What To Do In Case of a Car Accident
August 21, 2012 | John T. BuchmanIt’s one of those things you don’t like to think about – what to do in case of a car accident – but it’s something you should prepare for so that if an accident does occur, you’re better prepared to deal with the situation. We have put together a simple car accident form that you can download and save to your smartphone or print it out so you can have a copy for your glove compartment. Having this information available could help you know what to do if you are involved in a car accident. Here is the information you’ll find in the form: IN CASE OF A CAR ACCIDENT At the Time of the Auto Accident: Remain calm and call the police. Tell the police officer if you, or anyone involved in the accident was injured. Do not admit fault to anyone at the scene. Try to obtain witness information and license plate numbers if the police cannot make it to the scene. Keep your current insurance card in your vehicle for proof of insurance. Obtain the necessary information from the other driver if applicable (see below). Provide the information necessary to the other driver if applicable (see below). Take photographs of the accident scene or cars involved if possible. After the…
Read MoreProgressive Insurance's Tarnished Image
August 21, 2012 | John T. BuchmanI was just checking the latest news when I came across the following article from CNN Money: Progressive settles with accident victim’s family after tale went viral Progressive Insurance finally paid the victim of a family under its “under-insured” motorist coverage after forcing the victim’s family to go to trial. A young woman was killed when another driver ran a red light. The victim’s brother was offended when his sister’s insurance company, Progressive, actively participated in the negligent driver’s legal defense. The article points out how poorly Progressive handled the case and the resulting public relations nightmare that followed after the victim’s brother posted on the internet an account of what the family had to go through to get Progressive to pay. Unfortunately, this is too common an occurrence, especially before Minnesota recently enacted a “good faith” statute to encourage insurance companies to properly evaluate and pay uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. Too often insurance companies force such claimants to try their cases because they believe they do not face any greater exposure than their policy limits. Minnesota’s new “good faith” statute provides, in some circumstances, the opportunity for such injured parties to recover additional amounts from insurance companies that resort to such tactics. While insurance companies spend millions of dollars representing to…
Read MoreBack To School With the Right Supplies
August 9, 2012 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.Barna, Guzy & Steffen Family Law attorney Beverly Dodge coordinated an annual Back to School supply event this August. This year, the firm will donate supplies to Hamilton Elementary in Coon Rapids. “Donating school supplies is a way each of us can help give back directly within our community, ” said Bev, “The kids receiving these supplies might not otherwise have some of the basic necessities for back to school, let alone “extras” that our own children take for granted. This contrast creates problems for their success in school.” Items being donated by staff and attorneys included all the basics such as crayons and markers, folders, notebooks, backpacks and more. The firm also made a monetary donation with which Bev purchased even more supplies. The firm plans to bring the donations to Hamilton Elementary the week before school begins. If you would like to contribute, please contact us at info@bgs.com.
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