You Can Take My Word For It
If you’ve recently been in an accident, you’re probably no stranger to the fact that insurance companies will jump at the chance to settle the claim as soon as they can…
You’ve probably seen ads for personal injury lawyers and wondered, What’s the point? Do you really need an attorney to settle an insurance claim?
Isn’t that what insurance companies are there for – to cover the costs when accidents happen?
Unfortunately, nothing could be farther from the truth. Of course, you might expect me to say that, seeing as how I’m a personal injury lawyer…
But when I think back on all the cases I’ve been involved in over the years, there’s one that always stands out. Why?
Because The First Personal Injury Case I Ever “Handled” Was My Own
This is the story of my harrowing Greyhound bus experience. It’s one that serves as a striking illustration of the predatory tactics employed by insurance giants to underpay on claims – and, in many ways, it became the foundation of my entire career.
It All Started On A Simple Visit To Florida
Imagine a time when cell phones were a rarity and the world seemed much larger. It was 1996, my senior year in high school, and both of my parents had moved away, leaving me to navigate the world on my own as a teenager.
Naturally, the only way I could afford to visit my mom in Florida was by taking a Greyhound bus from Oklahoma to Orlando. So, my younger sister and I packed our bags and booked our tickets.
We Were Vigilant Passengers…
With stories we’d heard about thefts and people getting stranded at remote bus stations weighing heavily on our minds, we were on high alert, perched just behind the bus driver.
Frightened as we were, the trip to Florida went off without a hitch. We enjoyed our time in the Sunshine State and, before we knew it, it was time to go home.
Little Did We Know, The Return Trip Would Be Etched In Our Memory Forever
Everything seemed fine on our ride back home to Oklahoma. It was the year of the Olympics in Atlanta and we passed through the bustling city, observing the excitement and energy surrounding the Games.
Having relaxed a bit, I drifted off to sleep, but nothing could have prepared me for what would happen next…
Our Tranquil Journey Took A Terrifying Turn
A sudden jolt and a blinding light startled me awake. My heart pounded as my sister and I stared out of the window in horror. Our bus was scraping against the guardrail, sending a shower of bright orange sparks in its path.
The giant vehicle was teetering on two wheels and we were perilously close to toppling over the overpass. I closed my eyes and my sister and I held each other tight as people gasped and screamed all around us.
After what felt like a lifetime, the bus thudded back onto four wheels and screeched to a halt on the side of the road.
What Caused This Near-Death Experience?
A car had broken down in the middle of the expressway, without hazard lights or warnings to alert other drivers.
The bus driver, exhausted by the long hours of driving in the dark, swerved hard in a desperate attempt to prevent a collision, but he reacted too late.
We Couldn’t Believe That We Were Safe… Or So We Thought
Before we could fully register what had happened, Greyhound bus adjusters arrived on the scene, promptly whisking the driver away, never to be seen again.
Meanwhile, us passengers were taken to the nearest bus station and informed that we would not be able to complete the journey or get a ride elsewhere until we signed a settlement agreement.
Of course, I was just a high schooler. I didn’t have the money to rent a car or get a hotel. And the other passengers were in a similar position. As you can imagine, people who take Greyhound buses aren’t usually the wealthiest. So what could we do?
We Spent Two Whole Days, Waiting In The Dark
Now, let me emphasize this: this was a time before cell phones, where being cut off from the world was a genuinely daunting experience. As time passed, I realized I was truly clueless about what to do next.
Eventually, The Situation Reached A Boiling Point…
Greyhound’s stance was unyielding – no one would be allowed to leave until they’d signed an agreement releasing the company from any responsibility. Tempers flared, tensions soared, and passengers grew increasingly restless.
So Desperation Finally Set In
I was tired – afraid of losing my job by failing to show up for work. And the other passengers were slowly losing their resolve, agreeing to the terms of the settlement agreement one by one…
After waiting with no end in sight, my sister and I decided to relent, settling for a mere $750 per person just to escape the ordeal.
But I Wish I Knew What I Know Now
Looking back, it’s evident that Greyhound took full advantage of our vulnerability, leveraging our economic struggles to pressure us into accepting meager settlements without proper medical evaluations.
Of course, I wish I’d resisted more vehemently, found a way to contact someone I trusted, and recognized that Greyhound had no right to imprison us on the bus – but I truly didn’t feel like I had any other options.
I Needed A Beacon Of Hope
It’s clear to me now that this situation could have been avoided if only I’d had an attorney by my side…
I needed someone who could have safeguarded my rights, ensuring I received a proper settlement instead of falling prey to the heartless – and legally dubious – tactics of a corporate giant.
This experience serves as a stark reminder that legal counsel can make all the difference in the world. It could have been the difference between justice and exploitation, between a fair settlement and an unjust agreement.
What I Wound Up With Was A Solemn Reminder…
In the end, my experience highlights the importance of legal representation, especially when facing powerful insurance companies that are more interested in their bottom line than in your well-being.
In fact, I would go as far as to say that there should be rules against insurance companies contacting people to offer settlements within 72 hours of an accident.
Of course, it’s difficult to push forward ideas like this against corporate giants with strong lobbying interests.
That’s why I’ve dedicated my entire career to becoming that beacon of hope, protecting people, and reminding everyone I meet…
Don’t Let This Happen To You!
I have seen too many people sign away their rights for a fraction of what they really deserve – I was one of them…
But even if you think that your personal injury claim is minor, it’s crucial to consult with a lawyer who can evaluate your case to make sure that you aren’t being taken advantage of.
Fortunately, that’s exactly where I step in…
My Name Is Roxanne Blake And I’m Here To Help
If you’ve been injured in an accident, my goal is to make sure that you can focus on recovery while protecting your right to the full amount of compensation that you deserve.
Don’t Settle For Less
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