Explore our legal content, spanning diverse legal topics, court decisions, legislative changes, and expert analysis, as we bring you the pulse of the legal world in a succinct and informative format.
Service To The Community – by Catherine L. Baumann, Esquire
I often think that the benefits of community service are inured more to the person serving than to those served. It is a wonderful thing to be a part of a group working together toward a common goal of strengthening the community in which you live or work. Those participating in community service have a direct impact on the community in which they reside. Because community service outlets vary, those who serve are exposed to many different kinds of people,...Read More
What Should You do if an Officer Suspects You of Driving Under the Influence?
If you get pulled over for DWI (DUI), do not do field sobriety tests. Any pre-arrest tests you may be asked to take are not mandatory. You will not lose your license for refusing any such tests. The requirement to take a field sobriety or blood alcohol test only applies after you are arrested. If you refuse at that time, the State will seek to suspend your license. In asking questions and requesting field sobriety or other testing, an officer...Read More
Don’t Let That Insurance Adjuster Bully You
People are often surprised to find out that insurance adjusters and the companies they work for are not on your side. Make no mistake: insurance adjusters are well-trained employees who have one goal in mind – to limit the amount of compensation paid out for your claim (or to deny it altogether). And, they’ve got lots of tricks and tactics up their sleeves to achieve their goal, including: Trying to get you to give a recorded statement in the hopes...Read More
Speeding: A Quicker Way to Tragedy
Speeding is one of the most dangerous habits exhibited on our roadways. According to the National Safety Council, speeding was a factor in 29% of the nation’s traffic fatalities in 2021 — over 12,000 deaths; approximately 33 per day. The faster a person drives, the less time they have to react and the greater their stopping distance. Driving too fast also diminishes the ability of safety structures/devices such as guardrails and impact attenuators to protect vehicle occupants in a crash....Read More
Divorce After Fifty
The biggest difference in a divorce later in life is the squeezed time frame to recover financially. A divorce means dividing assets with your spouse. Current market value is not the exclusive consideration of an asset. Some assets will become more valuable farther down the road. Deciding who gets the house is a primary example. Age triggers eligibility for tax exemptions and waivers for real estate tax. A reverse mortgage, which can offer a potential stream of income, is an...Read More
Potential Pitfalls of Estate Administration
The executor of an estate may think that their duties in that role are straightforward. Most times they are, but there are potential pitfalls that would-be executors should be aware of. For instance, a will might be invalid. Have an estate attorney review the will to make sure it meets the requirements of state law. If the will was done in a different state, make sure it was executed according to the laws of the state that it was executed...Read More
Factors Affecting Motorcycle Crash Case Settlements
Accurately predicting the value of a motorcycle crash claim can be difficult, but there are some core considerations that can shape a settlement offer. Motorcyclists are sometimes behind the eight ball from the outset. Studies have shown that many people have an unfavorable view of motorcyclists, including jurors. Jury awards are generally lower for motorcyclists than passenger-car claimants, a fact that hasn’t escaped the attention of insurance adjusters, who may low-ball settlement offers. Obviously, the extent of damages and injuries...Read More
DWI and Driver’s License Suspensions
Of course, if you are convicted of DWI, the Court will suspend your license. However, your license can be suspended before you have even been convicted of a DWI offense—and it only takes one offense: no multiple violations over a period of time or accruing points. If you refuse post arrest physical or blood alcohol tests, or take a blood alcohol test which shows a result over the legal limit, the State will seek to suspend your license. This process...Read More
What a Personal Injury Attorney Will Do for You
If you are seriously injured due to someone’s negligence, hiring a personal injury attorney to represent you is always a wise decision. Some people decide to manage small claims on their own. Although doable, keep in mind that seemingly minor injuries sometimes are more serious ones in disguise, intensifying weeks, even many months, after the initial incident. An already settled claim precludes reopening the claim or going to court — you’re basically hung out to dry. It never hurts to...Read More