If you live in Plano, Texas then you most likely do a lot of driving between Dallas and Fort Worth. So the chances of you getting into a fender bender at some point are probably pretty good. While most of these are easily dealt with by the exchange of information and then each driver’s insurance company, like Paragon Independent Insurance Agency who serves the greater Plano area, some end up mired in legal battles and lawsuits, where one driver claims to have been injured and has lost a lot of money in money they would have otherwise made at work. This usually ends up being what is better known as fender bender fraud and there are a number of ways to avoid this right when the accident occurs, as listed below.

TALK TO WITNESSES OF THE ACCIDENT

If there are people who witnessed the accident, be sure to talk to them about what they saw and get your own statement from them as an independent third party. Also be sure to get their contact information so you can contact them later. This will be very helpful if you ever go to court.

SHOOT PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

The more of these you can have the better, as it will transport those in the courtroom to the actual scene of the accident and show them what really happened. This way it won’t solely be based upon your word against the other driver’s, but real photographic or video evidence from the time it actually occurred. There is no denying that in a court room.

CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY IMMEDIATELY

The sooner you contact your insurance company and tell them what happened, the better, so that they can prepare for any funny business that could be coming their way from the other party in the collision.

Sometimes things can get a little tense when motorists and bicyclists are sharing the road. Cooler heads will always prevail when both drivers and riders understand some important  rules and safety tips. Putting yourself in the other seat can save a lot of headaches, frustration and accidents.

Here are 10 things bicyclists can do and 10 things motorists can do to share the road better.

10 Tips for Bicyclists

1. Know your signs. Use proper bicycle hand signals and respect the signs and traffic signals.

2. Ride in the same direction as traffic. Not only is it the law, it’s quite dangerous to ride any other way.

3. Hands-on riding. Keep both hands on the handlebars. One- or no-hand riding means you may not have enough time to brake, especially in wet weather.

4. Keep your bike safe. It’s important to have the proper safety equipment, including bells, mirrors, fenders and a light if riding at night.

5. Watch for hazards. Sewer grates, manhole covers, oily pavement and potholes can cause serious injury to you … and your bike.

6, Streets can be ruff. Dogs can be problematic. Ignoring them, shouting a loud "No!" or dismounting and squirting them with water are all practical deterrents.

7. Make it personal. Try to make eye contact with a driver to make sure they see you.

8. Maintain the equipment. Brakes, tires should all be in top shape.

9. A little to the left. There are two ways to turn left. The first is to move to the left side of the turning lane. The other is to ride through an intersection, dismount, and cross in a crosswalk.

10. Acknowledge courtesy. When a car driver respects your rights and is careful, a wave or a nod is appreciated.

10 Tips for Motorists

1. It’s their road too. Bicyclists have as much right to the roadway as you do.

2. Leave some room. It’s advisable to leave at least three feet of width when passing a bicyclist.

3. What’s behind that door. Drivers and passengers alive should look behind them, especially when getting out on the traffic side, for bicyclists and cars.

4. Swerves happen. A bicyclist may need to swerve suddenly to avoid an opening car door or hazard.

5. A little to the left. See the above ways bicyclists can turn left. Don’t get upset at a bike in the left part of the lane.

6. Easy on the horn. Unless absolutely necessary, don’t use your horn. It may startle a bicyclist.

7. Accidents are harmful. Remember that a collision with a bicycle is likely to cause serious injury.

8. A little to the right. When turning right, be sure to check to see if bicyclists are coming.

9. Take your time. Bicyclists aren’t as fast as you. Let them make that turn.

10. Acknowledge courtesy. When a bicyclist follows the rules of the road, a wave can go a long way.

Despite following all of these safety tips, accidents happen. To be sure you’re covered, contact the Paragon Independent Insurance Agency today.

When it comes to improving gas mileage, there are many tips to follow, with one of the best being to keep a full tank of gas as often as possible. It’s also imperative to understand that newer cars tend to get better gas mileage than their older model versions because of advancements in automotive technology. Here’s a couple of other tips to remember so you can put more money in your pocket and less in your gas tank. 

Invest in a newer car

As stated above, investing in a more modern car that boasts some of today’s best gas-saving features is an excellent way to start saving money on gas. Whether you want to invest in a hybrid, electric, or gas car, the latest cars are designed and manufactured to meet today’s emission and gas laws. 

Take off slow, and brake slow

When you take off abruptly or wallop the brakes, this will affect your gas mileage negatively. Taking off slow and making sure you brake softly will improve gas mileage, and even better is that it will minimize wear and tear on your car, especially the brake pads and tires. 

If you would like to learn more about improving the gas mileage of your vehicle, please contact a local insurance agency. Don’t forget that saving money on your gas mileage means you’ll have more money to invest in an affordable policy that can best meet your needs. To learn more and find a policy that best suits all of your auto insurance needs, contact Paragon Independent Insurance Agency. We are ready to answer any questions and inquiries you may have. 

 

The moment you see a car accident, you are a witness. These can happen all the time in Dallas and you want to be sure to take the best possible action. A lot can be done and below are a few of the steps you should take.

Secure Your Car

Once you decide to help at a car accident, secure your car away from it. Pull off to the side of the road and out of the way, in the event there is a fire, broken glass, or anything else.

Call for Help

Call 9-1-1 as soon as you can. Don’t assume others have called, otherwise it could take longer for help to arrive. Tell the operator where the accident is and what has happened.

Check on Passengers

Check on the drivers and passengers of the accident. Let them know help has been called as it can help to keep them calm. Help those who can move so they can get out of the car. Never move someone who cannot move themselves.

Secure Their Vehicles

Try to secure the vehicles by placing them in park and turning off the ignitions. This can help to prevent further problems. If you can, move them onto the side of the road as well.

Wait for the Police

You should always wait for the police when you can to be able to give them a witness statement. Be as factual as possible. They may ask for your contact information as well, which can be used by the insurance company as well as a lawyer hired by one of the victims.

Call now and speak to an agent at Paragon Independent Insurance Agency to help you find auto insurance you can rely on. We’re here to answer any questions you may have about coverage in TX.

 

The holidays are a wonderful time to give the gift of a car. However, it may not be as simple as you think it is. There’s more entailed than just driving the car into the person’s driveway and handing them the keys. You’re presenting them with a responsibility, and it entails a great deal on both parties’ parts. 

Financial Obligations

Although you’re paying for the car, the financial obligation goes beyond that. There are insurance premiums that must be paid. The policy must meet the state’s minimum requirements. You must decide if you’re going to pay for the premiums as part of the present or if the other person is financially responsible. Make sure you keep in mind if the person is capable of making the premiums. 

Just like insurance premium requirements, each state has its own laws in regards to taxes associated with receiving a gift of a vehicle. That means, the giftee may have to pay taxes.

The person may have other expenses as well such as a fee to park the automobile in his or her residence. And then there are the inevitable maintenance fees. You need to take this all into consideration before being generous. 

Paperwork

In Plano, TX, a person must register a vehicle. That means you’ll need first to put it in your name and transfer it if you want it to be a surprise. There are fees associated with registering and transferring. 

Insurance

The car requires insurance, which means you may need to put it in your name. You have to take into consideration your driving history. 

Buying a car seems like a wonderful holiday present, but there is more involved. Make sure you know the person’s situation, and you know your state’s laws, especially involving insurance. 

Contact Paragon Independent Insurance Agency at 972-473-4813 today to get quote if you’re planning on giving a four-wheeled gift.