5 Post-Car-Accident Mistakes that Will Cause You to Lose Out on Money You Deserve

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/07/01 in Auto Accident with Comments Off on 5 Post-Car-Accident Mistakes that Will Cause You to Lose Out on Money You Deserve

Involvement in a car accident can be very chaotic. The event itself is traumatic, but your actions after the accident may have the most impact on the outcome of your claim for compensation. Although you’ll be a little shaken up immediately following the experience, you’ll need to be prepared to take action (and avoid other actions) in order to keep yourself protected from a law suit or other problems further down the road. Knowing what not to do after an accident occurs is just as important as knowing what to do, so read on to learn about the biggest post-car-accident mistakes that you definitely want to avoid at all costs.

Admitting Any Fault

It is human nature to assume at least partial responsibility for an accident. Never admit any responsibility to the accident to law enforcement or anyone else at the scene of the event. Simply reply that you are not sure what happened or provide information about your reaction to events. Most states have laws governing compensation benefits based on responsibility. Let the attorneys use evidence to determine fault. Obviously, you want to be honest, but most likely you won’t be thinking clearly after the accident because of the adrenaline, so be sure that you don’t reveal too much since you might be confused about what really happened.

Not Seeking Immediate Medical Care

While most auto insurance policies provide you with up to seven days to seek medical care for an accident, most insurers will start to question the conditions after about 12 hours. Many claims are automatically denied because the insurer feels the injury is not related to the event. You should seek medical care immediately, even for minor injuries. If an EMT comes to the scene of the accident, take their advice, especially if they suggest that you go to the hospital. They might be able to see some potential problems, and again, you’ll be full of adrenaline, so you might not feel the full measure of the pain yet. Even if you feel something slightly painful or abnormal, you’ll want to consult a doctor, just in case.

Failing To Hire An Attorney

You should hire an attorney as soon as you can once you sense any trouble after the accident. Many people will not take issue with the accident if it was a mutual mistake, but be prepared for the other party to sue or the insurance company to expect a settlement from you. The insurance company will begin pushing for you to make a settlement or agreement with them as soon as possible. Avoid making any statements or agreements with the insurer prior to speaking to an attorney. Additionally, an attorney will be familiar with all of the benefits you are entitled to because of the accident. Many times the insurance company “forgets” to disclose these benefits. With an attorney on your side, you’re more likely to get what you deserve, and get it in proper time. If you wait until months after all of the events have transpired, it will be much more difficult to get what you want at that point.

Not Following Medical Care Instructions

It is very important that you follow all medical care instructions and keep all appointments. Missed appointments or refusal of treatments is seen by the insurance company as a sign that you no longer need medical care. If you are not happy with the medical care you are receiving, speak to your attorney about having a second opinion conducted. The worst thing you can do is ignore a doctor’s recommendations or orders. As mentioned, you can switch doctors if you don’t agree with their treatment style or recommendations, but ignoring medical care instructions could disqualify you for coverage later down the road which could be a huge problem if your condition caused by the accident worsens.

Posting Too Much Information

You should refrain from posting too much information on your social sites about the accident. Keep any information you post as basic. Never admit fault on your pages and never disclose the legal issues you have discussed with your attorney. The insurance company will be monitoring your site, and postings on your social media sites could be used as evidence against you if you aren’t careful. Be careful with emails and electronic communications as well since these can often be obtained and used against you. Just as you don’t want to admit fault at the scene of the accident, you don’t want to say too much about your involvement in the accident—even if you’re just posting on the internet.

By understanding these five mistakes, you can avoid problems with your compensation claim and receive the full amount you deserve for your losses. As mentioned, you’ll likely be frazzled and overwhelmed immediately following the accident so be careful that you don’t make a mistake just because you are confused or shaken up. If you know the best steps to take before an accident ever occurs, then you’ll know exactly what to do when that unfortunate time comes.

AUTHOR BIO: This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves to write for business, finance, women’s interests, and technology. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters. Dixie got her advice for this article from the legal professionals at the Law Offices of Stanley Pasternak who practice law in Toronto.

Brake Signs: Six Ways to Know It’s Time to Fix Your Brakes

by Kara Masterson on 2014/06/30 in Brakes with Comments Off on Brake Signs: Six Ways to Know It’s Time to Fix Your Brakes

Besides being a safety hazard, bad brakes can result in costly repairs if you let the problem go unresolved for too long. Identifying a brake problem early can save you a lot of money on future repairs. The following signs could indicate the need for brake repair or replacement.

The Tell-Tale Grind

Noise is the most obvious sign that something’s amiss with your brakes. Whether it’s a grinding or a clicking sound when you come to a full stop, mysterious sounds almost always spell trouble. Inspect your rotors for deep grooves that typically indicate the need for new pads.

Longer Braking Distances

Another dead giveaway that your brakes are failing is increased braking distance. Even if you don’t hear any weird noises, a car that takes longer than usual to stop under normal circumstances probably needs new pads at a minimum. You may need to swap out rotors as well.

Increased Pedal Travel

If your brake pedal goes all the way to the floor or nearly there when you’re stopping, there’s a good chance that you have a hydraulic problem. This could mean that you’ve got air in the brake lines or that your car is low on brake fluid.

Shaky Stops

A car that shakes when coming to a stop probably has one or more rotors that are warped from excessive heat or improper installation. It might also indicate the need for new brake pads. A pulsating sensation when you hit the brake pedal with moderate force should be investigated.

Lazy Acceleration

If your vehicle feels like it’s being held back when accelerating and it’s not the engine, it could mean that your brakes are responsible. Possible explanations include brake shoes that need to be adjusted or stuck calipers. Regardless of the cause, it’s time for brake repair.

Pulling to One Side

Pulling to one side in a noticeable fashion could be the result of uneven wear on brake pads. Poor alignment, unevenly inflated tires and suspension issues could also be the culprits. If your car is pulling and you suspect the brakes, look for uneven pad or rotor wear.

The need for brake work can be the result of a number of causal factors that are sometimes difficult to diagnose. If you know what to look for, you can save a lot of cash by having your particular brake problems addressed early by a mechanic.

Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.

Drive A Motorcycle? 5 Things You’ll Want To Remember Before You Saddle Up

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/06/27 in Motorcycles with Comments Off on Drive A Motorcycle? 5 Things You’ll Want To Remember Before You Saddle Up

Some people simply cannot resist the sheer thrill of riding a motorcycle. However, a motorcycle is a powerful machine that must be respected at all times. If you do not take the necessary precautions, you are at risk of being seriously injured. Here are four things you’ll want to remember before saddling up.

Never assume that a motorist sees you

Never make the mistake of assuming that a driver sees your bike. Even if you keep your headlights on and use the proper hand signals, there is no guarantee that the other motorists will notice the presence of your bike. The small stature of a motorcycle can easily become camouflaged in a driver’s blind-spot. Before attempting to pass a vehicle on the road, always look twice to check your surroundings.

Practice makes perfect

While confidence is always a good trait to have, being overconfident on a motorcycle could cause you to lose your life. It is always a good idea to take a training course prior to purchasing a motorcycle. These training courses are taught by experts who have years of motorcycle riding experience. Even if you have experience in riding dirt bikes, riding a motorcycle on the road is a totally different ball game. The best part is that the training program provides all of the essentials including the bike, helmet, and riding gear.

Find a good motorcycle accident attorney

When it comes to riding a motorcycle, it is always best to err on the side of caution. In the unfortunate event that you are involved in a collision, you may need to file an insurance claim. Insurance companies are often difficult to deal with, it certainly helps to have a knowledgeable motorcycle attorney in your corner. A motorcycle attorney’s primary goal is to make sure that you are fairly compensated.

All motorcycles are not created the same

Aside from obtaining the proper training, choosing a motorcycle is the most important aspect of motorcycling. The size and performance of a motorcycle can vary greatly from one model to the next. A high-powered sport bike is definitely not appropriate for a newbie. If you are a first-timer, you may want to consider the purchase of a used bike. Ideally, you should select a bike that suits your body type.

Choose the right gear

All too often you hear about someone being killed on a motorcycle because they weren’t wearing a helmet. Some type of helmet is better than no helmet, but there is definitely a difference between a helmet you spend 20 dollars on, and one you spend 100 dollars on. Read the reviews, talk to someone who knows motorcycle gear well, and make sure you’re prepared for the worst. Some motorcyclists choose to wear protective jackets, pants etc… There are lots of things out there that can make your new hobby more enjoyable.

Owning a motorcycle can be a very gratifying experience if you put your safety first. Save the high-speed maneuvers and dangerous stunts for the professionals.

Sporty and Spendy: This Year’s Most Expensive Vehicles to Insure

by Emma Sturgis on 2014/06/24 in Auto Insurance with Comments Off on Sporty and Spendy: This Year’s Most Expensive Vehicles to Insure

There are many cars on the road today built with just one thing in mind: speed. These are not cars taken to drive leisurely around town, or used for work and errands on a daily basis. These are the cars boasting lightning fast speeds, and also extremely high insurance rates. Nissan, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche all have these speedy models, which also come with the highest insurance rates of 2014.

Porsche Panamera Turbo S

According to insure.com, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S is fifth on the list of cars with a pricey insurance rate for 2014. On average, it costs $2970 to insure this car every year. Why such a high price tag? The Porsche Panamera Turbo S boasts 570 horsepower with turbochargers, allowing this vehicle to top out at speeds of 192 miles per hour. In addition to its ability to reach breakneck speeds, the Porsche Panamera Turbo S is also a four-seater, adding backseat passengers to its risk potential.

Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic AWD

The Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic AWD comes in next on the list of cars with the highest insurance prices of 2014. On average, this car costs $3019 annually to insure. The reasoning behind this price is simple—this car is designed to throw caution to the wind, with 429 horsepower and the ability to go from 0-60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds.

BMW M6

The BMW M6 is the second most expensive car to insure in 2014. The 560 horsepower engine and the ability to accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in just 4.1 seconds give this car the speed many crave, and the liability insurance companies dread. Because of this, the cost to insure the BMW M6 is $3065 annually. The coupe model of the M6 is even costlier, due to its lightweight carbon-fiber roof, which both increases its speed and makes it more prone to damage in the event of a collision. 

Nissan GT-R Track Edition

Finally, in the number one category of the most expensive cars to insure is a vehicle with a maker that might surprise you. Nissan’s GT-R Track Edition is the premier sports car for those enamored with the idea of achieving racing speeds. This vehicle, equipped with a turbocharged V-6 engine and a six-speed automatic clutch, accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in 2.9 seconds and boasts a 545 horsepower engine. The newest model removed the back seat in order to increase the speed and performance of the car. To insure this vehicle, the annual cost is $3169.

A insurance specialist reports that car insurance companies typically assess a vehicle’s risk factor to determine the rates they will apply to that particular vehicle. The above listed vehicles all embody a certain amount of risk due to their ability to reach high speeds quickly. Because these cars are, on average, priced over $100,000 and have significant wreck potential, the insurance rates are much higher than those of an ordinary car or SUV.

How to Troubleshoot Engine Problems of Your Classic Car

by Anica Oaks on 2014/06/23 in Auto Restoration with Comments Off on How to Troubleshoot Engine Problems of Your Classic Car

Troubleshooting problems in an engine of a classic car is more of an art than a skill. Most people, when they sense a problem, will simply replace parts in the engine until the problem has been resolved. This is not a particularly effective method and has the tendency to be very expensive. Luckily, there are easier methods to figure out what is wrong with a car’s engine.

Types of Classic Car Engine Problems

There are seven different categories into which an engine problem could fall. They have their own diagnostic leads, which will make figuring out what is wrong a much smoother process.

Rough Idle:

If a car is experiencing a rough idle, then there is the chance that a carburetor has come loose. There could also be a leak in the vacuum or breaker points that could have become worn down or wrongly adjusted so that they are no longer in the correct position. There is also a chance the polarity of the coil could be wrong.

Pinging:

You can usually detect pinging when your car is accelerating quickly or when towing a load. Pinging typically means that there is some combustion problem in the engine. This is usually a result of there being an excessive amount of lead in the ignition or the combustion chambers being inundated with carbon.

Hesitation:

If a classic car is experiencing hesitation, then it is usually a result of the pump stroke of the accelerator being weak, the vacuum advance not working at all, or the screws from the idle mix being set incorrectly.

Stalling:

This could be a simple result of the idle speed being lower than optimal. It could also be a result of there being a large leak in the vacuum, a problem which needs to be addressed immediately. If neither of these two issues are the problem, then you may want to check your ignition points, and see if your engine valves are leaking.

Oil Smoke on Startup:

If there is oil smoke being produced when the engine is being started, then that usually means that the valve guides or seals have been worn down to the point where they no longer function. You may even have a problem with a blown head gasket, which allows oil to leak into the compression cylinder.

High Amount of Oil Consumption:

If the car seems to be using more oil than it used to, your car may not have oil of the correct viscosity or that the oil has been diluted with gasoline. There is also a chance that the ring on the piston has been worn and needs to be replaced.

If you need extra assistance with identifying and repairing classic engine problems, consider the help of professional engine repair services like Speedy Brake and Apollo Muffler or a shop near you. However, by using this rough diagnostic guide, it is possible to locate the source of the engine problem in a short period of time. This saves the vehicle’s functionality, as well as a large amount of money for the owner of the car.

 

About the author: A recent college graduate from University of San Francisco, Anica loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here. This article uses information from Speedy Brake and Apollo Muffler.

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →