Your doctor has released you from treatment from your motor vehicle accident and enough time has passed so you re in a position to sit down with Adjuster Henry Hard-Nose. His employer is Rock Solid Insurance, the company who insures Fred Fuddle, the clown who plowed into your rear end, smashing you with a tremendous crash which was responsible for your injuries plus the Pain and Suffering you ve had to endure.

To be adequately compensated for what you ve gone through you must have accumulated what s identified in the world of insurance claims as Special Damages . Those are your medical bills, your lost wages plus every dollar paid out to help with your recovery. When building the value of a personal injury claim there are several key elements you should be aware of:

LIABILITY: In the vast majority of motor vehicle accidents it s clear who was at fault. Assuming that Fuddle struck you a mighty blow in the rear end (rear-enders make up well over half of the motor vehicle accidents that take place in the United States each year) yours is a case that must be settled. (Final Statistics prove that in 83% of accident s that took place in 2004 it s clear who was at fault) !

The very doubtful liability case has little, if any, settlement value. If that s the situation you should obtain the services of the local Legal Beagle who does a good job at that, Attorney I.M. Greedy. But, if you do, be very careful when you sign Greedy s Contingency Fee Agreement . Read it closely. Don t sign anything that will let him charge you one penny, other than his normal fee. (Do not - - in any way whatsoever - - allow him to chisel any money from you, for his out-of-pocket expenses). All Greedy should be compensated for (if he s successful at busting loose some bucks from Rock Solid) is his fee - - and that should be no more than the locally accepted percentage of the total recovery.

TYPE OF INJURY: If there are severe injuries (which 2003 and 2004 figures indicate - - make up ten to fifteen percent of all motor vehicle accidents) you should obtain the services of a lawyer. But, if you ve had minor injuries like whiplash, bumps, bruises, sprains and/or strains (and it’s clear you’re not at fault) you should handle and settle the claim yourself.

TYPE OF PERSON YOU ARE: Rate yourself and be brutally honest. You re most likely an average motor vehicle owner/driver, living a normal life. But, if you ve spent some time behind bars, have a criminal record, or a history of character defects that often get your butt in a jam with the local cops (and this is well-known) you re going to have to take those facts into consideration when forming expectations regarding what your case is worth.

THE TYPE OF PERSON FRED FUDDLE IS: The better Fred Fuddle looks, or the better the “Entity” (Fuddle s business or company, etc.) appears, the better for Rock Solid. But, if Fuddle is a known bookie or drug dealer, they re in deep stuff . On the other hand, if Fuddle is a well-loved philanthropist, that can be a plus for Rock Solid Insurance. Or if the vehicle that struck you was a van driven by Pastor Frederick Fuddle, and the named insured is The Fuddle Camp For Lost Souls, you must be careful because that can be a plus for Rock Solid.

However, if the Entity that hit you was a dilapidated junk pile on wheels operated by Fred Goof-Ball Fuddle, and the named insured is The Fuddle Rotted Cow Manure Corporation, that will obviously not be favorable for Rock Solid.

DAMAGES: There are Medical Special Damage Expenses, Non-Medical Special Damages Expenses, and/or your Property Damage Expenses.

MEDICAL SPECIAL DAMAGE EXPENSES These typically include Cost of Ambulance, Emergency Room, Hospital and/or Clinic Charges, Physician or Chiropractor, and/or Dentist, Over-The-Counter Drugs and/or Prescription Medications, Laboratory Fees and Services, Diagnostic Tests: X-Rays and (CT) Scan, Prosthetic Appliances or Surgical Apparatus, (Cranes & Crutches), Physical Therapy, Registered and/or Practical Nurse Fees, Ace Bandages, Gauze and Tape, Heating Pads, Creams, Lotions, Ointments, Balms and Salves.

When it comes to listing your Medical Special Damage expenses don t overlook one single dollar because, when it comes time to settle your claim, that dollar can increase the value of your payment for Pain and Suffering by a multiplier of four or even five! (Yes, that means a $20.00 bill can be worth $80.00 to $100.00 more ,in your pocket, from Rock Solid Insurance, at settlement time).

NON-MEDICAL SPECIAL DAMAGES: These typically include Lost Wages and Earnings, Lost Vacation time and/or Sick Leave, Travel Expenses (car rentals, public transportation, expenses incurred getting to and from your Chiropractor and/or hospital and/or physical therapy treatment of some sort) Household Help during disability and/or Child Care. You must be sure to obtain written proof of such “Non Medical” Special Damages.

LOST WAGES: The income you lost, because you were unable to work, is an area where adjusters take terrible advantage of the typical claimant because the typical claimant knows so little about it.

Commissions and overtime can make a huge difference in your lost earnings. Be sure to get a letter from your employer, on their official letterhead, explaining that in detail. Or, if you re self-employed, must get this information stated on your accountants letterhead.

The time you miss from work (thus the money you may have lost) is calculated and this element constitutes what is known as Lost Wages or Lost Time Verification . In most situations you re entitled to compensation for lost time and earnings, even if you have no actual loss of money! Such as, for example, when your salary is paid by your company insurance coverage, or by taking sick leave, or some similar arrangement.

Even if you re salaried you should obtain a “Lost Earnings”, or “Time Lost Verification”, in writing on your employer s letterhead.

IF YOU RE SELF-EMPLOYED: To prove your lost earnings you ll probably have to assemble some “Inside Information” for Hard-Nose. If you don t like the idea of submitting private documents to him, in the privacy of your home or office, just think how you d feel about producing them in the non-private environment of a courtroom. When a case goes to trial, and if you want to prove your damages so as to collect adequate compensation, that s your only alternative.

TWO CRITICAL AREAS REGARDING LOST WAGES: Did the injury necessitate a change of job or employment at a lesser rate? Or, did the injury allow your going to work okay but only on a part-time basis? If the answer to either question is Yes , it would be wise to document these facts!

IT S CRUCIAL THAT YOU KNOW: Even if you ve been paid while out of work, you can still compute your time lost from work as Lost Wages when you execute BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Formula).

PROPERTY DAMAGE EXPENSES: These typically include Motor Vehicle Repair, Damaged Clothing, Broken Glasses, cost of Substitute Car Rentals, Towing and Storage. Make copies of all bills relating to any of your property damage expenses. Keep the originals. Be sure to have these in your possession when you and Hard-Nose plunk yourselves down to “Talk Turkey”. Photocopies are sufficient to give him.

YOUR AGE: Because of their obvious innocence, insurance claim accident victims, up to the age of 12, generally have excellent settlement results. Those in their teens, and into their late 50 s, fall into a fairly normal category because they re generally considered to be at the height of their physical stamina. Those in their late 60 s, and over, usually fare extremely well; primarily due to the sympathy that s often invoked, from a judge or jury, because of general attitudes regarding frailty and the elderly.

MOST IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER:The information Hard-Nose places into your file plays a major role in the ultimate value of your claim. Never underestimate the importance of his impressions and conclusions! Should, one day, your case end up in front of a judge, or jury, what Hard-Nose feels, observes and then reports into your file at Rock Solid about you, his insured Fred Fuddle, and/or possible witnesses, etc., (in addition to the information you ve documented for him) could have massive influence on the value of your claim - - especially if Fuddle is a loser and he s absolutely in the wrong. At that point the only thing stalling a settlement is the amount of money it s going to cost to get rid of you.

The bottom line: Your out-of-pocket expenses correctly recorded and presented, your injury information properly documented and your lost wages clearly established will seriously increase the dollar value of your personal injury claim.

QUESTION: “How does Dan know this to be true”? ANSWER: Because for 38 years Dan was right there, where he saw and done that !

Copyright (c) 2005 by Daniel G. Baldyga. All Rights Reserved

About The Author

Dan Baldyga’s third and latest book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) can be found on the internet at www.autoaccidentclaims.com or www.caraccidentclaims.com. This book reveals how you can successfully handle your motor vehicle claim so you won’t be taken advantage of. If also goes into detail regarding BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula). THE BASE FORMULA explains how to determine the value of the “Pain and Suffering” you endured - - because of your personal injury!

DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this “How To” Insurance Claim Article “PLACING A VALUE ON YOUR PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM” is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga, Peter Go nor ARTICLECITY.com make any guarantee of any kind whatsoever, NOR do they purport to engage in rendering any professional or legal service, NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant, or the like. Where such professional help is desired it is the INDIVIDUAL S RESPONSIBILITY to obtain said services.

Dan Baldyga - Author
dbpaw@comcast.net
FAX: 1 (413) 731 8358
AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM
(How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss)
http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com
Or: http://www.caraccidentclaims.com

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair

Ford’s tradition of excellence is evident in every vehicle that carries a Ford nameplate. History of the automotive industry is never complete without the names of Ford autos such as the Model T or the “Tin Lizzie,” the Ford Mustang, the Ford F-Series, the Ford Ranger, the Ford Thunderbird, and the Ford Explorer, which all have created an impact in the auto market. The name “Ford” itself has become synonymous with “automobile” to almost everyone throughout the years.



One of its contemporary and most popular vehicles is the Ford Explorer, the best-selling Sport Utility Vehicle in its class since its introduction in 1991. Ford Parts Online, one of the country’s most trusted auto parts dealers and the most reliable Ford parts source online features this time this one-of-a-kind SUV, a pride of Ford and of the auto industry.



The store is offering great Ford Parts Discount deals on thousands of high quality replacement Ford Explorer parts made by the most reputable auto pars makers in the world. Each of the aftermarket and replacement Ford Explorer parts available at Ford Parts Online is designed to meet to the highest quality standards set by the industry and by meticulous Ford owners. They are perfect-fit to every Ford Explorer model’s specifications, too.



Among the most sought after replacement Ford parts for the Ford Explorer are Ford headlights and other “>http://www.carpartsmax.com/Ford_Lights_Euro_Altezza.htm l”target=_blank”class=”navigation”>Ford lights, Ford wheels, Ford mirrors, and Ford front bumper. All these and more are available at exciting Ford Parts Discount deals. In case you would want to modify your Ford Explorer, or enhance its safety and performance without spending too much, Ford Parts Online’s superior quality and discount-priced Ford parts are your perfect options.



Keeping your Ford explorer in tip-top shape and condition all the time is important for it to maintain its high level of performance. This is especially true if you are often taking this SUV off-road. Driving conditions off-road make things harder for your vehicle parts, especially the engine and the external or body parts. Parts like your Ford wheels and tires may eventually wear out; hence they need replacement.



Accidents are also major factors that contribute to your auto parts’ early deterioration. Parts such as the Ford Explorer bumper, Ford hood and the Ford Explorer fender are the ones that suffer most damages during a collision since they are designed to absorb the force of the collision so as to diminish damages to other parts of the vehicle and of course, to the occupants. When totally wrecked, you have no other option than to replace them.



It is important to get your replacement auto parts from trusted sources to ensure the highest quality of these parts and their long lasting service. In the end they are far more inexpensive compared to extra cheap and low quality auto parts since they lessen chances of another repair or replacement, which would require you again to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars.



When it comes to high quality Ford parts, one name stands out in the replacement auto parts market, the Ford Parts Online. With its longtime experience in the business, you can trust that this store perfectly knows you needs and wants.





About the author:

Jay Stevens works as a consultant for an established auto parts store in the country. He has expertise in automotive technology and has inside knowledge on the auto parts industry.

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair

Best Buy Used Car Tips: When it pays to be Meticulous

Nowadays, more and more people are enticed to buy used cars. With so many financial choices available and cars “living longer,” many people just opt to buy used cars.

In fact, many smart consumers contend that buying used cars is just the same as buying new ones if the buyer knows how to buy used cars.

So, to help those who wish to buy a car but cannot afford a new one, here are some of the best tips that can be implemented when buying a used car.

1. Research

It is extremely important for an individual to conduct some research when buying used cars. In this way, the buyer will be able to know the ideal make and model to buy, the kind of performance to seeks, and the prices of used cars in the market.

Moreover, the risk of buying used cars is lessened if the buyer knows the important details to consider when buying used cars.

2. Check the cars history

The car’s history will definitely provide the buyer some solid information regarding the performances, repairs, and problems of the car. So if you CAN discover some history it would be to your advantage. In this way, the buyer will be able to compare and differentiate one car from the other. There are instances wherein used cars are being sold because of some past accidents or negative experiences. Buyers might consider more if the car he or she is about to buy has a history like this one.

3. Check the safety features

What more can you expect with a used car but it does not necessarily mean that the buyer will neglect the availability of safety features in the car.

By all means, an ideal car must possess safety features, whether it is old or new. According to some reports, almost 80% of the accidents are heightened because safety features are not available in the car.

4. Buyers should be wary about the documents that are included when buying used cars.

Buyers should be sure that the car is not stolen, there are no liens on the vehicle, and that the one who signed on the “Bill of Sale” is the true vendor and the possessor of the property.

5. Before buying a used car, it is best to meticulously inspect the overall condition of the car first. Buyers should be wary of any rust or damage; the tires should be checked, etc.

Indeed, buying a used car can be very tedious. Nevertheless, it will give the buyer some satisfaction and assurance that what he or she has bought is a good buy.

About the author:



Jay is the web owner of http://www.new-cars-in.com New Cars, a website that provides information and resources on searching for new cars, new car pricing, loans, and dealers. You can visit his website at: http://www.used-cars-in.net Used Cars

Technorati Tags: automotive, autocare, auto care, car care, auto repair