Business

Case Barnett Law Offers Essential Advice to Keep You Safe — Before and After an Accident

Published

2 years ago

March 17, 2022

When you are involved in an automobile accident, it can be difficult to know what to do – or where to turn for help. At Orange County-based Case Barnett Law, their legal team is committed to helping clients understand their rights and responsibilities, before and after an accident occurs.

Whether you have recently experienced a collision or want to ensure you are always protected, there are several essential strategies to keep yourself – and your finances – safe.

Before an Accident

Although no one expects to be in a car accident, everyone should be prepared. As Director of Operations Nicole Barnett explains, one of the best ways to protect yourself is with proper insurance coverage.

In California, motorists are legally required to carry a “15/30” insurance policy, which pays up to $15,000 of bodily liability damages per person and a maximum total payout of $30,000. Unfortunately, most auto accidents dramatically exceed those insurance payouts.

“If you have any type of accident, even a small accident, $15,000 is not going to be enough,” Barnett explains. “The damages are going to be so much higher than that.”

Unfortunately, with a 15/30 policy, insurance companies will pay the maximum of $15,000 per individual and then you are on your own. For someone involved in a major accident, especially an accident leading to physical injuries, this can be financially ruinous.

But with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), you remain protected even if the other driver is not fully insured.

“Their insurance company will pay 15,000, and then you would go to your insurance company, and they will hopefully provide the remaining amount,” Barnett says. “It is really cheap to add to your existing insurance policy, under $20 to add, and a lot of people don’t know about it.”

In addition to being covered for material damages, it is critical to carry the right amount of medical coverage. They recommend “Med Pay” or Medical Payments Coverage, which will protect you in the event of injuries or hospitalization.

“It is something important that people have in their insurance,” Case Barnett explains. “It is typically up to $5,000 regardless of who is at fault.”

Staying protected as a motorist is an important preventative measure, Barnett says. But what happens after an accident?

After an Accident

Being involved in an automobile accident can be disorienting, but it is essential to remember a few key steps, Barnett says.

The first step is to contact the police and talk with any witnesses. This will protect you especially if you are not at fault in the accident. Case Barnett recalls many situations in which information from a bystander helped determine liability.

“Unfortunately, people can be unscrupulous,” Barnett says. “We had a case where a driver ran a red light and lied about it. Luckily, there was someone else sitting in traffic who had a dashcam, and you could see the other driver run the red light.”

Calling the police further protects you because it provides you with an official report of what took place. When it comes time to file an insurance claim or sue for damages, formal evidence is everything.

In the event you have suffered injuries, you should seek medical treatment right away, Barnett says. This will not only help you recover physically but also will provide additional evidence for your insurance claim.

“You should go to urgent care first, and then start treatment with a chiropractor or physical therapist as soon as possible after that,” Barrnett says. “You want to have continuity of treatment – any gaps in treatment, the insurance company will say you weren’t hurt that badly or your injuries were from something else.”

Seeking Legal Help

Although many accidents can be resolved simply through your insurance company, there may be times when legal assistance is needed. Legal representation will give you the assurance and protection you need – and more than that, it will allow your voice to be heard.

“We look for three things, damages, liability, and collectability,” Barnett says. “With damages, we ask how bad is the person hurt, and what is the damage to the vehicle? Insurance companies will equate the amount of damage to the vehicle to the amount of force on the occupants of the vehicle. Liability is who is at fault. Collectability is the insurance issue – which is why having a police report and witnesses is so important.”

Case and Nicole Barnett understand how stressful and difficult it can be to recover from an automobile accident. You may have physical injuries, expensive repair costs for your car, and you may need to miss work. All of these factors can hurt you physically, emotionally, and financially.

But you don’t have to go through it alone.

They have prepared a free guide to protecting your wealth in an accident, available on the Case Barnett Law website. And if you still have questions, they are only a phone call away.

“If you have those three things in place, damages, liability, and collectability, you should absolutely call an attorney,” Nicole Barnett explains. “And even if one of those areas is weak, you can still call.”

Case Barnett Law is based in Laguna Beach, CA, and helps individuals and families who have suffered catastrophic accidents. For more information and to download their free legal report, visit www.casebarnettlaw.com.

Business

Choosing a Reliable Roofing Contractor: 10 Questions to Ask

Published

3 days ago

September 25, 2023

Matthew Wiles

The durability and safeguarding of your home are heavily reliant on the state of your roof. Whether you’re confronted with repairs, a full replacement, or the installation of a new roof, the selection of the perfect roofing contractor holds paramount significance. Determining whether you’re selecting the best option among the abundance of choices available can be difficult. In order to help you with this crucial decision-making process, we have painstakingly put together a list of 10 crucial inquiries to ask potential roofing contractors.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Verify the contractor’s eligibility to operate in your locality by scrutinizing their credentials, and be sure to demand evidence of insurance. The significance of this step lies in its role as a protective shield, guarding you against potential liability should any accidents or property damage transpire during the course of the project.

2. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Experience matters in the roofing industry. Contractors with a long history of successful projects are often more reliable and capable of handling various roofing issues.

3. Can You Provide References?

In the process of choosing a contractor, it is imperative to request references from their previous clients. A trustworthy contractor will not only furnish you with a roster of contented customers but will also supply their contact details, affording you the opportunity to reach out directly and delve into their firsthand experiences. This direct feedback will provide invaluable insights into the contractor’s performance, professionalism, and dependability, empowering you to make a well-informed decision.

4. What is Your Specialty?

Roofing contractors may specialize in specific types of roofing materials or projects. Make sure they have experience with the type of work you need, whether it’s asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or commercial roofing.

5. Do You Offer Written Estimates?

To foster clarity and preempt potential misunderstandings, it is strongly advised to refrain from solely relying on verbal estimates. Instead, it is prudent to seek a thorough, written estimate that encompasses all critical facets of the project. This written estimate should include a complete analysis of the necessary materials, an estimate of labor expenses, and a clearly defined schedule outlining the project’s key checkpoints and the anticipated completion date. By employing this tactic, you can provide the groundwork for good communication and guarantee that all stakeholders are aware of the needs and parameters of the project.

6. What Warranty Do You Offer?

Inquire about the warranties they offer for both materials and workmanship when choosing a contractor. An honest and reliable contractor will always stand behind their work and provide thorough warranties that shield you from any potential flaws or problems that might develop later. These guarantees not only give you peace of mind, but they also show how dedicated the contractor is to producing top-notch outcomes and assuring your pleasure throughout the entire process. So, don’t hesitate to ask about the warranties and make an informed decision that gives you added confidence in your choice of contractor.

7. Do You Have Proper Permits and Documentation?

Ensuring that the contractor you hire will manage all the necessary permits and paperwork on your behalf is of utmost importance. This proactive approach not only conserves your valuable time and effort but also serves as a protective barrier against potential legal complications or entanglements that could surface down the road. By entrusting these responsibilities to a dependable contractor, you can enjoy peace of mind and dedicate your focus to other aspects of your project or business with unwavering confidence.

8. What Safety Measures Do You Have in Place?

Ensuring safety should always be a paramount concern when undertaking any roofing project. It is crucial to inquire about the contractor’s safety practices, which encompass not only the equipment they utilize but also the extent of their training. By doing so, you can help guarantee the well-being and security of all individuals involved in the project, fostering an environment that prioritizes safety above all else.

9. How Will You Handle Unexpected Issues?

When embarking on roofing projects, it’s essential to acknowledge that they can occasionally unveil unforeseen issues that were not initially apparent. Engaging in a candid conversation with your contractor regarding their contingency plans for addressing these unexpected challenges is of paramount importance. Furthermore, it is prudent to inquire about the potential extra expenses that might arise due to these unanticipated circumstances. Establishing a transparent understanding of how the contractor intends to manage such situations contributes to a more streamlined and prosperous roofing project.

10. What Is Your Timeline for Completion?

To maintain a seamless workflow, it’s essential to gain a thorough grasp of the project’s schedule. Delays can be a source of significant frustration, which underscores the importance of having a precise understanding of what lies ahead. This knowledge empowers you to plan and allocate resources with precision. Being well-informed about the project’s timeline enables you to anticipate and address any possible challenges or obstacles that may emerge, ultimately contributing to a more successful and efficient execution.

*Bonus Tip: Check Online Reviews and Ratings

Prior to reaching a final decision, it’s advisable to conduct an online review and rating check for the roofing contractor. Platforms such as Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau can furnish valuable insights regarding their reputation and levels of customer satisfaction.

Selecting the appropriate roofing contractor is a momentous decision that holds the potential to influence the long-term structural soundness and overall value of your home. By posing these 10 critical questions and undertaking comprehensive research, you’ll be fully equipped to choose a dependable roofing contractor capable of delivering top-notch workmanship and providing you with peace of mind throughout your roofing project.