It’s been 110 years since the first death due to a road accident, now more than a century on we are seeing more and more injuries due to road traffic accidents, mostly involving car accidents, which comes as no surprise when you take into account the amount of congestion on Britain’s roads today.
Road traffic accidents not only refer to collisions between vehicles, be it car or motorcycle but also to collisions with buildings, trees and even people.
Injuries sustained from road traffic accidents can range from minor whiplash to fatal injuries. An estimated 1.2 million people worldwide are killed each year on the road with more minor injuries being about forty times this number.
If you are unfortunately involved in a road traffic accident you should always stay at the scene and decide on the emergency services that you need by taking into account things like, is the road blocked? If so you need the police, are people injured? Then an ambulance. As well as these essentials you should always exchange details with the other driver so repairs and insurance claims can be sorted out quickly to get you back on the road in no time.
One other thing you are able to do after a road traffic accident is claim compensation. You can do this as a driver, passenger or pedestrian if the accident wasn’t your fault.
With most people traveling in cars or on motorbikes to work and some even driving as a living, the risk of becoming a victim of a road traffic accident is a very high one. Legislations have been put in place to reduce the amount of road traffic accidents, with the focus being put heavily on young and inexperienced drivers, who are believed to be by far the most likely to be involved in a car crash. These legislations include proposals such as to introduce a curfew to young drivers, stopping them from driving late at night and a Zero tolerance on alcohol.
Although it is believed most crashes are a result of poor care and attention, there are times when factors such as road conditions and mechanical failures take over. Making it hard to safely stop the car.
http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/Road-Traffic-Accidents/120760
Friday, November 16, 2007
Tips for Finding the Right Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or a loved one ever face criminal charges, there's no doubt that you will experience a tremendous amount of anxiety. And, in the midst of your distress, you'll need to select a criminal defense attorney. The urgency of your situation may hinder your ability to give careful consideration to finding the right attorney to represent you or your family member.
All practicing attorneys are educated in a variety of areas of law, and regardless of whether you live in Bothell, Washington or Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, all licensed attorneys will meet the requirements set forth by your state. That doesn't mean, however, that every attorney has experience in handling criminal defense. Here, then, are tips to help you select the criminal defense attorney that will best serve you or your loved one.
1. Look for a Team, Rather than an Individual
Although many law firms employ a business strategy that calls for assigning a single lawyer to each case, this is often not the best approach to criminal defense. For example, when the assigned attorney is working on another case, out of the office, or on vacation, you won't be able to reach her or him. In addition, since even an attorney with considerable experience isn't well versed in every situation, your case may suffer. Further, those who are prosecuting your case have a whole team of experts at their disposal; you should have a team on your side as well.
Ideally, you should select a law firm that works as a team. A former prosecutor and a former public defender, for example, would bring distinct perspectives to your case. In addition, the attorneys should have access to investigators and experts who will work on your behalf.
2. Look for Specific, Relevant Experience
Just as you wouldn't consult a mechanic if you needed your house painted, you shouldn't hire attorneys that focus on class action suits when you need lawyers who will mount your criminal defense. Find a law firm that concentrates on just a few types of legal matters, including criminal defense. For example, you might look for attorneys that have experience handling DUI, traffic ticket defense, probation violation hearings, and general criminal defense.
3. Get an Assurance of Trial Preparation
Often, criminal defense cases are plea bargained or settled out of court. Attorneys know this, so many law firms will agree to represent you but will never prepare for a potential trial. The result may be a cost savings to you, but such a move may cost you more in the long run. A law firm that prepares for trial is in a much better bargaining position than one that doesn't. When prosecutors know that your attorney is fully prepared to go to trial, you'll be more likely to get a favorable plea bargain or even to have your charges dismissed entirely.
4. Obtain the Fees in Writing
When you don't understand the basis for legal fees, or when an attorney charges by the hour with no limit in place, you can find yourself in financial ruin. On the other hand, you do get what you pay for when it comes to criminal defense matters. Find the balance between the quality of your lawyers and the fees they charge. The best way to do this is to find a law firm that operates on a fixed price (including a trial), and that openly provides their fee structure. Ideally, they should offer a free consultation, at which time they will fully disclose - in writing - all possible costs and fees associated with your case.
http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/Tips-for-Finding-the-Right-Criminal-Defense-Attorney/120072
All practicing attorneys are educated in a variety of areas of law, and regardless of whether you live in Bothell, Washington or Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, all licensed attorneys will meet the requirements set forth by your state. That doesn't mean, however, that every attorney has experience in handling criminal defense. Here, then, are tips to help you select the criminal defense attorney that will best serve you or your loved one.
1. Look for a Team, Rather than an Individual
Although many law firms employ a business strategy that calls for assigning a single lawyer to each case, this is often not the best approach to criminal defense. For example, when the assigned attorney is working on another case, out of the office, or on vacation, you won't be able to reach her or him. In addition, since even an attorney with considerable experience isn't well versed in every situation, your case may suffer. Further, those who are prosecuting your case have a whole team of experts at their disposal; you should have a team on your side as well.
Ideally, you should select a law firm that works as a team. A former prosecutor and a former public defender, for example, would bring distinct perspectives to your case. In addition, the attorneys should have access to investigators and experts who will work on your behalf.
2. Look for Specific, Relevant Experience
Just as you wouldn't consult a mechanic if you needed your house painted, you shouldn't hire attorneys that focus on class action suits when you need lawyers who will mount your criminal defense. Find a law firm that concentrates on just a few types of legal matters, including criminal defense. For example, you might look for attorneys that have experience handling DUI, traffic ticket defense, probation violation hearings, and general criminal defense.
3. Get an Assurance of Trial Preparation
Often, criminal defense cases are plea bargained or settled out of court. Attorneys know this, so many law firms will agree to represent you but will never prepare for a potential trial. The result may be a cost savings to you, but such a move may cost you more in the long run. A law firm that prepares for trial is in a much better bargaining position than one that doesn't. When prosecutors know that your attorney is fully prepared to go to trial, you'll be more likely to get a favorable plea bargain or even to have your charges dismissed entirely.
4. Obtain the Fees in Writing
When you don't understand the basis for legal fees, or when an attorney charges by the hour with no limit in place, you can find yourself in financial ruin. On the other hand, you do get what you pay for when it comes to criminal defense matters. Find the balance between the quality of your lawyers and the fees they charge. The best way to do this is to find a law firm that operates on a fixed price (including a trial), and that openly provides their fee structure. Ideally, they should offer a free consultation, at which time they will fully disclose - in writing - all possible costs and fees associated with your case.
http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/Tips-for-Finding-the-Right-Criminal-Defense-Attorney/120072
Where To Find Child Custody Advice
One of the difficult aspects of child custody cases is the fact the inexperience most people have in the matter. Uncertainty with family-related matters, especially legal ones, can leave you constantly wondering if you are doing the right things. But there are several outlets you can utilize for child custody advice. Here is a listing of the best places to start.
Your Lawyer
The most obvious starting point for advice should be your lawyer. Since custody is a legal issue, you need to have access to a professional who knows the intricacies of family law. Make sure that your lawyer has experience with custody cases. If your lawyer does not have this experience, than ask for a referral of someone who does.
County Programs
If you live near a city, then it is likely that you will find a county department that deals exclusively with family issues and child welfare. This can be a great resource for learning more about your options. Most county offices are tax-subsidized, which means you can utilize their services at no cost. Some of the services you will find include free literature, workshops, and the option to work with an individual case worker.
The Library
The library is another free resource that will help you learn and understand the process involved with child custody cases. Don’t be intimidated with the abundance of information available. The staff librarians are masters at searching through resources. Be prepared with questions on the topics you are searching for and ask for their assistance. You will be amazed at the information you can access at no charge.
Build a Network
Always remember that you are not the only person going through this uncertain time in your life. There are thousands of others with the same questions as you, and thousands more who have successfully won their custody case. Look for meeting groups in your area where you can network with these people. This can include single parent groups, divorce support groups, and even PTA meetings. Wherever parents meet you will always find a segment of the population that has experienced custody issues.
Internet Resources
The internet is full of resources for divorced parents. Of course you should always proceed cautiously on the advice of strangers, but there is no reason you can’t use the internet as a source for information and inspiration. Outside of reading informative articles, you can also network on one of the many forums related to divorce and marriage issues. Practically every parent who is involved with marriage problems has a custody concern, making these forums a great place to ask questions.
You can’t expect to know everything about child custody, so don’t let the pressure of the situation bog you down. Instead, make a resolution to learn as much as you can. Start researching and building relationships with people who have experience in the matter. You will begin to feel more comfortable as you learn more about the subject.
http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/Where-To-Find-Child-Custody-Advice/118614
Your Lawyer
The most obvious starting point for advice should be your lawyer. Since custody is a legal issue, you need to have access to a professional who knows the intricacies of family law. Make sure that your lawyer has experience with custody cases. If your lawyer does not have this experience, than ask for a referral of someone who does.
County Programs
If you live near a city, then it is likely that you will find a county department that deals exclusively with family issues and child welfare. This can be a great resource for learning more about your options. Most county offices are tax-subsidized, which means you can utilize their services at no cost. Some of the services you will find include free literature, workshops, and the option to work with an individual case worker.
The Library
The library is another free resource that will help you learn and understand the process involved with child custody cases. Don’t be intimidated with the abundance of information available. The staff librarians are masters at searching through resources. Be prepared with questions on the topics you are searching for and ask for their assistance. You will be amazed at the information you can access at no charge.
Build a Network
Always remember that you are not the only person going through this uncertain time in your life. There are thousands of others with the same questions as you, and thousands more who have successfully won their custody case. Look for meeting groups in your area where you can network with these people. This can include single parent groups, divorce support groups, and even PTA meetings. Wherever parents meet you will always find a segment of the population that has experienced custody issues.
Internet Resources
The internet is full of resources for divorced parents. Of course you should always proceed cautiously on the advice of strangers, but there is no reason you can’t use the internet as a source for information and inspiration. Outside of reading informative articles, you can also network on one of the many forums related to divorce and marriage issues. Practically every parent who is involved with marriage problems has a custody concern, making these forums a great place to ask questions.
You can’t expect to know everything about child custody, so don’t let the pressure of the situation bog you down. Instead, make a resolution to learn as much as you can. Start researching and building relationships with people who have experience in the matter. You will begin to feel more comfortable as you learn more about the subject.
http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/Where-To-Find-Child-Custody-Advice/118614
Tips for Working with Divorce Lawyers
Picking the right divorce attorney is a critical decision. Divorce lawyers are your guides through the legal system. They are your teachers about your legal rights and obligations. At a time when you’re not in your peak decision-making form, you have many important questions to answer when you’re finding a divorce attorney. Should you get a shark who can duke it out in court? If you and your ex feel you can separate amicably, do you even need a lawyer? If you’re already separated, will you ever need your lawyer again? What do you need to know about working with them effectively?
I am not a lawyer myself, but I have definitely been a client. In my divorce I was in the legal system off and on for almost three years, including almost a year of mediating my separation agreement. I’ve encountered many wonderful lawyers, and many not so wonderful lawyers. It’s important you find a legal professional that views you as a human being with a family, not just as a case.
Here are some important things to bear in mind when you’re working with a divorce lawyer.
You Are the Quarterback
While lawyers are a part of your divorce team, you must be the quarterback. It’s like when you are renovating a home. You can hire an architect, a designer, a contractor and a painter who all have their expertise to bring. But ultimately, you’re the one who has to wake up in the morning and live in the house. Your lawyer may have a lot of answers for you, but you need to be the ultimate decision-maker and call the shots.
Most Lawyers Are Trained as Gladiators
The legal system is adversarial and pits one party against the other. Many lawyers are trained with the “us vs. them” mindset. Particularly if you have children together, you’ll need to consider how you can have a long-term, hopefully cooperative, relationship with your former partner long after the case is over. Make sure that your lawyer understands your long-term goals as well.
Trust your Gut
Pay attention to your own intuition when selecting a lawyer. Does the lawyer speak English or legalese? How well does the lawyer listen? How about answering the question you actually asked? Can you trust him? Will the lawyer be available to answer your calls in a timely way? What is the lawyer’s track record of going to court or not? Is she a family law specialist? You’re entrusting your lawyer with so much, it’s important the lawyer values you as a person, not just as another file.
Think Outside the Box
There are options for working out the details of your divorce other than going to court. Think outside the courtroom box and consider divorce mediation or collaborative law. In divorce mediation, you work with a trained mediator who acts as a neutral third party to negotiate details of your agreement with you. Each party will have their own lawyer. In a mediation, you and your ex work together with a divorce mediator to hammer out a deal, going back to your lawyers to get legal advice on your solutions and how best to craft your solutions in your agreement.
In a collaborative arrangement, both lawyers work side-by-side with their clients to create agreement. Other related professionals, like financial planners, divorce coaches or therapists and parenting advocate can be part of the collaborative team. The intention upfront of all parties is to settle the divorce out of court. In fact, both lawyers must sign an agreement that if they are not able to reach an agreement, they cannot represent their clients in any future court proceedings.
Instead of their incentive being to drag the process out, collaborative lawyers have an incentive to reach agreement. The collaborative process offers a more respectful and humane way to end your marriage, and fortunately more and more clients are finding out about it and looking for attorneys with specialized collaborative training.
Getting divorced and navigating the legal system isn’t easy and can be overwhelming. It’s worth the time and energy upfront to find the right divorce lawyer for you who can be part of the solution, and not part of the problem.
http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/Tips-for-Working-with-Divorce-Lawyers/114302
I am not a lawyer myself, but I have definitely been a client. In my divorce I was in the legal system off and on for almost three years, including almost a year of mediating my separation agreement. I’ve encountered many wonderful lawyers, and many not so wonderful lawyers. It’s important you find a legal professional that views you as a human being with a family, not just as a case.
Here are some important things to bear in mind when you’re working with a divorce lawyer.
You Are the Quarterback
While lawyers are a part of your divorce team, you must be the quarterback. It’s like when you are renovating a home. You can hire an architect, a designer, a contractor and a painter who all have their expertise to bring. But ultimately, you’re the one who has to wake up in the morning and live in the house. Your lawyer may have a lot of answers for you, but you need to be the ultimate decision-maker and call the shots.
Most Lawyers Are Trained as Gladiators
The legal system is adversarial and pits one party against the other. Many lawyers are trained with the “us vs. them” mindset. Particularly if you have children together, you’ll need to consider how you can have a long-term, hopefully cooperative, relationship with your former partner long after the case is over. Make sure that your lawyer understands your long-term goals as well.
Trust your Gut
Pay attention to your own intuition when selecting a lawyer. Does the lawyer speak English or legalese? How well does the lawyer listen? How about answering the question you actually asked? Can you trust him? Will the lawyer be available to answer your calls in a timely way? What is the lawyer’s track record of going to court or not? Is she a family law specialist? You’re entrusting your lawyer with so much, it’s important the lawyer values you as a person, not just as another file.
Think Outside the Box
There are options for working out the details of your divorce other than going to court. Think outside the courtroom box and consider divorce mediation or collaborative law. In divorce mediation, you work with a trained mediator who acts as a neutral third party to negotiate details of your agreement with you. Each party will have their own lawyer. In a mediation, you and your ex work together with a divorce mediator to hammer out a deal, going back to your lawyers to get legal advice on your solutions and how best to craft your solutions in your agreement.
In a collaborative arrangement, both lawyers work side-by-side with their clients to create agreement. Other related professionals, like financial planners, divorce coaches or therapists and parenting advocate can be part of the collaborative team. The intention upfront of all parties is to settle the divorce out of court. In fact, both lawyers must sign an agreement that if they are not able to reach an agreement, they cannot represent their clients in any future court proceedings.
Instead of their incentive being to drag the process out, collaborative lawyers have an incentive to reach agreement. The collaborative process offers a more respectful and humane way to end your marriage, and fortunately more and more clients are finding out about it and looking for attorneys with specialized collaborative training.
Getting divorced and navigating the legal system isn’t easy and can be overwhelming. It’s worth the time and energy upfront to find the right divorce lawyer for you who can be part of the solution, and not part of the problem.
http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/Tips-for-Working-with-Divorce-Lawyers/114302
Dealing With Reluctance to File for Bankruptcy
Like many people, you may be reluctant to file for bankruptcy even though a Washington bankruptcy lawyer has advised you that bankruptcy is the best – maybe the only -- solution to your financial problems. Your resistance is understandable.
You may feel embarrassed – you should be in control of your finances, but you’re not. And there’s a certain stigma attached to bankruptcy, whether you go through the process yourself or are represented by a Washington bankruptcy lawyer. The filing is a public admission that you are unable to pay your debts. Bankruptcy also carries with it several unpleasant consequences, including the following:
• For 10 years, the bankruptcy will be reflected on your credit report (and there’s nothing a Washington bankruptcy lawyer can do to change that).
• You can obtain credit after bankruptcy, but it will cost you more.
• Though it’s highly unlikely you’ll be fired from a job because you declare bankruptcy, there are some jobs and licenses you can’t obtain because of bankruptcy. For example, some professions – stock broker is one -- don’t allow a bankrupt to be employed in certain positions. These positions usually involve trust and money. (If you’re considering bankruptcy, a Washington bankruptcy lawyer can advise you about bankruptcy’s impact on your employment.)
• There are restrictions on how soon you can re-file for bankruptcy. For example, if you file under Chapter 7, you can’t file again under that chapter for eight years. (A Washington bankruptcy lawyer can explain these timelines to you.).
• Bankruptcy is listed in the top five life-altering negative events, along with divorce, severe illness, disability and loss of a loved one.
While these consequences are unpleasant, there’s another side to bankruptcy, as a Washington bankruptcy lawyer can explain to you. The right to file for bankruptcy is in the U.S. Constitution. Underlying this right is the idea that those in financial trouble deserve the chance for a fresh start. As every Washington bankruptcy lawyer is aware, some people abuse the bankruptcy system. However, the vast majority of people, whether they represent themselves or hire a Washington bankruptcy lawyer, have a legitimate reason for choosing bankruptcy. And often, as every Washington bankruptcy lawyer knows, those reasons are divorce and medical expenses.
It often helps to discuss feelings about bankruptcy with a Washington bankruptcy lawyer. The bottom line is that you shouldn’t feel bad about filing for bankruptcy. It’s your right. Filing lets you take control of your financial life. Filing makes you feel better about your situation. Filing amounts to a commitment to fix the problem and start fresh. At Resolve Legal, we can help you assess whether bankruptcy is right for you. Find out how, and get started on the road to financial recovery.
http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/Dealing-With-Reluctance-to-File-for-Bankruptcy/121427
You may feel embarrassed – you should be in control of your finances, but you’re not. And there’s a certain stigma attached to bankruptcy, whether you go through the process yourself or are represented by a Washington bankruptcy lawyer. The filing is a public admission that you are unable to pay your debts. Bankruptcy also carries with it several unpleasant consequences, including the following:
• For 10 years, the bankruptcy will be reflected on your credit report (and there’s nothing a Washington bankruptcy lawyer can do to change that).
• You can obtain credit after bankruptcy, but it will cost you more.
• Though it’s highly unlikely you’ll be fired from a job because you declare bankruptcy, there are some jobs and licenses you can’t obtain because of bankruptcy. For example, some professions – stock broker is one -- don’t allow a bankrupt to be employed in certain positions. These positions usually involve trust and money. (If you’re considering bankruptcy, a Washington bankruptcy lawyer can advise you about bankruptcy’s impact on your employment.)
• There are restrictions on how soon you can re-file for bankruptcy. For example, if you file under Chapter 7, you can’t file again under that chapter for eight years. (A Washington bankruptcy lawyer can explain these timelines to you.).
• Bankruptcy is listed in the top five life-altering negative events, along with divorce, severe illness, disability and loss of a loved one.
While these consequences are unpleasant, there’s another side to bankruptcy, as a Washington bankruptcy lawyer can explain to you. The right to file for bankruptcy is in the U.S. Constitution. Underlying this right is the idea that those in financial trouble deserve the chance for a fresh start. As every Washington bankruptcy lawyer is aware, some people abuse the bankruptcy system. However, the vast majority of people, whether they represent themselves or hire a Washington bankruptcy lawyer, have a legitimate reason for choosing bankruptcy. And often, as every Washington bankruptcy lawyer knows, those reasons are divorce and medical expenses.
It often helps to discuss feelings about bankruptcy with a Washington bankruptcy lawyer. The bottom line is that you shouldn’t feel bad about filing for bankruptcy. It’s your right. Filing lets you take control of your financial life. Filing makes you feel better about your situation. Filing amounts to a commitment to fix the problem and start fresh. At Resolve Legal, we can help you assess whether bankruptcy is right for you. Find out how, and get started on the road to financial recovery.
http://www.articlefrenzy.com/Article/Dealing-With-Reluctance-to-File-for-Bankruptcy/121427
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