Regardless of how careful they are, the odds are good that your clients will be in a car accident at some time in their life. These cases are difficult enough when everything goes "right." But what if you run into trouble - determining who was liable, dealing with the insurance adjuster, computing damages or handling some other key issue? With challenges like these, you need more than just a working familiarity with the claims process. You need to be thoroughly up to speed in every stage and every step.

Expand your knowledge of automobile claims and insurance coverage with this detailed review, and improve your track record for settling cases in favor of your client. Expertly figure out the scope of insurance coverage, determine what's covered - and what isn't - and get clients every dime they're owed. Obtain all the information regarding the facts of the case in discovery to avoid costly surprises later. Skillfully use mediation and alternative dispute resolution to arrive at a reasonable settlement out of court and end the claim without further costs to your client. Do the best job possible of presenting your case in trial to ensure your client comes out on top. Remember, automobile injury claims are won or lost on your ability to manage the claims process error-free.

1. Probe Complex Insurance Coverage Issues
2. Conduct Initial Investigations, Gather Evidence and Prepare Experts
3. Settle the Claim Without Going to Court
4. Know How to Walk the Ethical Line
5. Take the Case to Trial

Continuing Education Credits:   

* denotes specialty credits

1. PROBE COMPLEX INSURANCE COVERAGE ISSUES
   9:00 - 10:30, Kent D. Riesen
   1. Common Concerns Related to Insurance Liability Provisions
   2. What is Liability Coverage?
   3. How Medical Payment Coverage Can Wreak Havoc in Your Case
   4. A Detailed Look at Personal Injury Protection Coverage
   5. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage - Rules You Must Know
   6. Little-Known Facts About Property Damage Coverage
   7. Playing the Stacking and Offsets Game
   8. Punitive Damages Coverage - What Your State Allows
   9. Statute of Limitations: Rules and Expectations
   10. Manage Your Liability Risk in Coverage Disputes
   11. Impact of Recent Legislation and Case Law on Your Claim
2. CONDUCT INITIAL INVESTIGATIONS, GATHER EVIDENCE AND PREPARE EXPERTS
   10:45 - 12:00, Patricia Horner
   1. The Adjuster's Role in Gathering All the Facts
   2. Methods of Accident Reconstruction
   3. Key Issues in Discovery - Pay Attention!
   4. How to More Easily Determine Who's Liable
   5. Factors to Consider When Computing Damages
   6. How the Vehicle May be Your Best Evidence
   7. Challenges Involved in Preparing Expert Witnesses for Trial
   8. How to Prepare Lay Witnesses That Don't Fall Apart in Trial
3. SETTLE THE CLAIM WITHOUT GOING TO COURT
   1:00 - 2:00, Martin J. McManus
   1. How the Adjuster's Settlement Authority is Restricted
   2. What Works When Negotiating With Attorneys and Claimants
   3. Maneuver Your Way Through Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
   4. Clear Up Confusion About Consent to Settle and Subrogation
   5. Lien Considerations to Be Aware of
   6. Procedures for the Review of Settlement Documents
   7. The Consequences of Reneging on Settlement
4. KNOW HOW TO WALK THE ETHICAL LINE
   2:15 - 3:15, Martin J. McManus
   1. Common Threats to the Attorney-Client Relationship
   2. Dealing Fairly With Conflicts Involving Multiple Defendants
   3. The Ethics of Disclosing Information Which Defeats Coverage
   4. How Issues of Legal Liability and Ethics Intersect
5. TAKE THE CASE TO TRIAL
   3:15 - 4:30, Patricia Horner
   1. What to Expect When Establishing Jurisdiction
   2. Choose Your Trial Methods: Jury or Non-Jury?
   3. Using Experts, Evidence and Exhibits in Court to Gain an Edge
   4. The Dangers in Using Law Enforcement as Expert Witnesses
   5. The Secrets to Delivering an Effective Direct Examination
   6. Prepare for the Unknown During the Cross-Examination
   7. A Checklist of Points to Include in Your Closing Argument

PATRICIA HORNER is a sole practitioner in Toledo. Ms. Horner has been an attorney for more than 21 years and practices in the areas of criminal appeals and personal injury law. She has lectured to attorneys on bad faith insurance claims and ethical issues. Ms. Horner is also a part-time law librarian at the Lucas County Law Library and a member of the Toledo Bar Association and the Maumee Valley Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. She earned her B.A. degree from Wichita State University and her J.D. degree from Washburn University of Topeka.

MARTIN J. McMANUS is a partner in the Toledo law firm of McManus & McManus. Mr. McManus has been an attorney for more than 22 years and focuses his practice on plaintiff's personal injury and criminal law. He is admitted to practice in Ohio and Michigan and is a member of the Ohio State, Michigan and Federal bar associations. Mr. McManus earned his B.B.A. degree from the University of Notre Dame and his J.D. degree from the University of Toledo.

KENT D. RIESEN is a partner in the Toledo law firm of Anspach Meeks Ellenberger LLP, where he practices in the areas of construction claims, insurance coverage claims, transportation defense, commercial claims, employment issues and environmental. He is a licensed attorney in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York and West Virginia. Mr. Riesen previously lectured to various professional groups on litigation, bad faith, insurance and employment law issues. He is a member of the New York State, Toledo and Ohio State bar associations, the West Virginia State Bar, the State Bar of Michigan, the Defense Research Institute, the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and the Toledo and Columbus claims associations. Mr. Riesen earned his B.A. degree from Ohio Northern University and his J.D. degree from the University of Toledo.

Please refer to Continuing Education Credit FAQ for general information about seeking credit for your participation in one of our continuing education programs.

Additionally, our team of credit specialists are here to answer your specific credit-related questions weekdays 7am - 5pm Central:

Phone: 866-240-1890

Email: credit@nbi-sems.com