Two Important Ways a Personal Injury Attorney May Assist a Client

A personal injury attorney wears many hats during his or her profession. This career – which entails representing or defending a client who has claimed that an injury has occurred – requires an attorney to be able to navigate all aspects of legal advocacy, as well as working with a client on an interpersonal basis. Here is a brief explanation about a couple of very important ways that a personal injury lawyer like Howard Blau Law may greatly help a client throughout a lawsuit.

Advocate for a Client

A personal injury lawsuit is a very serious situation for all parties involved. Often, a client’s entire life may be affected by what has occurred before – and what may happen after – the case has settled. In addition to understanding all the details and legality of the situation, an incredibly important way that a personal injury lawyer will help a client is by being a strong advocate. A lawsuit involving injury may leave a client feeling vulnerable and confused, likely resulting in many questions about rights and to what he or she may be legally entitled. A good injury attorney will work hard to ensure that clients are treated properly and will advocate for their well-being. It is vital that an attorney is a skilled communicator who listens intently to the needs of a client.

Advise a Client About All Available Options

Another way that an attorney can immensely assist a client is by advising exactly what he or she believes a client can (and should) do regarding exploring all possible settlement options. For example, a case involving damage and injury may take a very long time to reach a conclusion. A successful personal injury lawyer will have the knowledge and experience to offer insight about all the available options that may be best for a client to consider, such as taking the case all the way to a trial or settling outside of court. The guidance and information provided by a great attorney can aid in ensuring that a client receives the best outcome.

What To Know About Filing for Bankruptcy

There may come a time that you feel crushed by your current debt situation. When that happens, you may be able to find relief through bankruptcy. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer can help you determine whether or not you qualify.

Filing Considerations
Once you determine that you want to file for bankruptcy, there are a few things you need to consider when filing. There are going to be both court costs and legal costs associated with your bankruptcy. This is not a free service. Not all debts may be included in the bankruptcy including fraudulent debt. Your bankruptcy filing leaves any co-signed debt to the co-signer. While you may be off the hook, they remain fully liable. For up to 10 years, your credit may take a ding. Future lenders may see the bankruptcy and charge you higher interest rates. Any secured loans such as a home mortgage may be discharged, but the creditor often keeps the asset.

Bankruptcy Types
Most bankruptcies are either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. A trustee takes over all the assets of the debtor in a Chapter 7 bankruptcy. These assets are sold to cover the debts owed. Some assets may be kept, but the new law only allows this type of bankruptcy every eight years. The court has the debtor create a repayment plan under a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The payment plan often allows the debtor to pay over three to five years making partial payments. Most debtors are able to retain possession of the property as long as they maintain their payments.

Before Filing
There are a few things you can do before filing for bankruptcy. Many creditors are willing to work with debtors. Discuss with them the possibilities of moving the payment date or other solutions. Credit and debt counselors may be another alternative.

If you do decide to file for bankruptcy, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer like Brent George Law can help you create a repayment plan. An experienced attorney can help you navigate this stressful time.

How to Stay Safe While Riding a Bike on a Roadway

Riding a bicycle on a roadway can be an economical, healthy, and environmentally friendly option for individuals. However, riding a bike may place a rider in a vulnerable and dangerous position, especially if a cyclist is involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. A crash may result in numerous in problems, including injuries and financial implications for both parties involved in a wreck. (A bicycle injury lawyer like Howard Blau Law can be very helpful in the event of a serious wreck.) In order to avoid a potentially disastrous situation, here are two important tips to keep in mind to stay safe while riding a bike on a major roadway.

1. Wear Protective Gear

Hundreds of accidents involving bicycles occur every year. Therefore, it is critical that a cyclist wear protective gear including, of course, a helmet. According to multiple sources, helmets can – and do – save lives, and they should be worn when cycling. (Many states in the U.S. legally require the use of a helmet.)

2. Ride Defensively and Obey the Rules of the Road

Bicyclists are expected to obey the same rules of the road as drivers in cars. Therefore, it is extremely important for an individual on a bike to ride defensively, be mindful of the laws of the road, and be aware of their surroundings. If an accident occurs, a cyclist may technically be at fault and liable for damages depending on the circumstances. Anytime that a crash occurs between a vehicle and a bike, it is vital to obtain legal representation from a bicycle injury lawyer to assist in navigating the aftermath of a crash.

Understanding Changes in Bankruptcy Law

Changes in the federal bankruptcy law took effect in 2005. These updates made it more difficult for some people to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The new laws also require mandatory credit counseling before the court will approve a bankruptcy discharge.

New Chapter 7 Means Test
A new means test eliminated the Chapter 7 route for some high-income bankruptcy filers. These individuals must instead file for Chapter 13, which reorganizes debt into a more affordable repayment plan rather than discharging it completely as with Chapter 7. Prior to 2005, those filing for bankruptcy could choose either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The means tests looks at a person's debt, income, projected future income and assets to determine whether he or she can afford to repay some of the debt. The threshold for Chapter 7 qualification varies based on the median income in your geographic area for a family of your size.

Required Debt Counseling
Before filing a bankruptcy petition, you must complete credit counseling through a federally approved agency at your own cost. After filing, you must complete a second counseling session before your debts will be reorganized or discharge. These new 2005 requirements apply to both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings.

A bankruptcy law attorney can help you decide whether bankruptcy is right for you. He or she can also apply the means test to see if you qualify for Chapter 7.

Should I File For Bankruptcy? I Need Help

Determining whether or not you should file for bankruptcy is a big decision and one you should not rush into without all the information you need to make the best decision for your situation. Before you file for bankruptcy in CA you should consult with a bankruptcy attorney who can assist you in determining if it is the right option for you. There are many ways an attorney can help you to better understand bankruptcy and what it means for you.

What Does Filing for Bankruptcy Mean?

There are many benefits you may be entitled to if you file for bankruptcy in CA. From preventing the forfeiture of assets under foreclosure or repossession threat to removing wage garnishment, bankruptcy may be able to greatly relieve your financial burdens. You may also have the ability to adjust the size of debt payment amounts or challenge your creditors. An attorney will help you understand what potential benefits you have available to you.

Misunderstandings About Bankruptcy

Another useful benefit of hiring a bankruptcy attorney before filing for bankruptcy in CA is understanding what it won’t mean for you. In most bankruptcy cases, there is no need to even appear in court and the individuals filing get to keep all of their possessions. Your attorney can also help explain the effect on your credit report filing will have, which is often less severe than those filing fear.

Common Areas of the Body That Suffer in a Motorcycle Accident

When you jump on a motorcycle, you have a tremendous responsibility to drive safely and to obey all traffic laws. Unfortunately, you can’t control road conditions or how other motorists will conduct themselves. This is why motorcycle accidents happen all too often. When these occur, the results can be disastrous. A motorcycle accident injury can affect any part of the body, but some areas are more prone than others.

Head Injuries

No one should ever get on a motorcycle unless he or she wears a helmet. In many places, it’s the law. Still, people neglect this wise and lawful practice. Head injuries can range from concussions to fractured or crushed skulls. Brain injuries are common for riders who don’t wear helmets. Sadly, these often lead to death or permanent paralysis. In the most serious accidents, head injuries can come even to people who wear helmets.

Back Injuries

If you collide on your motorcycle with a car or even another motorcycle, the impact can easily throw you off your bike with great force and velocity. It’s common in these cases for a hard fall on the pavement or against another object to injure the riders back. This motorcycle accident injury could fracture vertebrae or cause other significant spinal damage.

Bone Breaks

Even protective equipment might not prevent you from suffering a broken bone in your leg or arm if you’re in a motorcycle crash. Other common breaks include collarbones and ribs.

Lacerations

It’s important to wear long, thick clothing when you ride your motorcycle. This can help reduce the risk of severe, deep cuts. Motorcyclists often suffer lacerations on their hands, face, or legs when a crash throws them off their bikes to the ground.

A motorcycle accident injury can range from a minor scrape to the most devastating imaginable, resulting in death. It’s important to take precautions and drive safely.

How to Determine the Financial Aspects of a Personal Injury Case

Before deciding whether to choose a lawyer and bring up a lawsuit against a person or organization, it’s important to determine whether the benefits would outweigh the costs. This is especially true if you’re thinking about hiring a personal injury lawyer. In the perfect scenario, this professional would help you get some handsome compensation, but you need to consider your costs as well.

Compensation for Damages

Depending on the severity of your accident or mishap, you could spend a lot of money treating the injuries and recovering from them. For example, you may spend thousands or tens of thousands on medical care. You may lose pay at work for the time you miss. You may experience significant loss to your property as a result of an accident. You may even suffer emotional pain or distress. Your attorney will help decide how much compensation you’re entitled to in these areas. 

Punitive Damages

This is an area where people often seek significant amounts of money. When the other party has shown willful carelessness or negligence with the intent to harm, you can seek punitive damages on top of others. Your personal injury lawyer will often seek these damages as a way to punish the offender in the hopes he or she will avoid this behavior in the future. In many places, there is a cap of how much money you can seek with these damages. 

How Much Will You Get?

Just because you sue for these damages, it doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get what you’re asking for. The court will take into consideration your role in the incident and to what extent you were at fault as well. You must make an effort to minimize the costs yourself by going to the doctor, for instance.

Your personal injury attorney will do his or her part to make sure you’re treated fairly. Depending on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident, it may be worth your effort to hire legal counsel.