information. Whether through Facebook or Twitter, a well-managed social media account can act as an excellent way of reaching out to a wide range of readers who might express the need for your service or goods.

Final remark

As the internet continues to transform the way people transact their business, it is emerging that one of the most effective digital marketing techniques that have propelled many businesses is SEO. It aims at improving your site and attracting more traffic to your site. Writing high-quality content is central to a successful SEO campaign. The best way to improve the quality of your SEO content is by adhering to the writing tips discussed in this article.

Car insurance is a necessity for every driver. Get the correct insurance policy for your car, and if you don’t understand, ask your insurer or check online for guidance. However, some mistakes which can be avoided can make your insurance void.

Insurance Mistakes To Avoid

Overloading Your Vehicle

Overloading your car is a common way to void your insurance. This can happen if you carry excess passengers or load extra weight. Also, ensure your car tows the right weight.

Driving Under the influence of Drugs or Alcohol

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can lead to policy cancellation. Drivers also face a jail term or hefty fines. On the other hand, it is best to note drugs can also be some medications that may impair someone’s ability to drive.

Failure To Pay Premiums

Forgetting to pay insurance premiums on time can lead to the cancellation of your policy. If you pay monthly, the possibility of forgetting can be higher than annually. But, it will all depend on your budget.

Utilizing Your Personal Car for Business

If you use your car for ridesharing services without notifying the Florida insurance agency, this can void your policy. Drivers who want to use their cars for financial gains can require commercial insurance. Some insurance policies cannot cover your car if damaged while doing commercial activities.

Failure To Report Car Modifications

It is important to inform your insurer about car modifications. It could be repainting, adding bull-bars, among others. Check the policy document and learn which modifications your insurer covers and doesn’t cover.

Driving with Worn out Tires

Tires deteriorate quickly if used frequently. Ensure your car has a minimum tread depth of 1.5mm across the width. A car with worn-out tires is considered unroadworthy, and thus the insurance is void. Car insurance covers a vehicle in case of an accident. It is also mandatory to have a car insurance policy in some states. So, avoid any mistake that can lead to policy cancellation.