And as usual, it's time for our weekly ten-minute conversation with Michael Brook, the head of the Bureau of Accident and Road Incident Investigation. Misha, hello.
Alexander: Hello, dear radio listeners. I traditionally wish everyone health and hope you avoid any unpleasant situations. But if, under any circumstances, you suffer an injury, for example, get into a car accident or fall somewhere and break or injure something, the simplest solution is to have my phone number at hand: 718 256 56 10. You can call this number at any time, day or night, any day of the week, and I will immediately connect you with a lawyer who will advise you in detail.
If you search my phone number on the Internet, 718 256 56 10, you will find my website, michaelbrook.com, where my business card and all necessary forms are available. If you are interested in information on how best to insure your car or home, please save my phone number as an icon on your phone, and my information will always be at hand.
Michael: Radio listeners have a question that boils down to the following: Let’s say they were passengers in a car, and the driver made a very sharp maneuver, like jerking the car or braking suddenly, which resulted in an injury to a passenger inside. In such a case, who can they sue, and who will cover their medical expenses? Please answer.
Michael: Yes, of course. If the driver made a maneuver that resulted in injury to their passenger, you can sue this driver. Even if the driver is your relative, you can formally sue them and claim money from the car insurance. In the state of New Jersey, it could even be a spouse, and it does not matter; you can still sue and receive funds. Natural, this is purely formal, while treatment is paid for separately. There is special coverage for any passenger in the car in New York and New Jersey, which covers treatment up to $50,000 for each passenger, known as 'PIP' in English, and it is part of any insurance policy, even the cheapest ones in New York and New Jersey. So, once again, if you have any questions or injuries in any situation, the best thing to do is call me at 718 256 56 10 or go online to reach my website.
Let me share an example: A woman contacted me who was in a car called 'Access-a-Ride.' She was being taken to the doctor, and the driver braked sharply causing her to fall inside the vehicle and break her arm. My lawyer sued the car insurance, winning, and obtained money from the car insurance and then sued the 'Access-a-Ride' company, ultimately achieving a half-million settlement, or $500,000. So, if something similar happens, just call me as soon as possible at 718 256 56 10, write it down, keep it on your mobile, and always carry it with you.
Thank you for your usual detailed and clear response, Michael. Let's listen to Daniel.
Daniel: We got into a severe accident at a crazy speed when a car overtook us on a small street in Brooklyn, clipped us from the side, and we crashed into a pole. It turned out the car was stolen, and the police caught the thief. So, as in the previous case, Michael, who will compensate for the damages, and who will pay for our repairs and medical treatment? Please advise.
Michael: In this situation, it can vary. Sometimes insurance companies claim they don't cover such accidents if the car is stolen. But your car insurance still has special coverage called "Uninsured Motorist Coverage," which is precisely for such situations. However, damage to the car in this case is not covered unless you have what’s known as 'Full Coverage' in English. That’s why I always recommend purchasing full coverage, even for cheaper or older cars. The cost difference is small, but the protection is substantial. If you have any questions about how to insure a car properly, visit my website, michaelbrook.com, download the forms, fill them in, and one of my insurance specialists will consult you for free.
Here's another example: a man struck by a car whose driver was arrested because the car was stolen. The man, a pedestrian, didn’t even use his car, but the insurance coverage on his vehicle was good—$100,000. Sometimes it can be higher, $250,000 or $500,000, but $100,000 is also decent. My lawyer obtained this entire amount for him, plus up to $50,000 for treatment, covering everything needed, which left him very satisfied. And again, I remind you of my phone number, 718 256 56 10. Thank you, Daniel; and now let's hear from Valentina.
Valentina: I went to the gym, and on one of the machines, a part fell off while I was using it, resulting in torn tendons in my right hand. Can I sue anyone since gyms don’t cover these cases?
Michael: Indeed, gyms (fitness centers) have insurance, and if they're at fault, i.e., if they haven’t maintained their equipment, then their insurance is liable. I had a similar case where a woman approached me, saying she was injured in a gym due to malfunctioning equipment; some device snapped, and she broke her hand. My lawyer sued her trainer and the gym, receiving $200,000 in a settlement. So, if something similar happens, just call me as soon as possible at 718 256 56 10, store it on your mobile, and always carry it so it's at hand if you suffer an injury.
Feel free to call me anytime, day or night, any day of the week. I'll immediately connect you with a lawyer, even at night or on weekends. They will fully consult you regarding your situation, including whether you can claim money or not, and approximately how much, helping you decide what to do next. I work with very serious lawyers, counted among the best in New York and New Jersey, each specializing in specific cases. Therefore, depending on whether it's a car accident, involving working at the time, having kids in the car, or being a pedestrian hit by a vehicle—all require a lawyer experienced in similar successful cases because different rules and laws can apply.
Once more, I want to remind you of my phone number: 718 256 56 10. If you enter it online or search my name, Michael Brook—Michael as it's spelled in English, followed by Brook without spaces, and .com—you will find all my contact information, which you can store on your phone for easy access. In the event of an accident, injury, or fracture, Michael Brook, head of the Bureau of Accident and Road Incident Investigation, will direct you to experienced lawyers who will secure maximum compensation for you. 718 256 56 10.