Auto accidents are not something you "plan" on getting into. That's why they are called an accident! Knowing what to do after the accident happens will lessen the stress and the possible problems that may come up long after you leave the accident scene which could make the situation even worse.
While any accident is a hassle to some degree, you can ensure that is less stressful by being prepared. Here are four easy things you can do make your auto insurance claims less stressful after an accident occurs:
1. CALL: Call the police and report the accident no matter how minor and no matter whose fault it was.
2. GATHER INFORMATION: Get as much information from the other driver(s) as possible, including their name, address, phone numbers, description of the car, and their insurance company.
3. REPORT: Call your insurance company or agent as soon as possible. A delay in reporting the claim could get in the way of your company's efforts to defend you.
4. KEEP RECORDS: Maintain a file with any expenses you incur, including medical and hospital costs, lost wages, etc. Keep copies of any paperwork that result from the accident.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Texting While Driving
It only takes a second to change your life forever. Distractions such as texting while operating a vehicle are accounting for more fatal crashes throughout the U.S. this year than in the past. Teens and adult drivers alike are put at risk every time someone is behind the wheel fiddling with small buttons in order to send out a
message to a friend or to a co-worker.
I recently read that researchers have some really frightening findings regarding this risky behavior. Drivers who were tested driving while texting on a cell phone or playing with an MP3 player steered their virtual vehicles erratically, weaving in and out of lanes and even running over virtual people... making them a hazard to themselves and all of us driving on the road with them!
It is best to minimize your risks: just forget about texting while driving!
message to a friend or to a co-worker.
I recently read that researchers have some really frightening findings regarding this risky behavior. Drivers who were tested driving while texting on a cell phone or playing with an MP3 player steered their virtual vehicles erratically, weaving in and out of lanes and even running over virtual people... making them a hazard to themselves and all of us driving on the road with them!
It is best to minimize your risks: just forget about texting while driving!
Ohio Law Requires Use of Boosters for School-Aged Children.
For parents who will be transporting children to school on a daily basis, back-to-school is also the perfect time to make sure that your children are properly using car seats, boosters and seat belts. To make sure that your precious cargo is safe, a new Ohio Law will go into effect beginning October 7, 2009 that changes the booster requirements for school-aged children.
The new law states that all children under the age of 8 and under 4’9” are required to use a booster and seatbelt. Children 8 and over or 4’9” and over, may use a normal auto seat like adults. Children, regardless of age, who are under 40 pounds should still ride in an appropriate car seat as before.
It is also recommended that children under 13 remain in the back seat of the car, where they will be afforded the most protection in case of an accident. As always, seat belts should be secured for every passenger and should never be shared, un-buckled, or loosened up at any point during even the shortest trips.
The new law states that all children under the age of 8 and under 4’9” are required to use a booster and seatbelt. Children 8 and over or 4’9” and over, may use a normal auto seat like adults. Children, regardless of age, who are under 40 pounds should still ride in an appropriate car seat as before.
It is also recommended that children under 13 remain in the back seat of the car, where they will be afforded the most protection in case of an accident. As always, seat belts should be secured for every passenger and should never be shared, un-buckled, or loosened up at any point during even the shortest trips.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Ohio All Purpose Vehicle Law
License and Insurance Requirements for APVS
There is a new law that you need to be aware of if you own an APV (All Purpose Vehicle). This includes all-terrain vehicles, all-season vehicles, mini-bikes and trail-bikes. APV's now require registration with the Ohio BMV, which means that they need to display a license plate, even if you only intend on operating them on your own property. (There are exceptions for golf carts, utility vehicles used to transport materials and an APV used as a farm implement).
The license registration fee has also been increased from $5 to $31.25 for three years. The new law also imposes fines if you fail to comply and contains stiffer penalties for criminal trespassing that involves an APV. For more information, you will want to go to the website http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4519.
APV's also require adequate insurance coverage, which is NOT automatically included in your homeowner's policy. While you may think of them as a "toy," the reality is that they can cause accidents and are now legally considered vehicles. Make sure you contact our office to properly cover your APV's and snowmobiles. Call 330-334-1561 or 800-334-1561, and we will confirm if you need additional coverage for your APV.
There is a new law that you need to be aware of if you own an APV (All Purpose Vehicle). This includes all-terrain vehicles, all-season vehicles, mini-bikes and trail-bikes. APV's now require registration with the Ohio BMV, which means that they need to display a license plate, even if you only intend on operating them on your own property. (There are exceptions for golf carts, utility vehicles used to transport materials and an APV used as a farm implement).
The license registration fee has also been increased from $5 to $31.25 for three years. The new law also imposes fines if you fail to comply and contains stiffer penalties for criminal trespassing that involves an APV. For more information, you will want to go to the website http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4519.
APV's also require adequate insurance coverage, which is NOT automatically included in your homeowner's policy. While you may think of them as a "toy," the reality is that they can cause accidents and are now legally considered vehicles. Make sure you contact our office to properly cover your APV's and snowmobiles. Call 330-334-1561 or 800-334-1561, and we will confirm if you need additional coverage for your APV.
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