What is PIP?

PIP stands for personal insurance protection, and it is an extension of car insurance that covers medical expenses and, in many cases, lost wages. It is also referred to as "no fault" coverage since it pays for injuries sustained by you or a passenger regardless of who's at fault in an auto accident.

PIP has two parts – (1) Medical expense coverage: Coverage for the cost of treatment you receive from hospitals, doctors and other medical providers and any medical equipment that may be needed to treat your injuries; and (2) Additional PIP coverage: Reimbursement for certain other expenses you may have because you are hurt, such as lost wages and the need to hire someone to take care of your home or family.

Choose a Standard Policy

When you purchase or renew your auto insurance policy you are required to choose either the Standard Policy or Basic Policy. For more protection a Standard Policy provides liability coverage to protect your assets (your property and income) if someone makes a claim against you where as the Basic Policy does not provide adequate insurance coverage to protect your assets. 

The Basic Policy provides minimal coverage and leaves you unprotected in several important areas:

• A Basic Policy does not provide liability coverage if someone makes a claim against you for bodily harm.
• A Basic Policy provides only $15,000 of medical expense benefits if you or a resident family member is injured (up to $250,000 for brain or spinal cord injury).
• The Basic Policy does not provide uninsured motorist coverage if you or a resident family member are injured by a careless driver who is uninsured.
• The Basic Policy does not require your insurance company to provide you with an attorney to defend you if you are sued, even if you are not at fault for the accident. 

The Standard Policy provides medical expense benefits (PIP) coverage which includes medical expenses up to $250,000 per person per accident. You may elect to purchase less coverage in the amounts of $15/50/75/150,000; however, if you do, you may not have enough insurance to obtain all of your medical bills. So the "Safe Choice" is to purchase $250,000 of PIP Medical Expense Coverage.

Review your NJ Car Insurance
While confirming you and your family have the adequate PIP coverage, learn about the difference between Verbal Threshold and No Threshold. Another option you should be aware of to protect yourself in case you or a family member is in a car accident. Learn the 5 things you didn't know about verbal threshold. 

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Before you renew your car insurance take a moment to download our free guide to making the safe choices. Please contact us with any questions.  

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John Mennie is a personal injury lawyer.
Connect with John on Google+

9 Things To Do When You Witness a NJ Car Accident

It could happen at any time and any place. You're driving in your car, when all of a sudden...CRASH! An accident has happened before your very eyes! What do you do? If you are a motorist witnessing a NJ car accident, you do not have an obligation, by law, to do anything, There are circumstances where you may not have a safe area to pull off the road. If you have no cell phone with you, you may not be able to call the police or emergency services. However, the ethical person who has witnessed a highway accident should, without endangering themselves, other drivers or passengers, attempt to render assistance.

Things to Do

If you have been an eyewitness to any NJ car accident, you have a moral obligation to make yourself available in the following ways:

1. First off, and most importantly, stay calm. Rushing head first into a dangerous situation without a plan never did anyone much good.
2. Pull your car off the road. Leave enough room for emergency vehicles, and turn on your hazards. Be careful — Stopping or changing direction too rapidly can make you the next victim.
3. Call 9-1-1  even if its a minor accident. If another person stops to help, ask that person to call 911.  The person calling must be ready to answer questions and provide as much information as they can, such as the location of the emergency (cross streets, freeway on/off ramp information) and how many people need help.
4. Judge the danger that will be involved in approaching the vehicles involved. After a car accident, combustibles may be exposed and a fire can occur, so it is important to keep your own safety in mind as well as that of the people involved in the collision. If you feel there will be no harm to your safety, you may approach the vehicles.
5. Don't Move the Victims. You don't see what's going on under their clothing, and a bad move can paralyze the injured. Unless someone is in a dangerous position it's best to act very gently and even then you should move with care. Head, neck and back injuries are common with crashes. Stabilize the head and neck by placing one hand on each side of the head. This will keep it from moving and prevent any further injury. Unless the situation is very dire, wait for the emergency services to arrive. It's in their training, and they know what to do.
6. Help keep traffic moving. If the victims are in immediate danger from other traffic, try to redirect the drivers.
7. Offer yourself to the investigating officer as a witness. The officer may take a statement from you at the scene or ask for your name and contact information for a later interview.
8. Offer your name and contact information to the driver/drivers involved in the NJ car accident in the event that you can be of help to the insurance adjuster or lawyer should the accident go to litigation.
9. If you have done all you can to help, leave the scene as soon as emergency assistance arrives. Your vehicle's presence may cause a hazard or block access to victims.

Being a witness to a NJ car accident can be shocking and leave you wondering what you should do or not do. Fortunately, each state has a Good Samaritan law for those who try to give assistance. New Jersey's law is: N.J.S.A 2A:62A-1 "Immunized from civil liability - Any Good Samaritan rendering care (in good faith and without thought of consideration) at the scene of an accident or emergency or while transporting the victim for further treatment; in a health care facility if your actual duty, including on call duty, doesn’t require a response to a patient emergency situation. Immunity is granted from liability for failure to inform when emergent situation necessitates action in absence of the ability to properly inform the patient or an authorized representative. Not immune from liability are acts or omissions by you in such situations which are determined to involve gross negligence, recklessness or willful misconduct." 

So, if you can ever offer help at an accident, do so without fear.

Are My Tires to Blame for My Car Accident?

Tires are sometimes the deciding factor in New Jersey car accidents. A recent study issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows a strong link between car accidents and vehicle tires problems. Many possibilities exist that can be the cause. Sometimes it's negligence in the manufacturing process, sometimes it is a neglectful act of the driver or owner. But tires are an integral part of an automobile and therefore, can certainly be at fault causing an accident. 

One Case

In the year 2000, there was an issue with Firestone tires on Ford vehicles. Ford installed the tires on its new vehicles and there were a number of accidents caused on their models. In a recall, there was evidence to indicate a faulty design in the tires. It was contested by Bridgestone (who owns Firestone) because the instructions for inflation issued by Ford was different than those issued by Firestone. The case was eventually settled, causing a win for victims of accidents in those Ford vehicles using those tires.

What Can Happen

Tires can have sidewall blowouts. These are caused by a weak area in the sidewall causing a quick deflation of the tire resulting in a blowout and loss of control of the vehicle. This is especially severe if the tire is on the front steering section of the vehicle. Layers can sometimes separate, the belts used in the manufacturing process can separate and their is, again, a loss of control of the vehicle. Proving that the tire was the reason for the accident is sometimes tricky and sometimes the manufacturer is quick to defend their product by wanting to blame the accident on the driver of the car instead. 

Tracking the design and manufacturing process of the tires in question is often a time consuming and tough process but it can be done. If you're ever in a vehicle collision or accident and you feel that the tires were at fault, don't hesitate to consult an attorney. Many tire manufacturers have noticed flaws in their design process that have led to failure of their tires. In such cases, they issue a recall of the tires. In other cases, accidents are the only way that the design flaw is noted.

Get the Help of a Defective Product Attorney

Remember insurance companies want to place the blame on you so they can reduce the amount of your settlement. If they can show it was somehow your fault and not the defective tire that caused the accident, they will be able to either deny or reduce your claim. So, when you have an issue with a tire blowout, separation of the tread or other issues indicating that an accident you were in was the direct result of the tires you had, you may definitely have a case against the manufacturer. Contact us at Schibell, Mennie & Kentos for an initial consultation to learn more about process and to begin working on your case. You may be powerless going against huge tire manufacturers, but the law is on your side when bad tires are at fault. 

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Be safe while traveling this summer and to help safeguard against a potential accident, ensure regular tire maintenance. And if you are involved in an accident that may have been caused by poor tire maintenance, do not hesitate to contact us at Schibell, Mennie & Kentos Law Firm.   

And before you renew your car insurance take a moment to download our free guide to making the safe choices. Please contact us with any questions.  

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John Mennie is a personal injury lawyer.
Connect with John on Google+

Out of state car accident? Here's what to do.

When you're involved in an out of state car accident, the shock of the accident and the realization of where you are often can cause a feeling of panic. Even though the surroundings, the laws, the circumstances are unfamiliar, you need a cool head. This will make sure you don't further complicate your situation or jeopardize any compensation you may be due in the future. 

Basic Steps

Even with an out of state car accident, there are some basic steps to follow. These steps apply whether the accident occurs a block from your home or on the other side of the country:

• Call the Police. It is extremely important to file a police report, even if there are no injuries. In some states, police will only respond to an accident in the case of injuries, but you still need to file a report.
• Seek medical attention. If there are obvious or suspected injuries, seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Document and follow doctor's orders.
• Notify your insurance company. After you’ve called the police, and assessed the damage, call your insurance company. Most insurance companies have networks of claims adjusters across the country, and will be able to send a claims adjuster your way. If you are out of state, inquire if your policy covers out-of-state towing, auto repair and car rentals. If your car has to be towed, make sure it is towed to an auto repair shop recommended by your insurance company.
• Do not admit fault. Allow the police time to survey the accident and identify the culpable driver. Give clear and honest details about the circumstances to the investigating officer. 
• Do not speak about details regarding the accident to the other driver or witnesses. Opinions you give or statements you make could damage a future law suit. In addition to exchanging information with the other driver, make sure you write down details about the accident. This will be important when it comes to determining who’s at fault.
• Take photographs. If you are able, take several photographs of the accident scene with a cell phone camera or other photographic device.
• Get names of witnesses. Collect any names and contact information of witnesses at the scene. Don't pressure them, ask for voluntary information. 
• Contact a competent law firm in your own state. Having a familiar personal injury law firm stored on your phone is helpful. They will give you further advice as to any other steps to take or avoid.

Different states have varying laws regarding who may be responsible fully or partially for the accident. Your attorney will assist you in dealing with the insurance companies to make sure you get the proper help you are entitled to regarding temporary transportation, housing and medical assistance. 

Stranger in a Strange Land

Not being familiar with the steps you should perform after your out of state car accident is why it's important you call a local law firm in your own state. It becomes your connection to home. The lawyer should be familiar with the basic laws covering that state. They should also:

• Be tech savvy to be able to communicate effectively with local law enforcement and others at the scene
• Have a network of connections to other law firms and experts in that particular state
• Employ a team that can gather data quickly to assess the situation remotely so that your interrupted journey is delayed no longer that it has to be 
• Get you quick information in real time so that you know all options available to you

Having the law firm in your own state gives you easier access to them and them to you. If you get a lawyer in the area where your out of state car accident occurred, there's a problem of distance and availability when you need to meet with your law firm after you've returned home.

Doing a little homework now can save you disappointment and delays. Keep the name and number of a reputable personal injury law firm with you as you travel on vacation, on business or for any other reason -- whether you are travelling in or out of New Jersey. Accidents happen in an instant. Being prepared for them in all possible ways can help you now and possibly for the rest of your life. 

Questions about out of state car accidents?: Contact Us with your question.

When you or a family member has been involved in a out of state car accident your life stops and then changes from that day forward. The lawyers at Schibell, Mennie & Kentos have the experience one needs when faced with a life changing situation. Call 732-774-1000 when you need the guidance of an experienced law firm.

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If you are planning to travel out of state, inquire if your car insurance policy covers out-of-state towing, out-of-state auto repair and out-of-state car rentals.  And before you renew your car insurance take a moment to download our free guide to making the safe choices. Please contact us with any questions.  

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John Mennie is a personal injury lawyer.
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11 Tips to prevent swimming pool accidents

Drowning Happens Quickly– Learn How to Reduce Your Risk

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about ten people die every day from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children 14 or younger. Learning the risks and taking safety precautions are proven ways to prevent drowning injuries and deaths.

When you're spending the day splashing around at the swimming pool drowning may not be the first thing on your mind. Yet drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States. The good news is that most of these deaths are predictable and preventable.

10 Tips to help you stay safe in the pool

• Avoid Alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming.
• Look for lifeguards. Select swimming pools that have lifeguards.
• Swimming skills help. Taking part in formal swimming lessons reduces the risk of drowning among children aged 1 to 4 years.
• Seconds count—learn CPR. CPR performed by bystanders has been shown to save lives and improve outcomes in drowning victims.
• Use U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets. Do not use air-filled or foam toys, such as "water wings", "noodles", or inner-tubes, in place of life jackets. These toys are not designed to keep swimmers safe.
• Supervise When in or Around Water. Designate a responsible adult to watch young children while in the swimming pool.
• Use the Buddy System. Always swim with a buddy.
• Seizure Disorder Safety. If you or a family member has a seizure disorder, provide one-on-one supervision around water, including swimming pools.
• Don’t let swimmers hyperventilate before swimming underwater or try to hold their breath for long periods of time. This can cause them to pass out.
• Fence it off. Barriers to pool access should be used to help prevent young children from gaining access to the pool area without caregivers' awareness when they aren't supposed to be swimming. 
• Know the local weather conditions and forecast before swimming or boating. Strong winds and thunderstorms with lightning strikes are dangerous.

If you or a family member has been the victim of a swimming pool accident please contact Schibell, Mennie & Kentos Law Firm. We take the time to fully understand all aspects and locate all factors which contributed to the accident in order to determine which parties should be held liable. Be assured that our lawyers who are experienced in drowning accidents will listen carefully and review the unique circumstances of your case and the future consequences of all injuries before filing a claim for damages. 

Our firm is dedicated to obtaining justice and full compensation for an injured client as well as preventing future similar negligence.

When you or a family member has been involved in a swimming pool accident your life stops and then changes from that day forward. The lawyers at Schibell, Mennie & Kentos have the experience one needs when faced with a life changing situation. Call 732-774-1000 when you need the guidance of an experienced law firm.

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Before you renew your car insurance take a moment to download our free guide to making the safe choices. Please contact us with any questions.  

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John Mennie is a personal injury lawyer.
Connect with John on Google+

10 Common Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents

Spending a sunny day at a pool with your family can provide hours of enjoyment but can turn tragic when pool safety regulations are not conscientiously followed and the Virginia Graeme Baker Act is violated. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about ten people die from unintentional drowning every day. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. The common causes are when a child or adult falls, dives or jumps improperly, or becomes entrapped or entangled in suction drains or other defective pool materials. Pool accidents can leave victims with such catastrophic injuries that their lives and those of their family will be forever changed. This is when it is important that you turn to a New Jersey accident attorney who is prepared to take action using all resources to seek justice and help prevent this kind of accident from occurring in the future.

Common Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents

New Jersey private and public pools are required to abide by the numerous safety regulations to ensure guests and residents can enjoy themselves without worry. Unfortunately pools and their systems, the protective fences and gates and the water itself deteriorate over time. Owners or managers of a pool facility who try to economize by cutbacks in pool maintenance and repairs or adequate lifeguard presence and training will be held accountable by a pool accident lawyer at our firm. Failure to carry out frequent thorough inspections can allow dangerous conditions to develop, such as:

• Missing safety lines separating the shallow and deep ends of the pool
• Overcrowded pool
• Pool security fence in disrepair
• Lack of or damaged pool ladders preventing easy exit
• Non-working pool lights
• Untrained, too few or negligent lifeguards
• Missing safety equipment such as throwing ropes with attached buoys and Sheppard's hooks
• Defective self closing and self latching gates
• Unclear or murky water
• Defective drain or other pool or spa component

If you or a family member has been the victim of a swimming pool accident please contact our firm. At Schibell, Mennie & Kentos Law Firm, we take the time to fully understand all aspects and locate all factors which contributed to the accident in order to determine which parties should be held liable. Be assured that our lawyers who are experienced in drowning accidents will listen carefully and review the unique circumstances of your case and the future consequences of all injuries before filing a claim for damages. 

Our firm is dedicated to obtaining justice and full compensation for an injured client as well as preventing future similar negligence.

When you or a family member has been involved in a swimming pool accident your life stops and then changes from that day forward. The lawyers at Schibell, Mennie & Kentos have the experience one needs when faced with a life changing situation. Call 732-774-1000 when you need the guidance of an experienced law firm.

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Before you renew your car insurance take a moment to download our free guide to making the safe choices. Please contact us with any questions.  

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John Mennie is a personal injury lawyer.
Connect with John on Google+

How Comparative Negligence Works in New Jersey

You are leaving the freeway on a short exit ramp. Ahead, a vehicle is stopped, waiting for traffic to clear. You strike the vehicle from behind, causing a slight injury to a six-year-old child riding in their front seat. Both you and the other motorist are responsible for causing the injury. According to the police report, you struck the vehicle from behind because you didn't brake quickly enough. The driver you struck also did not have the child positioned properly in a child safety seat, thus contributing to the injury. How much did you contribute to the child's injury and how much did the other driver? This is an example of comparative negligence.

• A pedestrian is struck as a vehicle speeds trying to beat a traffic light. If the pedestrian was crossing in an unauthorized area (jaywalking) both the pedestrian and speeder were negligent.
• If a person makes a left turn without giving a proper signal and an oncoming motorist strikes them while speeding, both parties share in the negligence. 

When you or a family member has been involved in a car accident your life stops and then changes from that day forward. The lawyers at Schibell, Mennie & Kentos have the experience one needs when faced with a life changing situation. Call 732-774-1000 when you need the guidance of an experienced law firm.

John Mennie is a personal injury lawyer.
Connect with John on Google+

The Two Types of New Jersey Motorcycle Accidents

Generally speaking, there are two types of causes for  New Jersey motorcycle accidents. These two have a wide range of possibilities for the actual mishap itself. But, the two causes encompass virtually all moving mishaps on the open road. 

The Two Types of New Jersey Motorcycle Accidents

Both of these accident types are linked by a single word: Negligence. The two are as follows:

• Negligence of Operation -- The negligence is not always the motorcycle rider. Many times, the motorcyclist is the victim of a driver who did not exercise the appropriate level of care to prevent injury to another person. They may have taken their eyes off the road for critical seconds, been under the influence of a medication or failed to notice the compact form of the motorcycle coming before making a left turn. A glance does not equate to a look -- especially during a sunrise or sunset. The motorcyclist may not have seen the piece of debris in the highway, the washed-out gravel from a driveway after a storm or noticed the slowed traffic ahead. Paying strict attention to the highway and anticipating problems are often issues of negligence as much as obeying traffic laws. 

• Negligence in Design/Manufacturing -- Faulty design and poorly manufactured parts of a motorcycle can lead to accidents. Unfortunately, corners are cut to make bikes more affordable, lighter or handle better. Sales and profit margin often rank higher than the safety of the purchaser. Faulty or weak parts can fail at critical moments, jeopardizing the rider, resulting in an accident and subsequent injury. 

Because New Jersey motorcycle accidents can happen anytime, under any given circumstances, the bike operator should be prepared. The best insurance they can afford will help. Always understanding that their center of gravity and their exposure puts them at constant risk of injury should compel them to seek the best possible insurance -- not just the minimum. 

Also, knowing the best law firm to call after an accident is an asset to have for the motorcycle rider. Public perceptions and biases often plague litigation cases involving New Jersey motorcycle accidents. Knowing their way around those hazards makes an experienced attorney just as valuable as insurance. Knowing your way around the hazards of the highway, will keep you both out of the hospital and out of court. Drive safely on New Jersey highways. Watch out for the drivers who aren't watching out for you.

When you or a family member has been involved in a serious motorcycle accident your life stops and then changes from that day forward. The lawyers at Schibell, Mennie & Kentos have the experience one needs when faced with a life changing situation. Call 732-774-1000 when you need the guidance of an experienced law firm.

John Mennie is a personal injury lawyer.
Connect with John on Google+

Motorcycle Accidents and the Injuries They Can Cause

When other drivers are involved in New Jersey motorcycle accidents, it is rare that the motorcyclist isn't injured. Because of the exposure of bodily parts, motorcycle riders rarely walk away from a vehicle accident. When steel is pitted against flesh, the outcome is almost always an injury with the flesh -- often the injury can be a fatal one.

Various Types of Motorcycle Injuries

Another vehicle doesn't even have to strike the motorcycle. Dodging an oncoming car whose driver has failed to see the motorcycle can lead to an accident. Here's a list of some of the more common injuries resulting from various crashes with a motorcycle:

• Head injuries -- Striking a vehicle head on or another object can cause serious head injuries, even with the best helmets. The padding of a helmet is designed to absorb shock but the amount of shock in a "head on" accident is far greater than the helmet is designed for. Brain injuries, concussions, facial disfigurement, debilitating damage and even death can result from such an impact. 
• Spinal cord injuries -- Being struck from behind, the side or virtually any other position can result in a spinal cord injury. Such injuries often result in paralysis or other motor function losses such as bladder and bowels or sexual functions. 
• Whiplash -- Striking a motorcyclist from behind causes severe whiplash in many New Jersey motorcycle accidents. Such an injury, even in a low-speed accident can cause severe recurring headaches, pinched nerves, tightness in the shoulders, vision or hearing problems and attacks of vertigo. These can occur long after the "minor" accident.
• Injuries to the extremities -- New Jersey motorcycle accidents easily result in damage to arms or legs. Being struck on the side can result in leg damage. With the leg pinned between the vehicle and the motorcycle frame, severe damage can occur sometimes causing the loss of a leg. Arms and legs are flailing away from the body as the rider tries to soften the landing when knocked off the cycle. Landing on the extremities improperly can result in multiple fractures, causing a loss of or limiting the use of the arm or leg. 

There is no one injury that has an easy path to recovery.  Make sure you have the best, most experienced law firm on your side after a motorcycle accident. Any of these injuries can follow you for a lifetime, impairing your lifestyle and earning ability. 

When you or a family member has been involved in a serious motorcycle accident your life stops and then changes from that day forward. The lawyers at Schibell, Mennie & Kentos have the experience one needs when faced with a life changing situation. Call 732-774-1000 when you need the guidance of an experienced law firm.

John Mennie is a personal injury lawyer.
Connect with John on Google+

Getting Proper Motorcycle Accident Compensation

Many New Jersey motorcycle accidents can be viewed through a biased eye by the investigating officer. There's an unfortunate stigma attached to motorcyclists. Part of it may be due to gangs such as, the Hell's Angels. Some of it because of the highway antics of younger riders who use poor judgement, do "lane splitting" (driving between cars in slowed or stopped traffic) or performing tricks and stunts in high-speed or crowded traffic areas. Many motorcycle drivers are responsible and follow highway laws. But that may not be enough to remove prejudices or to protect you from getting involved in a motorcycle accident.

Getting the Proper Compensation After an Accident

Many circumstances can lead to an accident between a motorcycle and a vehicle. Road debris and potholes can throw a driver off balance and into another car. Unsafe movements by other drivers may have contributed to the wreck. You, as the motorcyclist, are more vulnerable on the highway and less visible. Those involved in New Jersey motorcycle accidents often assume that their insurance will cover losses and injuries. Because of the types of injuries involved with an unprotected motorcyclist, it is best to adhere to the following rules:

• Remain at the scene.
• Call the police or have another person make the call.
• Get medical treatment as quickly as possible.
• Never assume you're not injured, get a medical examination as quickly as possible.
• Get witnesses' names if possible.
• Get all details (tag number, name, address, insurance information, other information) of the other driver involved in the accident.
• Do not talk to the insurance representatives of the driver who struck you. 
• Call an attorney as soon as possible.

If you think you haven't been injured, the shock of being struck by another vehicle may have consequences that show up later. All these steps listed above protect you by fulfilling your legal and health care responsibilities. 

Seek Specialized Assistance

New Jersey motorcycle accidents are often the result of the other vehicle operator not seeing the motorcyclist. That never excuses their negligence. When you seek an attorney, find one that is specialized in motorcycle accidents. There are many negative statistics that may be thrown at you to keep your compensation low. Have an experienced attorney who can counter those statistics specific to your case. Only an attorney specializing in these cases can get the compensation you may need for a long recovery or debilitating injury. 

When you or a family member has been involved in a serious motorcycle accident your life stops and then changes from that day forward. The lawyers at Schibell, Mennie & Kentos have the experience one needs when faced with a life changing situation. Call 732-774-1000 when you need the guidance of an experienced law firm.

John Mennie is a personal injury lawyer.
Connect with John on Google+