Lawmakers are pushing for legislation which would prevent recalled vehicles from being rented or sold.

A California lawmaker is asking four major car rental companies to sign a pledge acknowledging that they will not rent or sell any vehicle that has been recalled for safety issues. The move is part of an effort by lawmakers to pass legislation which would allow for increased regulation of the rental car industry.

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) announced on Monday that she had written to four major rental car companies, including Hertz Corp., Avis Budget Group Inc., Enterprise Holdings Inc. and Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc., to ask them to voluntarily sign the recalled vehicle pledge. The pledge states, “Effective immediately, our company is making a permanent commitment to not rent out or sell any vehicles under safety recall until the defect has been remedied.”

Boxer has acknowledged that Hertz claims it already has a similar policy in effect. The senator has said she will give the other three companies 30 days to respond to her request to sign the pledge. At the end of the 30 days, Senator Boxer has said she will publicly announce which companies opted to sign the pledge and which did not.

The move is another step in the efforts of lawmakers to pass legislation which would prevent rental car companies from selling or rent any vehicle that has been recalled without first repairing it. The legislation was introduced in 2011 and was spurred largely in part by the deaths of two California sisters who died in 2004 after their rented car burst into flames, leading to a fatal crash. The victims, 24-year-old Raechel Houck and Jacqueline, 20, rented a Chrysler PT Cruiser from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, a month after the company had been notified of a recall for the vehicle. The recall was issued after it was determined that power steering fluid could leak and ignite under the hood. The girls' parents sued Enterprise and last year, they were awarded a $15 million verdict in connection with the fatal accident.

Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, a Sacramento advocacy group, is also involved in the effort to prevent recalled rental cars from making it onto the roadways. Earlier this year, the organization reached an agreement with Hertz which mirrors pending legislation that would allow the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) greater oversight over the rental car industry.

While it's unclear how the rental car companies in question will respond to Senator Boxer's challenge, it's certain that further effort is needed to prevent consumers from being injured or killed by a defective rental vehicle. Until action is taken, the possibility for further accidents remains.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. An experienced California car accident attorney can evaluate your situation and help you to protect your legal rights.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing Southern California car accident victims and their families. For more information on filing a car accident injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

Teen drivers at an increased risk for distracted driving accidents.

Despite the dangers associated with distracted driving, two new research studies suggest that teens are still engaging in this unsafe practice while behind the wheel.

A group of researchers from the University of Oklahoma recently conducted a study to determine whether banning texting while driving may actually result in more teen driving accidents as young drivers attempt to hide their phone while texting. The researchers found that the teens driving was worse if they were texting, regardless of whether they were attempting to conceal the phone while doing so.

Another study found that teen drivers who are simply thinking about future cell phone calls or texts may be at greater risk for a car accident. The teen drivers in that study were found to frequently take their eyes off the road in order to check their phone for messages or missed calls. Both studies are scheduled to be presented at this week's annual meeting of the Pediatric Academy Society.

Despite numerous research studies which have indicated that distracted driving is a serious problem, teen drivers may not fully absorb the potential risk for an accident or injury. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teen drivers are more likely than any other age group to be involved in a fatal accident when distracted driving is a factor. Drivers who use a handheld device while behind the wheel are four times as likely to be involved in an accident resulting in injury, with text messaging alone increasing the risk for injury by up to 23 times.

According to the NHTSA, texting and talking while driving are among the most dangerous distractions to drivers but not the only ones. Examples of other scenarios that can result in distracted driving include:

• Eating and drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Grooming
• Reading, including maps
• Using a navigation system
• Watching a video
• Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

Parents can help keep their teens focused on the road by educating young drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. Parents should also set an example for teens by not engaging in any type of distracted driving behavior themselves. While you can't prevent your teen from being involved in an accident when another driver is distracted behind the wheel, you can take steps to ensure that they're aware of the potential risk and know what to do to stay safe.

When a car accident occurs as the result of a distracted driver, he or she may be held responsible their negligent behavior. If you or a loved one was hurt in a car accident because of a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, medical bills and lost wages. Your first step should be to contact an experienced California car accident attorney to discuss your rights.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing car accident victims and their families throughout Southern California. For more information on filing a California car accident claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to schedule your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

The NHTSA is considering mandating in-car networking to help reduce traffic accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is contemplating new driving safety rules which would allow vehicles to communicate with one another in order to prevent traffic accidents.

According to NHTSA Administrator David Strickland, the implementation of a vehicle-to-vehicle network system could "create a baseline communication system" to help prevent traffic accidents. The NHTSA is currently conducting a test of "vehicle to vehicle" technology to evaluate its effectiveness. The NHTSA has said that connected vehicle technology could reduce car accidents involving non-impaired drivers by up to 80 percent.

The Transportation Department is currently conducting a year-long test of involving approximately 3,000 vehicles to test connected vehicle technology. The test is expected to conclude sometime in the summer of 2013, at which time the NHTSA is expected to make a final determination as to whether it will recommend the implementation of mandatory vehicle-to-vehicle communication rules. Eight major automotive manufacturers are providing support for the connected vehicle technology test, including General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai-Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Volkswagen.

If the NHTSA opts to implement the new guidelines, it could potentially reduce the number of accidents caused by reckless or careless drivers. For example, connected vehicle technology can warn a driver if an oncoming vehicle is about to run a red light. Such a system could also potentially warn you if another driver is speeding, which could result in an accident. According to the NHTSA, approximately 31% of all fatal car accidents occurring in 2009 were caused by a driver who was speeding. While the overall number of traffic fatalities has declined since 2000, the number of deaths attributed to speed has remained constant.

While connected vehicle technology may have the ability to protect drivers on the roadways, its future is still uncertain. Unless and until the new rules become mandatory, there are several things drivers can do to ensure that they stay safe. The following safety tips can potentially help you to avoid a car accident.

• Pay attention. Distracted drivers put not only themselves but other motorists at risk. Taking your eyes off the wheel even for a second can potentially put you or someone else in the path of danger. When you're behind the wheel, make a concerted effort to avoid distractions and pay careful attention to your surroundings.
• Use caution. While there are certain situations in which an accident may be inevitable, you can protect yourself by using caution and driving defensively rather than aggressively. Use caution when approaching intersections, changing lanes or crossing busy highways. Be on the lookout for other vehicles, as well as bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Maintain your vehicle. Taking your car in for regular maintenance can help you to pinpoint potential trouble. Pay particular attention to your windshield wipers, headlights and the condition of your tires.

If you or a loved one is involved in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, you may need the help of an experienced Sacramento car accident attorney to protect your rights. A qualified personal injury lawyer can help you to get the compensation you're entitled to for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing Sacramento car accident victims and their families. For more information on filing a Sacramento car accident claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

Pedestrians in the San Bernardino metro area may be at increased risk for an accident.

Transportation for America, an advocacy group that supports the improvement of America's transportation systems, has released its annual top ten list of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians. In California, the San Bernardino-Riverside metro area made the top five.

With more Americans opting to travel on foot in an effort to save gas and preserve the environment, it stands to reason that traffic accidents involving pedestrians are also likely to increase. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 50,000 pedestrians are involved in a traffic accident each year, with close to ten percent of the victims sustaining fatal injuries.

According to Transportation for America, many pedestrian accidents are the result of poor infrastructure planning, with many roadways being designed without taking into account the frequency of pedestrian traffic. The threat to pedestrians is compounded by drivers who speed, drive recklessly, drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol or drive while distracted.

Transportation for America's latest list of the ten most dangerous cities for pedestrians reflects a combination of these factors. While the most dangerous cities appear to be concentrated in Florida, residents of the Riverside-San Bernardino metro area should also use caution when traveling by foot. The top ten list is comprised of the following cities:

1. Orlando/Kissimmee, Florida
2. Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Florida
3. Jacksonville, Florida
4. Miami/Fort Lauderdale/Pompano, Florida
5. Riverside/San Bernardino/Ontario, California
6. Las Vegas/Paradise, Nevada
7. Memphis, Tennessee
8. Phoenix/Mesa/Scottsdale, Arizona
9. Houston/Sugar Land/Baytown, Texas
10. Dallas/Fort Worth/Arlington, Texas

If you frequently travel by foot, there are a number of things you can do in order to minimize your risk of being involved in an accident.

1. Use sidewalks or walking paths whenever they're available. If there is no sidewalk or clear walking path, walk along the roadway facing traffic and stay as far to the left as possible.
2. Cross the street only at marked crosswalks or intersections that feature a traffic signal. Avoid crossing in the middle of the street and never walk out between parked cars.
3. Before you cross the street, check to make sure that a driver who has stopped sees you and is aware of your intention to cross.
4. When walking at night, wear reflective clothing to make yourself more visible to oncoming motorists.

If you're injured in a San Bernardino pedestrian accident caused by a driver who was acting negligently, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Contacting an experienced Riverside car accident lawyer is the first step in protecting your legal rights.

Texting while driving can lead to serious or fatal car accidents.

Drivers who text while behind the wheel are up to 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash, according to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI). Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that teen drivers are more likely than any other age group to be involved in a fatal car accident because of distracted driving. Despite these statistics about the dangers of texting while driving, a new survey reveals that many teens are still engaging in this dangerous behavior.

A survey of 652 teens conducted by State Farm Insurance indicates that more than half of all drivers aged 16 to 17 have engaged in texting while behind the wheel, despite the fact that the majority of students surveyed agree that texting while driving is dangerous. The number of students who admitted to texting while driving did not differ significantly from the results of a 2011 survey conducted by State Farm. The survey results did, however, indicate that teens may be less likely to text and drive if their parents talk to them about the dangers of doing so.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 3,ooo people were killed in distracted driving accidents in 2010. Hundreds of thousands of motorists are injured each year in accidents caused by a distracted driver. Recent research studies have indicated that texting while driving can be more dangerous than driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In an effort to increase awareness about the dangers of distracted driving, April has been deemed National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. A number of states have developed initiatives to warn teens and other drivers about the consequences of texting while driving. In California, the Office of Traffic Safety has introduced its "Zombie driver" campaign, which likens distracted drivers to zombies behind the wheel. State law prohibits texting and driving but many drivers continue to ignore the cellphone ban.

Teens who are tempted to text behind the wheel should consider the following tips in order to stay safe on the roadways.

• Turn off your cell phone while driving if possible. Let your voicemail pick up if a call comes through.
• Pull completely off the road if you have to use the phone.
• Tell your friends that you don't answer calls or texts while driving. Encourage them to do the same.
• Put your phone somewhere you can't easily access it if you think you'll still be tempted to talk or text while driving.

Parents can also use the following tips to help keep their teens safe.

• Avoid calling your child at times when you know they're behind the wheel.
• Check your teen's cell phone records to make sure they're not talking or texting at times they're likely to be driving.
• Talk to your teen about the distracted driving laws in your state and the penalties for driving while talking or texting. In California, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited to use a wireless phone while behind the wheel. Drivers over the age of 18 must use a hands-free device to talk while driving and texting while driving is prohibited for drivers of all ages.
• Set a good example and refrain from talking or texting while driving, especially when your kids are in the car.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing Sacramento car accident victims and their families. For more information on filing a car accident claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

Older drivers need to know how to stay safe on California's roadways.

While it's easy to take the ability to drive for granted, there comes a point when a driver's age or physical ability may impair their ability to stay safe on the roads. Getting older doesn't necessarily mean you have to stop driving but it does mean you need to know how to keep yourself and other motorists safe.

According to a recent survey conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA), nearly half of all senior citizens worry about losing their ability to drive. For many seniors, driving is equated with freedom and approximately 90% of those surveyed said the inability to drive would create a problem. With an estimated 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, it's important that older drivers know how to avoid a serious car accident. The Mayo Clinic offers the following safety tips to help senior drivers minimize their accident risk.

Senior Driving Safety Tips

1. Stay physically active - Staying physically active helps you to maintain your strength and exercise your coordination and motor skills. Engaging in moderate physical activity on a regular basis helps older drivers to stay flexible, making it easier to turn the wheel, look over their shoulder or engage in other necessary movements while driving.

2. Get regular vision and hearing tests - Regular sight and vision testing should be a top priority for older drivers. Impaired vision or hearing can make it difficult to drive at night, recognize potential hazards in the roadway or hear other drivers as they approach.

3. Seek medical treatment for any chronic health conditions - If you have any type of ongoing health condition, such as an epilepsy or diabetes, it's important that you seek regular medical care to manage your symptoms. Failing to treat a chronic health condition could put you at risk for a serious health event and if you're behind the wheel, this could lead to an accident.

4. Know your limitations - It's also important that older drivers know their physical limitations. For example, if sitting down for extended periods of time causes hip or leg pain, you may want to avoid driving on longer trips. You may also need to choose a vehicle that is suited to your limitations. For example, a car with larger dashboard dials may be appropriate for certain drivers.

5. Avoid driving in unsafe conditions - According to the AAA survey, many older drivers avoid driving at night or in dangerous weather conditions. Knowing when to stay off the roads is just as important as knowing what to do when you're on them.

6. Plan ahead - If you're planning a longer trip, it's important to make sure that you know where you're going beforehand. Trying to read a map or program a GPS can be dangerous and planning your route before you hit the road can help you stay safe.

7. Take a driver safety course - Numerous organizations offer driver safety training for older drivers. These courses can help you to get updated on traffic laws and sharpen your driving skills while also potentially earning you a discount on your car insurance.

In addition to following these safety tips, older drivers should also remember to always wear their seatbelt and to take their car in for regular maintenance. Drivers of every age are also urged to avoid engaging in distracted behavior while behind the wheel, such as talking on a cell phone, adjusting the radio or talking to passengers. If you're involved in a car accident, it's important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer regarding your legal rights.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing Sacramento car accident victims and their families. For more information on filing a car accident injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

Michelle Tastad continues to recover from a traumatic brain injury she suffered in a car accident.

The sister of mixed martial arts star Urijah Faber continues to recover from serious injuries she suffered in a Sacramento car accident last Thanksgiving.

Nineteen-year-old Michaella Tastad suffered a traumatic brain injury after she was involved in an accident on Highway 80 near Sacramento. Tastad and a friend had just left the Roseville Galleria after Black Friday shopping when they encountered a collision near the Auburn/Riverside exit. In an attempt to avoid hitting the other vehicles involved in the accident, Tastad swerved and ultimately collided with another car.

Following the accident, Tastad remained in a coma for eight days. In addition to the brain injury, she also had a collapsed lung, fractured tailbone and was paralyzed on the right side of her body. Since the accident, Michaella has undergone three different brain surgeries and continues to receive medical treatment, including regular sessions in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. While doctors are encouraged by the speed of her recovery, Tastad continues to have issues with speech and short-term memory loss.

While she does not appear to have suffered any serious brain damage as a result of the accident, other car accident victims may not be so lucky. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 1.7 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury each year. Traumatic brain injuries contribute to approximately 30% of all injury-related deaths in the U.S.

Recovering from a traumatic brain injury can take months or even years. In some cases, the victims never fully recover and some brain injuries can cause permanent incapacitation. The cost of caring for someone who is unable to care for themselves because of a serious injury can be staggering and the financial stress can be compounded if the victim was the primary financial provider.

When a car accident occurs because of someone else's negligence, the victims may be able to seek compensation for their injuries. Examples of driver negligence including driving recklessly, speeding, distracted driving and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The type of damages that may be recovered include the cost of medical care, lost wages due to an inability to work, mental anguish and pain and suffering.

If you or someone you love was involved in a car accident that was caused by a negligent driver, you need to speak with an experienced Sacramento car accident lawyer to discuss your case. Only an experienced experienced in handling Sacramento car accident claims can ensure that your legal rights are protected.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing Sacramento car accident victims. For more information on filing a car accident injury lawsuit, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

It's important to remember what to do if you're hurt in a San Diego car accident.

A car accident can leave you to deal with physical and emotional trauma, as well as financial pressure if you're unable to work. If you've been hurt in a San Diego car accident, it's important to remember the following things in order to protect your legal rights.

1. The law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care. Essentially, this means that you and every other driver on the roadway is bound to exercise a reasonable amount of care when you're behind the wheel. If another driver fails to use reasonable care or acts negligently and an accident results in which you or someone you love is injured, he or she can be held liable for your injuries. Examples of negligent behavior may include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding or driving while distracted.

2. When a driver is negligent, you may legally be entitled to sue for your injuries. If you suffered serious injuries and your property was damaged as the result of a negligent driver's actions, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim in order to recover compensation. It's important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident and take steps to document the accident scene in order to preserve evidence.

3. California is not a "no-fault" state. Currently, there are twelve states that enforce no-fault laws when it comes to car accidents, meaning you're not able to sue the other driver for pain and suffering, mental anguish or other damages stemming from a car accident. Instead, California is a pure comparative negligence state.

4. You can sue for your injuries, even if you were partly to blame for the accident. California's pure comparative negligence rule means that if you're injured in a car accident, you can sue the other party for damages even if your actions contributed in part to the collision. For example, if it's determined that you were 25% responsible for causing the accident, any settlement you receive would be reduced by this amount.

5. Contacting an experienced San Diego car accident lawyer is the best way to protect your rights. If you decide to pursue a car accident claim against the other driver, you can do so on your own but it's advisable that you speak with a car accident attorney in San Diego prior to doing so. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be better able to navigate the complexities of the legal system and they can also deal with the insurance companies on your behalf, which can help you to avoid making an admission that could damage your case.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in assisting car accident victims in the San Diego area and throughout southern California. For more information on filing a car accident claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

Driving under the influence of drugs can significantly impact your accident risk.

While most people understand that drinking and driving don't mix, researchers now say using marijuana and getting behind the wheel may be just as dangerous if not more so.

Researchers at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada reviewed nine studies involving 49,411 car accident victims. After eliminating alcohol and other drugs as contributing factors, the group looked at accidents where the presence of marijuana was detected by a blood test. Based on the accident data, the researchers determined that using marijuana three hours before getting behind the wheel doubled the risk of being involved in a serious crash.

The researchers concluded that marijuana significantly impairs coordination and motor skills to such a degree that would prevent someone from being able to take effective action to avoid an accident. The researchers were not able to determine at what level tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main chemical ingredient in marijuana, becomes dangerous since most of the studies they reviewed only factored in the presence of THC in the driver's blood, rather than actual concentration amounts.

Just three of the nine reviewed studies measured THC levels but the experts concluded that the risk and severity of a collision typically corresponded to the amount of the chemical in the blood. The accident data from these three studies indicated that minor injuries or collisions were more likely among drivers with lower THC levels while fatalities were more common among those who had a significant amount of the drug in their system.

The research study may have serious implications in light of a survey that was recently published which estimates that as many as 19% of all teens drive while under the influence of drugs. The survey of 2,300 junior and senior high school students was conducted by Liberty Mutual Insurance and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). Of the students polled, one in five admitted driving while under the influence of drugs. One-third of teens who reported driving after having smoked marijuana said they did not feel it was a major distraction. An estimated 13% of the teens admitted to getting behind the wheel after drinking while 19% said they didn't feel that drinking and driving was a serious threat.

In a 2009 survey conducted by Liberty Mutual and SADD, 78% of teens surveyed said smoking marijuana was a major distraction to their driving. The dramatic decrease reflected in the latest survey demonstrates a growing trend towards acceptance of marijuana use among teen drivers, which could potentially result in a significant increase in marijuana-related traffic injuries and fatalities.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by someone who was driving under the influence of marijuana, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Your first priority should be to contact an experienced California car accident attorney to discuss your rights.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing car accident victims in the San Diego area and throughout Southern California. For more information on filing a car accident injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless damages are recovered on your behalf.

San Diego law enforcement and the CHP have stepped up efforts to stop distracted driving.

While distracted driving deaths are reportedly declining in California, not all drivers are adhering to the state's ban on cellphone use while behind the wheel. A recent week-long campaign by the San Diego Sheriff's Department and the California Highway Patrol resulted in over 400 citations being issued to teens and adults who were talking or texting while driving.

California enacted a ban on the use of hand-held devices four years ago. Under the current law, adult drivers must use a hands-free device while talking and driving. Underage drivers are banned from using any type of hand-held or hands-free device to talk while driving. Texting is prohibited for drivers of all ages. The San Diego Sheriff's Department effort to reduce distracting driving is just one small part of a statewide initiative to help drivers stay safe while on the road.

According to a study published last month by researchers at the University of California-Berkeley, overall traffic deaths have dropped 22 percent since the cellphone ban was enforced. Deaths blamed on drivers using hand-held cellphones were down 47 percent and deaths among drivers using hands-free devices decreased at a similar rate. Injuries attributed to car accidents caused by distracted drivers also decreased roughly 50 percent over the same period.

The California Office of Traffic Safety conducted a survey last year, which found that 40% of drivers reported using their cellphones less often while driving since the ban took effect. Law enforcement appears to be taking a tougher stance against those drivers who do talk or text while driving, with convictions for violations of the cellphone ban up 52% since 2009. Despite an overall decrease in the use of hand-held devices, some California lawmakers are seeking to increase the penalty for a first-time offense in an effort to create even more of a deterrent to drivers who may be tempted to pick up their phones while behind the wheel.

While distracted driving in California appears to be declining, the San Diego Sheriff's Department is urging drivers to observe the rules of the road in order to avoid an accident. Parents, in particular, are encouraged to talk to their kids about the dangers of distracted driving. Just last week, an Idaho teen died after a collision with an oil tanker. Cell phone records revealed the girl was sending texts and Facebook messages approximately every 90 seconds prior to the accident.

If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. Enlisting the aid of an experienced San Diego car accident attorney is the first step in protecting your legal rights.

Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing car accident victims in the San Diego area and throughout California. For more information on filing a San Diego car accident claim, call 1-800-718-4658 or 619-230-8830 to begin your free initial case evaluation. There is never a fee unless a judgement is recovered on your behalf.