Eugene Bruno & Associates
Your Health Insurance Wants to be Paid Back!
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident and you receive medical treatment paid for by your health insurance, in most cases, your health insurance plan will require you to reimburse the cost of your treatment out of your settlement. Likewise, if you receive medical treatment paid for by Medi-Care, Medi-Cal, and Tri-Care. Even if you don’t have health insurance, if you are treated in a hospital emergency room after an accident, the hospital’s bill must be paid out of your settlement.
Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents, yet frequently disputed by the big insurance companies. Whiplash is actually a constellation of symptoms collectively referred to as whiplash syndrome caused by the sudden acceleration of a rear end collision. Whiplash injuries are real and there is substantial scientific and medical evidence documenting them. So why do the big insurance companies continue to fight these claims? The simple answer is money.
The Fine Print ALWAYS Matters
Read before you sign. Everyone knows that, right? But have you ever read your auto insurance policy? I bet not. In all my years of representing accident victims, I have never met a single client who had read his or her auto insurance policy. Your auto insurance policy is a contract and, like any other contract, you should know what’s in it and what isn’t. Reading and understanding the definitions and coverages of your auto insurance policy can be a daunting task, but knowing what is and what is not covered could make the difference between being fully compensated for your injury and not.
Got a Small Case? A Small Trial May be the Answer
California now offers a new type of 1 day trial for smaller cases. California’s Expedited Trials Act is modeled on programs that have been used with great success in South Carolina and elsewhere. Expedited trials, which last no more than 1 day, are expected to lower the cost of bringing cases to trial and open the courtroom doors for more accident victims to get the justice they deserve.
Saying You’re Sorry
Clients who have been injured in an accident often express great frustration that the driver who caused their injury seems not to care about their pain and suffering. I explain that the other driver has a lawyer who has advised him not to apologize because his apology can be used against him as an admission that the accident was his fault. Unfortunately, it has become standard practice for defense lawyers to instruct their clients not to apologize — even in cases where it might make sense to do so.
Has Colossus Cheated You?
I’ll bet few of you have heard of “Colossus.” It’s one of the insurance industry’s best kept secrets, despite that it is used every day to cheat accident victims out of millions in compensation.
Shopping Around for Car Insurance?
California wants to help consumers shop around for the best rates on their personal auto insurance policy. That is why California law requires insurance companies to maintain either a toll-free telephone number or Web address where consumers can obtain a free rate quote or be referred to an insurance agent/broker. The following is a list of California-admitted insurance companies compiled by the California Dept. of Insurance.
S.R. 67: A Dangerous Roadway
Driving in California is unlike driving anywhere else. According to the United States Census Bureau, there are around 30 million licensed California drivers … more than any other state. We’ve also got more interstate freeways than any other state. But of the more than 2 million miles of roadway in California, 2 lane roadways are driven more than freeways in the Golden State … and they’re more dangerous too. According to The Road Information Program (TRIP), 77% of all fatal crashes occur on 2 lane roadways, such as State Route 67.
Have You Been Injured by Someone Driving Under the Influence (DUI)?
“It’s Just Past 3 am on a Saturday Nite…”, last week’s cover story in the San Diego Reader, reports: “In San Diego it seems if you don’t have a DUI, chances are your neighbor does. According to insurance.com, America’s Finest City topped the list for having the largest percentage of drivers with alcohol related driving convictions in mid-2010.” The story takes a hard look at the consequences of driving under the influence, even for a first offense, including loss or restriction of your license, and bail, fines, penalties, and attorney’s fees which can add up to $10,000 or more.
Parental Responsibility for Accidents Caused by Minors
Generally, parents are not responsible for torts committed by their minor child. This rule dates back to a California Supreme Court case from 1885. However, the legislature has carved out several exceptions to this general rule, including limited parental responsibility for motor vehicle accidents caused by minors.
“I would highly recommend Eugene Bruno & Associates! They helped me out with a case of mine and everything worked out perfectly. I worked with Amir, one of the lawyers and he was amazing. Definitely would work with him again. Thank you!”
- Mona Hakim, Google Review- “This people deserve more than 5 stars. I would highly recommend them to anyone.”
- Faisal A., Google Review - “You will not be disappointed hiring these guys. Eugene Bruno & Associates are the best car accident lawyers in San Diego and I recommend them 100%!!”
- Adam C., Google Review - “Take the time to speak with Mr. Bruno, he will definitely help you and guide you and make you feel like family! Best decision I have made, I went with the best. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!!!”
- Lakeisha E., Google Review
“I would highly recommend Eugene Bruno & Associates! They helped me out with a case of mine and everything worked out perfectly. I worked with Amir, one of the lawyers and he was amazing. Definitely would work with him again. Thank you!”