Category Law Practice

Imagine you’re driving down a side street in Indianapolis, one minute you’re driving along, and everything is fine and the next you are involved in an auto collision. You’re a little shocked, kind of angry, and a little scared. You know you must get out of the car and make sure everyone is okay and exchange information. However, you might be wondering if and when you should call the police.

Do You Have to Call the Police?

Most people just assume that unless someone is injured or there is damage resulting in expensive repairs, that you’re fine just exchanging information. That type of thinking, however, can lead to all sorts of problems for you later.

First off, let’s make one thing clear. If you are involved in an auto collision of any kind, you need to call the police immediately. If there is an injury due to the collision, of course, you will want to call 911 first and get emergency services on the scene, but then you will want to call the local police department after they have arrived. This is to protect you. A police officer will come to the scene of an accident and they will write out a police report.

How Can the Police Help?

The police report they write up will be extremely valuable to you in the ensuing insurance claim or personal injury litigation. That’s why it’s extremely important you talk to the officer on the scene and get their personal information, so you can request a copy of the police report.

If the collision does lead to a claim or litigation, this report will become very important. For instance, if you need to hire a car accident lawyer in Indianapolis they will want a copy of that police report, as will your insurance company for any claims.

Obtaining a copy of the report generally costs a small fee, though you are going to want to pay that fee so that you can have your copy of the police report. While you may not want to pay that fee at the time, you will wish you had in the event that the collision requires legal action.  

Will the Cops Always Come?

Of course, in a large metropolitan area like Indianapolis, the police probably will not come out for a minor fender bender. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t call them. Even in large cities, call the police immediately. They may instruct you to simply exchange your information with the other driver. If that’s the case, do what they tell you and make sure to take pictures of any damage as soon as you have the chance.

It’s understandable that in the event of a small collision you may not want to get the authorities involved. You may think that calling the authorities will only complicate things if the accident is small enough, but it is just a preventative measure to protect you in the case of an insurance claim or a trial.

Sometimes, doing the right thing can be complicated, especially when dealing with the business world. You might have noticed, for instance, that your employer is engaging in some activities that may not be entirely legal. Their actions may not just be unethical, but they could also harm you.

You’ll have a chance to blow the whistle when your company is engaging in securities law violations, but you’ll need to know what to do first. You’ll want to make your tip useful and maximize the potential award you might receive. As such, make sure you follow these steps to prepare for a whistleblower tip.

Providing Original Information

A whistleblower is a person who provides original information that helps the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, stop violations and unethical business practices. That original information will be the key to a strong tip.

That means your information must be obtained from your independent understanding and evidence from the workplace. This information includes anything that the SEC is not aware of, nor is it public knowledge.

For example, you might suspect that your boss is bribing other businesses for better business deals. You might have witnessed them discussing a bribe, for example, among other signs that something is wrong. That information may be original enough to help the SEC stop them.

Evidence for Your Claim

Once you believe you have useful information for the SEC, you’ll need to contact the SEC whistleblower hotline to report it. A lawyer can help you gather your evidence, prepare your tip, and understand when and how you’ll receive an award.

Your whistleblower attorney can help you gather any evidence you have for your tip, which should support the claims you’re making in your tip. For example, you might have recordings of suspicious conversations, or you might have proof of financial logs that don’t match up with official or public records.

That evidence may be key to your whistleblower tip. As such, you may need a lawyer to help you organize the information and make sure you have enough proof for your tip.

Get a Lawyer to Protect You

When you suspect that your employer is engaging in illegal or unethical activity, it’s important to act quickly and protect yourself. If not, you could face penalties for being a part of that company, too, if someone else comes forward.

Fortunately, the SEC wants whistleblowers to notify them about securities law violations. That means you might get, not only protection from penalties or retaliation, but also an award for coming forward with useful information. As such, it may help you to blow the whistle on securities violations, even if you’re concerned about the consequences.  

Traffic tickets are given to drivers who have been caught violating the laws. Each offense can result in points added to their driving records. If you accumulate enough points within a specific period, then you may be slapped with a license suspension and other penalties. This is on top of the fines that must be paid for each ticket. If you feel that you were unfairly charged, then take a stand. Here is how to fight a traffic ticket in New York:

Answer the Ticket

Read it carefully once you receive the ticket. It should have all the pertinent details including the type of charge, the time of the incident, and the place where it happened. At the back, will be choices for your plea. If you plead guilty, then you can simply pay the fine and move on. If you plead not guilty, then you will have the chance to defend yourself from the charges and possibly avoid the fines. Fines can run up to thousands of dollars depending on the offense, so paying them is not always easy. It can be worth your while to clear your name and save your wallet.

Schedule a Hearing

Once you send back the ticket with a not guilty plea, the office overseeing this operation will schedule a hearing where you can face the issuing officer in court. Both parties can present evidence and witnesses to prove their claims. It is possible to have this hearing rescheduled but do it in advance to avoid problems. If you try to postpone it a second time, then you will have to appear personally and provide a justifiable reason for the delay. You might want to attend other hearings to see how they are conducted. These are open to the public, so you can just sit and observe the proceedings.

Mount a Defense in Court

On the day of your hearing, be there promptly and dress appropriately. The issuing officer will tell the court the reason for the ticket. After this, you may present evidence to dispute the allegations. If this is a speeding ticket, then you may claim that you were falsely identified or that their tool was inaccurate. There are several possible defenses for every type of violation. Choose wisely based on the situation.

While you can go to these special traffic courts without a lawyer, having one at your side will increase your chances of winning the case. Get in touch with a traffic ticket lawyer in NYC to develop a solid legal strategy.

Getting involved in an arrest is always a scary prospect. Unfortunately, it can also be a frightening reality for many people, leaving you struggling with serious charges. In fact, you might have already been charged with a DWI in Texas, and now you’re feeling a little hopeless.

However, keep I mind that charged doesn’t mean convicted. You’ll need to act now to protect yourself and get your case dismissed. So, after you’ve been charged, you’ll need to know what to expect and how to handle the time between your arrest and your trial.

Fortunately, you can get the help you need with an attorney before you begin. For many people, this may be the key to understanding your charges and defending yourself against these accusations.

You’ll be Arrested

Your charges might come at any time that a police officer pulls you over. If they have reason to believe that you were driving under the influence, they may first ask you to take a field sobriety test. If you’ve been asked to take a Breathalyzer immediately after being pulled over, you’ve been subjected to one of these tests.

If you’re believed to have been driving while intoxicated, you’ll be arrested and taken to the station. Typically, this is because the sobriety test showed that your blood alcohol content was above the legal limit.

For Texas residents, that means your BAC was above 0.08 percent for most drivers, or 0.04 percent if you’re a commercial driver.

Getting Your Court Date

Once you’ve been arrested, you’ll be taken to the station, where they’ll book you and conduct another sobriety test. Once you’re there, you’ll need to contact your attorney, if possible, or a family member and let them know what happened.

Typically, you’ll be placed in a holding cell, and you’ll wait there until you’re able to be released on bail. They’ll notify you of your court date, and you’ll need to post bail. If you’re not able to, you’ll need to notify your Tarrant County DWI lawyer.

Once you’ve been released from jail, you’ll need to first, of course, cover the costs of your bail. Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to be ready for your day in court. While it may feel hopeless, especially if you failed the in-station sobriety test, you’ll have a chance to get those charges dropped.  

You’ll Fight Back with an Attorney

When you’ve been charged and released on bail, your next step will be to fight back. You’re facing jail time, hefty fines, and possibly an engine interlock device, which can be embarrassing. You don’t want to take a sobriety test just to start your car, so reach out for help.

Once you’ve been released, you’ll need to start preparing for your defense or seeking out a lawyer. Getting your case dropped is vital to protecting your future, so reach out today for the help you need.

After your charges have been made, you’ll need to start by preparing evidence defending yourself, usually with the help of your lawyer. You’ll need evidence that you weren’t driving while intoxicated, but that’s not easy without help.

You’ll need to determine the best way to fight back for your claim and seek out a dismissal of your claim. You want to get your life back to normal, so fight to have your charges dropped.

Losing a loved one is a difficult experience, and it only gets worse is you believe your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. Unfortunately, you and your family may not know what to do with that information.

Fortunately, a San Diego wrongful death attorney can help. If you’re struggling with the untimely passing of a loved one, reach out for help getting your compensation. Knowing what to expect will help you and your family make the recovery you need during this difficult time.

Eligibility for Wrongful Death

Because the actually-injured party is no longer living, the people who can file for compensation is limited. Not everyone will have a chance to file, since filing is the duty of the personal representative, though other family members may still be awarded damages, depending on their losses.

Fortunately, California law allows the family to seek compensation and recover from the painful experience you’ve been through. If you’re one of the following people, you should be able to file for damages on behalf of your loved one:  

• Their spouse or domestic partner
• Their surviving children
• Those who would be entitled to the property of the deceased

Damages for the Surviving Family

When you’ve lost a loved one, that can be costly, both financially and mentally. Fortunately, your compensation should reflect this. You’ll need compensation for both types of damages, giving your family the help it needs to move on.

For example, your loved one might have been the breadwinner of the household. They provided the wages your family needed, and without them, you’re left without an income to survive. On top of that, you might have high bills to pay for their final care, which leaves you deeper in debt.

Your emotional losses are important too, however. You and your family may have lost someone who provided you care, affection, and comfort. Get a lawyer’s help to find the worth of your intangible damages.

Getting Compensation for Your Family

Losing a loved one is a difficult time, but you don’t have to fight back alone. Your family has a chance to get compensation for the tragic death of a loved one, as well as the chance to seek justice for your family’s loss.

Fortunately, you should have the tools and information you need to file a claim. While a lawyer can help if you’re struggling to recover, California law makes it possible to fight back. Losing a loved one is painful, but you don’t have to suffer through grief and debt together.

It’s bad enough that you were involved in a motor vehicle accident, but when you rely on your car to earn a living, you are likely even more concerned with what’s going to happen next.

Fortunately, you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits since you were injured while on-the-job. Continue reading to learn more about how you’ll qualify for workers comp in Iowa and what these benefits will consist of when your claim is approved.

When You Can Obtain Workers Comp Benefits

Under Iowa law, almost every employer is required to provide their employees with workers compensation protection through their insurance company. That way, if you do suffer an injury at work, you’ll be able to still support yourself and your family while you focus on your recovery.

As long as your injuries were caused by your work environment, in this case, being hurt in a car accident when you drive for a living, you should qualify for workers comp benefits. You may not be eligible for workers comp if you were committing a crime at the time of your injury, or if you were in violation of your company’s code of conduct.

Your attorney will need to examine the details of your case to determine whether or not you will be eligible for workers compensation benefits.

What You’ll Receive if Your Claim is Approved

First and foremost, you can expect the insurance company to cover all medical expenses you accrue as a result of your injuries. In this way, you’ll be able to avoid tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills that could’ve put you in serious debt.

You will also begin collecting disability benefits each week. It’s difficult to say how much you’ll receive, as it varies on a case by case basis. Generally speaking, depending on how serious your injuries were, you will collect anywhere between 66% and 80% of your average weekly earnings while you are out of work, or until you reach the maximum weeks allowable under Iowa law.

In the event that you are the surviving spouse or dependant child of someone who drove for a living, and this individual passed away as a result of their injuries, you could be entitled to death benefits that amount to 80% of the decedent’s average weekly salary.

As can be seen, the workers compensation benefits can be very helpful in staying afloat while you are unable to continue working after your work-related auto accident.

Consult With an Iowa Workers Comp Lawyer

If you’re interested in obtaining the workman’s compensation benefits you deserve for your auto accident at work in Iowa, but aren’t sure how to file a claim, or if you’ve file a workers comp claim but your claim has been denied, get help from a knowledgeable Iowa workers compensation lawyer as soon as possible.

Manhattan and Jersey City are two of the most important urban areas in the East Coast. A lot of people do business in both locations. They require a fast, reliable, and efficient way to travel to and fro. The Holland Tunnel is among the few paths that link these places together. Authorities pay close attention to this vital conduit due to its value to commuters and the frequency of accidents in the tunnel. So, why are accidents so common in the Holland Tunnel?

A Brief History of the Holland Tunnel

Let’s look back at how it started. This was an ambitious project that was conceptualized in the early 1900s. The proponents first thought of building over the Hudson River, but that proved to be problematic. They eventually opted to build a tunnel instead. It opened in 1927 after a seven-year construction period. Back then, it was considered as the longest of its kind in the world and the first to feature mechanical ventilation. The tunnel was named after its chief engineer who died before he could see the finished work. It has undergone several changes and upgrades throughout the years.

Past Accidents in and Around the Tunnel

While there are now a few other options, the Holland Tunnel remains popular among commuters who frequently shuffle from New York to New Jersey and vice versa. The large volume of traffic is one of the major reasons why so many accidents have happened inside it. It is estimated that an average of 46,000 vehicles go through the tunnel every day. Authorities have tried to manage the volume by banning single-occupancy vehicles during rush hour, as well as other traffic reduction measures.

The very first fatal crash was recorded way back in 1932 or four years after the opening. Two were injured while one person died. There are also been bigger unfortunate incidents like the 1949 Holland Tunnel fire. It began inside a truck containing chemicals and spread across the south tube. This caused massive damage to the structure and resulted in recorded 69 injuries. Two first responders died trying to contain the fire. Other fires have occurred since then. They result in extensive repairs to the structure to prevent collapse.

Despite the best efforts, accidents will continue to happen inside the tunnel for as long as vehicles pass through it. If you find yourself in such a crash, call an auto accident lawyer in NYC to discuss your legal options.

LINKS:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holland_Tunnel

https://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2015/09/holland_tunnel_lanes_into_new_york_blocked_port_au.html

According to a 2016 report by 247wallst.com, Indiana has the sixth highest divorce rate in the United States. The primary cause of divorce is low incomes. The Indiana median household income is around $5,000 less than the nationwide average.

As of 2017, Indiana has a population of over 6 million people. Around 40% of Indiana’s population is married. This state has one of the highest marriage rates in America.

In 2016, 19 out of every 1000 married individuals in Indiana divorced. The state with the highest divorce rate is Arkansas, with a divorce rate of 23 out of every 1,000 married people. Getting help with a divorce in Terre Haute, IN is important for those who want to divorce.

Financial Hardships and Child Problems in Indiana

According to Wikipedia, the divorce rate in America is higher for low-income couples (17%), compared to high-income couples (11%).

Many Indiana citizens are facing financial hardships. Some are earning less than they are supposed to earn. There are those who have papers but do not have jobs. They are also bothered by credit card debt, mortgage debt and other debts. All these contribute to marriage failure.

Couples in Indiana frequently argue about finances and children. These create discord in a relationship and form the foundation for divorce.

Divorce Variables in Indiana

Income

Lower income increases the likelihood of divorce. Men with higher incomes are less likely to seek divorce. Higher income couples have less financial strains and that facilitates marriage longevity.

Education Level

Educated couples tend to divorce less than uneducated couples do. A 2012 study by Pew Research Center showed that marriages, where both partners have a bachelor’s degree, are highly likely to last past the second decade.

Race/Ethnicity

Crossing racial/ethnic lines increases the probability of divorce. A 2008 study by Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) showed that interracial couples had a higher divorce rate than same-race couples.

Interracial marriages involving white females and non-white males are highly susceptible to divorce. According to the study, Black husband and White wife marriages are twice more likely to end up in divorce than all White couples.

White and Hispanic couples also have a higher divorce rate than White/White marriages. Black wife and White husband marriages are 44% less likely to end up in divorce compared to White/White marriages.

The Bottom Line

You should not handle Indiana divorce without professional assistance. Getting help with a divorce in Terre Haute, IN should be the case. A Terre Haute divorce lawyer will help with child custody, property division, child maintenance, and visitation rights among other issues.  The lawyer will offer you advice and represent you in court.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divorce_in_the_United_States

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2017/10/23/indiana-among-states-highest-divorce-rates-report-finds/790924001/

Dealing with any injury can affect your day-to-day, it’s at best a nuisance. At worst, you could be struggling to recover from your injuries and get back to your life. Sadly, spinal cord injuries are usually devastating and can haunt you for the rest of your life.

What causes these spinal injuries? Serious accidents can be tough to avoid, but protecting yourself from these difficult injuries can be tough. Knowing what to expect and how to fight back will be vital to your claim, so be prepared before and after an accident.

Car Accidents

Often, spine injuries come from traumatic impacts. While your spinal cord is surrounded by bone that should protect it, enough force can shatter those bones. When that happens, the spinal cord may be completely or incompletely severed. If you suffered a complete injury, you’ll have no feeling or mobility below the point of the injury.

Unfortunately, that’s not a rare situation for those in serious car accidents. The force of the impact can damage the spine, leaving you possibly paralyzed after an accident. These injuries can take months to recover from, and you may never fully regain mobility and sensation.

Slip-and-Fall Injuries

While your accident may not be as serious as a car accident, it can still cause a lot of suffering. For example, many people suffer back and spine injuries from serious falls. While it might not cause a complete injury, it can still damage your spine.

An incomplete injury might not be as devastating, but it can still leave you in a difficult position. You may need rehabilitation, therapy, or surgery to fully regain your sensation or range of motion, and that takes both time and money. If you’ve suffered a spine injury and need compensation for it, you’ll need to fight back for the funds you need to recover.

Compensation for a Spine Injury

It’s unfortunate, but spinal injuries can happen in many types of accidents, from a simple fall to a devastating car crash. You might be left with some physical therapy and medical care, or you may need rehabilitation to deal with your permanent impairment.

If you’ve suffered a spine injury, no matter what the cause, you’ll need an injury lawyer in Boston to help you recover. It can be tough to fight back for your spine injury compensation alone, but fortunately, a lawyer can guide you through it. They want you to succeed with your claim, so reach out for the help you need today.

While any accident can leave you badly injured, a truck accident can be especially serious. You’ve been hit by a vehicle several times larger than your own vehicle, and you’re suffering because of it. So, what can you do now?

Fortunately, while recovering from a truck accident is difficult, you’ll have the chance to recover both your health and your finances. Your crash could take time and energy to recover, but you’ll have an opportunity through a lawsuit.

Handling Your Injuries

First, however, you’ll need to focus on your injuries. Because an 18-wheeler is so much larger than your car, the injuries you’ll likely suffer are catastrophic. You’ll need medical care for your serious injuries, and these can take weeks or years to recover from.

During this time, you may be unable to work or take care of your other responsibilities, which can be stressful. As such, you may need to seek compensation for your suffering.

If you’ve suffered any of these serious injuries, you’ll need to seek a lawsuit for your injuries:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Whiplash

Finding the Person at Fault

Unfortunately, your insurance company might not cover all your damages. Even if you’re in a “no-fault” state, serious injuries often mean that you’ll need to sue the person responsible. So, who is responsible? It might not be the person responsible for the crash.

When dealing with a semi-truck accident, the driver is at work behind the wheel. When a worker injures someone in the course of their job, however, the employer is typically the one responsible. This means that you and your attorney will need to seek out the employer for compensation, not the driver who injured you.

Getting Compensation for Your Accident

Unfortunately, you might be suffering a lot for the injuries the other driver caused. You’re in serious pain, and you’ll need compensation for your suffering. So, you’ll need to file a lawsuit for an 18-wheeler crash.

Sadly, that’s easier said than done when you’re seriously injured. It’s tough to deal with the pain and trauma while juggling a lawsuit, but your recovery is vital. That’s why you’ll need to fight back and speak to a lawyer about your claim, before you get started.

Reach out for help when you’re recovering after a truck crash. You’ll need their help to get the full compensation you deserve and deal with the suffering you’ve been put through by a careless driver.