The Need for an Auto Accident Lawyer

Generally speaking, an auto accident can definitely be a big headache. In a minor accident, you can just handle your claim on your own. However, after having been involved in a serious auto accident, hiring an auto accident lawyer is the rightmost thing to do. After all, you can expect your lawyer to be your most trusted partner in getting the proper compensation you truly deserve. Remember that without a legal counsel, you might be able to endure the difficulties in the legal process.

As we all know, lots of auto accidents happen every day. And the first few days following the incident are the most important in proving your personal injury claim. Why is this so? It is actually because of the fact that during these days, everything that has happened is still fresh in your mind and you can easily document what has happened, the injuries and damages that you’ve endured, and how it affected you financially and physically.

When you really want to prove your auto accident injury claims, you can also go back to the place where the accident has happened together with your auto accident lawyer. You can then take photos of the scene and note anything that may have contributed to the incident. You might also be able to locate a witness in the crime scene during your visit. I must say that these instances make an auto accident lawyer an unfavorable need in the community.

When you need the services of an auto accident lawyer, to find one is pretty much easy by asking for recommendations. Even if you have no idea about an attorney or legal counsel on auto accidents, your friends or co-workers might have someone to recommend to you. You can also look for one through online referral services just by having a quick search on the Internet. You can also try asking for referrals from a lawyer you know because he definitely knows someone who can help you out in your case.

After having a list of auto accident lawyers, set up a meeting with him. Through this, you will be able to get to know the lawyer and in return, he will also be able to evaluate the possibility of your case for a large compensation. You have to feel comfortable with him during this meeting. If you feel the other way round, then you have to look for another one.

Last Car News

True "sport" utility

BMWs in general are wonderful cars to drive, with impressive power and great handling which doesn't compromise the smooth ride. This 650i Convertible that I'm driving is no exception to that. Its got 360 horsepower, a 6-speed manual transmission and big grippy tires. And surprisingly, given the latest BMW designs, this car actually looks good.

The convertible top works very well, can even be operated at low speeds. The rear window powers up or down so it can be lowered with the top in place for nice ventilation, or left up when the top is down to act as an air deflector. At high speeds, with all the windows up, the wind barely rustles your hair.

So what's not to like? In a word, its I-Drive. I-Drive is BMW's system of using a single knob to access all of the standard driver controls, including ventilation, navigation, audio system, etc... I-Drive turns the ultimate driving machine into the ultimate annoyance.

It took me two days to figure out how to adjust the base on the stereo, and its at least three menus into the system. Changing stations is just as difficult, although I think there is a way to change them via steering wheel controls.

Everytime I got into the car, I would set it to "Sport" mode (tightens the suspension, improves steering response), I would turn off the stability control, set the navigation screen and trip computer screen the way I want them, and if it was raining, I would turn on the automatic wipers. After shutting the car off and returning later, I would have to do all of this over again. Extremely frustrating.

There is no reason I can see for this complicated way of accomplishing simple tasks like adjusting audio controls except for the fact that they had the technology to set it up this way. Technology for technology's sake is not useful.

The 650 I was driving runs about $85,000. As much as I love driving this car, the annoying I-Drive would make me look for an alternative.

--Perry Stern

BMW 6-Series - Annoying German Engineering

The FJ Cruiser is Toyota’s all-new retro-styled off-roader. I’ve had the opportunity in the past to take the FJ off-road, and found it to be extremely capable. However, this was my first chance to see how it takes on day to day driving.

The bold styling of the new FJ Cruiser is a big attention getter. Available in a number of bright colors, my tester was painted Voodoo Blue. It seems that everything about this vehicle is big: it’s got big tires, large grille, oversized mirrors trimmed with running lights (carry over from the original concept) – even the door handles are super sized. And one-upping all of the competition, the FJ Cruiser has three front windshield wipers, where all others just have two.

This big theme carries over to the interior, where knobs were designed to be operable while wearing gloves. Unfortunately, the back seat is not as large as everything else. Rear seat passengers are a bit cramped, and given the small rear windows, it’s also somewhat claustrophobic back there. Access to the rear seat is easy with rear-hinged access doors unless you’re parked in a narrow parking spot, in which case it’s almost impossible to access the rear seat. Cargo space is plentiful, and rear seats can be folded flat to extend the space.

The FJ Cruiser has plenty of power from its 239-hp V6, and it rides rather smooth on the pavement. Handling is not bad for a big SUV, however it is not terribly maneuverable in parking lots. The FJ needs almost 42 feet to turn around compared to a Hummer H3 that can make the same maneuver in five fewer feet. Visibility is also an issue – there is not much window between the back door and the rear of the vehicle. A very large blind spot.

Overall, Toyota has built the FJ Cruiser with the purpose of handling severe off-roading. And while a higher percentage of FJs will leave the pavement (intentionally) than most other SUVs, it’s still likely that most will never leave the road.

--Perry Stern