It’s reported that a vehicle being driven by Sarah Austin, 21 or Luana crossed the center line on U.S. Highway 52 at 5:45 a.m. on November 8, 2009 killing a 41-year-old man. The man Lee Zuercher was reported to not be wearing his seatbelt. His passenger, 18-year-old Coedy Zuercher was and apparently survived.

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Iowa's Clayton County head-on collision kills other driver


Posted on Nov 10, 2009

It’s reported that a vehicle being driven by Sarah Austin, 21 or Luana crossed the center line on U.S. Highway 52 at 5:45 a.m. on November 8, 2009 killing a 41-year-old man. The man Lee Zuercher was reported to not be wearing his seatbelt. His passenger, 18-year-old Coedy Zuercher was and apparently survived. So what did cause the car driven by Ms. Austin to cross the center line? That is the question any legal claims will be required to answer. As a lawyer I’d focus on whether she had a cell phone in the car and whether she was texting or talking. She may have spoken to the police and they may know the answer to that question. Any good investigation would require a search of the accident scene before first snow falls. My suggestion to the incident injured passenger and estate is to act fast.

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Welcome to the Lombardi Law Firm website. Knowing your rights and how to protect yourself is important. Always be alert to risks that can cause you injury or get you killed.  Steve Lombardi provides commentary and insight on this blog, The Verdict and also writes for the Iowa Edict and on occasion on the Des Moines Register web site. Steve Lombardi has more than 30 years in civil litigation including death and injury cases for workers and their spouses for all types of accidents and injuries. Attorney Steve Lombardi is a personal injury lawyer. Join us in making the world a safer place. (515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com )
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What should I do if an attorney is trying to overcharge me for an auto accident case? On July 2010 I was rear ended while on duty. That day I was transported to the hospital and scheduled a follow-up with the workers comp doctors. Upon several visits the doctor advised that neck and hip pain were pre-existing, so I decided to get a Lawyer. I went to Lawyer A, who has represented me up until Nov 2011. On November 19, I received an email from Lawyer A, who advised me the insurance company wants to settle my case for $12,500 with me receiving $5,000. I advised Lawyer A that price would not work, because I have been seeking treatments (message therapy, and acupuncture) using my personal insurance. I did not know when I was using my personal insurance, depending on how the treating doctor codes it, the insurance company can seek for me to pay them back in the future (information told to me by Lawyer A’s staff) . In addition, Lawyer A’s staff advised me to not go back to my worker’s comp doctor because my bill was too high, and for me to see a personal injury and car accident doctor. When I advised Lawyer A that did not want to settle my case with the insurance company for $12,500 with me receiving $5,000, Lawyer A offered me $6,000. I advised Lawyer A that price would not work as well and I would contact their office at a later date. I then found Lawyer B, explained the entire situation to them and signed an agreement with them and terminated Lawyer A due to me not being satisfied with the services they provided me throughout the entire time. Almost a month later Lawyer B contacted me advising me that I was untruthful and they are deciding to not take my case because per the insurance company Lawyer A settled my case for $12,500 on November 19th, and a check was already overnight to Lawyer A’s office. Now that was unbeknownst to me. I then contacted Lawyer A and their staff advised me the insurance company was in a rush and just mailed them a settlement check in attempts to clear their books before the end of the year.

Can I sue the policy holder for injuries or just the driver? I was in an accident and the other driver was at fault. He is a high school senior. The insurance policy is in a different name but same address. If the limits are low, can I sue the policy holder or just the driver? I was injured and have had two surgeries. The doctor says I will likely need more.

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