Workplace injuries are more common than you think. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.7 million non-fatal workplace injuries and accidents reported in 2020. It is your employer’s responsibility to ensure the workspace is safe for all employees. If you are injured on the job, you qualify for worker’s compensation.

According to Nolo, workers compensation provides payments until you can return to work, and any medical bills associated with the injury you sustained at work. If you have been injured on the job and believe you are entitled to worker’s compensation benefits, you should hire a workers compensation law firm. If you aren’t hiring a lawyer is worth the cost, you should consider the benefits of having a lawyer in your corner.

Determining Your Eligibility

Most employees are eligible for workers compensation in most states. However, there are some exceptions and you will need to work with a workers compensation law firm. If you aren’t eligible, filing a claim can be time-consuming and isn’t in your best interest. A workers comp lawyer can review your case to determine if you are eligible.

Help With the Claim

If you don’t provide all the information necessary for the claim, it can be denied. There are forms that need to be filled out correctly and completely, and you need medical evidence to back up your claim. A workers compensation law firm can help with the paperwork and can ensure everything is in order before you file the claim, which will increase your chance of being approved the first time.

Your Employer Refuses To Report Your Injury

In several state, the workers compensation law states that your employer is required to report your injury to the insurance company and provide you with a Worker’s Compensation Claim for to be filled out. If your employer refuses to report the injury, you will need the help of an attorney.

Your employer could be refusing to report the injury because they are uninsured or underinsured, or they were already aware of safety violations. A workers comp lawyer can deal with your employer, reminding them that they have responsibility under California law.

Your Claim Was Denied

If your claim was denied, a workers compensation lawyer can help. The insurance company can claim that you filed the claim too late or your injuries were not work-related. Fortunately, you can file an appeal. Your best chance of winning on appeal is by filling out paperwork and gathering the necessary evidence before your hearing. Hiring a workers comp law firm will ensure everything is in order for the hearing, which gives you the best chance of having the ruling changed on appeal.

You Aren’t Receiving Your Benefits

Your employer’s insurance company is required to cover your medical bills. If they are refusing to pay the benefits to cover your lost wages, you should hire a workers compensation lawyer. If your doctor recommends you work less hours while you are healing, the insurance company is required to cover your wages for the hours you miss.

A workers comp attorney can deal with the insurance company to ensure you start receiving benefits, and can take the necessary steps if the insurance company continues refusing to pay.

Your Employer Is Blaming the Injury On a Pre-Existing Condition

If you go to your employer immediately after the injury and they claim it is due to a pre-existing condition, you will need to hire a lawyer. A lawyer can help provide the proof necessary to ensure this argument doesn’t work, so you can receive your benefits.

You Are Fired After the Injury

California law prohibits employers from firing employees who have been injured on the job or become ill due to poor working conditions. If you are fired for filing a workers comp claim, you will need an attorney to protect your rights. If your employer fires you or tries to retaliate in any way, a lawyer can help.

If you have been injured on the job and want to ensure you will receive the benefits you deserve, a workers compensation law firm can help. Your lawyer will be there from start to finish, giving you peace of mind that your rights are being protected.…

Criminal Attorney Guide

Las Vegas is known as America’s playground. Millions of Americans come to Las Vegas every year to enjoy the casinos, the nightlife and all the glamor and excitement this vibrant city has to offer. Sometimes, however, things go wrong. If you or someone you know has been arrested or faces arrest in LV, Nevada, you need to get a good Las Vegas Criminal Attorney fast.

If it is your first time having to face the law on criminal charges, you will not know what to do. Innocent or guilty, you have the constitutional right to the attorney of your choice. Because of the vital importance of your situation, it is equally importance to obtain the services of an experienced, local attorney.

Any lawyer will tell you that local knowledge and connections are important. Your criminal defense attorney must be able to act fast on your behalf. For this reason, you are better off contacting a Las Vegas, Nevada Criminal Attorney first. If you have legal counsel elsewhere, they can be contacted later, if necessary.

Whatever the severity of the charges, although you are legally entitled to defend yourself or have a court appointed attorney act on your behalf, either of these options can have devastating results. Get a qualified, local attorney to help you and you stand the best chance of getting a favorable result.

A good criminal lawyer will have experience with a large spectrum of criminal charges. In Las Vegas, they often represent a unique type of client – the client who has been charged with attempting to defraud a casino. The casinos take these charges very seriously and will attempt to have even minor cases of fraud prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Las Vegas is also a place of heightened emotions, both good and bad. If you or someone you know has been arrested for assault or assault and battery, you will need the services of a LV criminal attorney. The first thing he will do for you is post your bail. After that, he will be at your side every step of the way, to ensure that you get the best defense available.

In the State of Nevada, even a first offense can incur a stiff penalty. Your first offense could earn you up to six months in Clark County Detention Center if you are convicted. You will also face fines and court costs and be obligated to perform up to 120 hours of community service. Your defence lawyer will do everything in his power to have your case dismissed. If that is not possible, he will argue for the lowest term of incarceration he can possibly get for you.

A competent Las Vegas Criminal Attorney will have experience in criminal law ranging from traffic violations to the most serious accusations of violence. He made a pledge from the time he got his license to practice law to defend his clients to the full extent of the law. Your best defense is his only concern. If you or someone you know has gotten into trouble with the law in Las Vegas, the first thing you should do is contact a criminal attorney. Remember, it is your right as a citizen. Exercise that right and know that your case is in good hands.…

Drug Recognition Expert

While most people are familiar with Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, most are unaware of the testing conducted by officers who have been trained as Drug Recognition Experts (DRE). Drug Recognition Experts obtain their certification through the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

As part of the training process, all officers must first be certified in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations standardized field sobriety tests. After being certified in this training, officers attend a two-day (16-hour) preschool which is considered phase one. Part of this preschool is teaching officers a true definition of the term “drug” for purposes of the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program. Officers are also tasked with the responsibility of becoming familiar with the techniques of drug evaluation.

The second phase of training consists of a seven-day (56-hour) classroom program. During this portion of training, officers learn the techniques of the drug evaluation examination, the effects of drugs on the physiology of an individual, and the legal concerns.

The third and final phase of training consists of sixty to ninety days of field observations by a certified instructor. During this phase officers test individual who are suspected of being impaired by drugs other than alcohol. An officer must complete twelve evaluations prior to becoming certified.

There are 12 steps in the Drug Evaluation Process. These steps are listed below:

1) Breath Alcohol Test: A breath test is performed to determine the concentration of alcohol if any in the tested individual.

2) Interview of Arresting Officer: The Drug Recognition Expert will consult with the arresting officer to determine the events, which lead to the arrest of the test subject.

3) Preliminary Examination: The Drug Recognition Expert will question the subject about any physical or medical limitations.

4) Eye Examination: Eyes are examined for equal pupils, equal tracking, and lack of smooth pursuit. This test is referred to as the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test.

5) Divided Attention Tests: Two commonly associated tests are the Walk and Turn and One Leg Stand tests.

6) Examination of Vital Signs: Officer will check pulse, body temperature, and blood pressure.

7) Dark Room Examinations: This is an examination in total darkness, under direct light, and in normal room light. The officer looks at the pupil sizes under each lighting condition.

8) Examination of Muscle Tone: Flexion and Extension of the muscles are tested for rigidity, or flaccidity of the muscles.

9) Examination of Injection Sites: This is done to determine whether the individual is using any injectable substance.

10) Suspects Statements/Other Observations: The individual is questioned about the signs and symptoms that have exhibited.

11) Opinion of the Evaluator: The officer makes a determination based on the observed symptoms of which drugs an individual is under the influence.

12) The Toxicological Examination: Blood, saliva or urine is obtained to determine what classes of substances are present within the individual.

There are several problems with the drug evaluation process. In this article I will only mention two. The first is the fact that the Drug Recognition Expert discusses any observed issues with the arresting officer. This is the second step and automatically puts the Drug Recognition Expert in a search and destroy mode. They begin trying to find symptoms instead of merely performing the tests and observing symptoms. The tests should be performed from a neutral viewpoint instead of a tainted one.

The second problem is based on nystagmus. There are a variety of causes of naturally occurring nystagmus. A Drug Recognition Expert is not a qualified ophthalmologist. Drug Recognition Experts simply cannot determine whether nystagmus is caused by drug use or merely a medical condition.

These above listed problems are only two of many. The use of Drug Recognition Experts should not be used to convict a person when there are numerous issues associated with the testing procedure. While officers do undergo training to become Drug Recognition Experts, the manner in which the evaluation process occurs, causes officer to view the process from a biased standpoint. Furthermore, officers simply lack the medical training required to make a determination in regards to the cause of nystagmus.…

What a Good Criminal Lawyer Can Do For You

Anyone who is facing charges of a serious criminal offense in Tampa, is advised to hire an experienced Tampa criminal lawyer as soon as they are arrested. You need to seek legal advice before you talk to the police or you could risk seriously compromising your defense case later on. However, you need to make sure you hire a lawyer who is experienced with the type of charges you are facing to give you the best chance in court.

For some, hiring a private Tampa criminal lawyer is unaffordable in which case they can request a court appointed lawyer to represent them. Self-representation is an option, however criminal law is complex and unless you have in depth knowledge of the law as it relates to your case, then you may well be appointed a lawyer by the judge at the commencement of your trial anyway.

Although you may immediately think that a criminal lawyer will simply represent you in court, it may come as a surprise to learn the extent of the work they do on your behalf when building your defense case:

Negotiate with the prosecution to achieve a lesser sentence or reduce the severity of the charges

Compile a sentencing program which could help to avoid future charges

Provide support to defendants and in particular those fearful about their case

Be realistic in their advice to defendants about potential penalties if convicted

Offer advice on plea bargains if deemed a more viable option in a defendants case

Have up to date knowledge on current state laws, legislation and procedures, including paperwork and court proceedings

Work closely with court personnel and be familiar with court procedure

Spend sufficient time building the defense case including gathering evidence and witness testimony

Because criminal law cases are complex and involve a lot of work to build a defense case, hiring a Tampa criminal lawyer will ensure your case is managed at every step. A good lawyer will work to protect your interests and rights as well keeping you up to date and informed on how your case is progressing. They should also inform you from the outset about the nature of the charges against you, potential penalties if convicted and any further impact these charges may have in the future. Not only will they build your defense case, but they will also ensure all necessary paperwork is completed and filed, attend the pre-trial hearing, communicate with all relevant parties and give adequate representation during the trial.

When you hire a lawyer you need to be certain that you have confidence and faith in their abilities to achieve the outcome you expect. In return you need to be open and honest about all details pertinent to your case and realistic about the potential outcome.…

Homeowners insurance is a great protection of your home investment for times of unexpected damage, loss, or injury that takes place on your property. The small amount of money it cost can give you real peace of mind when it comes to storms, fire, and other forms of unavoidable disaster. Below are four reasons you should seek out and get a homeowners policy for your home today.

Accidents and Injuries to Visitors

A homeowners insurance policy protects you against financial liability for any visitor to your property that gets injured from slip-and-fall or other types of accidents. The medical coverage will help cover expenses related to treatment. You can successfully avoid any type of lawsuits arising from injuries.

Damage Repair and Personal Belongings Replacement

Natural disasters like earthquakes and floods are not covered by standard homeowners insurance. Storms, fire, and other types of severe damaging events can be covered. It will help replace any personal belongings you lose and give you the cash to repair or rebuild your home. It’s the best protection you have against losing everything you own. It will not cover basic maintenance or any damage arising from lack of repairs, but it does cover damage done to your home in most instances.

Customize the Coverage

You can customize the coverage to add specific coverage like a flood or cover house trailers. It also allows you to choose the level of deductible you want to pay.

Meet Standard Mortgage Requirements

Anytime you have a mortgage on your home, the financial institution generally expects you will have and maintain a homeowners insurance policy to protect their investment. The bank doesn’t want to write the home off as a loss any more than you.

Get a quote from an agency that carries home insurance Palm Coast FL residents trust. Don’t wait until it’s too late and you lose everything you’ve worked hard to obtain.…

Finding yourself in a car crash in Seattle is no time to be caught off guard. The stress of the situation and possible injuries may leave you feeling at your most vulnerable, but this is a moment that you have to be at your strongest. The slightest mistake could cost money, your reputation, and even your freedom, so learn exactly what to do before the unthinkable does happen.

Your Chances of Getting In An Accident Rise Every Day
The geography of the Seattle area contributes to increasingly more congested roads every day, especially with more and more drivers entering the roadways. The I-5 alone can be a driver’s worst nightmare with traffic jams extending a reasonable commute to an hour-long drive or more. With that increased volume of vehicles, there’s also a rising chance of an auto accident.

When that accident does happen, each driver will find himself or herself at the mercy of the insurance companies. The Hornbuckle Firm warns that insurance companies are out to protect their own interests, even if that means paying out less than is deserved in any situation. They may also deny a claim altogether.
For this reason, it’s recommended that you speak with a lawyer as soon as possible, following any car crash.

Know What to Do After a Car Accident
When in an auto accident, you may feel your worst, but this is no time to lay down and wait for the professionals to do their jobs. To the contrary, there’s much to be done. First, your duty is to assess the situation for yourself, so you have a clear understanding of the situation apart from the interpretations offered by police, insurance investigators, and other parties involved in the accident.

As you examine the scene, determine if anyone is injured and, if so, call for emergency services. A phone call to police may also be necessary, depending on the severity of the accident. If police haven’t been called, it will still benefit you to go to the police station and file a report on your own. By doing this, you will have documentation to provide to your insurance company.

As soon as possible, move vehicles out of the way of traffic and set up flares to caution oncoming traffic.

Gathering as much documentation as possible is the key to protecting yourself against insurance companies and in the event of litigation. Pictures of the scene are advised, as are photos of the other drivers’ insurance cards.

Next, it is important to contact your insurance company and inform them about your traffic accident. It’s advised that you answer all questions thoroughly and honestly, because anything that might later seem like a deception on your part might be used as grounds for denying the claim.

Evaluate the damages. This means getting professional estimates on property damage and vehicle damage, but it also includes generating documentation on injuries. A comprehensive list of injuries, including treatments and, if applicable, ongoing needs for medication and long-term rehabilitation should all be documented.

Now is the time that the early settlement offers will come. It’s also a good time to consult with an attorney, as those offers may not be given with your best interests in mind. Getting the advice of an accident lawyer before signing off on any offer is the best thing you can do for yourself.

 …

If you are injured in a car accident, your first thought may not be to hire an attorney. Many people assume that the person who caused the accident will automatically take responsibility and cover their losses. This is not always the case, however. To protect yourself and your interests, you may need to seek legal counsel.

Guidance

An accident can create a long to-do list. You may have to collect medical records in order to file a claim with your health insurance provider. Your vehicle may be damaged, so your auto insurance or the other driver’s coverage may have to compensate for that loss. You may even be called to testify in legal proceedings if the details of the accident come under dispute. Your attorney’s job is to guide you through this process.

Representation

An auto accident lawyer in Columbia MD, serves as your representative in many ways. Not only can an attorney help you through the insurance process, he or she can act as your intermediary with the other party’s insurer. If you have to go to court, your lawyer is your advocate to present your case and get you adequate compensation.

Advocacy

Your attorney’s job is to build your case. This process starts with collecting all necessary records. If you are injured, your lawyer will know which medical records are most relevant to your case. If the other driver denies responsibility, your attorney is tasked with proving fault. Then, when all the information is gathered, the car accident lawyer who represents you argues the evidence in a hearing or in court so that your side of the story is presented accurately and completely.

A small fender bender may not necessitate legal representation. If you are injured or if significant damage was done, however, it is smart to hire someone with the expertise to represent you well.…

Divorce is a messy process. Even for couples who want to end things amicably, there are almost always frustrations that come with the territory. Between dividing assets and the emotional trauma that comes with ending a marriage, the entire time can be overwhelming. However, with a few smart tips, you can end your marriage with as much civility as possible. These tips include hiring a lawyer, keeping communication to a minimum and living separated.

Hire a Lawyer

It is a good idea for both parties to hire lawyers Ashburn VA at the start. Couples are rarely able to reach an agreement without getting legal experts involved, and it is easier if this is taken care at the beginning of the separation process. When looking for a lawyer, you should look for someone with experience in divorce law and someone who is accessible to you.

Keep Communication to a Minimum

Long, drawn out conversations with your spouse will often lead to an argument when you are going through a divorce. Therefore, it is wise to keep communication to a minimum. You should ideally only contact your spouse about custody arrangements or divorce proceedings. This is not to say that the two of you can not be friendly to each other; you simply need some time to figure out your new life on your own.

Live Separated

Living in the same house while going through a divorce is a sticky situation. It is usually better if the couple can live separated while the proceedings are going on. While this may not be possible for everyone, at least setting some boundaries in the home can help.

While divorce is not a pleasant thing to go through, it is sometimes the best choice for the couple. Consider these tips to make the separation as painless as possible.…

A Criminal Attorney Is Vital to the Accused

Although some people don’t have much sympathy for those who have been charged with crimes, they are still entitled to legal representation and a fair trial. Not only is this important because it is their right, but there are also times when someone is accused of something that they did not do. During times like these, a competent criminal attorney is extremely necessary.

There are many different instances where someone could be falsely accused. For instance, they could be involved in a case of mistaken identity. This is something that is common in rape cases. Although there are some people who purposely accuse someone of raping them just to be cruel, this is not the main reason that mistaken identity takes place. Rather, the bigger reason that these types of occurrences are so prevalent is because some victims actually go into shock and panic during the attack, so they are not paying much attention to the face of the perpetrator. Thus, when it’s time for them to identify their attacker at the police station, they aren’t 100 percent sure who actually victimized them. As a result, they may make a mistake and accuse the wrong person.

Now, the accused have to try to fight an accusation for a situation that they truly had nothing to do with. Although they are completely innocent, they still need to be able to prove this to a jury. Some people may think this should be an easy task if they didn’t commit the crime; however, this is not always the case. Because the legal system can be somewhat complex, it is very possible for the guilty to walk free and the innocent to be convicted. That is why a highly skilled criminal attorney is so vital. Without their help, those charged with a crime could end up serving jail time for something they did not do. Even worse, they could wrongly be put on death row.

Another instance where someone could be falsely accused is during a murder case. There have been several documented cases where people have been executed for a murder they did not commit. Some people, on the other hand, have spent decades in jail, only to be exonerated years later due to a DNA test. Although this is good news, these people would have had a better chance of being cleared much earlier if they’d had the right criminal attorney representing them in the first place.

A criminal attorney is not just helpful to people who have been accused of something they didn’t do, however. They are also valuable to those who have actually committed crimes. Due to their thorough understanding of the legal system, they can help to ensure that their client gets a fair trial as well as a fair sentence or punishment.…

In cases where an adult is no longer able to manage their own affairs or finances for any reason, their relatives may want to take control for them. This process is known as guardianship, and it doesn’t just apply to relatives; any adult can apply to become a guardian, although whether they will be successful is another matter of course.

Royalty free image

There are a number of different scenarios in which a guardianship application might be changed, as well as being used in order to take charge of the affairs of an incapacitated person. They can also be used to protect the legal rights of an individual who is unable to themselves.

Hiring a Guardianship Lawyer

The first step in the process of obtaining guardianship is to seek out the services of a guardianship lawyer. You will need a lawyer who specializes in, and ideally has experience with, guardianship laws. A Florida guardianship lawyer will be able to advise you as to whether guardianship is appropriate in your situation or whether you are in a position to pursue it.

You will then need to file a Petition to Determine Incapacity, which is a legal document asking the court to make a judgement as to whether the subject is able to manage their own affairs or not. If the court finds that they are capable, the petition will not be granted. However, if they agree that the adult is unable to manage their own affairs, they will delegate power of attorney to the claimant.

What Does the Court Consider?

The court will consider the opinions of any medical professionals, including mental health professionals, that declare a person to be incapacitated or temporarily unable to manage their own affairs.

In some cases, such as where a person is in a coma or rendered unconscious, they will not be able to make decisions or give consent. When this happens unexpectedly, it is the next of kin that make decisions. However, a guardianship petition can be used by an individual to take control if they feel that the current guardian is unsuitable.

Filing Pleadings

The patient who is allegedly incapacitated is known in legal documents as the Alleged Incapacitated Person. It is their assets and their affairs that are the subject of any orders made by the court, and so the court must do its due diligence in ensuring that it is appropriate to strip them of the fundamental ability to make their own decisions.

To this end, the court will appoint an attorney to investigate and ensure that the filings that have been made are accurate and correct. The parties to those papers that are filed with the court must also file pleadings, affirming that they will act responsibly and for the benefit of the AIP.

The process of obtaining guardianship in Florida is simple and straightforward, provided you have a solid case of course. Working with an experienced guardianship attorney will benefit you enormously and will help to speed your application along.…

Properly Exercise Your Rights Before Speaking to Your Criminal Defense Attorney

The Supreme Court of the United States has decided that you and I (and everyone else in the U.S.) have certain Constitutional rights that are interminable and cannot be violated – except in very rare circumstances. Included in those rights are the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. While we usually think of these rights as they are shown in the movies (i.e. cop arrests guy, cop reads guy Miranda warnings, guy says “talk to my attorney”), they apply in all sorts of situations. Additionally, you have rights even before Miranda is triggered, usually by an arrest.

I’ll give you three examples, involving very different facts:

1) Maryland criminal law example.

Let’s say you are arrested for some serious offense, attempted murder, near Annapolis. You are arrested and the police officer gives you the proper Miranda warnings. After you exercise your right to an attorney, you are placed in a holding cell. You ask for a phone call, and the officer obliges. You call your friend, who tells you that you are all over the local news. You have been arrested for attempted murder. You tell your friend that they have no proof. You hid the murder weapon in a car and drove the car over a cliff into the water.

The cops have you. You said something. Even though this isn’t the typical situation that we see in the movies, you still had a right not to say anything. When they said, “anything you say,” they meant anything you say. Jail phone calls are almost always monitored and recorded. You didn’t have to make that call, and you would have been exercising your right to remain silent.

2) Virginia criminal law example.

You are involved in an accident on I-66. An eighteen-wheeler taps you from behind, the driver blows the horn, and then speeds off. You call the police. When they arrive, you tell the officer that the truck driver cut you off and you veered into the jersey wall. You then proceeded to drive in front of the truck and slow down, in an attempt to get the driver to stop because he caused an accident. At least that was your thinking. The cop then gives you a ticket, because this kind of driving is considered reckless in some states.

Again, you didn’t have to say anything to the cop. Ignorance of the law (meaning you didn’t know that what you did is reckless driving) is not an excuse. Besides, what advantage are you gaining from saying anything to the police officer?

3) DC criminal law example.

Suppose you are driving home from happy hour near the Verizon Center and you get pulled over. The cop tells you that your taillight was out. He then proceeds to tell you that he smells a distinct odor of alcohol emanating from your breath. The magic words. He asks you if you’ve been drinking. Your answer to this question will dictate how this story unfolds.

The message is simple. It is not a criminal offense to exercise your rights, despite what the cops may say to trick you into believing it is. You also don’t have to wait until an officer lets you know what rights you may exercise. But people fail to keep informed and properly exercise their rights on a daily basis. It makes my job very difficult, and often decreases the chances of beating a criminal charge.…

Nobody enjoys being in jail. Your freedoms are squashed, and the comforts of home are nowhere to be found. This goes for people sentenced to many years in prison, and for those who are just in jail overnight. You do not want to spend any longer in a cold, dark cell than is necessary. Thankfully, there are ways to get out of jail quickly in many cases. Continue reading to learn what you will need to do, and then watch help arrive quickly no mater what time of day or night.

Security is King

We are not talking about your safety here. We are talking about assets that you might have that will guarantee your appearance in court. The judicial system does not want you in jail for longer than is necessary either, as it costs the average taxpayer a great deal of money to support an already overcrowded prison population. At the same time, they need some of assurance, or security, to show that you will not flea the area and that you will appear to face the charges lodged against you. The amount of money required will depend on the crime in question and your criminal history. In the end, if you can put of the security, you will likely be sleeping in your own bed come nighttime.

Cash Bonds Explained

With jail bond Bradenton FL, you will receive the cash that you need to post bail and get out of prison as quickly as possible. You will put up your possessions with the bond company to guarantee that you will pay them back. This is important because you will be in prison at the moment. As such, it will be difficult to come up with the type of cash you might be required by the court to post before being released. A bond company will work with you. When you appear for your trial, the court will release the cash back to the bond company, and you will in turn receive your property back. It is as simple as that.…

Car accidents are always stressful. Even if there is minimal damage and minimal injury, the process of successfully navigating the financial, legal and bureaucratic aftermath of any accident can be more of a burden than the incident itself.

Most people are unprepared for the potential legal and financial peril of a car accident. They don’t realize the jeopardy they may face in the event of a dispute, or a murky legal situation, or a rejected insurance claim. These are problems best solved before they happen, which is why it is vitally important drivers prepare themselves far in advance.

Here are some things to consider in the aftermath of a car accident.

Remain Silent

Under absolutely no circumstances should you make a statement to police. Whether or not you believe you are at fault, are not at fault, or you insist someone else was the cause of the incident, you must reserve and exercise your right to remain silent. The truth is you don’t know all the details of the situation, especially in the minutes or even hours following the accident. There are myriad ways you might implicate yourself civilly or criminally by making statements against evidence you may or may not be aware exists.

The Fifth Amendment was ratified for a reason. Follow it and you will be well on your way to protecting yourself legally.

No Consent

Under no circumstances should you consent to any search of your person or property. Lock your car. Lock the trunk. Roll your windows up. If asked, decline consent. If pressed, remain silent. Absent your consent, the police need probable cause and a warrant to search your vehicle. Those are two very high bars to clear at a roadside accident scene.

The products of a search may implicate you in the same way an otherwise innocent statement might ensnare you in a legal matter you aren’t even aware of yet. If the police believe they will find evidence of a crime in your vehicle, let them convince a judge. Don’t allow invasions of your privacy otherwise.

Document Everything

Attorneys who operate sites like https://marylandaccident.com/ will tell you the ability to wave documents in the air in court will give you an important advantage over adversaries who are likely not as well prepared. It is for this reason you should take the little portable television station in your pocket out and start taking pictures of everything at the scene.

Photograph documents first. Start with driver’s licenses and insurance papers. Take pictures of every license plate at the scene, and every emergency worker and police ID. Then you can move on to the scene itself. Try to get photographs of the interiors of the other vehicles involved in the accident.

If there are injuries, render first aid and obtain medical attention as quickly as possible, then document the injuries with photographs. Get pictures of any surveillance cameras in the area. If there are any public facilities like bus stops, traffic lights, street lights, construction sites or similar, photograph them as well. Get pictures of the road and weather conditions.

This may seem like overdoing it, but if you can reconstruct the accident scene four months later when you’re standing in front of a judge or a jury, you will have a practically insurmountable rhetorical advantage over anyone with plans to dispute your version of events. Your attorney will be grateful

As always, you should obtain competent legal counsel before trying to navigate the legal situation surrounding your accident. A qualified attorney can be of considerable help.…