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Cash For Crash Insurance Scam – And The War Against It

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:35:05 +0000

Even the foot soldiers I mentioned earlier are living in the lap of luxury from the proceeds of their crime. But the police are waging war against the whole organized gang to stamp out this crime from our society.

In the recent television programme highlighting the cash for crash scam they showed gang members receiving jail sentences of up to four years for their crime. All the proceeds of their crime also become seized under current laws in the UK. But it is an ongoing fight because no one knows how many such gangs there are and where they are located.

However, before I go further I need to address a related issue which was mentioned in the programme and which I commented on in my previous article titled “ Are We Looking To The Courts To Pay Our Wages?” It is that ordinary members of the public are also making fraudulent claims under their insurance policies under a ‘payback’ principle where they believe they are entitled to some money back having paid their insurance premiums for years without any incidents.

This is no less of a fraud than the cash for crash scam committed by organized gangs such as those we have been talking about previously. Ironically, a lot of people also claim for the same type whiplash injury when they have been involved in minor accidents involving no personal injury to themselves.

However, if someone happens to crash into their vehicle they proceed to milk the incident for all they can get. This involves making a false claim for personal injury in order to obtain money they would not otherwise be entitled to.

Unlike the foot soldiers in the gangs involved in crash for cash scams an ordinary member of the public who has a real job also have an added advantage over the thug. That advantage over the thug lies in being able to claim for loss of earnings and provide proof. The criminal thug in most cases does not have the potential to claim loss of earning which as a head of claim could dwarf in size the value of the claim for the actual injury.

If a criminally motivated member of the public acting on his own was so inclined he could cease working altogether and claim for past and future loss of earnings. He could also claim for a Smith v. Manchester award being at a disadvantage if he were to return to the labour market. However, before you rush into any such criminal activities be warned that you risk a long jail sentence and any such payments must be refunded by way of seizure of your goods and property if you have spent the money.

Now back to the fight against this cash for crash scam. The insurance companies are now using voice technology to determine whether you are telling the truth when reporting a claim. They refer to these as cognitive interviews to test the truth of your statements. You are warned beforehand that the telephone call is being recorded for quality and training purposes and for the protection of both parties. A flat liner on their machine indicates that you are lying as the graph for people telling the truth should show variations to match their emotions in the conversation.

Also at Thatcham Crash Centre which is a testing centre for simulating car accidents and their effects on dummies and the vehicles in a vehicle accident, progress is being made in the area of study involving whiplash injuries. They are now able to prove any effects on the neck from an accident through simulation involving the head rest fitted to the vehicle. So very shortly insurers will be able to make judgments about whether or not you were injured in the accident as you claim.

The police are also able to obtain a warrant for search and seizure at your property and to carry out arrests. You could be charged for conspiracy to commit a fraud further to such a raid if you involved in illegal activities involving cash for crash scam. The police would check for forensic evidence and make searches of computers, hard drives, memory sticks, mobile phones and paper trails in their investigations. These could reveal any connections with other members in a cash for crash insurance scam leading to that person’s arrest.

There are dedicated task force set up by the police in various areas of the country to stamp out this crime. In addition to these efforts the insurance companies themselves are doing their part via medical evidence and surveillance by private agents referred to previously. They also have an organization which investigates fraud.

Once the authorities are able to identify these accident claim management companies who are fronting for these ‘crash for cash’ franchises this will have a knock on effect in the continuing war against cash for crash insurance claims.

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Tips For Choosing A Family Law Lawyer

Ben Sparks — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:18:15 +0000

There are usually hundreds of lawyers listed in the phone books of large cities. This can seem a bit overwhelming if you are looking for a family law lawyer. With so many to pick from, how do you choose? Here are a few things you may want to do first to be sure and get the one you need.

Find someone you feel comfortable with. Talk to several different lawyers and see what you think. If you are dealing with a sensitive matter then this could make a big difference. You need a family law lawyer you feel like you can talk to and be open with.

Each state has unique laws. This means you may need an attorney from a specific state to help you with your case. If the case will go across state lines this can make a big difference and you lawyer should know exactly what they will be dealing with from the beginning.

You may want to look for an attorney that specializes in the type of work you need done. Family law is a very general term. Lawyers who practice this may often take cases involving divorce, child custody, and any other number of things. If you can find a lawyer that has a lot of experience in the specific field you need then it may help to ease your mind.

Don’t be afraid to ask for a quote on the price. It’s best to know up front how much you will be charged and what factors are involved. Lawyers can be expensive and it could be easy to get in debt quickly. It may be best all around if you discuss payment up front and honestly. Some lawyers may even take you case and let you pay them out.

When it comes to law it is usually best to ask the advice of a professional. Law can be very complex and family law in particular may be more than you can handle on your own. Sometimes we become to close to the subject to see things clearly and emotions take over. Find a family law lawyer that can help you with your legal needs.

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Which Personal Injury Attorney should I hire?

Steve Rodemer — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:27:21 +0000

After being hurt in an accident one of the most intimidating tasks you face is choosing an attorney to represent you. Accident victims are bombarded with television ads, billboards, yellow page ads, and in some instances, even direct mail advertisements. All of these ads have a few things in common. The attorney usually states they will “fight aggressively” for you, or that they’ve gotten their clients huge settlements, and sometimes they even have flashy nicknames or catch phrases. Ignore the ads.

When looking for a personal injury or car accident attorney the best way to ensure you are going to be getting good representation is to ask questions and watch out for red flags. The first red flag is whether or not you get to meet with an lawyer for an initial consultation. Many firms tell you that the case is screened by a “case manager” or a “case specialist”, or sometimes even a paralegal. These firms will sometimes try and get you to sign up over the phone without even letting you talk to an attorney. They will send an “investigator” to bring papers for you to sign and will work hard to get you to sign up as quickly as possible. Ignore these firms. If the attorney will not even give you the courtesy of an initial consultation, imagine how much time the attorney will spend on the case. These firms generally assign huge numbers of cases to each lawyer and consequently, the attorney’s cannot dedicate very much time to each case.

The second red flag is that the attorney tries to have you pay some up front costs or retainer. Unless you elect to pay the attorney hourly, personal injury attorney’s work on contingency, meaning that they are paid their fees out of the settlement or verdict. Sometimes, an attorney will request you give them a certain amount of money to cover the costs of the case. This may be a red flag; in that it may indicate that the attorney doesn’t have enough capital to front the costs of the case, which brings me to my next topic: Ask questions.

It is important to be an advocate for yourself, and in being an advocate, you must ask questions. Ask the lawyer how many cases each attorney handles at any given time. Make sure that you feel comfortable with the lawyer handling that many other cases on top of yours. Also, ask the attorney if they will be personally handling your case, and if they will not, ask to meet the attorney who will be handling the case. Make sure that you are comfortable with that lawyer. Ask how frequently you can expect to hear from the attorney, not the paralegal or case manager, but the lawyer. Find out how much trial experience the attorney handling your case has, and more importantly, the percentage of cases that the firm files a lawsuit on. This is important because, while most cases settle before going to trial, it is imperative that insurance companies know the lawyer is willing and capable of filing a lawsuit if necessary, it is the only way they are willing to offer top dollar on the case. Simply filing a lawsuit doesn’t mean that the case will go to trial. Finally, don’t limit your questions to the lawyer. Ask around. Ask friends or family members who have used an attorney if they would recommend their lawyer. If you know any attorneys ask them, or ask your doctor who they would recommend. The bottom line is that you must trust your lawyer, if at any point you don’t feel as though you are connecting with them move on.

Choosing an attorney is a decision that should not be taken lightly. It is good to visit a few before making your selection. Don’t be pressured into hiring a lawyer until you are confident you are selecting the attorney who will get you the best recovery and treat you respectfully throughout your case.

Steven Rodemer is a Colorado Springs personal injury lawyer at the Law offices of McDowell Laybourne & Rodemer, LLC. His practice includes Colorado car accidents truck accidents, slip & fall cases, medical malpractice & all other personal injury cases.

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A Pittsfield Chiropractor Uses A Natural Approach To Relieve Pain From Auto Accidents

Earnestine Clinger — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:17:41 +0000

Injuries sustained from auto accidents need to be addressed immediately. Getting quick assessment and treatment is the best way to be sure that you will not have injuries long-term. A Pittsfield chiropractor can relieve your pain and help your body heal naturally.

Too often, people do not seek out treatment right after an accident takes place. Unfortunately, pain and other symptoms may not show up until later. If you wait to get treatment, your injuries may take much longer to heal. You also may not seek the compensation you should if you are the victim.

Visiting a doctor of chiropractics soon after is an ideal way to discover if you have any injuries and, if so, what type. These doctors are experienced in dealing with all the areas that are usually affected in these cases such as joints, bones, nerves and soft tissue. A thorough examination will be done so that exactly what trauma has occurred can be determined.

The exam may include a variety of physical tests as well as diagnostics such as x-rays or MRIs, if deemed necessary. Once a proper evaluation is conducted, a treatment plan can be developed and begun. There are a variety of therapies that may be used to ensure that any injuries are resolved.

Any auto accident is traumatic all by itself. There is usually a lot to take care of between insurance claims and your automobile. It is all too easy to ignore your health while you are dealing with all that. But ignoring injuries can result in pain that is long-term and trauma that is not as easy to resolve at a later date.

Do not take your health for granted. Go visit a Pittsfield chiropractor right away if you should be involved in an automobile accident. It is the best way to be sure that your body stays healthy and free of pain.

A Pittsfield chiropractor can help relieve your neck, shoulder and back pain naturally and safely. More info now on http://www.toskchiropractic.com

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How To Search For A Illinois Workers Compensation Attorney

Barb Rasmussen — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:19:20 +0000

You might have gotten hurt while you were at work. Illinois has good workman’s compensation, but sometimes, businesses will try to get out of paying what they should pay. This should not be tolerated. So, what can you do? You can seek Illinois workers compensation attorney and fight them for this.

Fighting is your best option, but when you fight, you need to make darn sure that you have a good attorney. There are many attorneys that they will list in your local telephone book, but you shouldn’t just pick the first one you come across. That is why you should call a few of them and ask some routine questions.

The first thing you need to find out is how long they have practiced workers compensation litigation. Just because they say they can, this might be something that they barely take cases on. You want someone who almost deals with this every day as laws always change.

The first thing is that you need to make sure that they know their way in a courtroom. This means they have been in front of the judge quite a few times. This also means they didn’t just graduate as of yesterday. You need to make sure they have the time in them.

Another thing that you need to ask them is how many cases they have won regarding cases like yours. They can always say sure I practice that, but this can give you an estimate on how successful they have been. If they have not been all that successful then you don’t want them.

The last thing you might consider are your fees. It can get pretty expensive. This is really guaranteed, but you might choose from a selection of lawyers that you have based off of not only experience, but their payment options as well. Just something for you to consider. If money is an issue for you, then you do want to look into this as it might be something that could help you out greatly.

When you have your answers to these, then you know you are in good hands. The thing with workers compensation cases is that they will normally have a top notch attorney depending on the company. So, you need to make sure your attorney can play the same game.

The Epstein Law Firm can be found all over the Internet with the search of the top search engines. You can contact them for many law problems and they can help with Illinois Workers Compensation Attorney.

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Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyer Helps You With Car Accident Problems

Elke Hermann — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:33:47 +0000

If you are involved in an auto accident, you may require the assistance of a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer. There are a whole host of problems that can result from a car accident including, but not limited to, physical injury. You need a lawyer who is a specialist in car accidents to be sure that your rights are properly addressed.

Injury and property damage compensation is of key importance following a car accident. Compensation for injuries is especially critical because sometimes there are effects on your body that do not show up immediately. You may decide not to make a claim only to find that you have back or neck problems when it is too late to do anything about them.

It is easy to make bad judgments at the time of the accident. Adrenaline kicks in and it usually all happens so quickly it can be difficult to assess what happened. Even if you feel at the time it was your fault, you may be wrong. And even if it was your fault, legally that may not be the case.

Suppose you stop short, for example, and the person behind you hits you. You may have been driving unsafely, however, the law may find that the other person could have avoided the accident. Consulting with a lawyer can keep you from mishandling your own interests.

Injury lawyers with experience know where to seek compensation and how much of it to seek. In some cases, claims can be made with more than one insurance company. They will also help you if the other driver was uninsured. Many factors need to be considered when deciding on a claim amount, such as future medical needs and coverage for time lost at work.

Victims as well as defendants can seek out a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer to help prepare your case. Always talk to your lawyer first when you get in a car accident. Give the facts as you know them to the lawyers and let them make sure you get your proper compensation.

Recently been in an car accident? You need the help of a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer. More info now on http://www.YourHarvardAttorney.com

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Huntersville Chiropractor Dr. Akiba Green Helps Relieve Auto Accident Injury Pain To Get You Back To The Life You Love

Katy Parfait — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:56:52 +0000

Don’t let an accident affect the rest ofyou life Huntersville Chiropractor Dr. Akiba Green helps relieve auto accident injury pain. Don’t let a minor automobile accident fool you into thinking you are not hurt. Just because the car you were in may not show major damage doesn’t mean that you don’t have damage inside.

Most of the time if you are not in a serious vehicle accident you will not know that you were hurt until a day or so later. Even so, going to a chiropractor immediately could be the best thing you could do. Too often people wait until they are in serious pain before going to a doctor and this can sometimes cause their injuries to become a long term condition. Don’t let that happen to you.

Even though cars are more reinforced than they used to be, the person inside can still be injured when in an accident. Even a vehicle with minor damage can cause the person inside to have considerable injuries.

In the blink of an eye whiplash can happen to anyone in a car accident. The physical energy placed on someones neck when in a car crash is similar to what a pilot of a jet feels when reaching top speed. This pressure can cause small rips in the soft tissue of your back and neck. If these tears are not taken care of quickly they can lead to permanent suffering.

If you have any swelling or muscle tightness and you feel that it is not so easy to move. You should call a chiropractor. Even if it was a minor car accident Dr. Green can decrease the chances that you will live a life in pain.

Very often you can be seen the same day you call Dr. Green’s office. An evaluation will be done to see if you have any injuries, if you do they will focus on the source of your problem. The office will also take care of any claim forms and be there for you if you need any legal help.

If you are looking for relief from pain call the professionals at Dr. Akiba Greens Huntersville Chiropractic office and let them evaluate you, one call may save you from a lifetime of chronic pain.

In Huntersville Chiropractor Dr. Akiba Green helps relieve auto accident injury pain so that you can get back to the life you love. We’ve got the ultimate inside scoop on http://www.lakenormanspine.com

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Information About Haverhill Chiropractic Doctor Helps Relieve Pain Associated With Car Accidents

Clayton Lafromboise — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:28:15 +0000

Automobile accidents are a major cause of injuries today. If you get in such a situation then there are a few things you can do to help you prevent the condition from deteriorating. If you are able to receive first aid then this can take care of the injury before you get to a hospital. Make sure you get to see a doctor even if your condition seems harmless.

There are accidents that inflict internal injuries which do not show on the surface of the body. This is the reason why you should get to a hospital to have a doctor examine the condition. Once it is confirmed that you are well then you can go home. Make sure you get to hospital to have small or minor injuries treated as well.

Accidents victims should get medical attention as soon as the incident occurs. If there is no hospital around then proper first aid should be administered to prevent the injury from getting worse. Once in hospital, the doctor can treat the condition accordingly.

There are other forms of therapy you can use to ease pain associated with automobile accidents. Ask your doctor to recommend for you useful treatment for such problems. Haverhill chiropractic doctor helps relieve pain associated with car accidents. You can call the clinic to find more about this type of therapy.

Haverhill Chiropractic Doctor Helps Relieve Pain Associated with Car Accidents. This is one of the treatments that take care of patients going through pain associated with broken bones and injured tissue. Discuss with the practitioner about the nature of your injuries. Let them understand your pain as it helps them understand your situation better.

You can look for hospitals that provide this kind of therapy in your home area if you are suffering from pain associated with car accidents. You do not have to bear the condition as there are suitable treatments available today that can make you heal comfortably.

There are many kinds of injuries that can occur that are a result of car accidents. It is recommended that you get medical attention in the form of Haverhill Chiropractic for any kind of chiropractic injury you have suffered. We’ve got the inside scoop on http://www.kenozachiropractic.com

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Why You Want A Law Professional Near Your Family

Tina Sanmaithe — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 11:34:23 +0000

No matter who you are, where you live, what you do, sooner or later you’re going to have to deal with the fine print. All that legal stuff that really confuses most of us, but which some people make their living being an expert on. When that happens, it’s easy to panic, so it’s better to be prepared. Look for a family lawyer or law professional near your family, and protect yourself from liability.

Here are just a few quick tips to help you find just the one you’re looking for…

Consultations First

You want to sit down with the lawyer and test them out before taking them on as “your legal guy”. So whatever you have to use as an in, just go in for a consultation. Maybe someone at work stole one of your ideas, and it’s not a big deal or anything, but you’d like to see what your rights are. Maybe you had a fender bender with the neighbor, you paid for it, but you’re wondering if you should have. Some day you might have to call on them to defend you in court, so make sure that they know what they’re talking about.

Look for Lower Fees

Legal counsel is never exactly cheap, but that doesn’t mean that the fees you’re paying should be astronomical. It might not be a bad idea to look for someone who’s only been around for a few years. Obviously, someone who’s been around a while and can only land clients with dirt cheap prices is… Well, not the best around. However, a young lawyer may be inexpensive, but they have potential.

Get to Know Your Lawyer

Take them out for drinks after you’ve gotten to know them a bit. Having a great lawyer on call is wonderful, having a friend who’s a great lawyer is something else entirely.

If You Can Help It, Don’t Go To Court

You’ve got a great lawyer now, but don’t be reckless. Don’t ever, ever, ever shout “I’ll see you in court!” You want to stay out of court. Settle without the help of a judge whenever possible and only use legal action as a last resort. As they say in war strategy, a battle is only truly won when it is won without any bloodshed. The reason you have a great lawyer is to stay out of court, to protect yourself. In the courtroom, anything can happen. Outside of the courtroom, you can come to an agreement that costs a lot less, in time, money, and of course, in headaches, than anything that can be agreed upon in trial.

Toronto Lawyer informative site featuring articles and information related to Toronto Lawyers and Personal Injury Lawyer Toronto.

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Looking At TBI (traumatic Brain Injury) Cases In Law

Adriana Noton — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 10:46:18 +0000

When you consider those TBI (traumatic brain injury) cases in law you are looking at something that can devastate a person who is involved. These types of injuries can be caused in many ways, through accidents, or even sports injuries. Maybe it was a fall or an assault even that the person went through. The people who survive this type of injury may be ones who will need to go through years of therapy and rehabilitation. It can easily be something that they will go through the rest of their lives.

Quite often though many judges, insurance adjusters and juries will deny a person who has suffered this type of injury any compensation. People who have suffered from this type of injury are often not even taken seriously. Instead they will hear comments that will basically belittle the experience that they have gone through.

Most brain injuries are first diagnosed as mild in many cases. However, recently many findings have shown that they can still lead to long term problems. Injuries that may after an amount of time lead to changes in the person. Even getting worse as time goes by.

It is imperative that a survivor finds the right kind of injury lawyer to assist them in this type of case. You will need to find one that has experience in the area of traumatic brain injury previously. Especially if the original diagnosis was incorrect and considered only mild at the time.

There are many myths that have lead to the cases of many people being given no credit. Receiving no compensation or help for what they have faced, and are yet to face in their lives. So if you are a person who knows someone who has a personal traumatic brain injury, or has suffered one, contact the right lawyer.

A person does not need to be unconscious in order to have suffered from a brain injury. That is the number one myth about these types of injuries. Many people actually suffer an injury and have not lost consciousness at all. One great example is that of Phineas Gage, who suffered an injury from a bar going into his skull. He never once passed out from the injury but suffered many problems from the injury.

While the next myth is that in order to suffer from a TBI the person must be hit on the head. Again this is something that is not true. The brain injury actually happens when there is a quick stop in the acceleration of the brain. It will cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull and be injured.

The third myth is that whiplash or even a concussion will not lead to anything long term. But again that is not something that is true. Many past football players and boxers who have suffered from concussions have suffered from serious long term problems and disabilities.

Another thing that is often said is that a person who complains of problems long term after a head injury are hypochondriacs. Yes you guessed it that is untrue yet again, in fact about fifteen percent of those people will actually have some sort of long term affects from the injuries they suffered. Ranging from intellectual to emotional, and personality problems.

Finally, the last myth is simply that a brain injury that is mild will not lead to anything long term. Again look at all those football players who have suffered from the concussions they suffered so long ago.

Injury lawyers in Toronto that will help your case with integrity. Whether it is a medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, dog bites, work-related injuries, car accidents, personal TBI or a slip and fall injury, Diamond and Diamond can help you.

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