Dealing with another driver's insurer when a crash is not your fault

Dealing with your car insurance company after a car crash can be a time-consuming hassle. Now imagine what it's like to deal with the insurance company of the person who crashed into your car. Here are some tips to ensure you maintain your cool — and your sanity — when making a claim with an at-fault person's insurer.

The driver that crashes into your car is responsible for reporting the accident to his or her car insurance company. However, it's a good idea for you to contact their insurer as well. Motorists who cause accidents are often reluctant to report them. So, it is important to obtain the most complete information from the at-fault person at the scene of the accident: insurance company name, claims phone number, address and even the insurance agent's name.

You should then inform the other person's insurer that you have been involved in a crash with one of its policyholders and disclose your property damages or injuries. Also, relay only the facts of the accident, even if you believe the other driver to be at fault. The police will ultimately determine who is at fault and the insurer will make its determination of fault based on the police recommendation, your commentary notwithstanding.

Although you may feel that you have not caused the accident, you should contact your insurance company anyway. This establishes your good-faith accident-reporting effort and can aid you if the other party's insurer denies responsibility for the accident.

20% of All Car Accidents Occur in Parking Lots

One of every five auto accidents occurs in a parking lot, according to the Independent Insurance Agents Association. That total does not include all of the small nicks and dents that usually go unreported.

Parking lot crashes often occur at low speeds, but they still can lead to expensive repairs and higher insurance premiums. Worse, sometimes pedestrians and drivers are injured.

To minimize your parking lot risks….

Park away from busy areas. Most drivers crowd into spaces closest to the store entrances, leaving other sections of parking lots virtually empty. Your vehicle is much less likely to be bumped or dinged – and you will have better visibility when you pull out.

Look where you are going. Distracted driving is responsible for many parking lot accidents. We think we see an empty spot in the next row and this momentary distraction is all it takes.

Completely clear fogged or snow covered windows and windshields. There is a tendency to rush out of parking lots, but driving with partially blocked windows greatly increases the odds of having a collision.

Do not trust your mirrors. Rearview mirrors do not provide a full picture of what’s happening behind your car. Today’s high tech back up systems do not detect everything either. You need to move your head to see everything going on before backing up.

Look for two empty parking spaces, one behind the other, and pull through to the one in front so that you do not have to back up when it is time to pull out.

Avoid danger zones. Skip spots next to big vans or SUVs if you are in a small vehicle – you will have a hard time seeing past these vehicles when it is time to pull out.

Turn on your headlights, even in daylight. Headlights warn pedestrians and other drivers that your vehicle will soon pull out.

These are just a few tips to improve your odds during your next visit to the parking lot!

Top Ten 4th of July Driving Tips

With July 3rd and July 4th being two of the deadliest days to drive, Insurance.com offers these Top Ten 4th of July Driving Tips.
1. Check your tires. The last thing you want is your own "fireworks display" while on the highway. Check your tire pressure before you leave for a road trip. Low tire levels can potentially reduce fuel efficiency, as well as being a safety issue.
2. Make sure your battery has enough juice. If it has been a few years since you replaced your car battery, you might want to do so before you leave on your 4th of July vacation. It is better to be safe than sorry when you are traveling far from home. If your battery is old, toss the jumper cables in the trunk before you leave.
3. Turn on your lights. Check your headlights, tail lights and turn signals before you start a trip. To ensure everything is working properly, have a friend walk around the car while you test the car lights and signals from the inside.
4. Pack a first aid kit and roadside assistance kit. While you're at it, consider packing a cooler of water, a flash light, non-perishable food and extra batteries. Make sure your cell phone has enough charge, and bring your phone's charger or extra battery along – just in case.
5. Don't drink and drive. Whether you are at a cook-out close to home or traveling to see fireworks, drinking and driving don't mix. Play it safe this 4th of July with a designated driver or call for a cab.
6. Buckle Up. Wearing seatbelts every time you drive is the easiest way to help keep you and your family safe in the event of an accident. If you are traveling with small children, make sure they are in a proper car or booster seat for their age group and height.
7. Watch your speed. State and local police officers will be out in full force during the 4th of July week. So watch the local speed limits and keep a safe distance from the cars in front of you. A speeding ticket can mean points on your driver's license and a potential increase in your auto insurance rate.
8. Don't let rain ruin your trip. Check the weather before you leave and during your trip. If you do get caught in a torrential downpour, pull off to the side of the road until the rain stops. And never drive through a flooded area. Try to find an alternative route – a slight delay beats being stranded in a flooded car.
9. Think twice about fireworks at home. Even sparklers are dangerous and unpredictable when kids light them. While your home insurance may cover injuries, we suggest leaving fireworks to the pros.
10. Pack proof of car insurance. Whether you are traveling close to home or out-of-state, you should always have your proof of car insurance in your wallet or glove box. If you don't have a cell phone or other portable device that takes pictures and video, it's a good idea to keep a disposable camera, note pad and pen in your car, just in case an accident occurs.

How Do You Know If You Need A Lawyer?

There are many types of legal issues that might require a lawyer's help. You may consider hiring a lawyer if you have suffered an injury, have been injured in an accident, are thinking about starting a business, or have any IRS issues. Lawyers can help with legal problems after they come up -- after a car accident, for example -- but in other instances, consulting a lawyer before a legal issue arises can help you anticipate and prevent serious legal problems.

Visit www.bressmanlaw.com for more information.

Teen Driving Safety

Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and injury for U.S. teens between the ages of 15-19. The death toll is equivalent to about 17 deaths per day for people involved in teen driver crashes. For teens, the likelihood of being in a crash is at a lifetime high in the first 12 months and 1,000 miles of driving. Gradually introducing novice drivers to the traffic environment in phases, also known as Graduated Driver Licensing, has been proven to reduce crash risk and save lives. But, parents also play a key role in changing this trend.

Ways to Avoid A Car Wreck #10

#10 -- Be extra careful in reverse. Many minor collisions occur when drivers back up, most often in parking lots. Even very experienced drivers are not accustomed to driving backward, and our visibility is limited when we do so.

When you put your car in reverse, turn your upper body and your head to the right so that you can look directly out your rear window, rather than relying on your rearview mirror. Turning provides a wider view. It is incumbent on you to make sure the path is clear of vehicles, pedestrians or objects before backing.

IDEA: For SUVs, trucks and large cars a back-up camera is a small investment to protect your car, and those around you. It is especially a good idea if you live in an area with many pets or children. Between 2001 and 2003 alone, over 7,400 children ages 1 to 14 were treated for injuries after being hit by a car backing up. Many of these accidents could have been avoided through enhanced vehicle safety features, such as a back-up camera.

Common Insurance Company Arguments

Columbus, Ohio. According to David A. Bressman, a personal injury lawyer who limits his practice exclusively those injured in car accidents, insurance companies use many standard arguments when trying to minimize payment to injury victims.

#1: Blaming The Condition of Your Vehicle.
• Your vehicle was not equipped with a headrest, seatbelts, rearview mirror, or other safety devices and it is your responsibility to equip your vehicle with such devices.
• Seat belts or other safety devices were available in the vehicle but not used. This is a biggie! Under current Ohio law, if you don't use your seatbelt, the insurance company can probably use, without any other evidence, that fact against you!
• Your vehicle had equipment defects such as: the tires were bald, brakes were not working, tail lights not working, turn signals not working, etc.

Next Post: Yet More Excuses