After being in an accident, we know the last thing you want to do is report it to the insurance company fearing they will raise your rates. You may be thinking how much of a financial stress is ahead of you in the near future, but thanks to Colorado statute C.R.S. §10-4-628, your insurance rates CANNOT increase if you are not at fault.
C.R.S. 10-4-628 states:
(1) No insurer shall cancel; fail to renew; refuse to write; reclassify an insured under; reduce coverage under, unless the reduction is part of a general reduction in coverage filed with the commissioner; or increase the premium for, unless the increase is part of a general increase in premiums filed with the commissioner, any complying policy because the applicant, insured, permissive user, or any resident of the household of the applicant or insured has:
(a) Had an accident or accidents that are not the fault of such named applicant, insured, household member, or permissive user.
Suppose you were in an accident that was not your fault which then left you with over $100,000 in medical bills, and the party that hit you had bodily injury limits of only $25,000. We know that $25,000 is not enough to pay off your medical bills, nor is it enough to try and compensate you for your trauma, lost wages, bills, etc. That is where your UIM coverage will kick in. Underinsured motorist protection is triggered if the other party does not have sufficient coverage for your losses. Then your insurance will step in and provide the additional coverage.
What if the party that hit you does not have insurance coverage? How will you pay for your medical bills? That is where UM coverage steps in. Uninsured motorist protection offers coverage if the at fault driver does not have the required insurance coverage. This way you are still protected.
In Colorado, by law it is required to have UIM/UM coverage on your auto insurance policy with minimum limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident. However, if one chooses to opt out of this, they may do so by rejecting the coverage in writing. This is something we strongly DO NOT recommend, as it is better to be safe than sorry and pay more to have the extra layer of protection you need just in case. Having the extra coverage can seem silly as we always think these things can never happen to us, but you will be thankful for having it if you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation where UIM/UM is necessary.
It’s crucial to understand that when dealing with an online dispute process due to injury from a product, your consumer rights and safety may not be adequately represented. If the injury was caused by defects in the product, you may have grounds for a product liability claim, and it’s important to seek the advice of a Product Liability Attorney. Engaging in negotiations solely within the online platform may lead to quick but insufficient settlement offers.
Consumer protection laws and regulations are in place to ensure fair treatment and safety in the marketplace. These laws are enforced by government agencies, which are responsible for holding businesses accountable for any violations, including issues related to product labeling, advertising, and pricing. However, the rise of online selling platforms from different countries has made it easier for businesses to evade oversight, resulting in an increase in faulty products.
Consumer Rights and Safety
When a person is injured or harmed by a product due to defects, they may have grounds for a product liability claim. Emphasizing consumer rights and safety is essential to protecting individuals from harm and ensuring fair treatment in the marketplace. Consumers expect their products to be safe and free from defects that could cause injury or damage, which is why product liability cases are extremely important.
If you have been injured by a faulty product, it is recommended to avoid solely relying on the company’s online dispute process and instead seek the advice of an experienced Product Liability Attorney, such as Henry Queener.
In honor of National Tire Safety Week, take a moment to ensure your tires are good to go! Summer travel in extreme temperatures can affect tire safety and wear. Taking care of tires is important for several reasons. First, well-maintained tires are essential for safe driving, as they provide traction and control. Proper tire care also improves fuel efficiency and ensures a smoother ride. Lastly, regular tire maintenance can extend the lifespan of your tires, saving you money in the long run.
When traveling on the road during the summer, it’s essential to ensure safe travels by taking care of various aspects, including tire safety. Here are some tips to have safe travels on the road in the summer:
1. Check Tire Safety: Before hitting the road, make sure to check your tires. Extreme temperatures during summer can affect tire safety and wear. Check tire pressure, tread wear, and overall condition regularly.
2. Proper Maintenance: Properly maintain your tires by checking tire pressure monthly, checking your alignment, rotating your tires, and inspecting your tire tread. This will help ensure your tires are in good condition for safe travels.
3. Stay Informed: Stay informed about tire safety tips and best practices. For valuable information, visit websites like NHTSA.gov/TireWise.
4. Be Prepared: Pack an emergency roadside kit with essential items such as a spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and a tire pressure gauge.
By following these tips and staying proactive about tire safety, you can contribute to safe travel during the summer.
Texting bans for teen drivers have been shown to reduce distracted driving and potentially save lives. Research indicates that implementing such bans can lead to a decrease in car accident fatalities among teenage drivers. According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, states with texting laws in place experienced a 2.3 percent drop in overall car accident fatalities for drivers of all ages. Moreover, the bans were most effective when officers were permitted to enforce the law proactively, leading to a 3 percent reduction in traffic fatalities. This data suggests that texting bans can promote road safety and safeguard teen drivers from distracted driving.
Texting Ban Law
Research has shown that texting bans can decrease car accident fatalities among drivers of all ages. Proactive enforcement of these laws is particularly effective in reducing traffic fatalities. With the success of texting bans for teen drivers and the recent Hands-Free Law in Tennessee, it’s clear that addressing distracted driving through legislation is crucial. Full implementation of texting bans nationwide could significantly promote road safety and prevent accidents caused by texting and driving.
The Hands-Free Law, also known as the Hands-Free Act, which aims to reduce distracted driving by prohibiting handheld electronic devices. This law makes it illegal for drivers to hold a phone or other electronic devices to make a call, use any app, or read or write a text while their vehicle is in motion. The law allows for using hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth or voice-command features, to make calls or send messages while driving. Implementing this law is part of ongoing efforts to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted driving in Tennessee.
All states’ texting bans aim to reduce distracted driving by prohibiting drivers from texting while their vehicle is in motion. It makes it illegal for drivers to hold a phone or other electronic devices to make a call, use any app, or read or write a text while driving. The ban allows for using hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth or voice-command features, to make calls or send messages while driving. Proactive enforcement of these laws is particularly effective in reducing traffic fatalities.
The Problem Remains
Even though these bans show that progress is possible, Queener Law understands that no amount of distracted driving is acceptable. Until texting while driving is completely eradicated, accidents such as those seen in McMinn County, Tennessee, will continue to occur. NBC affiliate WRCBtv Chattanooga reports that a 17-year-old boy was allegedly texting as he drove on State Route 39. He drifted into the oncoming lane, occupied by a McMinn County deputy, and failed to notice because he was engrossed with his phone. The two vehicles crashed head-on with enough force to push the deputy’s vehicle back nearly 10 feet. The deputy suffered broken ribs and damage to one of his ankles.
Dangerous accidents will likely continue to occur until drivers learn to focus on driving. Those who have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver should contact Henry Queener for assistance with seeking compensation for their injuries.
Queener Law Files Products Liability Lawsuit Against Amazon
Queener Law has filed a product liability lawsuit against Amazon due to a defective mobility scooter that caused a fire in a man’s home. The man sustained injuries and significant damage to his home. Queener Law intends to hold Amazon and its co-defendants accountable for the defective product. The lawsuit against Amazon was filed on April 25, 2024, in Tennessee Middle District Court. The case is 3:24-cv-00516, Waller v. Amazon.com Services, LLC.
Your Rights As A Consumer
As a consumer, you have several rights that protect you in the marketplace. These rights include the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose, and the right to be heard. These rights protect you from defective products, misleading advertising, and unfair business practices. If your rights as a consumer have been violated by something you have purchased, you may be entitled to legal recourse.
FAQs
What if I receive counterfeit goods from Amazon?
Counterfeit goods violate Amazon’s policies and your rights as a consumer. You may be entitled to a refund or replacement and, in some instances, additional damages.
How long do I have to sue Amazon?
The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit against Amazon can vary based on the nature of your claim and jurisdiction. It’s crucial to act quickly to protect your legal options.
Can I take legal action against Amazon without a lawyer?
While it is possible to sue Amazon without legal representation, navigating the complexities of the law and Amazon’s legal team can be challenging without professional guidance.
What are the potential outcomes of suing Amazon? Depending on the nature and success of your lawsuit, outcomes can range from monetary compensation to product replacements or policy changes within Amazon
About Queener Law
Queener Law has supported accident victims and consumer rights for more than 30 years. With offices in Tennessee and Kentucky, Queener Law has proudly risen to prominence as one of the most successful personal injury and consumer advocacy law firms in the southeast. Queener Law also boasts a national presence in Denver, Colorado, specializing in practices ranging from product liability and personal injury to aviation accidents. Queener Law’s long history of success has resulted in millions recovered for clients and an unbeatable team of inventive, innovative, and experienced attorneys and paralegals. Visit Queener Law to learn more.
To car insurance companies, it makes more business sense to pay out a minimal settlement amount rather than work with you to resolve your claim. Insurance adjusters may try to coax car wreck victims into settling their claims quickly with low-ball offers or quick checks. Having your claim open costs the insurance company time and money. Bottom line: Don’t fall for a quick check from your insurance company. It may cost you later.
Unfortunately, what most car wreck victims don’t understand is this:
When car wreck victims sign a quick check, they have entered a binding contract representing themselves. They have settled both their bodily injury and property damage claim for one lump sum.
Often, car wreck victims will start seeing unresolved issues, like unpaid medical bills. They may begin to receive collection notices for past medical bills for which they are responsible. Their health insurance company may refuse to pay due to injuries sustained in a car wreck. Their medical treatment may be more intensive than initially thought.
When car wreck victims represent themselves, they may find themselves in a trap they didn’t know existed with car insurance companies. Even a minor accident with minor injuries can result in a financial downfall when uninformed decisions are made. Hiring a personal injury lawyer like Henry Queener will ensure that car wreck victims get the best outcome. Let our highly experienced legal team work for you while you focus on recovering.
Contact Queener Law today for a free consultation.
