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Why Hiring a Local Attorney is so Important

2/28/2020

 
When you need to find an attorney, doing a search on the internet seems like the best way to find just the person you need.  However, doing a search can give you names of attorneys who aren’t the right fit for you.

For example, if you purchased a vehicle that isn’t what the seller promised and that person refuses to let you return the car or help with repairs, you may need an attorney that understands the “Lemon Law.”  When you search the internet, you may get a long list of names of national attorneys, but they may not know the local laws and customs in your legal community.   

When you call, the attorney may say they can help you with your case but still may not share whether he/she has successfully handled cases like yours, whether he/she is licensed to file a lawsuit should he/she not be able to settle your case, whether he/she will try your case if necessary, or whether he/she has ever tried a case like yours.  By hiring a local attorney, you can check into their experience easier and ask friends and family what attorney they recommend. 


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Here are several reasons to choose a local attorney:

1. Convenience--This reason may be obvious, but many people seem to think that an attorney from a large firm in a big city is always the best option.  Some big firms have satellite offices, but if the attorney’s main office is an hour’s drive from the satellite, they may not be willing to meet you as often as you want.

Without a local office, you may be reluctant to set up meetings with your attorney as often as you want because of the time factor.  Having to travel to see your attorney just adds stress to an already stressful time in your life.  It is also very handy to be able to get from your attorney’s office to court in a short amount of time.


2. Knowing the Attorney’s Reputation--If you just choose the first attorney that you find during your internet search, the only thing you may know about that person is what you read on their web site.  By choosing someone local, you are able to ask around about the attorney and the type of cases they usually handle.  When you hire an attorney, you want to be sure that they have experience in the type of case you have – family law, personal injury, fraud, etc.

A local attorney is also more likely to want to maintain a positive reputation in their area.  You will be able to ask which attorneys are held in high regard with other members of the court system.  They will also be more likely to come prepared because of wanting to uphold their positive reputation.  An attorney that isn’t local and may never appear in that court again won’t be as concerned about being prepared and making a good impression with the court.


3. Someone Local will Know how the Court Operates--It may seem that every court operates exactly the same way, but that isn’t necessarily true.  While laws may be similar, every state, even every county, has laws that are specific to that area.  Every judge has their own way of running their courtroom and may have their own opinions of what type of arguments are the most persuasive.

Someone who isn’t local won’t know all of this about your local court system.  They may inadvertently make a mistake that could cost you your case.  When your attorney understands how the local system works, they also know to present your case in the best light.

Some rules that change from system to system include whether to stand when talking to the judge and who has to be at a hearing.  A local attorney will know what is expected in your court system and will be able to avoid making simple mistakes.  A visiting attorney will never be able to know or remember all of the rules of every court, so a local attorney is always the better choice.

​When you start your search for a local attorney, ask friends and family for their recommendations.  Even if they have never needed an attorney, they may know someone who has used one.  Call local attorneys and schedule a time to meet.  The best way to choose an attorney is to discuss your needs and see which one seems to really listen to you and has the most expertise regarding your type of case.
 

What are the Risks to Having Only Liability Car Insurance?

2/13/2020

 
Because having only liability coverage on a car insurance plan can lower the cost of your premiums dramatically, many people consider purchasing only that.  However, if you have a loan on your vehicle, liability only is usually not an option.  Your lender may require proof of insurance to protect their asset. (The Bank wants to make sure it can get its money back if the vehicle is wrecked.)
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Having only liability on your vehicle does have some risks.  Liability only means your insurance will only cover the costs for the other cars in the event you cause an accident.  You will have to pay to repair or replace your vehicle on your own.  The policy may also limit what the insurance company will pay the other driver and that means you may have to pay out of pocket to fix the other driver’s vehicle and any damage caused in the accident.

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 Liability insurance does cover personal injury for injured parties up to the limits of your policy.  Each policy is different so you will need to read your policy closely.  Again, you are on your own for any medical bills you incur as the result of the accident you caused.

Another thing to consider if you only have liability on your car is that you won’t have comprehensive damage repair.  Comprehensive damage includes weather damage, such as hail or flood, or a rock hitting your windshield.  If you have only liability and hit a deer, you will be responsible for fixing your car.  When deciding whether to go with liability only, you need to consider the cost of repairing your vehicle out of pocket.
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When it’s time to purchase or update your car insurance, liability only may seem like a great deal since it is so much cheaper.  If your car is only worth a small amount of money, or if you have a large savings, liability may be the way to go.  However, if you can’t afford to replace your car or pay for repairs, it may be worth it to pay the extra each month and keep more insurance coverage on your vehicle.

How Technical Service Bulletins Differ From Recalls

2/6/2020

 
What is a Recall?

When a car manufacturer discovers a safety problem on their vehicle, they start an investigation into the issue.  If the problem is serious, they may even stop production of any models that could be affected.  Once a solution to the issue is developed, the manufacturer issues a recall for any models that have been affected by the faulty part or programming.
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The manufacturer will send out notices to all owners of vehicles with a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) that could be affected.  Recalls are mandatory and must be completed by a registered dealer of that make and model of car.  Recalls are free to owners.

What is a Technical Service Bulletin?

Manufacturers track warranty claims.  When a common problem surfaces, the manufacturer will usually investigate the problem.  Once  the manufacturer discovers a solution, the repair procedure  is posted as a technical service bulletin.

These service bulletins are a good place for mechanics to start the diagnostic process when someone brings a vehicle to them with a problem. 

​Technical service bulletins are issued for non-safety issues.  They are voluntary and are not free to car owners.  However, the problem may be covered under your car’s warranty, or the manufacturer may open a special warranty period for the problem.  In these cases, your repairs will be free of charge.

How to Find Recalls or Technical Service Bulletins

You can take your vehicle to a local dealer’s service center where they will look up your car’s vehicle identification number and determine if your vehicle has any outstanding recalls, but this may require a service appointment and may cost you.

You can also find recalls and some technical service bulletins online.  Many car forum sites offer this information from people who share what they have learned.  You can also check the manufacturer’s website or the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.

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