A truck accident can be a life-changing event. If the accident results in serious damages you may want to consider speaking with an attorney. Let’s be clear, though: Truck accidents do not always warrant an attorney. Minor fender-benders with little damage do not require the services of an attorney. If you are involved in a major accident with serious damages you should consider meeting with an attorney, especially if you are engaged in conversations with insurance companies.

After a truck accident, a representative of the trucker’s insurance company will usually contact you in order to collect information, but also to try to establish a rapport with you.  They do this so that they may be able to convince you to do things. They may want you to sign documents, give statements, or even discourage you from hiring an attorney for help settling the claim.

Insurance company representatives will often suggest that you do not need an attorney because “we can just work this out together.” You need to realize that there is no “we” in these situations – the insurance company representative is not really your friend and is not motivated to make sure that you receive fair compensation. The insurance company representative is discouraging you from hiring a lawyer because insurance industry statistics demonstrate that it costs an insurance company an average of $9,000 more per claim when an attorney is advocating for the injured person. Courts and regulators in a number of states, including New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, have ordered insurance companies to stop the unfair tactic of discouraging accident victims from going to attorneys and learning about their rights.

To learn about other tactics insurance companies use against truck accident victims, go to Iowa Truck Accident Facts to download a free 35-page guide.

Are you prepared for the unexpected? Many people never consider the following five documents until it is too late. Think about getting the following documents which may assist your family in a time of need:

Ø  Medical Directive. No one is immune from a life-threatening disease or serious accident. If a situation arises where you can’t communicate with your doctor, a medical directive serves as a substitute. A medical directive includes two things: a living will and medical health-care proxy. A living will instructs the doctor how to care for you if you are not able to decide for yourself, and a medical health-care proxy names surrogates (such as a spouse or sibling) who can make decisions on your behalf. Although medical directives are legal documents, a lawyer is not needed to complete one.

Ø  Will. If you pass away before making a will, your assets will be divided according to state law. The only way to guarantee that your assets will be divided according to your wishes is to make a will. It is never too early to write a will.

Ø  Disability Insurance. Studies show that you are much more likely to be disabled in an accident than killed. Unfortunately, most people fail to buy disability insurance when they buy life insurance.

Ø  Umbrella Policy. Your regular home and auto policies will protect you but they may not be enough if you or a family member causes serious injury. An umbrella insurance policy is there to cover the expenses that a regular insurance policy cannot.

Ø  Life Insurance. Experts recommend purchasing life insurance as soon as you buy a house to cover the cost of the mortgage. Another piece of advice from the experts: each household should carry an insurance policy worth five to 10 times their annual income.

Smartmoney.com

It can be difficult to understand the intricacies of your insurance policy. The elusive fine print continues to stifle its clients, especially those who seek medical treatment. Unfortunately, not all insurance companies assist their clients with understanding their policy as well as they should. In some cases, insurance companies will try and deceive you about your legal circumstances. One example of this occurs during medical treatment of truck accident victims.

As practicing Cedar Rapids, IA truck accident attorneys, we have seen the different types of treatment that doctors have recommended to injured truck accident victims.  While doctors may recommend different types of treatment and have your best interests at heart, it is not in the interest of insurance companies to pay more for specialized treatment (often treatment from a specialist of a chiropractor). That is why, when an insurance company representative learns about the type of medical treatment that a truck accident victim is receiving, he or she may suggest that his or her insurance company will not reimburse you for that type of treatment.  That is simply not true.

Under Iowa law, the at-fault driver (or his or her insurance company) is responsible for paying all “reasonable and necessary” medical expenses caused by the truck accident. What constitutes “reasonable and necessary” medical treatment should be decided by your doctors and other medical providers – not by an insurance adjuster. In most situations, truck accident victims should seek medical treatment until they are healed or a doctor tells them that their condition is as good as it is going to get (this is often referred to as the patient achieving “maximum medical improvement”).

To learn about other tactics insurance companies use against truck accident victims, go to Iowa Truck Accident Facts to download a free 35-page guide.

·        “You may not need to see me every six months.”

o       A study by experts at the University of Florida found that the majority are not at high risk for decay or gum disease, and that seeing a dentist twice a year provides no added benefit. Ask your dentist if you need an appointment twice a year.

·        “Your old metal fillings may leak toxic waste.”

o       Many fillings today are “amalgams” which contain a mixture of mercury, silver, and tin. Recent studies found that amalgams leak mercury vapor into the bloodstream at a rate four times greater than what is healthy. To avoid amalgams, request resin fillings instead.

·        “I like your smile more than your teeth.”

o       Many dentists are opting for cosmetic dentistry programs, and your bill will prove it. Cosmetic dentistry is more concerned with your smile than the health of your teeth, and it can be very costly to you. Get a second opinion before any elective dental work if you feel unsure about the procedure.

·        “It’s not healthy to have teeth this white.”

o       Expert dentists are beginning to worry about the long-term effects of teeth-whitening products such as bleaches and high-intensity lights. Check with your dentist before selecting a teeth-whitening option.

·        “You won’t feel anything at all.”

o       An increase in the use of sedatives and anesthetics to the point where you cannot remember anything about your procedure could mean an increased risk of complications, including vomiting, fainting, and prolonged recovery time.

·        “My equipment was up-to-date in 1985.”

o       Technological advancements now allow dentists to use digital X-rays in their office to provide more accurate tools for discovering tooth decay. Unfortunately, only 15-25% of dentists nationwide have a digital system in their office.

·        “Let’s schedule an appointment to do this again in a few years.”

o       Certain types of dental work may last less than five years. Porcelain, for instance, fractures more easily than healthy enamel, and will typically last between five and 15 years. Instead, choose “conservative” procedures such as fillings and orthodontics.

·        “Continuing education is my ‘specialty’.”

o       Many dentists are required to fulfill some sort of continuing education programs, but the program requirements are very vague. Talk with your dentist about their continuing education requirements, and where they receive their up-to-date training.

·        “You’ll be hurting worse when you see the bill.”

o       The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the cost of dental treatment is rising faster than other medical services, and dental care costs have increased at a rate nearly twice that of inflation since 1985.

It is understandable that truck accident victims are inclined to hear offers for a quick settlement. After all, the price of medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses adds up over time and it may seem enticing to pay off all those bills right away. Moreover, many truck accident victims desire to complete the legal work as soon as possible, and avoid extended and lengthy delays. Yet, settling quickly may not be in a truck accident victim’s best interest.

Truck accidents cause immediate expenses, whether they are repairs for your vehicle or medical bills. These sudden expenditures can make the prospect of a settlement very appealing, but it is important to know how settlements work.

Most insurance companies will only issue one settlement check for an injury claim and – after that settlement check is issued – the insurance company will never pay any additional money for that particular accident in the future – even if you injuries get worse. If any of the following applies, you usually should avoid a quick settlement:

·        If you are still receiving medical care for accident-related injuries

·        If your accident-related injuries will likely require additional medical care in the future

·        If you have not yet been able to return to normal activities – especially work-related activities

If you are still in one of the above situations five months after a semi accident, you should immediately consult with an attorney to see what legal deadlines may apply to your personal injury claim.

For the truth behind other truck accident myths, go to Iowa Truck Accident Facts to download a free 35-page guide.

In 2007, Americans spent over $287 billion on prescription drugs. This number is daunting to many, especially those who need medication but cannot afford it. Approximately one-fourth of Americans are taking cost-saving measures into their own hands by not filling prescriptions, skipping dosages, and cutting their pills in half. Experts say that this could be dangerous to your health. The following are suggestions for saving money on prescription drugs.

1. Tell your doctor that you cannot afford what is prescribed. Ask for alternatives.
2. Ask your doctor if a generic drug works just as well.
3. If the doctor cannot think of any alternative, ask the pharmacist for a less-expensive drug.
4. Use mail order for long-term medicines. This may not be manageable with prescriptions that you need to fill immediately.
5. Seek out prescription assistance programs.
6. Take caution when accepting free samples. Often times, samples are the most expensive drugs.
7. Avoid asking your doctor for drugs you see on television since medicine on television is commonly very expensive.
8. Discuss the topic of cutting drugs in half with your doctor.
9. Shop around at different pharmacies and search for better prices if you do not have insurance.
10. Respectfully ask your doctor for a review of the drugs that you are taking. You may be taking drugs that you no longer need to take.

In 2007, Americans spent over $287 billion on prescription drugs. This number is daunting to many, especially those who need medication but cannot afford it. Approximately one-fourth of Americans are taking cost-saving measures into their own hands by not filling prescriptions, skipping dosages, and cutting their pills in half. Experts say that this could be dangerous to your health. The following are suggestions for saving money on prescription drugs.

1. Tell your doctor that you cannot afford what is prescribed. Ask for alternatives.
2. Ask your doctor if a generic drug works just as well.
3. If the doctor cannot think of any alternative, ask the pharmacist for a less-expensive drug.
4. Use mail order for long-term medicines. This may not be manageable with prescriptions that you need to fill immediately.
5. Seek out prescription assistance programs.
6. Take caution when accepting free samples. Often times, samples are the most expensive drugs.
7. Avoid asking your doctor for drugs you see on television since medicine on television is commonly very expensive.
8. Discuss the topic of cutting drugs in half with your doctor.
9. Shop around at different pharmacies and search for better prices if you do not have insurance.
10. Respectfully ask your doctor for a review of the drugs that you are taking. You may be taking drugs that you no longer need to take.

According to Access Project, a non-profit healthcare advocacy group, two-thirds of people who fall into medical debt have insurance. Why, then, are the insured at risk of plummeting into medical debt overnight? Medical debt often springs quickly on people in communities across the country who regrettably commit the following mistakes:

1.      You ignore your bills. Do not assume that doctors and hospitals will look the other way even if you no longer can afford to pay your bills.

2.      You do not look for errors within your bill. Do not presume that hospitals and insurance companies are perfect and never make mistakes. Request an itemized bill every time you are required to pay for any medical-related expenses.

3.      You do not negotiate the price down. Doctors and hospitals will, at times, negotiate alternative prices with you; remember that the amount on the bill is not always the final amount that you will be required to pay.

4.      You are too embarrassed to ask for financial assistance. Numerous organizations are willing to help with your medical finances, but you must seek them out. Also, browse the internet to find programs which help patients afford treatments for specific illnesses.

5.      You do not work out a payment plan. Similar to their willingness to negotiate prices, some doctors and hospitals will occasionally work out interest-free monthly payment plans. Be honest with your doctor and hospital about your financial situation, and ask them if they will accept a payment plan.

CNN.com

What are the odds that you just happen to live minutes away from one of the relatively few Iowa lawyers who practice primarily in serious car accident cases? The sad truth is that most people are willing to drive several hours for a good deal on a new car but they do not look beyond their hometown for a lawyer. Don’t get us wrong – if you were injured in Iowa, you will likely need a lawyer with a license to practice in Iowa. But what many people don’t realize is that a car accident attorney who is licensed to practice law in Iowa can file a lawsuit in an Iowa county.

You should not focus on picking the nearest attorney – you should focus on picking the best and most qualified one for your case. That kind of choice can and should involve a statewide search.

To find out more tips for finding and hiring an experienced car accident attorney, go to Iowa Car Accident Facts to download a free 35-page guide.

           An unexpected car accident can lead to a frantic situation. Numerous thoughts may sprint through your mind. Was it my fault? Should I report this to the police? Does my insurance company need to know? To assist car accident victims, we created a guide for those who are involved in a car accident. The following points are key steps you should take after an accident:

• First, seek medical attention. It is better to seek medical treatment even if you are unsure whether you were injured or not. Often times, injuries from car accidents go unnoticed for hours or even days.
• Call your insurance company even if you are not near your home. Ask your insurance agent which forms or documents you need to fill out. If you do not report your accident to your insurance company after a certain amount of time, you may lose protection from your insurance company.
• Write down everything you remember from the scene including a drawing of the scene, the time of day, weather conditions, road conditions, what you saw, and what you heard.
• Arrange for photos to be taken. Take photos even if the investigating officer and insurance company already took photos. Take photos of the accident, your vehicle, your injuries, and your medical treatment.
• Get permission before having your vehicle repaired. Your insurance company may not cover your bills if you fail to clear the maintenance with them. Also, if anyone was seriously injured or killed in the accident, talk to an attorney before you have your vehicle repaired.
• Avoid contact with the other driver’s insurance company. Ask the insurance company to send you everything in writing. If you have questions about documents that you are being asked to sign, talk to an attorney.
• Consult an attorney before you pay a traffic fine or ticket. Paying a fine or ticket may be used against you as an admission of guilt.
• If you suffer car-accident related injuries, settle your claim or file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the car accident. Iowa law requires lawsuits to be filed within a short period of time after the accident. If you need assistance filing documents, contact an attorney to assist you with the process.

To learn more about safe and smart ways of protecting yourself after a car crash, call 1-800-IOWA-JUSTICE (toll free) to receive a free copy of “8 Simple Steps to Protecting Yourself After a Car Accident in Iowa.”