CAR ACCIDENTS
TEXTING WHILE DRIVING INCREASES RISK OF CRASH
Posted by: Micah Adkins
August 11, 2009
Alabama Auto Fatality Statistics
Posted by: Micah Adkins
June 01, 2009
In 2000, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), 995 traffic fatalities were reported in Alabama. Click here for 2000 Report. In 2006, the number of fatalities increased 1,208. Click here for 2006 Report. Of the 1,208 traffic fatalities in 2006, 1,117 of those fatalities involved "large trucks." See Table. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines a "large truck" as a commercial vehicle weighing over 10,000 lbs.
The above statistics demonstrate how dangerous the roads can be in Alabama, especially when commercial trucks are involved in wrecks with cars or other vehicles. Attorneys for trucking companies vigorously defend personal injury claims and often begin preparing their clients' defense within minutes of the accident. Victims of commercial truck accidents need aggressive and professional representation. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a commercial truck or other vehicle, contact attorney Micah Adkins for a free consultation.
Can I Recover Under Multiple Under/Uninsured Policies?
Posted by: Micah Adkins
March 20, 2009
An insured may recover under multiple uninsured/underinsured policies where the loss exceeds the limits of one policy. Safeco Ins. Co. of America v. Jones, 243 So.2d 736 (Ala. 1970). Thus, an insured may "stack" multiple uninsured/underinsured policies, but the amount of recovery may not exceed the insured's actual loss. Id., at 738. In other words, if you have two policies that provide you with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for $25,000.00 each, then you may add (stack) the polices together for a total uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of $50,000.00.
A named insured may stack as many as three coverages (i.e., three vehicles covered under one policy) within one policy and there is no limit as to the number of policies the insured may stack. State Farm Mut. Auto Ins. Co. v. Fox, 541 So.2d 921 (Ala. 1989). The passenger in a vehicle that has been involved in a car wreck may stack up to three coverages on the named insured's policy covering the vehicle. Allstate Ins. Co. v. Alfa Mut. Ins. Co., 565 So.2d 1070 (Ala.1990). The passenger may also stack any coverages he has on his own vehicle.
The insured's ability to stack uninsured/underinsured polices is very important because multiple policies can provide a larger recovery for the injured driver/passenger. If you have been in a car wreck and are not sure what insurance benefits you are entitled to under Alabama law, then contact attorney Micah Adkins at Massey, Stotser & Nichols, P.C. for a free consultation.
WHAT IS MEDICAL PAYMENT COVERAGE?
Posted by: Micah Adkins
March 04, 2009
Medical payment coverage (a/k/a med pay) generally covers costs associated with medical expenses after a motor vehicle accident wreck (covered loss). Med pay will help pay for medical treatment for accident related injuries regardless of who is at fault. Examples of expenses covered by med pay may include: doctor visits, hospital visits or stays, x-rays, surgery, ambulance fees and other similar expenses. Also, med pay may also cover funeral expenses.
How do I know who is covered by medical payment coverage? This is a simple question that can only be answered by reviewing the medical payment coverage provision of YOUR policy. In Alabama, med pay coverage is not required by law. Ala. Code Sections 32-7-1, et seq. Review your policy language to determine whether occupants are entitled to med pay reimbursement after a covered loss.
What are people talking about when they refer to "stacking" insurance policies? The term "stacking" describes the insured's ability to add the policy coverage of multiple policies for application to the covered loss. Thus, the insured "stacks" the medical payment coverage of the insured policies to determine the total amount of med pay coverage available for the vehicle wreck. Whether an insured can stack the med pay coverage from multiple polices is determined by the rules of construction of insurance policies. See United Services Auto Assoc. v. Smith, 329 So.2d 562 (1976). If the insured's policy does not specifically exclude stacking, then insurance company can be required to pay the maximum med pay coverage on each policy up to the limits of the insured's medical expenses. Ala. Farm Bur. Mut. Cas. Ins. Co., v. Pressley, 384 So.2d 122 (Ala. 1980).
If you have been injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident you may be entitled to medical payment coverage. For a confidential case evaluation, contact attorney Micah Adkins.
TRUCK DRIVER TESTED POSITIVE FOR METH AFTER ACCIDENT & JURY AWARDS $23.5 MILLION
Posted by: Micah Adkins
December 02, 2008
Swift Transportation company was ordered to pay a truck accident victim $23.5 million, according to Ron Sylvester at the Wichita Eagle. Terry Frederick, the injured truck passenger, suffered major spinal cord injuries when the Yellow Freight truck he was riding in was rear ended by an eighteen wheeler driven by an employee of Swift.
The driver of the Yellow Freight truck died as a result of his injuries. The driver of the Swift truck tested positive for methamphetamine.
For a free case evaluation, contact attorney Micah Adkins.
AIG PAYS $18 MILLION TO PERSONAL INJURY VICTIM
Posted by: Micah Adkins
October 28, 2008
The Charlotte Observer is reporting an $18 million settlement between a personal injury victim and AIG. The victim, Mark Pellegrin, was run over when he stepped in front of a truck driven by Kelly Joe McKiernan and attempted to prevent McKiernan from driving after drinking beer and Jagermeister. The incident took place on New Year's Eve 2005 and involved a company truck. Pellegrin suffered severe brain injury and was left with limited speech and movement.
Intersection Accidents
Posted by: Micah Adkins
August 25, 2008
Intersection accidents can be one of the most dangerous car or motorcycle wrecks. Victims in cars or on motorcycles often incur devastating injuries, including paralysis and sometimes death. The accident can be a result of inattention (answering a call on a cell phone, typing a text message, etc) or a drunk driver's impairment. In a matter of seconds, your family and quality of life can change forever.
Whatever the cause, victims need an experienced attorney to protect their legal rights and recover for their loss. Our firm is dedicated to protecting victims' rights and we never charge for a car or motorcycle wreck consultation. Contact us for a free consultation.
Insurance Companies Change the Rules to Increase Profits
Posted by: Micah Adkins
August 15, 2008
Insurance companies are constantly working to increase profits for its shareholders. Insurance companies could simply raise their rates (your premium); however, if your insurer increases your premium, you will probably change companies.
As a result, the insurance companies have adopted deny, delay and defend tactics. These tactics result in lower pay out for your claim and the end result is increased profits for the insurance company. If the insurance company pays less for claims, then they will have higher profits.
I recently saw a humerous video that demonstrates how the insurance company changes the rules of the game.
If your auto, home or personal injury claim has been denied, call an attorney at our firm for a free consultation.
Special Report: TOP 10 Worst Insurance Companies Named
Posted by: Micah Adkins
July 15, 2008
The American Association for Justice released its "Top 10" List for the worst insurance companies in the US. According to the report, "the rankings show a distinct pattern of insurance industry greed amongst 10 companies that refuse to pay just claims, employ hardball tactics against policyholders, reward executives with extravagant salaries, and raise premiums while hoarding excessive profits."
So you ask, who was number 1? Let me give you a hint - your in good hands! After six months of research, which inlcuded reviewing information from court records, the FBI, SEC, state insurance board investigations and complaints, national news stories and the accounts of former insurance agents and adjusters, Allstate was ranked as the nations worst insurer.
There was some hefty competition for the remaining slots. Of note, Unum, AIG, State Farm and Conseco rounded out the remainder of the top 5. Did you know the CEO's of these companies were paid over $46,600,000.00 in 2007? Wow! The same companies had over $17,000,000,000.00 in profits for 2007! That's 17 BILLION! Bottom line - insurance companies make money by not paying claims!
For the full report click on the pdf below.
Contact one of our attorneys today to help you resolve your insurance claim.
Attachments:
TenWorstInsuranceCompanies.pdf
