Renting a car

Can I add the collision damage waiver to your rental?  






Talk about a hard sale.  Every time I have rented a car this question gets asked and my response is ALWAYS no.  (Okay not always no because when I'm in Mexico I will purchase "their insurance" but that is a whole different story).  

When I say no I get the "but if you are involved in a car accident and you don't purchase the CDW you will be 100% responsible for the damages.  Okay, answer is still no. 

 "Are you sure?  I would hate to see you be responsible for the entire amount of damages when, for just an additional $30.00 per day (estimate) you could be covered completely."  
Seriously?
Answer still NO!!

Here is why:  My insurance policy has comprehensive and collision coverage which follows me when I rent a car (as long as I stay within the coverage territory...usually the United States which is why I buy the insurance in Mexico).  My insurance comprehensive and collision will act the same with my rental car as it would in my personal car.  

Now, I don't "trust" insurance companies....they are a necessary evil in my book.  I know if I do rent a car and, knock on wood it doesn't happen, get into a car accident.....the insurance company is going to deny, delay and defend (the 3 D's as it is commonly referred to).  

What is my backup plan?  I put the rental car on a credit card that offers protection and coverage if I put the entire rental car transaction on that card.  Many credit cards offer this so check with your card to see if you are protected.  

Now you KNOW, so just say NO.  

Knowledge is Power!

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Buying a new/used car after a car accident

You receive information back from the Insurance Company....your car is totaled.  What do you do now?  




We are are familiar with the Kelly Blue Book, right?  It is a nice tool to determine what your car is (was) worth before the accident.  Well, we are all familiar with it except the insurance companies.  They have their own formula's to determine what your car is worth and, more often than not, it's not the amount needed to replace your car.

What their offer is: usually less than what you need to replace your car.  

To fight this keep a record of your vehicle's maintenance and repairs to prove you took care of your car.  Periodic pictures for your diary is a good measure also.  Do your research!  If you have an Attorney,  and how many times have I stressed you should have an Attorney, they will fight to get you your vehicles value.  Here are some things you should remember:

• Every car is different no matter the miles.  Everyone takes care of their car differently.
• Find local quotes of your own to show them what a comparable vehicle will ACTUALLY cost you.
• Make sure the insurance company INCLUDES the tax of the vehicle.  After all, you shouldn't have to pay money out of your pocket for this.

BEFORE you purchase another vehicle do your research.  Fortunately, the internet is a wonderful tool for this.  Start low and work your way up.  Don't go out and purchase the "big dog" until you know that is what you want.  If you need a place to begin take a look here: Cars for under $1000.00 .  This website will show you the make, model and year of some cars, today, that you can purchase for under $1000.00.  It will also show you how the value of some has changed over the years.

When you have done your "finger" research ask around for a referral to a dealership.  When buying a new/used car it is always better to deal with a salesperson that KNOWS the person who sent you.  (More accountability).  If you are in Southern Colorado I can highly recommend Southwest Motors.  You go in there and tell them Rhonda sent you, no matter what sales person you speak with they will take care of you.  (but if you are on Sante Fe ask for Mark and on Hwy 50 ask for Cliff.)  

Going car shopping can be exciting and intimidating.  Don't fall for the high pressure sales.  Don't fall for the push, pull or drag gimmicks either.  (I LOVE this commercial).

Knowledge is Power!

Please like Colorado Car Wreck | Your Auto Injury Clinic on Facebook or visit their website.

Car Accident Back Pain Myths

Myths are usually enjoyable..you get some smile out of them.  Urban legends are even better.  UNLESS the Myths are about your car accident and your back injury.  I truly believe the myths were started by the insurance companies to deny your claim.

Information provided by:  Car Accident Facts:

Myth #1:   Your car has little or no damage how could you have hurt your back?  Some of the smallest car accidents have caused the biggest injuries.  I thing Insurance Companies have decided if your car isn't "hurt" than how can you be?  

Bumpers on most of our cars these days were designed to tolerate some impacts without damage. What the studies have been finding, is that although your car does not look damaged, the force of the other car hitting yours is now moving into your body, the bumper tolerates it, but the force still has to go somewhere, and you are where it goes.So, do not allow damage to your car or LACK of damage in any way inform whether you are injured. If you need treatment for back pain after a car accident, your pain is real and you should get the help you need.

Myth #2:  I had my seat belt on (didn't get thrown from the car) how could you have injured your back?

Well, it does actually, the seat belt is designed to prevent you from being thrown against the steering wheel which used to cause tragic injuries and it prevents you from being thrown out of the car.However, when you are in your seatbelt, and you are in an accident, you are often thrown against the belt. The seat belt sort of acts like a brick wall, when the accident occurs you are thrown against it, it tightens, and your body keeps moving around it, causing shoulder injuries, bruising and damage where the seat belt tightened against your body, and whiplash symptoms as your neck was not restrained.

Myth #3:  You weren't hurt right after the car accident, it's now three weeks later and you are claiming a back injury.

Your pain and your injury are just as real as the person who went to the hospital in an ambulance after a car accident. Injuries in your muscles and ligaments and tendons for unknown reasons can take a long time to show up.

Myth #4:  You are just "sore" take a pill (Advil, Ibuprofen, etc.) and it will go away.

Unlike other injuries you may have experienced, most small accidents can take up to 3 months with steady treatment before your pain starts to change. Ibuprofen can make the day a little more tolerable, but it's not actually a medicine, and can not help your muscles heal and repair their injuries.

Listen to your body, not the insurance companies, or friends, or family or whoever is trying to tell you that you aren't hurt because of any of the above.  Go to a trusted Doctor to find out exactly what is wrong.  Back injuries can cause many problems that you may not recognize as being a back injury (tingling or numbness of the legs, trouble breathing, etc).  LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!  A back injury, no matter what the reason that caused it, can change your life forever.  It will change it more drastically if the injury isn't discovered and/or treated soon enough.  

Not all back injuries are the same.  Not all "identical" injuries will be received the same...what may cause one person "little" pain may cause another extreme pain.  Only you know your body and only you and your Doctor can treat your back injury.  Be honest, be patient and work your treatment.

Have you had a back injury you would like to tell me about?  What did you do for treatment?

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Neck Injuries: Herniated Disc

You are in a car accident.  Everything seems okay, no serious injuries.  You exchange information and file a police report.  You obtain temporary transportation and schedule for you car to get fixed.  


You wake up the next morning and you are stiff and sore.  Okay, you were in a car accident, it's to be expected.  Two weeks later....you can barely move.  What the heck?

You go to the Doctor and x-rays are taken.  You are now experiencing "tingling" or "numbness" in your fingers or hands.  

This is my story:

Pictured borrowed and owned by:  Laser Spine Institute

I thought I was fine until the pain happened two weeks later.  I couldn't adjust to the tingling in my fingers one day and the numbness the next.  After MONTHS of treatment I was sent for a MRI only to discover that I had an extruded herniated disc at C5/C6 and C6/C7.  It was explained to me in very technical terms which of course went over my head.  What I did learn and what I finally understood was this:  The "gel" that cushions the discs in my neck was extruding out and pushing on the nerves which caused my neck and arm pain plus the tingling or numbness sensation.  I went through months of pain and discomfort for something that could have been discovered much earlier had I know what I should have done.
I should have:

• Gone to the Doctor immediately after my car accident
• When the x-rays showed "nothing" wrong I should have insisted on a MRI

Pictured borrowed and owned by:  Laser Spine Institute 

Here's the thing:  As with all professions there are some out there that give the good Doctors a bad name.  I will not say that my Chiropractor was "bad" but I will say that it took too long for me to be referred out to get a MRI therefore took too long to be treated correctly.  I was treated and I did "feel" better; was able to stand up (the pain caused me to hunch over) and I was able to function, somewhat, normally...BUT my problem was not corrected or treated correctly until months later.  

My options were continue (correct) treatment, injections or surgery.  I opted for injections....met with the surgeon and was explained:  90% will find relief, 5% the injection will not help and 5% chance that it "may" make the situation worse.  Good odds, right?  Well, I fell into the 5% and since my injection have experienced a dull headache each and every minute of each and every day with days having excruciating headaches.

The point:  Find a Doctor who's first and only goal is to make you better, not file insurance claims.  Find a Doctor  who wants to KNOW what they are dealing with from the beginning of treatment.  And lastly, ASK QUESTIONS!!  Any good Doctor wants YOU to know what is going on.   Be a participant in your treatment not an observer.  

Knowing is Power....Trust is dangerous if put into the wrong hands.  You need to trust your Doctor but only if they deserve your trust and involve you in your treatment.  

What is your story?

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Traumatic Brain Injury

What is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?  Some know it as a concussion....but what is it?

According to the Mayo Clinic there are two different types of TBI:  Mild and Moderate to severe:

Mild: 
The signs and symptoms of mild traumatic brain injury (concussion) may include:

• Loss of consciousness for a few seconds to a few minutes
• No loss of consciousness, but a state of being dazed, confused or disoriented
• Memory or concentration problems
• Headache
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sensory problems, such as blurred vision, ringing in the ears or a bad taste in the mouth
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Mood changes or mood swings
• Feeling depressed or anxious
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Sleeping more than usual

Moderate to severe:

Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury can include any of the signs and symptoms of mild injury, as well as the following symptoms that may appear within the first hours to days after a head injury:

• Loss of consciousness from a few minutes to hours
• Profound confusion
• Agitation, combativeness or other unusual behavior
• Slurred speech
• Inability to awaken from sleep
• Weakness or numbness in the extremities
• Loss of coordination
• Loss of bladder control or bowel control
• Persistent headache or headache that worsens
• Repeated vomiting or nausea
• Convulsions or seizures
• Dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes
• Clear fluids draining from the nose or ears

Children's symptoms:
Infants and young children with brain injuries may lack the communication skills to report headaches, sensory problems, confusion and similar symptoms. In a child with traumatic brain injury, you may observe:

• Change in nursing or eating habits
• Persistent crying
• Unusual or easy irritability
• Change in ability to pay attention
• Inability to be consoled
• Change in sleep habits
• Sad or depressed mood
• Loss of interest in favorite toys or activities

Traumatic brain injury is caused by a blow or other traumatic injury to the head. The degree of damage can depend on several factors including the nature of the event and the force of impact. Injury may include one or more of the following factors:

• Damage to brain cells may be limited to the area directly below the point of impact on the skull.
• A severe blow or jolt can cause multiple points of damage because the brain may bounce back and forth in the skull.
• A severe rotational or spinning jolt can cause the tearing of cellular structures.
• A blast, as from an explosive device, can cause widespread damage.
• An object penetrating the skull can cause severe, irreparable damage to brain cells, blood vessels and protective tissues around the brain.
• Bleeding in or around the brain, swelling, and blood clots can disrupt the oxygen supply to the brain and cause more widespread damage.

(above information is taken directly from the Mayo Clinic website)

With any head injury it is important to see a doctor immediately as symptoms of TBI may not appear for hours after the blow or injury to the head.  With some head injuries it will appear that you are "okay" only to find yourself in the Emergency Room hours later.  

Watch this video to understand, from a survivors view, what happens when you suffer from a TBI.

Have you, or someone you know, suffered from a Traumatic Brain Injury?  Tell me your story

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You were just in a car accident: What do you do?

In previous blogs I have talked about what to do after a car accident: medical attention, hire an attorney, get care for your children, etc.  Today we are going to talk about immediately after the car wreck:

1. First and foremost:  DO NOT ADMIT BLAME!!  Saying you are sorry, saying I didn't see the stop sign, saying you were running late:  to the insurance companies these types of comments can be construed as admittance of blame.  Without sounding rude:  SHUT UP!  
2. Emergency kit:  Please have one in your vehicle BEFORE the accident.  It should contain:  emergency cones (big ones are better but who has the room...so purchase the small ones if you don't), emergency triangles, emergency flares, flashlight (remember to check the batteries), a list of ALL medications you are currently taking, a list of all allergies you have, a notebook and pen to take notes, a list of all your emergency contacts including phone numbers to them, police and fire department (in your area) and if you don't have a cell phone that takes pictures have a camera available (disposable one's work great).  If you have any medical conditions; heart problems, asthma, back or neck injuries, high/low blood pressure, etc. put them on the list.  For example:  I have extremely low blood pressure and extremely low pulse and all medical personnel need to know this at my pulse is normally 30 beats per minute and if it is 70 there is a problem but  70 beats per minute does not constitute a problem in most people.  If my blood pressure is 120/80 (normal) that is a problem for me as my normal blood pressure is 80/50.  
3. Safety FIRST:  Move away from all traffic, if you can mover your vehicle out of the way of traffic do so.  If you cannot use your emergency kit to warn oncoming traffic you are there.  Don't forget your hazard lights!!  It is human nature to try and save someone who is in need, DO NOT DO THIS IF IT RISKS YOUR LIFE!!
4. Exchange Information:  Grab your notebook from your emergency kit:  Here's the information you will need to receive and provide the other driver: Name, address, phone number, driver's license number, insurance company and policy number (note: if the name of the insured is different than the driver you need the relationship of the driver and the insured's name, address and phone number).  
5. Notes needed:  Description of the accident, other vehicle; make, model, year, color, etc., damages done to either vehicle, license plate number, and location of accident.  If there were witnesses to the accident you will want their information; name, address, phone number, etc.  THESE ARE YOUR NOTES!!  Do not show them to anyone; police, other driver, etc.  These notes will be helpful when you speak to an attorney.
6. Be polite but as I mentioned earlier:  DON'T SAY ANYTHING!!  This needed to be repeated.
7. Take pictures:  Take pictures of the accident and the damage.  It is important to take pictures of the entire car(s) so additional damage cannot be claimed later.  Example:  If you were rear ended you need pictures of their front end and your rear end, obviously, but walk around all vehicles involved and snap pictures.  I also suggest making notes as you take pictures; 1st picture: my vehicle, rear passenger side where other vehicle hit me.  2nd picture: John Smith's vehicle, front drivers side where he hit me.  It may seem like a lot to do....but you will be glad you did and so will your attorney.....besides what else are you going to do while waiting for the police.
8. File an accident report:  Be aware of how your area responds to accidents as some will not send police officers to the scene of an accident unless there were injuries.  If this is the case contact your local police or sheriff department to file one afterwards as a police report will often speed up the insurance claim.
9. Know what your insurance policy:  It's good to know this BEFORE a car accident!  What does it cover, what is the deductible, etc.  Some people would prefer to pay out of pocket than report to their insurance so know what you and the other party(s) are going to do.  (If it is decided that the damages will be paid for out of pocket you will be glad of all the notes, pictures and police report should they try to get out of it.  Keep in mind should you choose the pay out of pocket option you may have injuries that appear days, even weeks, after the accident that will need to be addressed.  If this happens you will be glad you have your notes, pictures and police reports as the responsible party may then choose to turn a claim into the insurance company or your attorney may recommend it.  I recommend you always report it to your insurance company so they know what is going on.  If the amount of damages is below a certain amount it won't be "chargeable" to your policy so you don't need to worry about an increase in premiums.  Another reason you want to notify your insurance company is you never know if the other driver(s) will "change their mind" and report it to their insurance company.  This also avoids your insurance company paying that person for injuries that may or not be sustained or pulling you into a lawsuit.
10. Contact an attorney:  No matter what, it is a good idea to know what your legal rights are and what could happen given the circumstances.  Most Personal Injury Attorneys do not charge a consultation fee so make an appointment, get the facts and KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!!!

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What to do after a car accident

Let's face it....car accidents should be one of the top "'stressors" you can have in your life.  Not only are YOU injured but so is every aspect of your life.

1. You have to get medical attention.
2. You have to hire an Attorney
3. You have to make arrangements for your children. You have to make arrangements for you job.
4. You have to get your vehicle fixed.You have to find temporary transportation.

The list goes on and on and on...

Let's not forget the endless appointments, the endless calls and the endless PAIN that comes after a car accident.

I can personally tell you that a car accident will CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!  What needs to be done   a healthy person has a hard time completing.  

Today it is about Medical Attention:  You need to know what your insurance covers, how it covers it, when it covers it......

Now you have to find someone who specializes in YOUR injuries but you have to know what your injuries are first.  Funny how that works, huh.

No matter what your friends, family, co-workers tell you, refer you to...do your homework first.....go to a Doctor that uses the latest technology!!  

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What to do after a car accident

You have a trusted Doctor.  You have a trusted Attorney.  Now what?

Life must go on.....as best as possible.  If you were seriously hurt what do you do? 


If you have children you have to set up transportation to and from school, to and from school events and, in some cases, care for your children if you are unable to do this.  Gather your friends and family and enlist their help.  Set up a schedule so they can rotate any needs you may require.  Remember, everyone wants to help in the beginning but they have lives themselves so it's important to rotate them so it doesn't burden them.  I learned the hard way in the beginning I had too many and after a month later everyone went on about their own lives.  If you can get each person to do one thing than it isn't a "burden" on them and they will be willing to help you longer.  I know you are saying, not my friends and/or family and in some cases this is true but just be prepared and don't overburden just a few.

If you are physically able to drive.....but your car was also injured in the car accident you need transportation.  Check with your Attorney or your insurance policy to see if a rental car is covered until your car is fixed.  If you have a second vehicle you can drive than if a rental car is part of the deal the insurance company can pay you the daily amount directly.  Be careful on the car you get....if your vehicle was "hurt" also and it's a stick shift make sure with your injuries you can still drive a stick shift.  This was yet another lesson I learned the hard way.  My second vehicle was a stick shift and with my injuries it did not work safely for me.

Now pay attention to this:  Listen and talk to your Doctor.  Listen and talk to your Attorney.  Do not, I repeat DO NOT put your life on Facebook, twitter or any other social media.  A simple:  "Went to the park with the kids" can be turned to the insurance company's advantage.  

After a car accident you have to take care of you more than you have ever taken care of yourself before.  Don't "reschedule" your Doctor appointments because you "feel okay" that day.  Don't miss your appointment with your Attorney because "something" came up.  Don't NOT DO your physical therapy and DO listen to your Doctor and Attorney EVERY step of the way.

Anybody have any other suggestions of what not to do or what to do?  Personal experiences they would like to share?

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What to do after a car accident: Hire an Attorney

You are out of the "emergency" stage of your car accident.  You will, most likely, need to continue your medical treatment but who is going to fight for your rights?  



Doctors will fight for your health and wellness but they can't fight the large Insurance Companies to make sure your medical needs and/or pain and suffering will be taken care of.

In comes:  I know, you have heard forever that Attorneys are sharks......BUT the Insurance Companies have them....so why not you?  You need an Attorney who will take care of this while you are healing from your injuries.  Stress will cause your body to not heal correctly or as quickly.  Hire an Attorney and put the stress on their desk.

Promises, Promises, Promises:  
This is why YOU need an Attorney:  Insurance Company denies claim

When you have a trusted Doctor taking care of your health and wellness and you have a trusted Attorney taking care of your financial well being.....you can't lose.





For all you health and wellness needs in Southern Colorado:
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