Here’s What To Do After A Bike Accident

Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a bike accident, you’re not alone. More and more people are using bikes to get around, with almost a million Americans biking to work each day, according to the US Census Bureau. Here’s what to do if you’ve been involved in a bike accident.

1. Treat It Like A Car Accident.

If you’ve been in a bike accident, treat it like a car accident. Call 911, and make sure everyone involved is safe, and if it’s possible to move to a safe area, move to a safe area. Get off the road, and out of the flow of traffic.

If someone’s been badly hurt, don’t move them. It’s a job for the professionals to handle. Make sure you let first responders know that there are injured people at the scene of the crash, and stay out of their way.

2. Get Photos Of Everything.

While waiting for first responders, take photos of the accident. Get pictures of the vehicles involved, and don’t forget to take photos of the surrounding area. The more evidence you gather, the easier the next steps will be.

If you’re able to take any video, do that as well. As a bicycle accident lawyer like our friends at Norris Injury Law can explain, you should make sure to document any injuries that occurred. If possible, take records of what first responders were on the scene, and whether or not there were any additional witnesses.

3. Don’t Let Anyone Do The Talking For You.

First responders will ask everyone for their side of the story. It’s essential that you present your side of the events as well as you remember them. Stick to your story, and don’t talk to anyone else aside from just making sure they’re okay.

When you’re talking to the police, ask them how and where you’ll be able to get a copy of the police report. Like taking plenty of photos, getting your hands on a copy of the police report will be really useful later on.

4. Get Everyone’s Contact Info.

Of course, just like after a car accident, you should get everyone’s contact information and insurance information. Be careful with this step: Make sure you test out the phone numbers at the scene of the accident and before anyone leaves so you aren’t stuck with a fake phone number.

If there are any witnesses to your accident, get their contact information as well. They’ll be a big help if you decide to take legal action. Also, if you’re able to take photos of anyone’s ID, it’s an extra layer of security in case anyone tries to get out of paying for damages.

5. Lawyer Up.

A bike accident is dangerous, frustrating, scary, and expensive. You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for any of your injuries. Fortunately, the right bike accident lawyer can help you seek compensation after your crash.

When you get in touch with a bike accident lawyer, you’re getting an experienced legal resource who can walk you through your case. He or she can help you determine who should be held accountable for your injuries, and if your insurance provider is holding out on you, your legal team can fight for the money you need for your recovery.

If you’ve been involved in a bike accident, get in touch with a bike accident lawyer and get back on the road.

Top Mistakes To Avoid During Your Divorce

Divorce Lawyer

Unfortunately, the road to divorce is often very messy and paved with mistakes. It can feel like when you consider your marriage as a whole, the entire thing feels like one bad decision after another, so getting a divorce may feel like just another step on this path of things that have made your life more difficult. However, a divorce can be one of the best things you do for yourself and your family. Divorces can be difficult even when you know it is the right next step because there will always be challenges, such as financial and emotional. It is important that you speak with your lawyer during this time because right now is not a time you want to rely on yourself to get through the divorce, even if your spouse is encouraging you to go through with the divorce sans lawyer. A lawyer will be able to step back from the situation and see it completely differently, allowing you to avoid making mistakes during the process.

What To Avoid When You Get A Divorce

When you are getting a divorce, your Colorado divorce lawyer wants you to avoid certain things. 

• Don’t use your kids against your spouse. When parents weaponize their children during a divorce, not only will it make the whole thing uglier, but it may end up turning the children against one or both parents. There will likely be some kind of trauma that comes with a divorce, even to a small degree. However, using your kids against your spouse to try to gain leverage is underhanded and will end up hurting your kids worst of all.

• Don’t vent to social media. Your lawyer from Zweig Law, PC understands that it is tempting to try to get everyone on your side, especially when the divorce goes south. You may also feel a need to vent, talk about your situation, or get other people’s opinions. Social media can quickly rip apart your divorce arguments and it’s important to remember you should speak with your lawyer or wait to talk with a therapist.

• Don’t ignore the judge’s orders. You may be tempted to disregard what the judge orders you and your now ex-spouse to do. However, doing so will only end up hurting you in the long run. These orders are not suggestions and you may end up with reduced time with your kids or even with more serious punishments, like landing in jail.

It is understandable that this is an extremely difficult time and you may feel like you can only hold so many things in your brain at once when you are getting a divorce. Your lawyers want to give you the opportunity to sort through your emotions and learn about what is important to you by handling the legal side of the divorce. This is not a process you should have to do on your own. When you are ready to move forward with your divorce, reach out to your local office.

Invisalign: The Clear Alternative to Braces

Family Law

If you have crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth, you may consider braces to improve your smile according to our friends at TruGLO Modern Dental. However, traditional braces can be uncomfortable, unattractive, and inconvenient. Fortunately, Invisalign offers a clear and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. As family lawyers know all too well, braces can be a big deal for a child, so seeking treatments that are more comfortable is always a good idea. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of Invisalign and how it can help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a clear aligner system that uses custom-made, removable aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. The aligners are made from a clear, smooth plastic that is virtually invisible when worn. Unlike traditional braces, there are no wires or brackets, making Invisalign a more comfortable and convenient option.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made aligners to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks before being replaced with the next set in the series. The aligners are designed to apply gentle pressure to your teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired position over time. Invisalign aligners are made from a clear, smooth plastic that is virtually invisible when worn. This means that you can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing that you are wearing aligners.

• Comfortable: Invisalign aligners are made from a smooth plastic that is gentle on your gums and cheeks. Unlike traditional braces, there are no wires or brackets, making Invisalign a more comfortable option.
• Removable: Invisalign aligners are removable, meaning you can take them out to eat, brush, and floss. This makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and enjoy the foods that you love.
• Shorter treatment time: Invisalign treatment typically takes 6-18 months, depending on the severity of your case. This is typically shorter than traditional braces, which can take up to two years to complete.
• Predictable results: Invisalign uses advanced technology to create a 3D image of your teeth and map out your treatment plan. This allows you to see a virtual representation of your teeth before you even begin treatment, giving you a better idea of what to expect.
• Improved oral health: Invisalign can improve your overall oral health by straightening your teeth and correcting any bite issues. This can make it easier to brush and floss properly, reducing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

How Do I Care for My Invisalign Aligners?

Invisalign is a great option for many people, but it may not be the best choice for everyone. It is best suited for mild to moderate cases of crooked or misaligned teeth. If you have severe orthodontic issues, traditional braces may be a better option. However, your dentist or orthodontist can help you determine if Invisalign is the right choice for you.

Caring for your Invisalign aligners is easy. You should brush and floss your teeth before putting your aligners back in to prevent bacteria from getting trapped between your teeth and aligners. You should also clean your aligners regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap or Invisalign cleaning crystals.

Invisalign offers a clear and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. With its clear, removable aligners and predictable results, an orthodontist can help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile in less time than traditional braces.

Tips For Cooperative Coparenting

Family Law

If you and your child’s other parent have recently decided to divorce, separate, or otherwise end your romantic relationship, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll parent most effectively moving forward. There are circumstances under which it is far healthier for a child to be raised solely by one of their parents. But if you and your child’s other parent are both fit and eager to remain active participants in your child’s development, cooperative coparenting is likely going to be advantageous for everyone involved.

Cooperative coparenting is a term used to describe a coparenting relationship that features low-conflict approaches and effective communication. You may be thinking “That’s easier said than done,” and you’re right about that. Cooperative coparenting isn’t an easy undertaking. However, if you set that model as your goal and you work hard to achieve it to the best of your ability, you’ll be benefitting your child – and yourself – overall, even if you and your coparent sometimes fall short.

Staying Focused

As an experienced divorce lawyer – including those who practice at Felt Family Law & Mediation – can confirm, even the most loving and well-intentioned parents can struggle to interact with a coparent in healthy ways. Frustration, anger, and even jealousy are normal emotions that people process every day in the wake of romantic splits. If you’re feeling these things, you are not doing anything wrong. The key is to keep your focus on your child’s best interests when dealing with your coparent.

For example, say that you and your coparent have developed a habit of yelling at each other by the end of your telephonic exchanges concerning your coparenting arrangements. Consider switching your method of communication to a parent portal or email so that you can say what you need to say in a focused manner without the risk of a conversation escalating to a fight.

By identifying the times and triggers that make you want to escalate tensions with your child’s other parent, you can proactively work towards a much lower-conflict coparenting relationship.

Pick Your Battles

Because your child is your responsibility, everything that they do matters to you. From what they pack in their lunch to what they wear on their feet, you are invested in the minutiae of your child’s life experience in a way that you are not invested in anything else. As a result, it can be very, very easy to react to everything that your coparent does that is different, aggravating, or flat-out wrong.

The reality is, though, that your coparent is going to approach the process of parenting differently than you will. If you react to every single thing that bothers you, you and your coparent are always going to be at odds. And, as a result, your child will likely sense the tension between you both.

When possible and appropriate, pick your battles. Ask yourself whether fighting with your ex will do more good or harm when it comes to a particular matter. Fight the good fight but let the lesser stuff go when the harm outweighs the good of making that effort.

Typical Causes Of Rideshare Accidents 

Rideshare Accident Lawyer

Many people rely on rideshare services when other types of transportation are less convenient or unavailable. Unfortunately, there have been an increasing number of rideshare accidents that have resulted in victims suffering injuries. If you have been in an accident involving a rideshare vehicle, you may want to find out if you are eligible to recover your losses through compensatory damages. Common causes of rideshare accidents are described below. 

Reckless driving 

A rideshare driver is responsible for driving safely and keeping their passengers safe. They should not resort to reckless driving like speeding and weaving through traffic. These are all types of unacceptable high-risk behavior that can result in an accident. If you have been in a rideshare vehicle and have evidence that your driver was driving recklessly which led to the accident, find out if you are able to file a claim. 

Unsafe turns 

Another common cause of rideshare accidents are unsafe or improper turns. Rideshare drivers may be in a hurry to drop off or pick up passengers, so they may make unsafe turns. Sometimes a driver may misjudge a turn, such as when they are making an unprotected left turn. Accidents involving unsafe turns can also happen if the driver does not look in all directions before entering an intersection or making a turn. 

Distracted driving 

Rideshare vehicles can be full of many distractions. Drivers and passengers often have small talk to make the ride comfortable and pleasant. However, rideshare drivers must make sure that they are not taking away their focus on the road. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, and rideshare drivers may be more prone to it. 

Unsafe pickup or drop off locations

Passengers using rideshare services depend on rideshare drivers to transport them to safe locations. They also must make sure that they are picking up passengers in safe areas. As a skilled rideshare accident lawyer like one from Presser Law can tell you, drivers must follow specific policies in addition to traffic laws. One of the reasons that a number of rideshare accidents occur is because a driver chooses a dangerous location for the passenger to enter or exit the vehicle. These areas can include busy intersections, streets with heavy traffic or near freeways. 

Not yielding to pedestrians

Streets are often full of pedestrians, so drivers must be attentive of their surroundings. Because rideshare drivers frequently pick up or drop off many passengers, they are often around pedestrians. Not yielding to pedestrians can cause an accident to occur. Making full stops and making eye contact with people at intersections or crosswalks is critical to prevent an accident from happening. 

Personal injury accidents involving rideshare accidents are a specialized area of law and can be tricky to navigate. If you are thinking of filing a claim after sustaining injuries in a recent rideshare accident, you may want to consider meeting with a lawyer who handles rideshare accidents. To find out more, schedule a consultation in your area right away. 

Benefits Of Uninsured Motorist Insurance

Car Accident Lawyer

Uninsured motorist insurance is an important form of protection for drivers because it can provide coverage for those who are injured in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. An experienced car accident lawyer from JSM Injury Firm APC explains that without this type of coverage, victims may be left with staggering medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses that they cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket. 

Uninsured Motorist Accident Scenario

For instance, if a driver is hit by someone who does not carry auto insurance or carries inadequate coverage, the victim may not be able to recover any damages unless they have uninsured motorist insurance in place. This type of policy can compensate an injured party for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with the accident. Uninsured motorist coverage also provides protection against hit and run accidents as well as those caused by drivers whose identity is unknown (such as a stolen vehicle). 

Additional Benefits

Another important benefit of carrying uninsured motorist insurance is that it helps ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable for their actions when it comes to causing a car accident. If an at-fault driver does not have enough insurance or any at all – which often happens – then uninsured motorist coverage can help cover damages that exceed the other driver’s liability limits. This can help ensure that victims receive full compensation for their losses instead of just partial payments that do not fully cover their expenses.

State-Mandated Uninsured Motorist Insurance

Finally, it’s important to note that most states require drivers to carry some form of uninsured motorist insurance in order to protect those involved in an accident from the financial burdens associated with being hit by an underinsured or uninsured driver. Without this type of policy in place, victims may end up paying out-of-pocket for injuries sustained due to another person’s negligence on the road. 

Overall, uninsured motorist insurance is a valuable form of financial protection for drivers who are injured in a car accident due to another person’s negligence behind the wheel. It ensures that victims will receive the proper compensation for their injuries regardless of whether the responsible party has adequate auto insurance or no insurance at all – something which many don’t realize until it’s too late!

Medical Treatment Hearsay Exceptions

Wrongful Death Lawyers

A hearsay exception that would allow a party to use an out-of-court statement for the truth of the matter asserted is medical treatment. The statement has potential of admittance regardless of whether the declarant is available as a witness. Rule 803(4) governs the medical treatment exception for an out-of-court statement to use for the truth of the matter asserted. 

The rule reads as follows: “The following are not excluded by the rule against hearsay, regardless of whether the declarant is available as a witness: statement that is made for- and is reasonably pertinent to- medical diagnosis or treatment; and describes medical history, past or present symptoms or sensations, or their inception or general cause.” The first portion of the real requires that the statement is either made for or is reasonably pertinent to a medical diagnosis or treatment. A statement made for medical diagnosis is relatively easier to spot, as it is based on a subjective standard. The reasonable pertinence of a statement for medical diagnosis is an objective standard. Read together, if a declarant subjectively makes statements for the purpose of getting a medical diagnosis or if they are objectively pertinent to a medical case, it would qualify under the exception.

The description of medical history, past or present symptoms or sensations, or the inception or general cause of the medical diagnosis requires knowledge about how the condition arose. Under the Federal Rules of Evidence, the knowledge standard equates to actual knowledge. Additionally, the rule excludes statements that blame a particular person or organization for the cause.

One important concept of the hearsay exception is that the statement does not need to be made by a medical professional. Any person can make the statement as long as the declarant made them for medical purposes. With that being said, almost any statement made by a patient that appears in a medical record is admissible. This would mean that psychological conditions are admissible as well. Lastly, the rule imposes no time limit.

Thanks to the experienced wrongful death lawyers of Eglet Adams, for their insight on medical treatment hearsay exceptions.

Common Estate Planning Mistakes

Estate Lawyer

No matter what your age or net worth, it’s important to have a proper estate plan in place. Then, you know that your final wishes will be carried out and your loved ones will be protected. However, you don’t want to unknowingly make an error that could hurt your plan.

Here are some common estate planning mistakes to avoid.

Thinking You’re Too Young to Have an Estate Plan

Some younger people don’t think it’s necessary to establish an estate plan yet. However, even if you’re young and don’t have children of your own yet, you may still want to create an estate plan. You may still have some assets that you want to pass on to certain people. You may also want to name a power of attorney who can make healthcare decision on your behalf if you become incapacitated.

Forgetting to Name a Guardian

If you have minor children, you’ll definitely want to appoint a guardian. After all, you want to make sure that they are taken care of if you should die suddenly. The guardian you choose should be financially stable, responsible and shares similar values on raising children. It’s a good idea to appoint one or two alternate guardians in case your first choice can’t fulfill the role anymore.

Not Meeting with an Experienced Estate Lawyer

There’s plenty of DIY software for estate plans. However, that doesn’t mean you should handle your estate plan all on your own. These plans can be quite complex, so you at least should talk to a skilled estate lawyer. A lawyer can educate you on the specific laws in your state, provide you with tax planning strategies and make sure that your plan is strong enough to stand up to possible legal challenges.

Forgetting to Update Your Estate Plan

An estate plan is rarely a one and done deal. Most people have to update their estate plans several times throughout their lives. Generally, whenever you experience a major life change, you should take another look at your estate plan. For instance, if you get divorced or have a child, you should get in touch with your estate lawyer. 

Not Talking About Your Estate Plan with Your Family

It’s wise to discuss the details of your estate plan with your family members. Tell them about the decisions you’ve made and how you came to those decisions. If you talk about your estate plan ahead of time, you can clear up any confusion and avoid hurt feelings in the future.

Failing to Take Special Needs Into Account

If you want to leave property to a family member with special needs, you should let your estate lawyer know. Your family member may receive government benefits that may get taken away after he or she receives property. Your lawyer can help you structure the gift in a way that allows your family to still qualify for government benefits.

Schedule a meeting with an estate lawyer — as suggested from our friends at W.B. Moore Law.