What are the different types of auto insurance coverage in Lafayette?

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Lafayette, LA – Each driver can purchase an auto insurance policy that is appropriate based on their driving habits and coverage needs. Certain types of coverage are optional, while all drivers must have some kind of basic liability insurance if they want to drive legally. Louisiana, like most other states, only legally requires liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. This is because of the government’s interest in protecting life and property, but not necessarily protecting a person’s personal investment in their car.

Lawsuits are also a common part of the process following a car crash, as victims may need larger amounts than their insurance policy will cover. 

Liability coverage

If a driver causes injuries to another person or property damage during their accident, they will be covered up to several thousand dollars worth of damage. This is the main type of insurance that most drivers purchase because it is necessary in order to drive. Coverage amounts will usually range between ten and twenty five thousand dollars of liability protection for standard policies.  

Collision insurance

Collision insurance that pays the owner of the car for vehicle damage and repairs is generally only required if the car is subject to a lien or financed by a loan from a bank. If the driver does not purchase collision insurance, then they will have to pay for all repairs on their own without the help of an insurance company. Even if a driver has collision insurance, they will usually have to pay for several hundred dollars worth of repairs before the insurance company will help.

Comprehensive coverage for a car

This is an optional part of an insurance policy that protects a car from damage by something other than a car crash. Different providers have slightly different types of comprehensive policies, but they usually cover losses from crime, theft, vandalism, bad weather, and other less common sources of damage. Damage from animals and pest issues is usually covered under a comprehensive policy as well, as this is not considered normal accident damage. Despite the additional costs of comprehensive   

Lawsuits against negligent drivers

Drivers are regularly sued for causing accidents and property damage, whether they have sufficient coverage or not. When someone is seriously hurt and cannot work as normal, a lawsuit based on the events of the car accident is often the only way that the person can receive enough money to cover their medical bills and lost income. 

Legal help in Louisiana

Meeting with a local attorney is the most important step for accident victims who need financial help. Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf help clients in Lafayette with the process to receive compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. 

Firm contact info:

Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf

3960 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806

225-343-2205

www.mlhlaw.com

What Makes Nebraska Highway Accidents So Dangerous?

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Some of Nebraska’s most serious car accidents occur on our highways. In March of 2021, two people lost their lives after a crash on Highway 34 near York. The two deaths were caused by a head-on collision after one car veered into oncoming traffic, and police quickly arrived on the scene to assess the situation. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in this fatal collision, and police officers reported that neither driver in York was wearing their seatbelt. If you have been involved in a highway accident, you can count yourself lucky to have escaped with your life. On the other hand, you may be dealing with severe injuries. If you have medical costs and missed wages, you can have these damages compensated with a personal injury claim. Reach out to a qualified, experienced attorney near you, and you can pursue a settlement. This compensation can provide you with much-needed financial assistance as you recover from your injuries.

What Makes Highway Crashes So Dangerous?

There are a number of factors that make highway crashes quite dangerous. Perhaps most obviously, cars are driving at high speeds on highways. When crashes do occur, these high speeds accelerate impacts considerably. In addition, highways can be confusing for many people, especially those who might be traveling through Nebraska for the first time. One wrong turn can leave you going the wrong way up an exit ramp, into oncoming traffic. Highways can also give drivers a false sense of security. So often, we drive in straight lines for hours on highways. In this unstimulating environment, it’s easy to “switch off” and overlook certain safety hazards. Some drivers even fall asleep behind the wheel because of the monotonous nature of highway driving.

What are the Top Hazards on Highways?

If you value safety while driving on highways, you might want to keep your eyes open for these hazards:

  • Hydroplaning: Rain on highways can pose a serious risk. When puddles form on highways, it’s all too easy to start hydroplaning while traveling at high speeds. Hydroplaning is when your wheels spin over water without actually touching the road. This causes you to veer uncontrollably to one side while you’re driving. The best thing to do in this situation is to take your foot off the accelerator and try not to oversteer.
  • Seatbelt Usage: Seatbelts are always essential, but they are even more beneficial while you’re driving on the highway. When traveling at high speeds, collisions can send you straight through the windscreen. Your chances of survival rise dramatically if you put on your seatbelt while on the highway.
  • Not Using the Correct Lanes: Remember, the left lane is always for passing. Don’t stay in the left lane unless you are actively passing another driver. When drivers fail to follow these rules, it causes confusion. In many certain circumstances, it can lead to collisions.
  • Not Matching the Speed of Traffic: You should always match the speed of traffic, especially when you’re merging onto a highway for the first time. Even though it might seem like everyone else is going too fast, you can create a hazard by driving slower than everyone else.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you’re serious about getting compensation for your highway accident, reach out to a qualified personal injury attorney in Nebraska today.

Can I Sue My Boss For Sexual Harassment In Billings, Montana? 

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Sexual harassment in the workplace often involves a power imbalance. This power imbalance can manifest itself in one or both of the two main categories of sexual harassment, which are “hostile work environment,” or “quid pro quo.” 

 

Hostile work environment is when someone is subject to some kind of misconduct that literally puts them in a “hostile work environment.” This can be almost anything, but some common examples are: 

 

  • Unwanted sexual advances.
  • Unwanted touching, patting, groping.
  • Rude, lewd comments
  • Unsolicited pornography or nude images
  • Stalking, following someone around, waiting by their car after work.
  • Spamming someone’s phone

 

In quid pro quo sexual harassment, someone in a higher position tries to exchange a job benefit for sex or sexual favors. A cliche of this is when a boss, CEO, or company owner bribes his secretary or intern with a promotion or pay raise in exchange for sleeping with him. 

 

If you’ve experienced either of these two situations, know that what you’ve been through is illegal, and you may be entitled to compensation under the law. Get in touch with an experienced, Montana-based sexual harassment lawyer to see what your legal options are. 

 

Examples of sexual harassment in Billings, Montana

 

In the fall of 2020, the owner of several popular restaurants in Billings was charged with raping one of his employees, and sexually assaulting another. The 48-year old man was reported to have been bothering one of the victims almost daily before pulling her into a bathroom, handing her money, and then penetrating her with his finger under her skirt. 

 

These grotesque acts were also accompanied by incidents of groping, touching, unwanted kisses, phone-spamming, and awkward solicitations for sex. The man was brought to trial and is currently facing prison time, fines, and a badly tarnished reputation both for him and his restaurants. 

 

What sort of compensation are victims entitled to? 

 

Sexual harassment cases can result in millions of dollars in damages, depending on the case. Compensation can come via: 

 

  • Back pay: If you had to miss work due to the crimes, you deserve to be paid for those missed hours
  • Front pay: If you are now out of a job for the foreseeable future because of the crime, you deserve compensation
  • Being reinstated or rehired: If you were unfairly fired or discharged because of a sexual conflict in the workplace, you may be able to get your job back, and possibly promoted
  • Punitive damages: You may be entitled to damages for pain and suffering or mental anguish

 

Do you need legal assistance with a sexual harassment lawsuit in Billings, Montana? 

 

Don’t waste any more time. Get in touch with one of the many qualified sexual harassment attorneys waiting to assist you here in Billings.

Can a driver file a lawsuit after an accident caused by bad weather in Connecticut?

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New London, CT – Connecticut and other states in the U.S. often experience severe weather that makes car accidents much more likely. If the roads are wet, covered in ice, or there is heavy rain, it is much more difficult for drivers to control their vehicles as normal. While there are some accidents that are totally unavoidable, it is likely that at least some level of human error contributes to just about all accidents. Those drivers or businesses who make crucial mistakes may still be sued. 

The concept of an uncontrollable problem

Insurance companies often use the phrase Act of God to identify certain unpredictable events that are outside of human control such as the weather. In many situations, this can function as a way of avoiding liability and saying that there can be no liability because there is no identifiable person or business who is at fault. While people and businesses do not have absolute control over their environments, some insurance companies or defense attorneys merely use this concept as a mechanism to avoid fault for their actions.  

If other drivers are involved, they may not be able to simply use the bad weather as an excuse. All drivers are expected to apply the relevant standard of care, which can include accounting for poor road conditions and adjusting driving habits accordingly. Any breach of the relevant standard of care by the driver at fault is significant, as this is an element of a negligence lawsuit. 

Negligence lawsuits against drivers or other entities who cause accidents

If a party can be identified, they can be served with a negligence lawsuit for their actions leading up to the accident. In Connecticut, even a driver who is found to be partially negligent or at fault for their own injuries can still collect damages from the defendant. A plaintiff who is partially at fault only has their damage award reduced relative to their level of fault, but they are not prevented from bringing the case. 

The government can also be sued in an accident case where it is apparent that the roads were not properly maintained and cleared or left in an unsafe condition. This type of behavior is still considered negligence even if an entity is responsible rather than an individual. Total immunity for governments and their agencies from injury lawsuits has been limited in every state in the country. 

Accident lawsuits in Connecticut

Holth and Kollman are available to meet with accident victims about personal injury lawsuits in the New London area. An initial consultation with the firm is the best way for potential clients to learn how to proceed. 

Firm contact info:

Holth & Kollman, LLC

58 Huntington Street, New London, CT 06320

860-447-0331

www.holthkollman.com

Why are driving hours limited for truckers in Louisiana?

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New Orleans, LA – Truck drivers must follow certain regulations while working that are set by the federal government and Louisiana’s state government. One of the most important regulations that is meant to increase safety and minimize accidents is a limit on the total number of hours that a driver can work in any given day. It is possible that a driver and their employer can be fined or sued if they choose to violate the relevant trucking regulations for driving time and other related issues.

Hour limits 

Federal trucking regulations set by the Department of Transportation will limit a driver’s workday to eleven hours of driving time. There may be limited exceptions for driving in adverse weather where it takes longer to reach a destination or drivers who are on a one day work week schedule who can work up to sixteen hours in a day. If drivers are allowed to work additional hours in a day beyond the eleven hour driving window, this time must be spent engaged in non-driving activities such as loading cargo or maintaining the truck. 

Fatigued driving

Truck drivers are at high risk for fatigued driving due to their schedules and the repetitive nature of their work. When someone drives while sleep deprived, their chances of making a mistake on the roads increases greatly. There have been numerous accidents caused by truckers who temporarily fall asleep, even for just a few seconds, and lose control of their vehicle. Research has also shown that a driver who is tired cannot react quickly enough to avoid many standard road hazards. Vehicles operated by a fatigued driver have also been known to drift in and out of traffic lanes. 

Penalties for not following regulations

Any trucker who is found to be in violation of these rules will have to complete certain steps. The driver may be forced to spend several hours off duty until they have spent enough time at rest to be able to drive legally again. State police or local law enforcement can issue citations and fine the driver or their parent business. A driver who has repeat violations can receive a poor safety rating, which can affect their future employment prospects and be used as evidence of negligence if lawsuits are filed. In extreme cases, criminal charges may be brought by the federal government if a company purposely violates these regulations on a regular basis. An accident victim may choose to contact a lawyer to sue the trucker and their employer.  

Information about lawsuits against negligent truck drivers

Anyone who has recently been involved in a truck collision can receive help from an experienced personal injury attorney. Scandurro Layrisson is a firm that assists clients in New Orleans with lawsuits against drivers who are responsible for their losses. 

Firm contact info:

Scandurro Layrisson LLC

607 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130

504-522-7100

www.scanlayr.com

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Conditions that Affect a Personal Injury Claim

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Personal injury claims are filed when a person faces bodily harm at the expense of another person. When an individual fails to act responsibly, and their negligence results in the injury of another, they can be held legally accountable for the pain they caused to everyone around them.

No matter what sort of an accident occurs, victims should contact law enforcement and the ambulance to get help in case their injuries are serious. The initial and best course of action pursued after an injury is taking care of one’s health and making sure that proper medical care is given for the harm that was sustained. Delaying proper medical care is never recommended as it can aggravate a person’s injuries. Many times, a person may be hurt without immediate symptoms. The only way to ensure they are not harmed is to go in for a thorough medical checkup as soon as possible.

Getting medical help without delay will also help a person when they decide to file a personal injury claim so they can get compensated for the harm they suffered. It is important to note that if a person had preexisting medical conditions, they should make that clear when they are making their claim. A person will be able to receive compensation due to a worsening of their illness. An attorney who specializes in dealing with personal injury cases can help a person file their claim properly, so they are given proper settlement.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, what sort of case is considered a personal injury?

Personal injury cases are considered civil cases. The main purpose of filing such a claim is to assign fault to another party and make sure the party pays money to the one who was harmed due to their negligence. It is very unfair for an individual to have to deal with the financial losses associated with personal injuries when someone else was the cause of the harm they faced.

Personal injury cases are not like criminal cases where if a person is found guilty, they will have to face jail time. However, the person who is found guilty will have to provide money so the victim can cover any financial losses they suffered such as lost wages and medical bills. The negligent party may also have to pay for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

Reach out to a personal injury lawyer at Tucker Law today to learn more about the legal claim process and to get help with getting the deserved justice.

Reach them at:

200 SE 6th Street, Suite 405

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

PHONE: 954-204-0444

TOLL-FREE: 1-800-TUCKERWINS

Queens, New York, What is Considered in the Best Interest of the Child by the Court?

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The focus of the court is always to ensure that the best interest of the children is being taken into consideration during a child custody dispute. No matter what the situation is, the judge will always decide which is best for the children regardless of what both parents want. In most cases, it is in the best interest of the children to have both of their parents in their lives and to share parenting time accordingly.

Many factors will be looked at when deciding the parenting schedule, and the first one is stability. This means that the court will try their best to ensure the children remain in a stable environment and they do not have to move unnecessarily to another location that is different from their primary residence. This means that the parent that was voluntarily keeping the children in their physical custody will likely get to continue the arrangement. However, this rule is not set in stone and varies based on the details of the case.

Another factor considered in child custody is the matter of childcare. If both parents are working, then the individual who has better childcare arrangements will also be given more preference. Also, if one of the parents is the primary caretaker since the birth of the children, meaning they spent significantly more time with the children as opposed to the other parent and they were responsible for taking care of the kids the court will also take that into consideration.

If one of the parents is addicted to drugs or alcohol, then this will also negatively affect their case of custody. If one of the parents suffers from a mental illness that has not been treated, this will further affect them negatively. Parents with severe physical disabilities may also find it harder to get custody if their disability makes it difficult for them to take care of their children.

Does spousal abuse play a role in child custody cases in Queens, New York?

Despite what many people believe, even spousal abuse can decrease the chances of a person getting custody of their children. If they were abusive to their spouse in front of the children or even in general, they will decrease their chances of getting custody.

It should be kept in mind that a person should do everything in their power to ensure the safety of their children. Sometimes, a spouse may be very abusive and even dangerous yet there is not enough evidence to prove they have these characteristics.

Individuals should get in touch with a family law attorney to make sure that they do everything in their power to stop the abuse from occurring and to keep their children as safe as possible. Reach a family law attorney at the Law Office of Charles Zolot today to learn more about the claim process.

Reach them at:

37-06 82nd Street

Jackson Heights, NY 11372

Phone (718) 779-6545

Fax (718) 779-6640

Fort Myers, Florida, Understanding Misdemeanor Crimes

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No criminal charge should be taken lightly whether it is considered a misdemeanor or a felony. Though misdemeanor crimes have less serious charges then others, it becomes necessary for anyone to call an attorney who specialized in criminal cases the moment they are contacted by police officers. Many people wait for their case to spiral out of control before contacting a lawyer because they think it will save them money.

After being confronted by officers a person should connect with their attorney as soon as possible to deal with their next steps and help them defend themselves and build a legal case that may have their charges dismissed or that may have their charges reduced at the very least. In Florida, a misdemeanor crime is any crime that is punishable by less than one year in jail and these charges are dealt with by the County Courts.

A felony, on the other hand, is considered a serious criminal charge and is punishable by more than one year in prison and may even be punishable by death. If a person is charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, it must be done within 2 years from the date of the committed crime. For a second-degree misdemeanor, the prosecution must occur within 1 year from the date the crime was committed.

A first-degree misdemeanor is the most serious and can involve up to one year in jail for the person being charged. A first-degree misdemeanor may include indecent exposure, possession of marijuana, vandalism, and prostitution.

Hiring a criminal defense attorney in Fort Myers, Florida

The better the attorney a person has, the more likely they will be able to decrease their charges and present a better case in court. The right attorney will have ample experience in dealing with criminal cases and they will be able to answer any questions or doubts a person has in a satisfactory manner.

Anyone who wishes to have their legal situation properly handled should not take matters into their own hands, but they should turn to a professional for help. Just like it is always better to go to a mechanic instead of fixing one’s car on their own, it is also important for a person to turn to the experts in legal matters, especially when a person’s entire future is at stake.

Get in touch with a criminal defense attorney at Robert Foley Law today to learn more about the court process and what a person can do to ensure their rights are protected even after being charged with a crime.

Reach them at:

(239) 690-6080

[email protected]

2259 Cleveland Ave,

Fort Myers, FL 33901

Largo Florida, Legal Penalties for Possession of Drugs with the Intent to Sell

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Drug possession has the definition of when an individual has control of an illegal or limited substance, and they are knowingly in possession of it. There are certain substances that are considered illegal, and it is not permitted for individuals to deal with them in any way. Cannabis, LSD, Heroin, and Methadone are just some examples of common drugs that are illegal for a person to carry in their possession.

Not only are individuals not allowed to deal with these drugs directly, but they are also not legally allowed to carry drug paraphernalia. Paraphernalia constitutes any form of packing, manufacturing, or cultivating materials used for the purpose of drugs. Drug paraphernalia is considered contraband and may be subject to civil forfeiture as well. Examples include testing equipment, kits used to prepare controlled substances, and cannabis cigarettes.

The penalties for drug possession vary based on the type of drug involved and the quantity that a person had in their possession. The purpose of the drug possession will also be seriously considered when deciding the final legal penalty. If a person has a history of drug-related crimes, then they will also likely face more severe penalties.

Anyone who has drugs in their possession with the intent to sell will face charges as a second-degree felony or a third-degree felony. Individuals charged with this crime will have to pay fines and possibly face several years in prison.

Taking action after a drug charge in Largo, Florida

No one should take a drug charge lightly as it will give them a criminal record and affect their future goals and aspirations. To ensure that one’s life trajectory stays on track they will need to fight as hard as they can to prove that they do not deserve to be severely penalized for the crime.

The best way to make sure that a person fights their best is through connecting with a qualified criminal defense lawyer who can guide them through the process and help them build the needed defenses so they can explain their stance in court.

Sometimes, if the police officers who conducted the arrest did not follow protocol they can be taken to court and questioned for their actions. If it is deemed that they did not act professionally it may even be possible to have their obtained evidence disregarded.

Get in touch with a criminal defense attorney at the Law Office of Trevena Pontrello to get legal help.

Reach them at:

801 W Bay Drive Suite 509, Largo, FL 33770

Located in the Wells Fargo Bank Building

Proudly Serving West Central Florida, including Belleair Bluffs and Largo

(727) 581-5813

Common Reasons That Prevent People from Hiring a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer

Common Reasons That Prevent People from Hiring a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer

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People are involved in serious and fatal accidents every day in the U.S. In 2019, the year for which the most recent data is available, 33,244 individuals suffered fatal injuries in motor vehicle accidents and hundreds of thousands of others sustained injuries.1 After an individual has been involved in an accident, whether it involved a motor vehicle or they slipped and fell on someone else’s property, they are always advised to consult with a Tampa, FL personal injury lawyer, and for good reason.

Personal injury attorneys help accident victims understand their legal rights, including whether their injuries entitle them to compensation. They can also assist them in recovering any compensation they may be due, whether it is from the insurance company and/or the at-fault party. Unfortunately, there are individuals who neglect to retain a FL personal injury attorney following the occurrence of an accident, usually for one of the following reasons:

 

  1. The cost.

A common misconception many people have is that they won’t be able to afford a lawyer to help them after an accident. But the truth is, many attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only collect their fees if they win the case. Therefore, an individual may actually be able to retain a Tampa, FL personal injury attorney without having to pay a large sum of money upfront.

 

  1. They aren’t sure if they have a viable case.

Although insurance companies are generally the first place an individual turns to for financial relief, they may not be able to obtain the full amount of compensation they are due by filing a claim. Sometimes, insurance companies will undervalue claims or even deny them. In other cases, the at-fault party may not have enough insurance coverage available to pay for the damage their policyholder caused.

When situations like these arise, an individual may be able to file a civil lawsuit against one or more parties in an effort to recover the compensation they are due. if an individual isn’t sure whether they have a case, they can always schedule an initial consultation with a Tampa, FL personal injury attorney who can confirm whether they have the ground to sue.

 

  1. They’re worried about the lawsuit process.

Although hiring a lawyer might seem like a big step for an accident victim to take, many cases can actually be settled out of court. In fact, if the at-fault party is willing to take responsibility for their actions and pay for the damage they caused, an accident victim may not even have to step foot in a courtroom.

While a personal injury lawyer can certainly help an accident victim get their case settled prior to having to go to court, sometimes it is actually in the victim’s best interest to let their case play out as they may be awarded more than if they were to accept what the at-fault party is willing to pay to close the case.

 

Speak With a Tampa, Florida Personal Injury Attorney Today

 

If an individual was involved in an accident that wasn’t their fault and they aren’t sure whether they need to hire a lawyer, they can always contact The Reyes Firm. The attorneys at The Reyes Firm offer free consultations and would happy to help an individual determine if their legal assistance is needed.

 

The Reyes Firm can be reached at:

 

3302 North Tampa Street

Tampa, Florida 33603

Phone: (833) 422-3329

Website: www.thereyesfirm.com

 

Source:

  1. https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/state-by-state