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At some point when reviewing your auto coverage, you may have come across the term "excluded drivers.” An excluded driver is someone who is not covered under the policy and is therefore not permitted to drive the insured vehicle.  Unfortunately, however, that doesn’t always stop them from getting behind the wheel. And if they happen to cause an accident when they do? It’s much like an uninsured motorist causing a crash.  If you were hit by an excluded driver or your own vehicle … [Read more...]

If you were recently involved in a car accident but your injuries don’t seem too severe, you may be inclined to sign a private settlement letter. As an alternative to filing a formal insurance claim, signing a private settlement allows the at-fault party to pay the victim out-of-pocket for any damages that result. As appealing as bypassing the claims process might sound, though, there are a few major reasons to avoid agreeing to a private arrangement. Read on to learn what they are: 1. You … [Read more...]

The damages that stem from a car accident can add up fast. Fortunately, victims are usually entitled to compensation. Just because you might have grounds for a claim, though, doesn't mean you’re guaranteed a payout.  First, you’re going to have to put together a compelling. Let’s take a look at what this entails, so you can seek the maximum payout possible: 1. Document the Scene One of the most critical steps in building a strong claim is documenting the scene of the crash. This … [Read more...]

While most people would never get behind the wheel after drinking to the point of impairment, few stop to consider the risks before driving while drowsy. Since sleep deprivation affects things like reaction time and judgement the same way alcohol does, however, drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.  Thankfully, when someone is struck by a drowsy driver, the law is usually on their side. As long as they can put together a compelling claim, they may seek … [Read more...]