Wayne Cohen, Lawyer, Attorney: How Much Liability Insurance Should I Carry?

Wayne Cohen, Lawyer, Attorney:  How Much Liability Insurance Should I Carry?

That’s a great question, and one which Wayne Cohen, attorney, and the lawyers in our office frequently get asked.   So, here’s the simple answer:  carry as much as you can, and then some!  Let’s explore why.

First, liability insurance coverage pays for damages if and when you cause an car collision. Automobile accidents in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia are frequent .  Sometimes they are just fender benders.  Other times they are far more serious.  Liability insurance protects you in the event you cause an injury to another person, or damage to their vehicle.

Most states have a minimum requirement, such as $20,000 or $30,000.  If Carl Cheapskate only buys the minimum, hypothetically $20,000, and has a car accident, Carl may have big problems.  Perhaps the vehicle he struck was a Mercedes, worth $50,000.  Maybe the person in the vehicle suffered serious injuries, then what?  Well, the injured victim could come after Carl personally, which means going after his house, assets, and even garnishing his wages.

Also, having the most liability insurance also will help you because you will be able to increase your “uninsured motorists coverage” to that amount.  Uninsured motorists insurance protects you in the event you suffer injuries in a car accident as a result of an uninsured driver.  I've written on this topic, so feel  free to check out my other blogs on this point.  

My suggestion is to maximize your liability insurance.  The difference in price between the minimum and maximum coverage is usually pretty small, so it’s definitely worth investigating.   Usually, your insurance agent can get you this information pretty easily.

If you would like to have Wayne Cohen or a lawyer at Cohen & Cohen,P.C. review your automobile insurance policy, we’d be happy to do so.  Just contact our office at (202) 955 – 4LAW (4529) or send me, Wayne Cohen, an email at wrc@cohenandcohen.net

Wayne Cohen

1220 19th Street, NW
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20036
202-955-4529
www.cohenandcohen.net

Wayne Cohen, Lawyer, Attorney: What Is Uninsured Motorists Insurance?

Wayne Cohen, Lawyer, Attorney:  What Is Uninsured Motorists Insurance?

Wayne Cohen, attorney and managing partner of the personal injury law firm, Cohen & Cohen, handles car accidents in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Often they involve motorists who are not properly insured.  Thankfully, most insurance companies in the United States have a general provision for uninsured motorists coverage that may be applicable if there is a car collision. This is a specific type of insurance which will cover you in the event you are involved in a car accident with another driver who does not have proper liability insurance. Let's use a few examples to explain. You are driving down the road, and another vehicle strikes your car in the rear and causes severe injuries.  When you go to exchange information, the striking driver tells you that his auto insurance has lapsed.  In this instance, under most policies, your uninsured motorists coverage will kick in and you will be covered for the car collision.  Another situation may arise where you are involved in a hit and run accident. Perhaps you are driving down the road and another vehicle crosses the center line coming in the opposite direction.  You swerve to avoid the vehicle, and strike a tree. The vehicle that caused you to swerve then leaves the scene.  In this instance you may also have an uninsured motorists claim.

If you have been involved in a car accident in Maryland,Virginia, or the District of Columbia, it is important that you contact Wayne Cohen, an injury lawyer, or another personal injury attorney immediately.  Important steps need to be taken to preserve your claim and all of your rights.

Wayne Cohen

1220 19th Street, NW
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20036
202-955-4529
www.cohenandcohen.net

Wayne Cohen, Lawyer, Attorney: Why Do I Like To Teach?

Wayne Cohen, Lawyer, Attorney:  Why Do I Like To Teach?

As I wind down my 20th year of teaching at the George Washington University School of Law, I think it might be an opportune time to blog for a moment on why I find teaching so enjoyable. For me, Wayne Cohen, attorney, this has been a part-time passion. It is by no means a full-time position. Nevertheless, teaching has been an incredible journey which I hope to continue to do.

When I first took the position in 1993, I really did not know what to expect. I was not much older than the students that I was teaching, and in fact was younger than some. But even back then, I truly enjoyed seeing other people excel. I think if I had to boil this down to three reasons I enjoy teaching, they would be as follows.

First, I enjoy teaching law for a very selfish reason: I learn quite a bit!. When I walk through the doors of my classroom, I try to leave my own ego, Wayne Cohen, lawyer, and experience outside. Sometimes, watching students who are not burdened with years litigation practice, can actually teach you something new. They approach problems in an unsaddled manner. 

Second, I truly enjoy watching the progress. Currently, I am teaching a course in litigation trial skills. The goal is for students to learn to be quick on their feet. Typically, in the beginning of the semester, the students are not very good. However, as the semester progresses, they almost always get much better. They learn how to argue, and become much better at opening statements, direct examinations, cross examinations, and closing arguments. Robert Frost once said, “There are two kinds of teachers: the kind that fills you with so much quail shot that you can't move, and the kind that just gives you a little prod behind and you jump to the skies.” I hope to be the kind of teacher who makes ‘em jump!

Third, in order to teach, I've got to be 100% on top of my own game as Wayne Cohen, attorney! Students are tough critics, after all. Preparing for class helps me keep all of my skills refined at the very highest level.

Wayne Cohen

1220 19th Street, NW
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20036
202-955-4529
www.cohenandcohen.net

Wayne Cohen, Attorney / Lawyer: How To Find A Good Lawyer

Wayne Cohen, Attorney & Lawyer, Is A Trial Attorney Based In Washington, D.C.

Finding a good lawyer can be a difficult task.  When searching for an attorney, here are 3 things to keep in mind. 

First, what is the lawyer's education?  A lawyer must receive an undergraduate degree and a law degree before becoming a licensed attorney.  It is a good idea to make sure that the lawyer you are choosing attended an accredited undergraduate college, as well as an accredited law school. 

Second, where is the lawyer licensed?  You should always make sure the lawyer is licensed in the jurisdiction where the case will take place, or will be affiliating with a lawyer who is.  For example, if you were involved in an automobile accident in the District of Columbia, and the defendant resides in the District of Columbia, then having a lawyer who is licensed in the District of Columbia and Maryland makes good sense.  Alternatively, the lawyer can associate with outside counsel.

Third, what is the lawyer's experience in handling a similar case?  You should measure this both in terms of number of cases, and in time.

About Wayne Cohen, Lawyer - Attorney:
Wayne Cohen has his main law office in Washington, D.C., and can be found at www.cohenandcohen.net   Mr. Wayne Cohen is also a past president of the Trial Lawyers Association of  Metropolitan Washington, D.C., and has been an adjunct law professor at the George Washington University School of Law since 1993.