Gearing up for a lawsuit

Bicyclist Alvin Wolff Jr. hopes he's "never in a wreck where I'm hurt."

He's right to be worried.

Lots of bicycle and motorcycle accidents, some fatal, occur locally every year.

But Wolff, 55, a trustee of Westwood and an attorney in Clayton, hopes to help those who are in wrecks.

He just published his first book, "The Total Guide for Motorcycle and Bicycle Accident Victims in Missouri and the Seven Mistakes That Can Sink Your Claim."

It offers consumers safety advice and tips on what to do if they are injured.

"I've seen a lot of lawyers' advertising on TV, but it doesn't give the consumer any advice on how to pick a lawyer," Wolff said.

His book includes laws in Missouri related to bike and motorcycle riders and a guide to questions to ask any lawyer being considered to handle a case.

He started writing the book after he participated in the 2009 Gateway Area Chapter/National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Bike MS Express Scripts Gateway Getaway bike ride.

"I was the third-leading individual fundraiser for that event. And proceeds from this book will benefit that ride," Wolff said.

The book costs $16.95 and is available on Wolff's web site www.alvinwolff.com.

"But the price is a suggested donation and I've been sending out some copies at no charge," he said.

Some of Wolff's tips to the injured include:

- Don't ask financially for anything because of a loss due to an accident unless you can prove it under IRS guidelines.

- Don't lie to your lawyer about the circumstances of an accident or about previous injuries to the same part of the body or about whether drinking was involved.

- Don't give a statement to any insurance company unless you and your attorney have had a chance to analyze what's been told to others, such as police and hospital personnel.

Wolff has handled scores of these types of cases over his 30 years with his own practice, Alvin Wolff Jr. & Associates.

"So the tips come from my actual experience," said Wolf, a 1972 graduate of Ladue Horton Watkins High School.

He also provides information in the book on what a lawyer does for a client and finding the right lawyer.

"I really like to write. I've published 100 plus articles in various legal publications," Wolff said.

He also likes riding bicycles as much as he can.

"It gives me time to think, and time to get some fresh air," Wolff said.

He's been involved with the Gateway NMMS bike ride for a couple years, but has spent 20 years aiding the American Society for Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and is a past president. The American Technion Society provides support for the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, a technical university in Haifa, Israel.

He's also been vice president of the Jewish Community Center in St. Louis for five years.

Wolff isn't stopping with one book.

His next volume, with the working title "The Complete Consumer Guide for Picking a Lawyer," is set to come out in about 10 weeks.

Chariti Hoven is development administrator with the Gateway Area Chapter/NMMS.

There's no estimate yet of how much money has been raised through Wolff's book, she said.

"But, last year, Mr. Wolff raised more than $21,000 for the ride. He rode in 2008 as well and raised more than $6,000 at that time. What he's done for us has been phenomenal. The money he raises helps us benefit so many people locally with programs and services. Our chapter service area alone covers more than 6,300 individuals with MS," she said.

Wolff also plans to be in the next ride, set for Sept. 10 and 11.

More News