What to do After an Accident

Late this fall, I received a call from a friend who had been hit in a parking lot by someone backing out of a parking space. The person was adamant that my friend's parked car was at fault. It was a strange circumstance, for sure. 

Most recently, I heard of someone who was given a hand-scribbled note with "the other person's" information after an accident. As it turns out, all of the information appears to be bogus. Bad license plate number. Invalid insurance policy number. Even a false name. Please gather all the information yourself if you are able.

Protect Your Interests after an Auto Accident

While we certainly hope that you are never involved in an auto accident, we realize that they do happen. That's the reason we're in business; that's the reason you trusted us to find the right auto insurance for you. If you are ever involved in an accident, the following suggestions will help the claim process move ahead smoothly. Please print this out and keep a copy in your glove box.

• Make sure that everyone is unhurt—in your car and any others involved. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it is probably a good idea to have them checked out—either at the hospital or with your family doctor. A seemingly minor injury could turn out to be more serious.
• Call the police. They can help defuse a difficult situation and ascertain who is at fault. Make sure that police on the scene get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all other involved parties. Ask for a copy of the police report from the officer.
• If you happen to have a camera with you—or a smart phone—take some photos of the vehicles involved, the general area where the accident occurred, and skid marks.
• If possible, safely move the cars out of the way of traffic.
• Do not admit or discuss liability with anyone other than staff at our office or your insurer.
• Get the following information about everyone involved in the accident: name, address, driver's license number, license plate number, description of car, e-mail address, all phone numbers (home, work, and cell), and auto insurance information. Also, obtain contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
• Report the accident immediately to our office. (My cell number is 719-352-9535.)
• While the details are still fresh in your mind, write your own account of the accident. Be sure to make note of anything the other involved parties said about their injuries or about how they may have contributed to or avoided the accident.

Copyright 2013
International Risk Management Institute, Inc.

When I'm not doing insurance stuff... Wood & Tools

I dabbled with woodworking when I was middle school - and really jumped in 18 years ago. It was a way to build the things I couldn't afford (or bring myself to pay for). I build a modified arts & crafts style queen-size bed last year out of cherry (my favorite wood) last year.

When we moved this fall, the mass of wood and tools shocked me (once again) and I realized that I would need to build something to organize the mess that took up 1/2 of the garage.

Plans came together - and I've just about done enough. At least enough to get the car in the garage. I look forward to my next project.

Jon

The next Woodworking project

I enjoy woodworking and since my garage is been a mess since we moved in September, I decided I would begin to organize my piles of wood and tools. Here are the plans.

I love chocolate

Mmm. Fresh brownies & Fudge Sauce.

Saturday Shots: Pruning!

It's Saturday! Instead of waiting for something to go wrong with your house, be preventive. After a couple shots of morning espresso, let's spend 15 minutes taking a quick look around... and maybe making a couple of quick repairs.

Saturday Shots: Pruning!

Well, I've sent my wife to Buena Vista for a ladies' retreat... and I'm home with the kiddos. Just popped the potatoes in the oven and I'll be grilling burgers in just a few minutes... 

I love pruning trees & shrubs. Once I get started, I'll keep going until my blisters have blisters, leaving my hands sore and tired for days. Regardless, the satisfaction of whipping nature into submission is inexplicable. 

My first real pruning efforts were not appreciated. I pruned the top 10 feet off a 15-foot juniper. It never recovered. 

Since winter is getting closer, let's focus on the areas that matter most:

• branches hanging over the roof should be pruned back at least 2-4 feet from the edge of the building. (Fire defensible space is 10 feet minimum)
• conifers are generally happiest when trimmed in the fall. 
• flowering cherries should have been pruned by now, but it's not too late.
• dead / damaged / diseased wood should be taken out any time. Diseased wood should be burned or taken to your enemy's property where it can spread (Don't forget to pray for them.) if you need a warm cell for the winter.
• branches hanging over parking areas should be considered hazardous. (My Subaru still has "hail damage" from parking under a pecan tree in the fall... and have you ever been hit on the head with something falling from a tree?)
• branches hanging over your neighbor's fence should be evaluated as to strength. If you see areas of the tree that are hollow (or the top is dead/broken off), the health of the tree is likely compromised. Better to control the falling branch than have it damage your fence and friendship.

If you do live in a fire-prone area, now would be the time to begin giving consideration to any defensible space changes you might like to make. From this past summer's fires, the homes that survived victoriously were those with fire-resistant roofing materials AND those that had followed a clear defensible space plan.

Until next week, enjoy your day off!

~ Jon

"A shot of prevention is better than a venti of cure." 

The Fine Print: Because of the general nature of this advice and the individual application thereof, neither the Merriam Agency nor Jon Barron assume any responsibility for any loss, cost, damage, injury or expense which may be incurred or suffered as a result of the use of this information or your own foolishness

Saturday Shots: Ice!

It's Saturday! Instead of waiting for something to go wrong with your house, be preventive. After a couple shots of morning espresso, let's spend 15 minutes taking a quick look around... and maybe making a couple of quick repairs.

Saturday Shots: Ice!

I just checked the forecast for Elk Camp this weekend. Snow Friday and Saturday. Brrr. But a little fresh snow makes chasing those tricksy elkses easier to find – in theory. 

This year, I'm hunting with two guys who have become great friends over the years. We weren't able to draw bull tags this year, so we're only looking for the antlerless bunch, which don't make for amazing pictures. Maybe I'll bolt on a tree branch for the picture or something. 

On To Business... 

Have you ever seen a broken pipe destroy an entire wall in a room? It is amazing how much force and destructive power is in those half-inch pipes. Quite a few years ago, a bathroom was completely destroyed while I ran around looking for the water shut-off. It took us 6 weeks to repair all the damages... and I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

It's time to make sure you have disconnected and drained hoses... unless you live in southern-most parts of the US. If you're still using hoses, please disconnect them when you're done for the day... it is one preventive way to avoid significant cost and inconvenience. 

Finally, if you have Crawl vents around your foundation, it's time to close 'em. That's it! 

Until next week's 15-Minute Check-up, enjoy your day off!

~ Jon

"A shot of prevention is better than a venti of cure." 

The Fine Print: Because of the general nature of this advice and the individual application thereof, neither the Merriam Agency nor Jon Barron assume any responsibility for any loss, cost, damage, injury or expense which may be incurred or suffered as a result of the use of this information or your own foolishness

Saturday Shots: Fall!

It's Saturday! Instead of waiting for something to go wrong with your house, be preventive. After a couple shots of morning espresso, let's spend 15 minutes taking a quick look around... and maybe making a couple of quick repairs.

Saturday Shots: Fall!

I love autumn. The crisp apples in late August remind me that the leaves will be changing soon. It's been cold today, but we're supposed to see the low 20's in the morning. 

Today, imagine that my 95-year old grandmother is coming to visit. She's not one of those women who is hardy, but I remember her going on a roller coaster almost 30 years ago. Anyway, she can trip over things easily - and needs something firm to hold onto. Look at these:

• sidewalks: clear of cracks
• decks: clear of protruding nails/screws
• hand rails that are solidly attached (metal ones like to rust out at ground level)
• steps that are not wobbly.
• Landings that are not sloped

Walk, test, and observe. Then watch someone else walk and test the safety. What do you instinctively avoid? If my grandmother can navigate your house safely, your house can easily be made safe for visitors when it's icy, snow, or rainy. 

When you're done, I'd recommend making notes in a small notebook or computer file, in case you find something similar in a couple months or years. 

Until next week's 15-Minute Check-up, enjoy your day off!

~ Jon

"A shot of prevention is better than a venti of cure." 

The Fine Print: Because of the general nature of this advice and the individual application thereof, neither the Merriam Agency nor Jon Barron assume any responsibility for any loss, cost, damage, injury or expense which may be incurred or suffered as a result of the use of this information or your own foolishness.