Cell Phones and Driving Do NOT Go Together! Drive Now - TXT L8R

Drive Now - TXT L8R by George Tofaute

See that car coming toward you? Is it "drifting" over the center line into your lane? Is the driver talking on a cell phone? How does this make YOU feel? Stomach tense, panicky very VERY afraid, then angry!

Flash your lights, honk your horn…did it work? Did they see you and "pull back" in time not to hit you head on??  Great. Don't do this to someone else! Remember how it made you feel.

Do not, repeat, NOT, talk on your cell phone or text while driving.  For more information, visit Drive Now - TXT L8R

Insurance Adjusters and YOU! By George Tofaute

You've been injured in an accident. An insurance adjuster from the company that insures the at-fault driver calls and wants to come to your home -- or hospital room -- or the funeral home.

Why? Probably because the insurance company feels they can "control" the claim and keep you away from hiring a lawyer. Why would they want to keep you or a loved one away from a lawyer?

Because they know (and facts bear this out) that injury claims are paid higher amounts when the injured person, or their loved ones, have attorneys helping them.

Call us today. We can answer your questions and if you like what you hear, we can be YOUR lawyers. You pay NO money upfront. We are paid out of the settlement or court verdict. And, only if you are paid and the case is won.  Call us today 800-468-8736. The call and the consultation are FREE

Do's and Don'ts After an Accident by George Tofaute

Do:

1. Call 911;
2. Get witness names and take pictures of injuries and vehicles;
3. Get good medical care ASAP;
4. Report to your insurance company;
5. Call Tofaute & Spelman -- it's FREE!!

Don't:

1. Give a statement to the other insurance company;
2. Sign anything before talking to an attorney (call us for FREE);
3. Set a "price" on your case with the other insurance company (may be too low).

We have been helping the injured and their families for over 50 years. Call us. 800-468-8736. The call and consultation are FREE!

Hey, You Know What?

What the Insurance Adjusters know that you don't...and are they ever glad!!

The adjuster knows that you don't know the likely value of your injury case. Why? Because they do this all the time and you don't. Also, there are things they look for that you may not see coming or realize the importance of. They may get you to admit information that hurts your claim, and you don't even realize that you have done so.

Why do they do this? Oh, that's the easiest question of all. Answer: because they are not (repeat) NOT on your side.

Any doubts? Why not call us first. It's free and if you like what you hear, ask us how you can his our attorneys with no money down, no pre-payments, and no up front money.  REALLY!

Call today for a no obligation, free consultation.  800-468-8736

Settlement Loans & What They Mean for Your Case by George Tofaute

CAN I BORROW MONEY ON MY CASE BEFORE IT IS SETTLED?  Lawyers individually are prohibited by ethics to loan money to a client on their their case.  To do so means the attorney has "acquired an interest in the case," which is a conflict of interest prohibited by the courts.   

But, you may be able to borrow from some companies who specialize in such loans, like JG Wentworth, Oasis Legal Funding, and others.  If you qualify with them for a loan, both you and your lawyer must sign a re-payment agreement. Most lawyers will do so if you, as the client, want them to.  


However, before signing BE SURE YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO RE-PAY.  The interest rates on such advances are usually very HIGH!  Read the fine print!!   Your lawyer can help you see if you really do want such a loan, even if the re-payment is quite expensive. 


Some good news: most such loan agreements have a provision that if you do not win your case, you may not have to re-pay the loan.  Again, read the "fine print" to see what you are obligated for before do the transaction. 

Race for the Cure team!

The Tofaute & Spelman Race for the Cure team had a great time in Terre Haute, Indiana last weekend. Thanks to all who came out and showed their support for this cause!

Weather and the Law. From Attorney George Tofaute

Car accident - can I blame the weather?? If it's your fault, then no. For example, if you slide on an icy road and rear end another car - even if you were going under the speed limit - the officer will more than likely code the accident as your fault for driving in excess of what is "reasonable under the road conditions".  Yes, even if you were driving UNDER the limit. Since you should have been aware of the road while you were driving.    

What if you fall on ice in a shopping center, or the entry to a store or in a parking lot? We see this a lot during the winter.  If the store had notice of the ice, and, time to take steps to "salt" or "sand" the area, then the weather has created a hazard that the store was aware of, or should have been aware of, and may have failed to take steps to make the area safe for their customers. In this instance, the weather created a dangerous condition that the store failed to make safer and you will likely win the claim.

There are many cases in the law related to weather conditions that are important issues in injury claims. We are experienced legal professionals who's combined 100 years of working on these cases helps us help you.  Call today 800-468-8736.