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If you get in a car accident, you may be able to get your medical bills covered – even if you are at fault. Most Vermont car insurance policies have Medical Payment (Med Pay) coverage.

If you bought a car insurance policy with Med Pay coverage, or if the car in which you were hurt had Med Pay insurance, Med Pay will pay your medical bills up to a per person limit. There are no co-pays and no deductibles.  If you have this insurance, you can and should use it to help pay your medical costs due to injuries from a Vermont car accident.

Vermont law prohibits your car insurance company from raising your rates because you used your medical payment coverage. You can visit us here https://usfinancer.com

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1.    Install and Maintain Smoke Detectors

          The smoke detector’s warning should give you time to escape a fire.  Install a smoke detector on every floor of your house and outside each sleeping area.

          Regularly test the smoke detector.   Replace batteries twice a year.

     2.     Plan and Practice Escape Routes

          Plan two ways out of every room.  Make sure your children know the escape routes and practice the escape plan with them.

     3.     Kitchen Safety

          Never leave cooking unattended.  Turn the pot handles towards the center of the stove so they can’t be accidentally knocked over.

          If a grease fire starts, use a lid of a pan to smother the flames.  Then turn off the burner.

     4.     Candle Safety

           Candles have open flames.  Keep papers, drapes and any combustibles well away.  Never leave a lit candle unattended.

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It is in your best interests whenever you are in an accident to document the facts.  The lack of immediate injuries can be deceiving.  Adrenaline can mask symptoms of an injury.  It can take several days for some soft tissue damage to show up.

If you do not report the accident, an insurance company may not pay for the damage if they can’t fully investigate the accident, and a delay in reporting injuries could harm your ability to recover a fair settlement for your injuries. Visit actionac.net.

In Vermont, you are required to file an automobile accident report with the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles when any person is injured in an accident.

Better safe than sorry!

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1.  Be Prepared for your Medical Appointments.  Often doctor’s visits are quick.  Be ready with a list of things you would like to ask your doctor.  Do not be afraid to talk to your doctor and ask questions so you understand your test results and the treatment the doctor is recommending.  The  more you understand, the better off you will be and the more likely you will have a Better Recovery.
2. Ask your doctor about all your Treatment Options.  For many conditions and injuries,  there are several alternatives for care ranging from “wait & see”, to conservative care like physical therapy, or aggressive care like surgery.  Each approach has its own risks and benefits.

You need to know all your options and choices so you can choose which one is best for you and how you can best recover from your injury.

       Be Smart, Be Informed, and find the path to recovery.

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AS SOON AS THE ACCIDENT HAPPENS:

1. Call Police & Ambulance.

2. Exchange Information: Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance company name, policy number, driver’s license number and the license plate number of all cars involved.

3. File an Accident Report: Vermont requires that every driver file an accident report if there are injuries or if the damage to the cars is over $3,000. This report must be filed within 3 days of the accident. The “Accident Report” Form is available at police stations and on the Vermont DMV website: www.dmv.vermont.gov

It is important to fill this out as soon as possible while the facts are fresh in your memory. Include all witnesses names as well as all events, weather conditions, and facts to show what happened to cause the accident. Keep a copy of this report for your records.

4. Get Medical Care: If you are hurt or believe you may be hurt, get medical care. It is important to your health and recovery that you get medical care as soon as possible.

AFTER THE ACCIDENT:

1. Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company.

2. Call an Attorney: If you are hurt, call an attorney to discuss and protect your legal rights. The attorney can help you know what insurance will cover and who will pay for your damages. Check out the locksmith boss.

Car accidents take a tremendous toll on everyone involved – both emotionally and financially. Hopefully, these tips will help you. If you have any questions, or would like a free consultation, call us at 802-878-2797.

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1. Install Fire Prevention Equipment. Over 50% of fire deaths happen because smoke alarms aren’t working. Every level and every bedroom should have a smoke alarm. Every level of your home should have a fire extinguisher. Replace smoke alarm batteries regularly.

2. Practice Kitchen Safety. Do not leave the kitchen when you are cooking. If you have small children, use back burners. Teach children to stay several feet away from the stove. Unplug small kitchen appliances when not in use.

3. Check for Recalls. Go to www.recalls.gov to check for product recalls. Go to www.saferproducts.gov to see other people’s product problems.

4. Inspect Power Cords. Be sure your power cords are not frayed of damaged. Do not put electric cords or extension cords under carpeting because they can overheat or be damaged by furniture.

5. Keep Dryer Vents Clear. Clean you lint screen regularly to avoid fires. Be sure your dryer vents are clear.

Be Safe!

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Don’t Drive Distracted … put your phone down. Do not text and drive. Sending one text while driving or dialing one call while driving could be deadly.

April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month according to the Department of Transportation. Be Safe!

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1. Slow Down!  Speed is an invitation for trouble on slippery roads.
2. Increase your following distance.  Slippery roads make stopping distances much longer.  By increasing the distance between you and the car ahead, you will decrease your chances of an accident.
3. Watch the road for Black Ice and Slippery Spots.  If the road looks slippery, it probably is.  Test traction with a smooth brake application.  Remember ice forms on bridges, shady spots, gullies, and high elevations first.
4. Go Easy on your Brakes & Steering.  Avoid sudden braking and steering to maintain control of your car.  Braking can trigger a slide or skid.  If a skid occurs, steer into it.
5. Be prepared.  Wear your seat belt!  Clear your car of snow and ice which decreases visibility.  Be sure you have good winter tires, wiper blades and keep your car filled with gas and antifreeze.

Be Safe!

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