Tag: vehicle

How To Find A Reliable Car Accident Lawyer

 

As cars have become more affordable, the number of cars on the road have increased. This is a logical outcome. However, this doesn’t mean the increase in traffic is without consequences. As traffic increases, so do road accidents. 

 

If you’re a regular driver, then the chances are that you probably see the aftermath of an accident every day. It’s important to realize that you can get into a car accident even if you do everything right. This is because you can only control yourself, not the actions of other people. If you find yourself in an accident caused by another person’s carelessness, you need to be prepared. One of the first things you should do is consult with a lawyer. 

 

A good lawyer can make all the difference in the world when it comes to getting financial compensation caused by injuries sustained in an accident. In fact, it may as well be the most important determinant of the result of your case. Your lawyer’s competence is inextricably tied to your chances of winning. Here are some tips on finding a reliable car accident lawyer. 

 

Make a list of things you need

Not all cases and scenarios are the same. Accordingly, the perfect lawyer for your case will vary based on the type of accident and uniqueness of your claim. To find the perfect man for the job, talk to several people and keep the following points in mind. 

 

First of all, ask him about his experience in terms of years. Then, follow it up by asking him about his experience with cases similar to yours. It may give you insight into how similar cases proceed, and if you can accordingly expect similar results from your attorney. 

 

According to Queens car accident attorney James Galleshaw, it’s important to interview multiple attorneys so that you get an idea of different lawyer philosophies and capabilities.

How far is your attorney willing to go?

The vast majority of cases are settled outside the courtroom due to negotiations between your lawyer and the at-fault’s insurance company. However, what if your case does need to go to trial? This is why it is important to ask your attorney about the types of deals he or she has been able to procure for their previous clients and if they will be willing to go to trial if the situation calls for it. A good lawyer will always be prepared for every situation, while explaining to you your options and the best path to take.

Use your network of friends and family

Since car accidents are common, there’s a high chance that one of your friends or family members have been in an accident before. Talk to them about their experience as they can be a source of great advice and resources. 

With friends and family, you can be assured that the advice you’re getting does not have any selfish reasons or conflicts of interest behind it. They can share their experience and might even be able to recommend a lawyer that successfully helped them.

Ask other lawyers from different fields of work

Have you ever worked with a lawyer before your car accident? If so, then be sure to call them and explain your situation to them. They may have some advice based on their overall knowledge of the law and their understanding of the workings of the judicial system. Furthermore, they may have an attorney who specializes in injury cases. In such cases, they can even give you the contact of a great lawyer who can tend to your matters. Competent attorneys always have a network of other attorneys from different fields, and you can use your existing connections to take advantage of their curated network. 

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Taking Care of Your Car in College: What You Need to Know

 

Whether your ride is your pride or merely a way to get from point A to point B, you need to take care of it. The cost of unexpected repairs can put a severe dent in your budget — and college probably already takes enough of your cold, hard cash.

 

However, most universities don’t offer a course called Basic Automotive Maintenance 101. Here are five things you need to know about taking care of your car in college.

 

Keep It Clean and Shiny

If you are a financially struggling college student, you probably aren’t rolling around in a Mercedes or an Aston Martin. However, that doesn’t mean that you want to let your vehicle get filthy or accumulate rust.

 

If you purchase an older vehicle with existing rust, you can prevent future oxidative damage by taking measures to remove it. Surface rust only affects the topmost panel layer, but penetrating rust could require you to replace an entire portion of your car’s body to fix. Sand away small patches and cover with rust-prevention paint before applying the final coat of wax.

 

While it won’t hurt your car’s resale value if you have empty pop cans littering the back seat, it does embarrass you when you pick up that cutie from Calculus 101 for your first date. Show off your cleanliness and eco-consciousness by investing in a sorting bin that separates trash and recycling while keeping your interior tidy.

 

Get Your Oil Changed

Once upon a time, a foolish college student neglected routine oil changes and ended up with a $2,000 engine repair bill. Older cars often have leaks, and filthy motor oil contains contaminants that can shorten your engine life.

 

Older vehicles often need changes as frequently as every 3,000 miles, although today’s models can often go 7,500 to 10,000. If your car remains under warranty, you should follow the manufacturer’s service schedule to avoid voiding it. However, if it is out of warranty, you will need to calculate the intervals.

 

Should you DIY or take it to the shop? It’s a matter of cost and convenience, but you’re better off taking your car in if it remains under warranty.

 

Learn to Identify Signs of Trouble

Professional service can help you fix small problems before they advance to the severe stage, but you need to recognize the signs of trouble. One apparent sign that something is amiss occurs when your check engine light appears. However, there are over 200 different service codes that this alert could potentially indicate —  take your ride to a mechanic to be sure.

 

Other signs of trouble include sluggish acceleration, signifying clogged fuel injectors or smoky exhaust, which indicates a dirty air filter or worn engine parts. You might also hear thumps and noises or feel unusual vibrations. If you smell fuel oil, take your car to the shop without delay, as this sign can mean that you have a leak that could spark an explosion.

 

Maintain Your Inspection Schedule 

Unless you live in one of the seven states that don’t mandate annual vehicle inspections, you need to keep up with this responsibility. Consider it a valuable opportunity to ensure your car is safe for travel.

 

Your inspection is like your annual checkup at the doctor. Your mechanic can identify and correct minor issues before they explode into expensive messes. The small labor fee you pay is a pittance compared to the peace of mind you get that your axle isn’t ready to snap during transit.

 

Supply Your Ride With the Basics

You should always carry basic first aid and safety supplies in your vehicle even when you don’t have a long road trip — like heading home at semester’s end — planned. Please include the following:

 

● A first aid kit: Yours should contain bandages in various sizes, including those large enough to use as slings or tourniquets. Ask your doctor about getting a 3-day travel supply of any prescriptions that aren’t perishable to keep inside, and stock things like hand sanitizer and masks. Yes, vaccines have arrived, but it’s always a wise idea to keep germs at bay.
● A car safety kit: You should have jumper cables, a spare tire and a jack and flares at a minimum. Road triangles and hand tools add extra security,  as does a little DIY knowledge — learn how to change a tire.
● Food and water: If you breakdown, you need to stay hydrated. Food isn’t as essential, but it makes a more comfortable wait for Triple-A.
● Blankets: Breaking down on a cold day is miserable and potentially dangerous if you don’t have enough gas to run the heater or you can’t start the engine for safety reasons.
● Spare batteries and chargers: How will you call for help if your phone loses juice? A backup solar charger also helps if you have to turn off your engine.

Take Care of Your Car While in College With These Tips

Your vehicle is probably your most valuable asset at this life stage. Take care of your car while in college with the above tips.

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About The Author

Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded. He writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors, and more. Follow @TModded on Twitter for more articles from the Modded team.
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