Personal Injury Attorney

Anyone who owns and operates a car or a motorcycle is required to carry insurance to cover property damage and personal injury in the event of an accident. The liability insurance a car or motorcycle owner secures must cover minimum property damage as well as personal injury. The minimum limits on the insurance are set by each state. Each state determines the following:

•     A minimum amount for injury or death to one person ($10,000 to $50,000 depending on the state)

•     A minimum amount for injury or death to more than one person ($20,000 to $100,000 depending on the state)

•     A minimum amount for damage to property ($5,000 to $65,000 depending on the state)

Anyone purchasing insurance may purchase additional coverage beyond these minimum amounts, and that is often the smart thing to do because these minimums would not be likely to cover the medical bills or property damages in a major car accident that results in catastrophic injuries.

Drivers should also consider purchasing uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance. This insurance would cover instances in which the driver is involved in a car accident with a negligent driver or motorcycle rider who carries no insurance or is only covered up to the minimum limits. This insurance fills in the gap and covers the insured’s medical bills and other expenses that exceed the low minimum amounts. Uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance may cover additional people, such as those living in the insured’s household, or a passenger in the insured’s car at the time of the accident. However, uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance generally does not apply if the insured was at fault in the accident.

Sometimes drivers who own motorcycles in addition to vehicles are surprised to learn that their auto insurance policies do not cover their motorcycles, and they have to seek separate coverage. In this case, if the person causes an accident while riding the motorcycle, the other injured party may have to file suit against the negligent rider, or seek an uninsured motorist claim against his own insurance company, if he has that coverage.  

Another issue to keep in mind is that dirt bikes are considered off-highway vehicles; they are not street legal and are not required to carry insurance. This means that if you are injured in an accident with a dirt bike that is being operated on a main highway, you may have to resort to your own insurance coverage or seek compensation directly from the negligent rider.

Contact a Lawyer for Legal Assistance

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident and the insurance companies are offering a low settlement amount, you need an experienced auto accident lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ advocating for you. For a free consultation, contact dedicated motorcycle accident injury attorneys today.

Thanks to the Yearin Law Office for their insight into personal injury claims and insurance for motorcyclists.

Personal Injury Attorney

If you and your spouse are going through a divorce, the idea of talking to him or her may seem daunting. You’re still very angry at your spouse and don’t want to speak to him or her. However, if you have children or are planning to divorce through mediation, you may have to communicate with your spouse from time to time.

Here are some tips for improving communication during your divorce.

Concentrate on the Present

If you have a lot of resentment towards your spouse, it might be tempting to bring up the past during your conversations. However, this will only cause accidents and not get you anywhere. Try to avoid talking about the past and focus on issues that are important right now, such as how to divide up marital assets or custody arrangements.

Don’t Communicate When You’re Upset

When you’re angry or upset at your spouse about something, you may want to scream and tell him or her off. However, this will only escalate the situation and might make you look bad to the judge. That’s why you should give yourself some time to calm down before you speak to your spouse.

Communicate in Public Spaces

If you have to have a conversation in person with your spouse, consider doing it in a coffee shop or other public place. If you talk to your spouse in your home, it will be easier to get into a heated argument. When you’re around other people, you may be less likely to scream and yell.

Limit How Many Text Messages You Send

Text messages should be reserved for only simple discussions. For example, if you’re just leaving to meet your spouse, it’s fine to text him or her and say you’re on your way. However, you shouldn’t send texts for issues that require a long discussion, as messages can easily get mixed up. You might be trying to say one thing when your spouse thinks you mean something entirely different. It’s better to call to discuss serious matters.

Don’t Communicate Through Third Parties

If you and your spouse are on bad terms, it may be tempting to communicate through a family member or friend. However, you shouldn’t put them on this spot like this. It can make your loved ones feel uncomfortable increase the risk of your messages not being delivered accurately.

If you’re planning to get a divorce, you should consult with an experienced family lawyer in Rockville, MD soon.

Thanks to Daniel J. Wright for their insight into family law and communicating with your spouse during divorce.