Exceptional European Automakers

When you think of exceptional cars that are built in Europe, does your mind run strictly to cars made by Rolls Royce, BMW, or Mercedes? Perhaps Jaguar and Lamborghini come to mind as well. Each of these makes deserve all the accolades given to them. Still, there are three makes that are, for various reasons, exceptional. Let’s take a look at Volvo, Volkswagen, and Audi, the three makes featured in this article.

For a country of just nine million to produce one automaker would be amazing enough. To lay claim to two automakers is simply phenomenal. Both Volvo and Saab are from this particular country which is Sweden. Now a part of Ford Motor Company, Volvo has greatly influenced the automobile industry over the years. Safety standards that had been universally low elsewhere are much more appreciated with Volvo. Front end crumple zones, reinforced roofs and specially designed interiors have all had their origin with Volvo. Out of these high safety standards have come a line of cars that are, indeed, some of the best built and safest cars on the road. Fortunately, through Volvo’s leadership, many automakers around the world have incorporated Volvo’s high safety standard. This is what makes Volvo exceptional in my eyes. 

The company that brought to the world the first people’s car, the Beetle, is also exceptional. First designed in Germany during the 1930s, the Beetle survived World War II and was one of the most mass produced and loved cars in the world. From the 1950s forward the Beetle managed to make motorized transportation available to people who otherwise could not afford a car. From college students in the US to migrant workers in Mexico and from the gritty cities of Holland to the Irish farmlands, the Beetle made owning a car affordable the majority of the masses. Even after importation to the US ceased during the 1970s, the Beetle was produced for another generation and sold in Mexico. 

Without drawing out the point too far, the term that best describes Audi’s quattro technology is “superior handling.” Perhaps that is an understatement but when Audi introduced quattro all wheel drive the company threw the gauntlet down and told the rest of the auto making world that quattro was the standard by which all luxury sedans would be judged. Audi's quattro technology has given the company such a huge advantage over competitors that over the years it has been banned from certain types of racing. Indeed, Audi’s quattro technology provides continuous traction long past when other road handling schematics have reached their threshold.

So, there you have it. Three truly exceptional automobiles from the European continent, exceptional in ways, perhaps, that should be labeled as extraordinary.

AUTO ACCIDENT INSURANCE CLAIM~ Getting Reimbursed For Your "Pain and Suffering"

You’ve had a motor vehicle accident some time ago when a local character by the name of Fred Fuddle smashed into your rear end but now you're in the home stretch with his Adjuster, I. M. Strong, and you’re going to be paid for your loss by Strong’s employer, Rock Solid Insurance. A good portion of it will be for your "Pain and Suffering". That is, in the lingo of insurance claim settlements, your "Compensatory Damages". Let's talk about that:

BODILY INJURY PAIN: How much pain can an individual stand? The answer to that is: Reaction to pain not only differs with each of us, but often within each of us. While pain can usually be scientifically measured, the limits of human endurance cannot. We all have a different "Pain Threshold" - - that is, the point at which we begin to feel physical distress as we enter into, and then deal with, a period of suffering.

A lot depends on what's going on in your life and how you experience it. Temperament and psychological factors are involved. Like, for example, your personal life is in a shambles (for any number of reasons) and that has hindered your ability to recover. Or, perhaps the company you work for is on the brink of bankruptcy!

The mechanism through which you feel an injury is so complicated that there are times when the same pain appears to be more (or less) than that of previous days. For example: one day you have a problem that causes you to complain endlessly. This makes you impossible to live with and your pain seems to be much stronger. Yet, a similar situation on a much better day, doesn’t upset you so profoundly and the pain is not nearly as bad.

YOUR "PAIN AND SUFFERING" (Your “Compensatory Damages“): The type of injury you suffered, as a result of Fred Fuddle crashing into you (plus the nature and length of your treatment) are two of the best indicators for both the adjuster and Rock Solid Insurance to consider regarding the "Pain and Suffering" you experienced. However, there are several other areas you should call to the attention of Adjuster Strong so as to make him aware of what you've been dealing with.

MEDICATION: The fact that you were prescribed either over-the-counter or prescription medication by Ole’ “Doc” Comfort, your family physician, to relieve pain, inflammation (and/or any other injury symptoms), will help to convince I. M. Strong that your injuries were serious and caused you to endure a great deal of "Pain and Suffering". No matter which way you slice that cake, the more powerful the medication, and the longer it’s prescribed for, the greater the value your claim will be. That's a fact of life in the business of insurance claims.

LENGTH OF RECOVERY: The longer your recovery period, the greater your "Pain and Suffering"- - therefore the higher the settlement value of your bodily injury. Make sure “Doc” Comfort clearly indicates this in his Final Medical Report. Tell him he must state in writing (via the weeks and months) how long it will be, before you were able to engage in your routine activities. Make sure he doesn't send that report directly to Adjuster Strong. You get it first and then later on you’ll send it along to Strong. But, before you do, read it. If good Ole’ “Doc” Comfort hasn't clearly stated this, hand it back to him and tell him he must. You have every right to insist that he does. You're paying his bills, it's your report, your insurance claim, and your big bucks he's not being serious about!

As long as you continue to have physical problems you should keep going back to see your doctor, again and again, and again ! Other than the obvious "Pain and Suffering" it will help to convince Rock Solid Insurance you’ve endured, there are two other very good reasons for doing this. They are as follows:

(1) The fact that your records show visit’s to your doctor, four, six, eight (or even more) weeks after the accident, will convince Adjuster Strong and Rock Solid that your injury took a long time to deal and required continual attention. (Plus it clearly indicates each and every day you were unable to work and therefore it proves, beyond the shadow of any doubt, the income you lost). Never forget: Your attending physician’s Medical Report is the only way you can prove you were unable to work and in any court of law that will justify your claim for lost wages. 

(2) When you visit “Doc” Comfort be sure to tell him there's been little (if any!) decrease of your pain, discomfort, stiffness or immobility. Make sure, when he does execute that Final Medical Report, this is clearly stated in his written remarks. If it isn't you have every right to go back, hand it to him and insist that it is.

SCARS: In many instances large and obvious scaring increase's the value of your claim (big time!) - - especially if the scarred portion of your body is visible. If you've been sitting at a desk for 25 years, your chin is double, your hair is gone, and you own a bulging stomach, and that’s where the scar is, it’s not going to be worth much. But, if you're a tall, dark and handsome, twenty year old and the scar is on your face, than it's worth a ton. Take colored photographs of every scar and every scrape that causes swelling and/or discoloration to your skin plus every mark on your body! After you’ve handed a copy of those photographs to Adjuster I M. Strong he’ll be sending them to his boss in the Home Office. I’ve been in that seat so I can flat out guarantee you his immediate superior in the home office will stare at those photo’s and gulp. He’ll blanch, take a deep breath and send Strong a one liner that reads something like: “Do whatever it takes to get rid of this one. Se!

ttle it and let‘s move on.”

If the scar is bad enough insist that Dr. Comfort refer you to a Plastic Surgeon for an opinion as to whether your scar can be repaired and/or removed. Once you've been examined ask that Specialist to detail in writing (and insist that he send his report to you) how much it will cost to make it look right again. You may never get it repaired, and/or removed, but include that Plastic Surgeon's report, plus copies of the bills you’ve accumulated because of your visits to him, and hand them to Adjuster Strong. This will absolutely, positively give your claim more value !

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS REGARDING OBTAINING THE SERVICES OF A LAWYER:

QUESTION: “Is it necessary to obtain the services of an attorney who will take a cut of 33 1/3% of the settlement (in some states up to 50%) he recovers from the insurance company of the individual who struck you“? ANSWER: “Yes, there are some situations where it makes sense to do so“. HOWEVER: Especially in a case where the impact is absolutely not your fault in any way, shape, manor or form - - you should be clear with the lawyer you choose that those out-of-pocket expenses you would have been paid (weather they represented you or not) should not be part of his settlement! 

Let’s say, for example: You were at a dead stop while waiting for a light to change from red to green, when struck a tremendous blow in the rear by a distracted driver. It’s 100% clear to all concerned that the damages you received will be paid by the insurance company of the individual that struck you. 

The property damage to your motor vehicle is $2,800, your lost wages are $450, your final Doctor’s bill (plus all your other Out-Of-Pocket “Medical Expenses”) comes to $750 for a total (Property Damages/Lost Wages/Medical Bills) of $4,000. you live in an area where the lawyers typical “Contingency Fee” is 33 1/3%. QUESTION: “Should that lawyer take 33/13% ($1,333.33) of that $4,000“? ANSWER: “No“! QUESTION: “Why not“? ANSWER: “Because you were going to get that $4,000 weather there was an attorney representing you or not“! In a situation where the liability is clear the attorney should take, as his fee, 33 1/3% of everything he gets above and beyond , that $4,000!

So, let’s say the attorney obtained a settlement of $4,800 for your “Pain and Suffering”. When that figure is added to the $4,000 of Out-Of-Pocket Expenses (as detailed above) the total would come to $8,800. To be fair he should not take 1/3 of $8,800 ($2,933.33 - - thus leaving you with $5,866.66) but 1/3 of the $4,800 ($1,600 - - thus leaving you with $7,200). QUESTION: “What has he done to earn that additional $1,333.34“? ANSWER: “Absolutely nothing”! 

DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this article ~ AUTO ACCIDENT INSURANCE CLAIM ~ Getting Reimbursed For Your “Pain And Suffering” is to help people understand the motor vehicle insurance claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga nor ARTICLE CITY make any kind of guarantee whatsoever; NOR do they purport to engage in rendering any professional or legal service; NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant, or the like. Where such professional help is desired IT IS THE INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBILITY to obtain such services.

Dan Baldyga’s third and latest book, AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) can be found on the internet at http://autoaccidentclaims.com or http://wwwcaraccidentclaims.com. This book reveals “How To” successfully handle your motor vehicle accident claim, so you won’t be taken advantage of. It also goes into detail regarding the revolutionary BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula). BASE explains how to determine the value of the ”Pain and Suffering” you endured - - because of your personal injury.

Copyright (c) 2003 by Daniel G. Baldyga All Rights Reserved

Dan Baldyga - Author

19 Winona Drive, West Springfield, MA 01089

Phone: (413) 733-0127 FAX: (413) 731-8358

Mail to: dbpaw@comcast.net

AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM

(How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss)

Found On Internet At: http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com

Or: http://www.caraccidentclaims.com

Adjuster Henry Hard-Nose ~ And Your “Pain And Suffering”

WHEN IT COMES TO A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT YOUR “PAIN AND SUFFERING” IS WHAT YOU GET PAID BIG BUCKS FOR: It’s an absolute necessity that you ask a doctor or chiropractor to provide you with medial attention as soon as possible after you've been smashed into. This decision can make the difference between ending up with a fistful of thousand dollar bills, or a “nuisance value” settlement - - a small payment made to close the case. 

Your claim of bodily injury has no credibility with Adjuster Henry Hard-Nose unless it’s been verified by the Medical Report executed by Dr. I. M. Comfort, your attending physician. If you don’t see a doctor or chiropractor, but still attempt to justify an injury that produced "Pain and Suffering" (and also contend you’ve lost time from work) Hard-Nose is not going to buy it. At the end of the day you won’t be paid much, if anything, for your loss. 

IF YOUR INJURY IS RELATIVELY MILD: Under normal, routine circumstances Ole’ “Doc” Comfort will probably see you five to eight times without providing any complicated treatment. You can expect to be x-rayed, prescribed some pills, told to rest a few days (or weeks) and possibly be advised to avail yourself of heat therapy, to be administered, by your honey, at home. 

IF YOUR INJURY IS MORE SERIOUS: You may have to wear a cervical collar (a neck brace) for a few weeks. This can be uncomfortable but it will assist in your physical recovery and produce a higher settlement value of your claim. “Doc” Comfort will probably refer you to a specialist, such as an orthopedist (a bone doctor) or a neurologist (a specialist in nerve damage). 

MINOR BODILY INJURIES: The vast majority of motor vehicle accidents cause minor injuries. Bodily injury pain cannot be specifically measured (temperament and psychological factors are involved) nor can the limits of human endurance. Each one of us has a different “pain threshold. That is, the point at which we begin to feel physical discomfort. 

The amount and quality of pain you feel is not strictly dependent on the bodily injury inflicted. It has much to do with your previous experiences, how well you remember them, and your ability to understand the cause of the pain and its consequences. For example, the ex-athlete will probably experience a blow much differently than the individual who was never able to play contact sports because to help with the family income he had to go out and work at an early age. 

HOW MUCH PAIN CAN A PERSON STAND? There’s no specific answer to that question. Sudden pain, even of less intensity than, for example, a serious burn, can overwhelm the higher nerve centers; so much so that a man could faint! Is Hard-Nose aware of and understand all of the above? You can bet your last dollar he does! 

NEGOTIATING A PERSONAL INJURY SETTLEMENT 

HARD-NOSE AND YOUR PHYSICAL ANGUISH: Don’t kid yourself that Hard-Nose can’t get a handle on, nor understand, the pain and discomfort you’ve experienced. He can but even so he’ll try to act as though what you’ve been experiencing is no big deal. Why? Because he knows your claim will cost a lot more money if you get the idea he understands what you’ve been through, regarding the impact your body was subjected to. Hard-Nose is well aware of where you’ve been, and where you’re coming from, because he negotiates with injured people, day in and day out (all of them struggling with identical problems) as he goes about the business of settling cases that involve "Pain and Suffering". He handles identical issues every hour of his work life. He knows what you’re going through but (never forget) his job is to make you believe your over exaggerating your complaints. 

He’s fully aware of all there is to know about Hard Injuries vs. Soft Injuries. He’s constantly in contact with the twisted, bruised, battered, pulled and snapped problems of pain that people must endure because of injured Tendons and Ligaments, Muscle Strain and/or Spinal Cord injuries. Each and every day he’s exposed to the wide range of problems that injured people must endure. These also include Stress, Anxiety and/or Emotional Reactions. Hard-Nose may be heartless but he’s no dummy when it comes to comprehending the legal concept of “Pain and Suffering“. His paycheck depends upon how well he understands these factors. Why? Because they’re so dramatically involved in the amount of money that’s paid out (when it comes to such matters) by the corporation he makes his living stonewalling for. So, you may ask, exactly how does Henry Hard-Nose make his living? The answer to that one is very simple, he’s paid to manipulate injured people into ridiculously low settlement’s. 

HARD-NOSE AND YOUR MEDICAL BILLS: Adjuster Hard-Nose may try to con you by telling you that many of your medical expenses don't qualify as "medical" in character. He'll attempt to divide your medical costs into two areas - - one part "diagnostic" and the other "treatment". In "diagnostic" he'll include ambulance and emergency room costs, the cost of X-rays, plus visits to specialists. The rest of your bills, usually the money paid out to the hospital emergency room and regular office visits to your doctor, physical therapy and medication, he'll term "treatment". Those items he incorrectly identifies as "diagnostic" are bills that Hard-Nose will try to disallow - - telling you that they're not "medical" in nature. 

He knows, if he can get away with doing this, the value of your claim will be drastically reduced, because the bottom-line amount of your "Special Damages" has been dramatically downgraded. Hard-Nose will contend that only the "treatment" portion of your bills are "directly related" to the severity of your injury, therefore that's what truly reflects the value of your "Pain and Suffering".

Don't let him get away with that ! Demand full inclusion of ALL medical bills, otherwise your personal injury claim will be drastically reduced in value.

Tell Adjuster Henry Hard-Nose, conjuring up all the authority you can muster, “Legally speaking you can't separate medical expenses into two categories. Each bill I have goes hand-in-hand with all the others. It would be impossible for me to get properly treated without being thoroughly diagnosed and, even more important than that, I can’t place a value on my personal injury claim until all my Special Damages have been correctly assessed”.

When he hears that Hard-Nose will blanch and then gulp! Why? Because he knows what you're telling him is true. He’ll suddenly become aware that you know what it takes to place a value on your “Pain and Suffering”. And that, will put an end to his nonsense.

DISCLAIMER: The only purpose of this article ~Adjuster Henry Hard Nose ~ And Your Pain And Suffering, is to help people understand the motor vehicle accident claim process. Neither Dan Baldyga nor Article City.Com make any guarantee of any kind whosoever; NOR do they purport to engage in rendering any professional or legal service; NOR to substitute for a lawyer, an insurance adjuster, or claims consultant, or the like. Where such professional help is desired it is the INDIVIDUAL'S responsibility to obtain said services. 

Dan Baldyga's third insurance claim book AUTO ACCIDENT PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIM (How To Evaluate And Settle Your Loss) can be found on the internet at http://www.autoaccidentclaims.com. This book reveals "How To" successfully handle your motor vehicle accident claim so you won't be taken advantage of. It also goes into detail regarding the revolutionary BASE (The Baldyga Auto Accident Settlement Evaluation Formula). THE BASE FORMULA explains how to determine the value of the "Pain and Suffering" you endured - - because of your personal injury. 

Copyright (c) 2004 By Daniel G. Baldyga