Top 20 for 2020!!!

Patch & FitzGerald has been recognized as one of the 20 Best Personal Injury law firms in Manchester by the independent rating agency Expertise.com.  Based on exhaustive independent evaluations in five categories including reputation, experience, credibility, engagement and professionalism, Patch & FitzGerald was selected for inclusion in the Top 20 list.  We are honored to add this designation to our list of awards for excellence.

 And although we are gratified by the honor, we continue our laser focus on providing the best legal advice and service to clients with Worker’s Compensation and Personal Injury issues throughout New Hampshire. Patch & FitzGerald:  Relentless Advocates, Winning Results. 

Legislative Update

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

NH Senate Bill 547 (Prefiled Legislation) Relative to an electronic prescription drug program. https://legiscan.com/NH/text/SB547/id/2082061

In preparation for the 2020 legislative session, SB 547 has been prefiled in the New Hampshire Senate. The bill would mandate the use of electronic prescriptions for all controlled substances and become effective just a few months after passage.

The bill is currently before the Health and Human Services Committee and will likely be taken up when the session begins this week.

IRS ISSUES STANDARD MILEAGE RATES FOR 2020

Effective January 1, 2020, the standard mileage reimbursement rate for transportation expenses as set by the IRS will be 57.5 per mile (down from .58 cents in 2019). This new rate applies to reimbursement payable under RSA 281-A: 23 Medical, Hospital & Remedial Care.

The New Hampshire Department of Labor generally adjusts this rate on January 1 of each year.

Workers’ Compensation Carriers should use this rate for reimbursement for eligible Workers’ Compensation travel expenses incurred on or after January 1, 2020.

Below is the mileage reimbursement rates since 2005.

Call Patch & FitzGerald For Your Worker’s Comp Injuries

If you have been injured in a workplace accident and want to seek compensation for your injuries, the attorneys at Patch & FitzGerald are here for you. In New Hampshire, they are the top choice for worker’s compensation and personal injury claims. With decades of experience, they understand what it takes to win a claim and do all the work so that you can focus on what matters most, healing.

To schedule a free case evaluation, call 603-647-2600 or contact us online today.

5 Tips For Having A Safe And Happy New Year

2020 is right around the corner and ringing in a new decade means a night of fun with friends and family. New Year’s Eve is one of the deadliest nights of the year on the road. If you are heading out to have a good time, it is imperative to keep yourself and others safe. Use these five tips for having a safe and happy New Year to ensure you are around to enjoy the next decade.

Plan Ahead

One of the best things you can do for yourself before going out on New Year’s Eve is to plan ahead. Having an idea of where you are going and how you’re going to get there prevents you from making last-minute, poor decisions like driving under the influence. Likewise, it is a good idea to let someone else (a family member) know where you’re going to be in case of an emergency.

Take Public Transportation or Designate a Driver

Between the hours of 6 pm on New Year’s Eve and 6 am on New Year’s Day 71% more DUI accidents happen than any other day of the year. Furthermore, New Year’s Day is the second most dangerous day for drivers in the United States. Public transportation is one of the safest ways to get around on a night like NYE. The second safest is designating a driver who is committed to safety.

Exercise Caution at Public Venues

Bars, restaurants, and event venues are some of the most popular destinations on New Year’s Eve. At these locations, large crowds can pose a risk to your safety, especially if alcohol is involved. Slippery floors create the perfect opportunity to fall and get injured and other people often don’t watch what they are doing. Wherever you choose to go, it is important to be aware of your surroundings to prevent unnecessary injuries.

Know Your Limits

Finally, before you embark on your New Year’s Eve adventure make sure you know your limits. Understand how many beverages you can consume safely and stay away from any illegal substances. Not all alcoholic beverages are created equal and each may have different effects on your body. A few tips for limiting your consumption is to drink a glass of water in between each alcoholic beverage and to choose drinks that take longer to consume.

Contact the Trusted Attorneys at Patch & FitzGerald 

If you or someone you know is injured in a car accident, the legal team at Patch & FitzGerald is here to fight for you. 

At Patch & FitzGerald, we care about all of our clients and want to help you get back on your feet as soon as possible after an accident. We specialize in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases.  Our team can help you win the settlement you deserve. To schedule your free case evaluation call 603-647-2600 or contact us online today. 

To schedule a free consultation, call 603-647-2600 or contact us online today.

Why You Should Audit Your Car Insurance Policy in 2020

The new year is an ideal time to take a step back and evaluate the different areas of your life. One area that many people forget about is their insurance policies, in particular, their car insurance. When it comes to your insurance, best practice is to review your policy every year to ensure you have the coverage you need and that you are getting what you believe you’re paying for.

Car Insurance Rates Are Going Up

In 2020, multiple states are expected to experience car insurance rate changes. Changes in car insurance rates occur regularly for multiple reasons including an increase in accidents, state laws, and increases in the cost of car parts and labor.

One of the most prominent reasons for rate increases over the past few years and looking forward to 2020 is more accidents related to distracted driving. Instead of following the rules of the road, many drivers choose to text, talk on the phone, and use their devices while behind the wheel. Such accidents have cost insurance companies a lot of money and to make up for it they are charging their clients.

Although there is not much you can do about regulated rate increases, it is in your best interest to know when they are coming so you can budget for them.

You Need The Right Car Insurance Coverage

More important than your insurance rates, however, is your insurance coverage. If you get into a car accident, having the right limits of liability can help protect you from lawsuits and other legal actions. A good rule of thumb to follow regarding your car insurance is to have limits of liability greater than the total value of your assets. Medical bills and rehabilitation is the number one reason people pursue a settlement after a car accident. Therefore, carrying medical payments coverage for your passengers helps cover the cost of their medical bills in the case of an accident where you are the driver.

The best way to ensure you have the right coverage is to sit down with your car insurance agent and discuss your policy. Most agents are willing to go over your policy with you line by line and explain the protection you have.

Although it might cost you a few more dollars every month to increase your car insurance coverage, it pales in comparison to what a serious car accident claim could cost you. Don’t let being underinsured be the reason you can’t achieve your dreams and goals in life – review your car insurance before the next decade begins.

Trusted Car Accident Attorneys in New Hampshire

If you are in a car accident and the other party was not properly covered, call the team at Patch & FitzGerald.  They are committed to winning you the compensation you deserve. They bring a wealth of knowledge to every case and will help you understand the process so you don’t feel lost.

To schedule a free consultation, call 603-647-2600 or contact our team online today.   

Safe Holiday Driving

Fatalities Across the Nation for 2017

In 2017, the average number of fatalities for non-holiday times of 2017 were 102 a day, while there were 119 deaths a day related to car crashes occurring during the six major holiday periods in 2017. These holiday periods include New Year’s, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day of 2018.

Total Vehicle Crashes in the USA Resulting in Some Type of Injury for 2017

According to police reports, during 2017, the number of car crashes requiring the towing of at least one vehicle from the scene totaled nearly 3 million. The Crash Abbreviated Injury Scale (CAIS) is the method used to categorize the level of injuries sustained during vehicle crashes.

Annual motor vehicle crash injury breakdown for 2017:

• There were approximately 81,433 vehicle crashes resulting in injury levels that were considered serious or resulted in death. Of these crashes, nearly 4,000 involved maximum CAIS, untreatable injuries.

• Roughly 1 million of the 3 million crashes of 2017 had occupants who suffered minor to moderate level injuries.

• The occupants of more than a million vehicles that were involved in crashes sustained no injuries.

Predicting Future Injuries and Fatalities Related to Motor Vehicle Collisions During the Holiday Season

Analyzing and calculating the number of motor vehicle crashes that resulted in fatalities and injuries allows for an accurate prediction as to what can be expected in the year to come. These holiday predictions can provide the public with warnings and alerts that could reduce the number of crash injuries, and fatalities. Statistical forecasting finds that from Christmas to New Year’s Day of 2020, the number of occupants in vehicle crashes who will have died totals 799.

Crashes in 2018 Involving Drivers Who Were Under the Influence of Alcohol

Individuals with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 g/dL or above are considered intoxicated. Driving while intoxicated is illegal in all 50 states. In 2018, 29 percent of the traffic fatalities across the nation involved at least one driver with a BAC of .08 g/dL or above. Furthermore, in 2018, one fatality due to an alcohol-impaired driver occurred every 50 minutes.

Breakdown of the vehicles in 2018 involved in fatal crashes caused by driving under the influence:

• Passenger cars – 21 percent.

• Motorcycles – 25 percent.

• Large trucks – 3 percent.

• Light trucks – 19 percent.

Fatality breakdown based on the role of the 10,511 people who sustained fatal injuries in 2018 due to alcohol-impaired driving crashes is as follows:

• Drivers with BACs of .08 g/dL or above – 6,364 persons (61 percent).

• Vehicle occupants riding with the alcohol-impaired driver – 1,389 persons (13 percent).

• Occupants of another motor vehicle – 1,580 (15 percent).

• Nonoccupants – 1,178 persons (11 percent).

Estimated Cost of Alcohol-Impaired Crashes

The estimated annual cost of alcohol-impaired crashes was $44 billion: This estimation pertains to 2010, which is the most recent study detailing cost data that is available.

Economic costs included in this figure are:

• Medical costs.

• Legal expenses.

• Court expenses.

• Workplace losses.

• Lost productivity.

• Insurance administration.

• Medical services (emergency).

• Property damage.

• Congestion following the car crash.

While the $44 billion represents the tangible losses resulting from an alcohol-impaired traffic crash, the costs associated with serious injury or death, including loss of quality-of-life for those suffering serious injuries and those who lost a loved one are not represented in this estimate. When the quality of life is considered, the cost of societal harm for alcohol-impaired crashes is estimated at $201.1 billion.

12 Safety Tips for Holiday Travel

With family gatherings and parties scheduled from late November to mid-January, more people are traveling. When compared to the other forms of transportation, traveling by car results in the highest number of fatalities during the holiday season. However, by taking some basic precautions, you can ensure you arrive safely and injury-free at your holiday destination.

Holiday travel tips:

1. Carry an emergency preparedness kit in your car that includes a cell phone charger.

2. Prepare your car for winter travel before heading off on your trip.

3. Avoid driving while you are drowsy.

4. Plan ahead for heavy traffic.

5. Expect delays.

6. Eliminate distractions (e.g., your cell phone, eating, adjusting your navigation system, etc.).

7. If you plan to drink alcoholic beverages, make sure you designate a sober driver in advance.

8. In case of an incident, have your contact information for roadside assistance on hand.

9. Wear your seatbelt and make sure occupants are wearing their seatbelts (especially children).

10. Obey traffic laws and do not speed.

11. Keep the weather and road conditions in mind so you can adjust your speed as needed.

12. Remember to be patient, everyone is in a hurry to reach their destination.

Taking Time Off Can Help You Avoid Workplace Accidents

How Taking Time Off Can Help You Avoid Workplace Accidents

With the holidays upon us, there’s one thing on most people’s minds—time off. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a worker who has been employed for five years gets an average of 15 days off per year. Knowing when to take that time off, or whether to take it off at all is an issue many employees struggle with. However, there is evidence that taking time off can be beneficial to one’s health, improve productivity, and limit workplace accidents.

Vacation Renews Your Mind

Working the same job day after day and dealing with all of the stresses it entails takes a toll on a person’s mental health. According to the American Psychological Association, taking a vacation reduces anxiety and depression by removing a person from the environments they associate with those feelings. Even a vacation as short as 3-4 days has been known to show psychological benefits.

When a person comes back to work with a renewed mind after vacation, they are more likely to think clearly throughout the workday and focus on the tasks at hand instead of their stress and anxiety. Therefore, reducing the likelihood of workplace accidents that cause serious injuries.

Taking Time Off Heals Your Body

Whether a person has a desk job or a job that requires physical labor, working takes a toll on one’s body. For office workers, sitting too much over an extended period has been proven to cause an increase in heart-related diseases, cancer, and diabetes. Physical labor employees run the risk of workplace injuries such as broken bones, torn muscles, and overexertion.

When a person takes time off, even if it is just a short time, their bodies get a chance to recover from the everyday wear and tear of the workplace. Then, once they return to work, their bodies are healthier and less likely to experience injuries.

Remember, you are entitled to your paid time off.

In the United States, there are no federal laws that require employers to give their employees paid vacation days. In the private industry, however, more than 90% of employees receive paid time off. Once paid time off is issued, it is the employee’s right to use it and remember that when they do they will come back feeling refreshed and better than ever.

Call Patch & FitzGerald For Your Worker’s Comp Injuries

If you have been recently injured in a workplace accident and want to seek compensation for your injuries, the attorneys at Patch & FitzGerald are here for you. In New Hampshire, they are the top choice for worker’s compensation and personal injury claims. With decades of experience, they understand what it takes to win a claim and do all the work so that you can focus on what matters most, healing.

To schedule a free case evaluation, call 603-647-2600 or contact us online today.

Common Causes of Winter Car Accidents

Poor Visibility

Driving in a snowstorm is no easy task. High winds, big snowflakes, and blowing snow all make it difficult to see. In the worst snowstorms, visibility on the highway can be as little as 3ft. When conditions are not safe for driving, local and national weather services will issue warnings to drivers. To stay safe and prevent accidents, it is in your best interest to stay home whenever a blizzard warning is issued or little to no travel is advised.

Snow and Ice Covered Roads

Not only do snow and ice cause poor visibility, but they also make it very difficult to drive properly. When snowplows and other maintenance vehicles are unable to completely clear the roadways, slowing down, stopping, and turning are all challenging. Therefore, rear-end collisions, cars missing stop signs, and cars going off the road are common occurrences in the winter. If you must drive when conditions are poor, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go and put space between you and other vehicles.

Improper Tire Maintenance

Taking care of your vehicle in the winter is of the utmost importance. One of the most beneficial maintenance tasks to prevent accidents is making sure your tires are in working condition. During the winter, tires should have at least 6/32” of tread to safely handle snow and ice. Furthermore, if you live in an area where the roads are not plowed quickly or there is a lot of drifting, snow tires are a smart option.

Distracted Driving

Throughout the country, distracted driving is an issue all year round. In the winter, however, it becomes even more prevalent when more attention is required to drive. Looking away from the road for as little as two seconds to read a text message is enough to cause a deadly accident. This winter, put your phone away and focus on the road to ensure everyone makes it home for the holidays.

Completely Clean Your Car To Avoid Accidents & Tickets

No matter what steps you take to deice your vehicle, the most important thing is that you get it completely cleared of all ice and snow. This means there should be no ice remaining on your windshield, car windows, or mirrors. Likewise, there should be no snow on the hood, roof, or sides of your vehicle. It is also essential to check the area around your tires for ice and snow and clear any away before driving.

Since 2002, New Hampshire drivers are legally required to clear snow and ice off their cars before getting on the road. Driver’s who violate the law face fines of $250 to $500 for a first offense and $500 to $1,000 for subsequent offenses.

Contact The Trusted Attorneys At Patch & FitzGerald 

If you or someone you know is injured in a car accident, the legal team at Patch & FitzGerald is here to fight for you. 

At Patch & FitzGerald, we care about all of our clients and want to help you get back on your feet as soon as possible after an accident. We specialize in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases.  Our team can help you win the settlement you deserve. To schedule your free case evaluation call 603-647-2600 or contact us online today. 

Tips For Deicing Your Car This Winter

During the winter, there are many dangers on the road and, believe it or not, one of them is your own vehicle. Too much ice and snow on your car is a recipe for road hazards, such as reduced visibility and flying debris. In many states across the US, you must completely deice your vehicle before driving. Before you hit the road this winter, take note of these top tips for deicing your car to help prevent accidents.

Start Early & Defrost Your Car

The key to getting the ice off of your car quickly and efficiently is defrosting your vehicle. It is best to allow at least 10-15 minutes before you need to leave for your car to defrost properly. According to the experts, defrosting your car includes three easy steps:

1. Turn on your heat using the defrost setting

2. Turn the air recirculation off

3. Crack your windows (as long as it’s not snowing or raining)

Following these three steps reduces moisture inside your car, warms it up, and melts the ice most efficiently.

Use A Plastic Or Rubber Scraper

When it comes to getting all of the ice off of your car, it can be tempting to use the strongest and sharpest tool possible. Metal scrapers and other tools like razors or ice picks, however, can scratch your windshield and are dangerous to use on cars. For the best results and the utmost safety, it is important to use a plastic or hard rubber ice scraper. If you’ve allowed enough time for your car to defrost, you should be able to gently remove the ice from your windshield without too much force.

Avoid Deicing Solutions

Although there are several recipes online for deicing solutions, it is in your best interest not to use them. When deicing solutions are used repetitively, they can cause long-term damage to your vehicle, including rust and paint chips. Likewise, pouring hot water directly on your car can cause your windows to crack or break. If you forget to defrost your car before you need to leave in the morning, the best course of action is to call ahead to wherever you need to be and let them know you will be late.

Completely Clean Your Car To Avoid Accidents & Tickets

No matter what steps you take to deice your vehicle, the most important thing is that you get it completely cleared of all ice and snow. This means there should be no ice remaining on your windshield, car windows, or mirrors. Likewise, there should be no snow on the hood, roof, or sides of your vehicle. It is also essential to check the area around your tires for ice and snow and clear any away before driving.

Since 2002, New Hampshire drivers have been legally required to clear snow and ice off their cars before getting on the road. Driver’s who violate the law face fines of $250 to $500 for a first offense and $500 to $1,000 for subsequent offenses.

Who Is Liable If I am In a Ridesharing Accident?

Over the past few years, ridesharing has become a popular form of transportation in cities across the country. Uber and Lyft are two of the most popular ridesharing companies that make it possible for commuters and travelers to get from Point A to Point B by requesting a ride via their app. In the United States, there are over 750,000 Uber drivers that use their own vehicles to provide rides for a fare. With so many ridesharing vehicles on the road, it is inevitable that an accident will occur. The question is - what happens when one does? If you’re in an accident with a ridesharing vehicle like Uber or Lyft, can you sue the driver? Can you sue Uber? Here, we will find out!

Understanding The Facts About Uber Insurance

Before you can understand how or when you can sue Uber or an Uber driver, you must first understand how Uber insurance works. All Uber drivers have three different coverages based upon their driving status. 

1. When the driver is off the clock (driving their vehicle for personal purposes with the Uber app turned off) they are covered by their personal insurance policy.

2. When the driver is on the clock (driving their vehicle with the Uber app turned on) but not driving a customer, they are covered by their personal insurance policy plus some additional coverage from Uber.

3. When the driver is on the clock with a customer, they are covered by Uber’s insurance policy which offers $1,000,000 in property damage and $1,000,000 in liability.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Insurance

Insurance for riders if a covered accident occurs during a rideshare trip and another driver is at fault and doesn’t have sufficient insurance. This insurance also may apply in the case of a hit and run.

Rideshare Driver Personal Insurance Coverage

Uber and Lyft require rideshare drivers to also carry their own personal insurance policy. The amount of insurance a rideshare driver carries on his own insurance policy is largely dependent on the state they live in. In New Hampshire, the required limits of liability are $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per person for bodily injury, and $25,000 in property damage.  

Do I File A Claim with Uber or the Driver?

If you are in an accident with an Uber vehicle understanding the coverages outlined in the previous section will help you determine who you can pursue in a lawsuit.  For example, if you are a passenger in an Uber vehicle it would be best to pursue Uber. If you were in another car, however, and the Uber driver was off the clock, you would purse the driver personally.

Any time you are in a car accident and are unsure of what to do, you should contact a trustworthy attorney with experience handling personal injury cases as soon as possible.

Contact The Trusted Attorneys At Patch & FitzGerald 

If you or a family member has been injured due to an Uber, Lyft, or other Ride Share accident, the legal team at Patch & FitzGerald is here to fight for you. 

At Patch & FitzGerald, we care about all of our clients and want to help you get back on your feet as soon as possible after an accident. We specialize in personal injury cases and can help you win the settlement you deserve.   Attorney FitzGerald has earned Avvo’s top award for legal representation. To schedule your free case evaluation call 603-647-2600 or contact us online today.