Car Buying Resources

I know this Blog is supposed to be about injury law. However, one of my goals in writing this Blog is to give the readers some tips that will, hopefully, avoid them having to use the services of a lawyer.

Routinely, in my practice I see people that suffer injuries that, in part, may have been caused by the type of car they were driving and how it protects its occupants. That is not to say that all cars are unsafe. Testing has revealed that certain cars do a better job of protecting occupants in the advent of a crash. There are two good resources for information on car safety. The first, the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.gov) which has the safercar website (www.safercar.gov) that provides crash test and recall information. The other is the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org) which administers an offset crash test that is supposed to more accurately represent what happens in most head on collisions.

One of the other areas in which I hear a lot of concern expressed by clients is cars that have recurrent problems. While most people are familiar with the reliability ratings given by Consumer Reports, there are other resources available to them. The National Highway and Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.gov) tracks recalls and technical service bulletins on cars. Sometimes these will give you some insight on vehicle reliability. Another resource is the forums on Edmunds.com (www.edmunds.com). In these forums you will find discussions between owners concern such wide ranging topics as price, where to service a car and common problems.

Later,

Rod

Nothing in this Blog should be considered legal advice or form an attorney client relationship. Individuals with legal problems are encouraged to seek legal advice from a legal professional who can tailor her/his advice to your specific legal needs.

Do you really need the Collision Damage Waiver

Every time I rent a car, I get the same question from the clerk at the counter, " Sir, (I get called Sir now, sure sign I'm close to getting my AARP card) would you like the collision damage waiver.  If you get it, it pays ..........."  Politely, I always tell the clerk, "No thank you, my insurance policy covers the use of a rental car."  Occasionally, when I am at the airport with a friend, that is an insurance agent, I hear a loud shriek, "NOOOOOOO!!!!! He doesn't need it!!!"  Personally, I prefer a simple "No Thank You."

The bottom line is that your auto policy does cover rental cars.  In addition, some credit cards provide this coverage if you book your travel through them.  Call your credit card company to find out. That general statement being made there are some caveats that you should keep in mind:

1. If you are renting a moving truck, some companies will cover small trucks but not large trucks. You can save yourself a lot of heartache by making a quick call to your insurance agent.

2. You may not have coverage if you are in a foreign country. If you are traveling outside the United States, (Yes, that means to Canada and Mexico) let your agent know to assure you have coverage in place.

Later, 

Rod

Nothing in this Blog should be considered legal advice or to form an attorney client relationship. If you have a legal problem you are encouraged to consult with an attorney who can provide you with advice tailored to your legal circumstance. 

Document, Document, Document....

It sounds like an overwhelming task but it's not. If you have expenses related to an accident keep track of them. You are going to need it at a later date. That means keep receipts and records of expenses as they are incurred. If you pay for items with cash get a receipt. If you pay with a debit card or credit card, keep your statements and get a receipt. Some of the items you should keep track of include:

1: Your wage loss
2: Your out of pocket expenses
3. Your deductibles
4. Your mileage
5. Your medical expenses
6. Services provided

One of the components of your claim is the economic loss you have experienced. It always lends credibility to your claim if you have receipts for your expenses or have documented items, such as mileage expense, at the time the expenses are incurred. Some people roll their eyes when I tell them this, but let's put yourself in the shoes of the jury that will decide your case or the party against whom you are making the claim. They will not dispute your claim if they are based in fact and carry the aura of credibility. That's why accurate record keeping is necessary. It may save you from having to take your case to court.

Nothing in this Blog should be considered legal advice or to form an attorney client relationship. Legal cases often turn on specific facts. You would be well served to obtain the advice of an experienced attorney who can offer her/his advice that is tailored to your unique legal circumstance.