Automobile Accidents

• Do I Have to Sign a Medical Release?

  Don Jacobs | January 15, 2008 1:15 PM | 0 CommentsVancouver, WA

  "I've never been in an accident before. I didn't know". This refrain is often heard by lawyers who specialize in helping people injured in auto accidents. It is sometimes heard after the lawyer finds out the client signed a comprehensive medical release sent to them by the insurance company representing the guilty driver. Insurance companies train their adjusters to make immediate contact...

• Uninsured Motorist Insurance and Vehicle Depreciation

  Don Jacobs | January 10, 2008 12:06 PM | 0 CommentsVancouver, WA

  Many purchase uninsured motorist coverage on their auto policy. This is a prudent practice given the number of uninsured drivers on the road. Uninsured motorist coverage provides benefits in the amount they injured person would have been able to recover from the uninsured driver. Medical bills, wage loss, pain and suffering and loss of the quality of life are recoverable. The public policy...

• Auto Accidents and Vehicle Depreciation

  Don Jacobs | January 08, 2008 12:03 PM | 0 CommentsVancouver, WA

  Who among us doesn't remember our father saying "don't buy a car that's been in a wreck, you just buy somebody else's problems". Sometimes the best advice is old advice. Would anyone pay the same amount for a car that suffered major body damage as one that didn't? Although some body repair experts claim they can repair a vehicle to pre-accident condition, this claim hasn't been accepted by...

• Insurance Companies, Auto Accidents and Rental Cars

  Don Jacobs | January 04, 2008 5:27 PM | 0 CommentsVancouver, WA

  When someone causes an accident, they become responsible for the consequences. They are obligated to pay for repairs and pay for the cost of a rental while the vehicle is in the shop. Although the correct legal term for the cost of the rental is "loss of use", it essentially translates into the cost to rent a vehicle of comparable value for however long it takes to finish the repairs. Of...

• Four Surgeons to Repay U.S. $2.5 Million

  Don Jacobs | December 31, 2007 9:47 AM | 0 CommentsVancouver, WA

  The public still seems to have a very high regard for doctors. Polls continue to show people trust the profession and their credibility rating is high. In contrast, lawyers have a much lower approval ratings. Both professions have ethical codes which govern behavior. Both exist for the primary purpose of helping people. Maybe one difference is the "person" some lawyers end up helping is a...

• Auto Accidents and Comparable Rental Cars

  Don Jacobs | December 26, 2007 6:54 PM | 0 CommentsVancouver, WA

  When you cause an auto accident you become obligated by law to repair or replace the other person's damaged property. Most people simply turn the matter over to their insurance company, trusting they will handle the claim and pay what they owe. What they owe is either the cost to replace the vehicle if the repair charge exceeds the fair market value, or the cost in repairs to fix the damage....

• Auto Accident Claims and Year End Settlements

  Don Jacobs | December 21, 2007 5:47 PM | 0 CommentsVancouver, WA

  Every year right before Christmas insurance companies seem to be more willing to settle personal injury auto accident claims. Accident victims who've been unable to reach a settlement because of a disagreement over value may find the insurance company suddenly becoming more generous in December. Some industry insiders report carriers want to resolve as many claims as possible before year end...

• Auto Accident Claims and Christmas Charities

  Don Jacobs | December 19, 2007 5:42 PM | 0 CommentsVancouver, WA

  Every year right before Christmas many auto accident victims seem to want to settle their claims. Whether it's the need for funds during the holidays or the desire to put unpleasant things behind them before the start of a new year, injury victims often ask their attorneys to find a way to settle their claims in December. It's also the time of year people are more likely to give to charity. ...

• New Consumer Law Affects Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims

  Don Jacobs | December 15, 2007 1:22 PM | 0 CommentsVancouver, WA

  R-67, the new Insurance Fair Conduct law in Washington, may forever change how insurance companies treat consumers. The new law places sanctions on insurance companies if they unreasonably deny claims or offer unreasonable amounts to settle. Uninsured motorist claims are one area where insurance companies may no longer be able to force consumers to accept low ball settlements by threatening...

• Insurance Fair Conduct Act Applies to PIP and Uninsured Motorist Claims

  Don Jacobs | December 07, 2007 4:15 PM | 0 CommentsVancouver, WA

  R 67, the Washington Insurance Fair Conduct Act approved by the voters this Fall and scheduled to take effect December 6, 2007 protects customers who purchase insurance. It prohibits insurance companies from unreasonably denying claims. It applies to all auto insurance policies, including PIP and uninsured motorist claims. Consumers who purchased policies before the Act went into effect are...