What Makes a Good Attorney?

Learn what to look for when choosing an attorney.

Why It Pays to Hire A Lawyer For a DWI Charge

A DWI charge can come with serious consequences. Learn why it pays to enlist the help of an attorney.

Reasons to Hire a Divorce Attorney

An attorney can protect your rights in a divorce proceeding so that an already-painful situation doesn’t have to get any worse.

What You Need to Know About Paying For an Attorney

An attorney might be more affordable than you think.

How to Prepare For An Attorney Consultation

Learn how to make the most of your initial attorney consultation.

Do Traffic Ticket Quotas Really Exist?

An attorney offers his take on this ever-popular question.

What Rights Do You Have When You Get Pulled Over?

Just because you’ve been pulled over doesn’t mean that you have no rights.

What to Do If You Get Pulled Over

Learn what to do – and what not to do – when you get pulled over by a police officer.

Lesser Known Traffic Laws That Could Cost You

New Jersey has its fair share of intricate traffic laws. Learn about the more obscure but enforceable laws so that you don’t accidentally violate them .

What You Need to Know About Cell Phones And Driving

New Jersey has some pretty strict cell phone laws. Learn what they are to avoid getting caught.

Driving and Illegal Narcotics

When illegal narcotics are part of the picture, an attorney’s help becomes all the more crucial.

Is There a Difference Between DWI and DUI?

The terms DWI and DUI tend to be used interchangeably. Find out if there is a difference between the two.

Should You Take a Breathalyzer Test?

If you’re asked to take a breathalyzer in New Jersey, then it might be a bad idea to say no.

What is the Alcotest?

A new breathalyzer is on the market, and it’s more accurate than before.

Alcohol and the Law

You don’t need to be driving to violate state liquor laws.

What’s the Difference Between Reckless and Careless Driving?

Careless driving and reckless driving mean two things.

Should You Plead Guilty to a Traffic Offense?

Believe it or not, sometimes it actually pays to plead guilty.

What to Do if You’re in a Car Accident

A guide to what you’re supposed to do when you’re involved in a car accident.

How to Write a Will

It might not be the most comfortable thing you’ll ever do, but it’s important to know how to prepare for writing your will.

Most Popular Reasons to Get a Will

There are lots of good reasons for getting an official will. Learn what prompts most people to take this important step.

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There are a huge number of issues and many different reasons why a person may be able to challenge the legality of his or her DUI arrest in court. Obviously, a lawyer will be able to pinpoint exactly the reason based on the specifics of each individual case that he or she takes on. But in general, there are a couple common reasons that I see most often when clients have their DUI cases thrown out in court.

The most common reason that arrests for DUIs are overturned is if there was a bad stop—or an illegal stop—made by the arresting officer. Of course, that is just kind of the layperson’s way of explaining it. But essentially, lawyers can do Fourth Amendment challenges, which are challenges to any form of illegal search and seizure of a client. What that means is that the police are required to have a good reason for pulling someone over for a traffic stop—in the legal realm, we call that probable cause. So, police offers must have probable cause to believe you have committed a crime, or some other type of traffic violation, before they can pull you over. And if they do not have that cause, then they cannot legally pull you over while you are driving.

Sometimes, what I see, is that people can get pulled over and the police officer does not have an articulate reason to have made the traffic stop. So what has happened is this person was driving along, and then suddenly he or she is being pulled out of a car and doing a field sobriety test. Now, if this person fails the field sobriety test—also called the field sobriety exercise—then this person will be charged with driving under the influence. However, that does not mean that what has transpired is legal. Without a probable cause to pull the driver over initially, then the arrest and field sobriety test was illegal.

If that does happen to you, then what you can expect—with a qualified attorney by your side—is for the DUI to get thrown out by a judge. So this is why Fourth Amendment challenges are the most common reasons why DUI cases get thrown out. And it is because of this, that these issues are among the first things that an attorney looks for after taking on a DUI case—checking in and doing research to see whether the initial traffic stop was valid.

Another reason that citizens can get charged with a DUI—and a reason that can commonly be overturned here in Florida, where I practice—is that the breathalyzer that the police officers used had not been calibrated correctly. While drivers do not have to take the breathalyzer, even if an officer tells them to, there is an implied consent law here in Florida that says that if a person refuses to take a breathalyzer, then he or she will get an automatic driver’s license suspension.

Finally, there are a few other reasons why DUI cases are commonly overturned. If an officer fails to correctly administer a field sobriety test, then once again that case can be overturned. There are several ways a sobriety test can be administered incorrectly, but once again, having a qualified lawyer by your side will be the best method to determining what has taken place—both legally and illegally—as well as what your best defense to the case will be.

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The fees charges by retirement planning lawyers can vary wildly, which is why it is important to ask upfront about the costs.

Planning for retirement is complicated no matter your age, tax bracket, or expertise on the matter. One way to ease the stress of planning, however, is by hiring a qualified retirement planning lawyer.

Not only can retirement planning attorneys help their clients map out a financial future, but they can also work to protect a client’s families from hardship as well. That’s because retirement planning lawyers can be involved as much—or as little—as a client wishes in the financial planning process, every step of the way. From selecting the best retirement investing plans at work, to setting up wills and trusts to protect loved ones down the road. Attorneys who specialize in retirement planning have the expertise and knowledge to know which benefits packages work best for which types of clients and can also serve as advisors to clients seeking to re-negotiate the retirement benefits packages they currently have. In fact, qualified attorneys can—and should—be involved in all fiduciary decisions for any clients who may not be especially knowledgeable in the area of estate planning.

How an Attorney Can Help

Attorneys who specialize in retirement planning can help their clients in a myriad of ways, starting with working to ensure that their clients have selected the retirement benefits package at work that will help secure their financial future.

When delving deeper into a client’s plan for retirement, attorneys will typically check to ensure that all assets are properly titled with the correct beneficiaries and are in compliance with business and property laws. This is done to ensure that if an emergency did happen, a client’s family and beneficiaries would be taken care of and all legal documents regarding assets would hold up in court.

In addition, depending on the age of the client, a retirement planning lawyer can help structure college savings plans, life insurance policies, and any other future estate issues that may come into effect down the road. For clients who have already taken it upon themselves to handle these issues on their own, a qualified attorney can look over the work they have already done to help a client avoid any expensive mistakes.

How to Find an Attorney

It may be easy to find an attorney willing to handle estate and retirement planning issues using the phone book or online, but that doesn’t mean that is how most people should go about the process. For the best chances of finding a qualified, trustworthy planning attorney, clients are encouraged to ask friends, family members, and business associates for recommendations or referrals. If that does not work, another option is to ask a trusted financial advisor, accountant, or other attorneys if they know anyone who could be of service. Finding a lawyer through word of mouth is nearly always preferable to finding one through other means, since it ensures that the attorney has worked well for other clients in the past.

What Questions to Ask

Upon meeting a retirement attorney for the first time, it is perfectly acceptable to ask a series of questions about his or her experience and services. Although each person will have his own set of questions and concerns, a few common issues to be discussed include how long the attorney has been specializing in the field of retirement planning, whether he or she has experience drafting living trusts and wills, and how fees are determined.

Once a client has finished asking an attorney about himself or herself, it is best to take some time to decide whether the attorney is the right person for the job. Because retirement planning is such as personal and sensitive topic, the right attorney for the job will be someone who the client feels comfortable speaking openly with, and someone who also seems competent in the field.

How Much It Will Cost

The fees charges by retirement planning lawyers can vary wildly, which is why it is important to ask up front about the costs. Most legitimate attorneys do not charge any fee for a consultation, and any attorney that does should have a reasonable explanation as to why that is the case.

For the majority of attorneys specializing in retirement planning, a flat fee may be their primary means of charging. Others, meanwhile, may prefer to bill by the hour. Both means of billing are standard in the industry. Clients should be sure they understand how they will be billed prior to signing any contracts for service, since attorneys fees can add up quickly.

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There are many different kinds of immigrant and non-immigrant visas. A person foreign to the United States may have many reasons for seeking either type of visa. An immigration and visa lawyer can help to determine which type of visa to choose, and how to apply for it..

What is immigration and what is a visa?

US immigration law is comprised of national government policies that intend to control immigration. It governs the legal status of non-citizens in the United States. Every year, the United States government conducts what’s called the Diversity Visa Lottery. This lottery grants citizens of other countries legal entry into the US. In fact, the US government allows over a million aliens to become legal permanent resident every year – that’s more than any other country in the world.

Visas are non-immigrant – or temporary – passes into the United States. They last shorter periods of time, and don’t confer on the visa holder the same kinds of benefits enjoyed by permanent residents. Tourism, work, and study are some of the reasons that somebody would seek a visa. Contrarily, immigrants would not just want non-immigrant visas; they would want visas that give them permanent residence as immigrants.

What are immigration and visa law services?

Immigration and visa lawyers are credentialed professionals who are licensed to practice immigration law, and advocate for visas on behalf of their clients.

They studied immigration law and graduated from law schools. They are regulated by state and federal governments. Their work covers US immigration, naturalization, visas, and consular law.

Immigration and visa lawyers help their clients understand US immigration laws, and help them apply for legal status. They also assist their clients in analyzing the facts of their particular cases, and explain to them all the benefits for which they may be eligible.

These lawyers can recommend the best ways their clients can obtain legal resident status, and they can help them complete and submit paperwork and applications.

They stay on top of their field: They are knowledgeable about all the newest immigration laws, especially those that could affect their clients’ cases.

This kind of professional help contributes to clients avoiding delays and problems involved with their applications.

Additionally, immigration and visa lawyers discuss their clients’ status, file appeals for them, speak on their behalf in conversations with the Department of Homeland Security, or represent them in court.

The two kinds of visas immigrant lawyers can help with are, as stated above, non-immigrant and immigrant visas.

Non-immigrant visas include North American Free Trade visas for Canadians and Mexicans; Free Trade Agreement visas for Chileans and Singaporeans; visas for those with extraordinary abilities in science, education, the arts, business, and athletics; entertainment visas; foreign media visas; exchange visitor visas; foreign medical worker visas; student visas; and religious worker visas.

Immigrant visas include labor certifications; visas for outstanding professors and researchers; visas for those with “exceptional ability”; investor visas; and green cards, or permanent resident status visas.

Who should look into these services?

For those who wish to study or to work in the United States, these lawyers can help work through any legal road-blocks that could hinder the client’s success in obtaining temporary, non-immigrant visas, and immigrant visas.

Certainly, for immigrants who wish to permanently reside and work in the United States, a specialized lawyer in the field could help expedite the paper work so that the application is received on or ahead of time.

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1. You are forming a new corporation. The formation of a new corporation is akin to the formation of a new “person,” an entity separate from its stockholders that takes on a legal life of its own. When you are considering forming a corporation, a corporate attorney can help you to determine the appropriate structure for your business, and will draft the appropriate legal documentation in order to establish your company as a corporation.
2. You are involved in a merger or acquisition. A corporate lawyer must be consulted any time a company merges with or acquires another company. Because mergers and acquisitions often involve intellectual property, employees, brand names, and real estate, the corporate lawyer will need to research the legal issues and liabilities related to each. The lawyer will then help the companies to determine which parties will assume any liabilities, and will create documentation to outline each party’s rights and responsibilities within the new company structure.
3. You are seeking financing. Corporate attorneys also play an important role in finding financing for new companies and handling the legal issues surrounding these financial transactions. A corporate lawyer can help a new company find money to get started and can negotiate contracts with potential investors. A lawyer can also help with the complex legal issues surrounding technology licensing and intellectual property.

If you think it is time to call in the heavies, get a free consultation from a local lawyer using the links below:

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Many people don't know that you don't need to have a green card to file a worker's compensation claim.

One minute you’re on top of the world looking forward to a well-deserved three-week vacation from work followed by a promotion, the next you’re laid up in bed indefinitely nursing your wounds. And all because of an accident on the job that shouldn’t have happened and could have been easily prevented.

So what can you do?

Well, according to lawyers who specialize in personal injury lawsuits, the best thing to do is to try and prove that the injury is not your fault. If you can prove negligence, carelessness or “unreasonably safe actions” on the part of your employer, there’s chance you have a convincing lawsuit in front of you.

That means not only will you receive compensation to make up for your time off work and pay all your hospital bills, but perhaps also a little bit extra for the “mental anguish” you may have suffered, to compensate for the humiliation of lying prone in front of all your fellow office workers….

First Steps to Take

If you are hurt on the job, follow these steps to protect yourself the best you can. Often taking these steps will be all you need, and litigation can be prevented – especially if you are covered by Worker’s Compensation (see below)…

• Call for medical help. There’s no use intending to sue your company if you die of blood loss on the factory floor while waiting for your supervisor to get back from lunch. If you are suffering a medical emergency, get help immediately – but make sure you tell the person treating you that you have a work-related injury.
• Tell your employer. Your boss or immediate supervisor should be informed as soon as possible of your injury. If the injury is something of an immediate nature, such as a trip or fall, let them know as soon as it happens. If your injury is of a more gradual nature, such as hearing loss or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, let them know as soon as you are aware that it is work-related.
• Fill out an official claim form as soon as possible. Most workplaces have rules in place which mandate that injured employees be given claim form to request Worker’s Compensation benefits within one day. It may be worth finding out what rules your job has in place. Make sure you describe your injury in detail, as well as how it happened.
• Document everything. It is vital to keep well-documented records of the injury or accident, what witnesses were there, what medical care you received etc. You should also keep copies of all correspondence, including letters, emails etc, from doctors, bosses etc. Keep track also of when you missed work and make sure you have a list of all dates – and that they are accurate.
• Get a lawyer. If you feel your needs are not being met by your employer and that you are not getting the right medical care or compensation you need, you might need extra help. Remember, however, that most personal injury lawyers settle out of court, to avoid the hassle and legal fees that a court appearance would entail. They will work together with the legal counsel of the opposing party to decide how much compensation you should realistically be entitled to – if any (see below).

What is Worker’s Compensation?

Also known as Worker’s Comp, these are laws to protect workers that might vary a bit from state to state, but are basically the same. When you are working for your employer or doing something to benefit your employer, you are covered by Worker’s Comp.

That means if you have an accident at work, an injury caused by an activity at work (such as Carpal Tunnel syndrome or exposure to a specific chemical), you are covered. You also are covered when a pre-existing condition is made work because of work. Not bad, eh?

Not everyone is protected by worker’s comp, however, such as people working for independent contractors, federal workers, railroad workers and those working at sea or at a harbor. Interestingly, you are covered if you do not have a Green Card, and you will not have to show it to apply for compensation.

If your employer says your injury will not be covered by Worker’s Comp, check with a lawyer. And remember, states have different laws concerning employers who fire employees for filing for Worker’s Comp.

When Only a Lawyer Will Do

If you have been injured because of your employer’s negligence and feel you have not received adequate compensation, you may want to hire a personal injury lawyer. Usually there is a specific time frame in which you can file a lawsuit, which will vary from state to state, so check first to make sure your time has not already run out.

While suing your employer may sound glamorous, usually settling out of court is the best way. You may read in the newspaper that someone sued their company for $2 million and won after they tripped on a piece of gum in the elevator, but this usually isn’t the case. And suing for “mental anguish” is notoriously hard to prove.

The best rule of thumb is to find an attorney familiar with both the laws of your state and your injuries, then take it from there. Keep in mind, however, that work accidents happen for all sorts of reasons. Maybe someone should have cleaned up that spill on the marble floor immediately, instead of letting it fester until someone slipped in it. With other types of accidents, however, it can be less obvious who is at fault.

The following are all taken from real accident scenarios…

• Nursing home orderly Jake Q. was lifting a heavy patient out of a chair and into bed when he felt a horrible pain in his back. Jake was never given proper training about the care and lifting of patients. Now he is facing six months off work to give his back a rest. Who’s at fault? Verdict: The nursing home, for not providing adequate training to employees.
• Katrina M. was working as a store assistant and was taking a box of CDs down from a store display. At the same time another assistant pushed a basket in front of her, and as she turned around she tripped over it and suffered a knee injury that required surgery. Who’s at fault? Verdict: The employer, for not giving employees training to protect their colleagues.
• Tracy L. was unloading a warehouse shelf when a heavy load of badly stacked items fell on her hand, causing injury. Her hand was fractured and she was off work for three months. Who’s at fault? Verdict: The warehouse owner, for not making certain that rules are in place to ensure that items are stacked in a way that will not put employees at risk.

Accidents on the job happen all the time, and it can be notoriously difficult to prove who is at fault. If you have been hurt and feel you have a lawsuit against your employer, you may have a legitimate case. Try to find a personal injury lawyer with a spotless reputation, and one who has dealt with similar cases countless times before. But remember, sometimes settling out of court will be your best bet.

Check out the following links to find an employment lawyer in your area:

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Top Ways to Protect Your Finances

Don't forget to change your will. Many couples forget to do this after the divorce. Don't.

When an imminent divorce is inevitable, there are simple ways to protect yourself from the financial fracas that will ensue. Get your finances in order and you’ll be on your way to surviving the battle without any deep monetary scars…

• Open an individual checking account. Do this as soon as possible. Not only will it help your credit rating, but will also help you sort out who has what.
• Establish as much credit as possible. Credit is vital when it comes to borrowing money, and credit scores can affect future properties you may rent and even the type of job you get. Make sure you don’t suffer any fall-out from your spouse’s lousy credit rating, and do as much as possible to establish a solid credit rating of your own. If you’ve never had a credit card of your own before – and many women haven’t, believe it or not – get on the horse as soon as possible.
• Track down credit cards. Make sure your spouse isn’t charging things to your name, or on a joint credit card, which could affect your rating. Track down and cancel any joint accounts. This can be difficult if they are not being sent to your home address. You can freeze accounts by telling the credit card companies that you are going through a divorce.
• Take care of the mortgage and other loans. If you will continue living in the house it’s important that only your name is on the mortgage, and vice versa. The divorce proceedings will sort out who is paying for what. Transfer the car to one name as well through the Department of Motor Vehicles, and sort out who is paying for what loans.
• Keep track of all investments etc. Go through all you and your spouse own with a fine-toothed comb, and make copies of every single financial document you unearth. This can include mortgage and life insurance documents, 401(k) statements, tax returns, bank statements, money market accounts etc. Also, make sure your name is on every legal document, especially the title or deed of property the two of you bought together.
• See if you qualify for alimony, support and/or maintenance. Support isn’t based solely on gender – both men and women can get it. Similarly, you don’t need to have kids to receive it. Don’t make assumptions, get the facts. Speak to a divorce lawyer as soon as you can.
• Save money. You never know when you will need it, so now is not the time to be a spendthrift. Squirrel away what you can in your individual bank account – it might soon come in handy!
• Consider mediation as opposed to litigation. A lot less time-consuming – and costly. If it works, this is usually the best – and more financially viable way – to come to an agreement for everyone concerned.
• Don’t forget to change your will. Many couples forget to do this after the divorce. Don’t.
• Hire a financial planner with a specialty in divorce. They can advise you what to do next as far as asset division is concerned based on your current situation.

Top Ways to Protect Your Children

Your children should be top priority when it comes to a divorce, so don’t make things worse by acting badly. Children do best when both parents stay involved in their lives, so keep this in mind next time you feel like telling your ex to jump off a tall building or move to the North Pole. Here are other ways to make your kids deal better with your divorce…

• Explain that it’s not their fault. Don’t let your kids grow up thinking they could have done something to prevent Mommy and Daddy from splitting up. Tell them it has nothing to do with them, and that both of you still love them more than anything.
• Answer their questions as honestly as possible. That doesn’t mean telling them that Daddy had 12 affairs and is in love with a woman half his age, and that he enjoys dressing up in high heels and a pink feather boa when they’re asleep. What it does mean, however, is being as honest as possible, while not involving them in things they don’t really need to know.
• Keep things as amicable as possible in front of them. Airing petty grievances in front of the children and arguing constantly will only backfire in the long run.
• Aim for shared custody arrangements, if possible. Children benefit from being with both parents. Make sure they have two happy, harmonious home environments and try to have both parents as involved in their lives at school as possible. Encourage your child to maintain a close relationship with the other parent, and encourage each other to be as active as possible in your children’s lives, without canceling appointments and trying always to be on time.
• Avoid the temptation to quiz your children about what is going on in the other parent’s life, and don’t use them to carry messages back and forth between you. They don’t need the added responsibility, and it’s not fair on them to feel they have to take sides or be in control of your relationship with your ex. Also, resist the urge to say bad things about the other parent in front of the kids.

Top Ways to Protect Yourself Personally

When all is said and done, you still have a life to live – on your own. Flying solo can be a liberating experience, once you’ve got over the shock of the divorce. Make it easier on yourself by following these simple tips…

• Make sure you are employable. If you haven’t worked for years, don’t panic. Speak to a career counselor or life coach about re-doing your resume. Maybe all you need is to take a few courses or have an internship to get back on top of things. Maybe not: your life experience will count for more than you think!
• Have lots of friends and family around you. Don’t suffer things on your own. Seeing a film or visiting an art gallery can take your mind off your problems, if only for a few hours. Ask for support if you need it and try to enjoy the little things in life.
• Seek new friends. Many married couples rely on other married couples for companionship, and often are left high and dry when they venture out on their own. Starting a new hobby can help you develop new interests and meet new people while you’re at it.
• Resist the rebound. While having new relationships can be fantastic, don’t jump into a full-time romance immediately. Take the time to look around and enjoy yourself. Don’t let friends set you up on a date, at least for a while. Being on your own is important – for now.

Going through a divorce is never easy, but there are ways to minimize both the pain and the hassle. If you play your cards right you can make the whole process run as smoothly as possible – and make sure your future is financially secure as well. Take your time and get the help you need, and keep up a positive, optimistic outlook. Good luck!

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But the laws that currently govern the definition of animal cruelty and punishment for offenders are complex and vary from state to state. Therefore, we’ve decided to give a painless break down of animal cruelty laws.

Animal Cruelty Laws

Without the proper definition of animal cruelty laws, one could find themselves behind bars for trapping a mouse or hurting a fly. But it should be known that in modern law, there is a big difference between Tom and Jerry. Mice, rats, and birds make up about 90% of the animals used in laboratory experiments and these creatures are usually where the line is drawn with regards to laws concerning animal abuse. That means that you’re not going to find yourself in trouble just because you stepped on a pigeon.  However, certain larger birds such as ducks and geese do tend to fall under the law. So ultimately it seems that all these years, Tom was always much safer than Jerry, at least in a legal sense.

Additionally, what actually constitutes as “animal cruelty” is open to interpretation in many places. Most consider cruelty to be defined as inflicting pain for the sake of it, rather than for any real benefit. Therefore, if one is deriving a benefit from the hurting of an animal, than it may be considered legal. While this obviously includes self-defense purposes, many jurisdictions extend it to mean that it is legal to harm an animal if it’s for the sake of food or clothing as well. On the flip side, many jurisdictions have banned the harvesting of so-called “companion animals” for the sake of eating them, which is why we so rarely see dog meat being sold at the local butcher. Companion animal is a fancier word for “pet” and also includes cats, horses, and several species of birds and reptiles.

The social taboo associated with the harming of a “companion animal” is one of the reasons that dog fighting is treated so seriously in the United States and it is why Michael Vick was sentenced to such an extensive term in prison. However, that is not to say that there is unanimous agreement as to the fairness of his punishment. While 46 out of the 50 states possess felony charges for certain acts of animal cruelty that can land you in prison, a few states refuse to recognize the offense as a felony, instead categorizing it as a high-end misdemeanor.

Furthermore, the punishment for animal cruelty varies greatly across state borders. Some states take the offense very seriously, while others brush it off. Colorado has a maximum fine of up to $500,000 and a 6 year sentence while a state such as Mississippi has a maximum fine of $1,000 with a maximum prison sentence of 6 months. Similarly, some states mandate animal cruelty offenders to attend counseling or prohibit violators from owning an animal, as is the case with Michael Vick’s sentencing.

But despite some states’ reluctance to accepting animal cruelty as a serious offense, there is good evidence that the law should be taken more seriously. For instance, it is widely believed amongst forensic psychologists that animal cruelty can be the first indicator of a budding psychopath. They argue that the indifference towards inflicting harm on a living creature hints to the diminishing of ethical behavior that could ultimately lead to dangerous interactions among ones human counterparts. Also of concern is the statistic that suggests that incidents of animal cruelty rise during periods of economic hardship, though more due to financial constraints rather than intentional inflicting of harm. As the recession has worsened, people have been less and less able to properly feed their animals, sometimes going as far as to abandon them. However, it is important for people in such circumstances to know that there are organizations and shelters that are required by law to take in an animal, and therefore there should be no excuse for neglecting an animal to the extent in which it becomes cruelty.

Ultimately, while all cases of animal cruelty are tragic and shocking, they should also serve as a wake-up call to the world in order to inspire more dialogue regarding the ethical treatment of animals, since the way society treats other living creatures reflects on the way in which we treat each other.

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The withering economy means that uninsured drivers are on the rise, according to recent statistics published by the Wall St Journal.

Jokes in bad taste aside, once you ascertain that both you and everyone else are all right, there is a lot you need to do to. While seeking medical attention and making sure everyone else is out of danger’s way obviously is the most pressing item on your list, keep in mind that there are other steps you need to take as quickly as possible – regardless of whether the accident was your fault or not.

11 Important Steps to Take When an Accident Occurs

Here’s a checklist of actions to take if the worst should happen…

1. Stick around at the scene. Even if it wasn’t your fault, you could be charged with a hit-and-run if you leave. If everything looks okay and there seems to be no reason to stick around, resist the temptation to bolt until you receive reassurance from others that everything is all right.
2. Round up everyone is a safe place. Don’t let people stay by the side of the road, especially if they are a bit dazed or confused by the accident. Make sure all children are out of the line of traffic.
3. Check for injuries and call for help. Call 911 and tell them the exact location of the accident, detailing who you think is involved and what the extent of the injuries are. If someone is seriously hurt, try to find out if someone has First Aid skills or medical qualifications before trying to move them or do anything that could endanger them even further. Only move them if absolutely necessary – if the car is about to explode, for example.
4. Move all vehicles to a safe area. This is doubly important: not only do you want to prevent further injury, but you could face additional financial claims if an oncoming vehicle suffers damage from not being warned. Use hazard lights if you cannot move the cars and call a tow truck.
5. Help the authorities. This means not only telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, but also showing them your driver’s license, insurance information and everything else they need or ask for. Be polite but…
6. Keep mum about who’s at fault. Remember that a determination of liability can only be proven if one driver was careless, which in some cases is obvious, in others isn’t. If it can be proved that someone failed to stop at a stop sign or ran a red light, for example, your life will be made easier. If you get rear-ended the liability usually falls on the other driver; they must be able to stop safely if someone stops in front of them – if they didn’t, it’s their fault.
7. Take notes and photos – and keep the evidence. As soon as you can, either directly following the accident or once you are in a fit state to do so, you should take notes about what transpired. While you may think you have a good memory, documenting everything in writing as quickly as possible will increase your chances of making a successful claim. Jot down what you were doing, where you were going, what you saw, what happened – even the weather. You should also take notes of any injuries or discomfort you, other passengers or the driver may be feeling, and take photos of all damage and injuries, if possible. And keep the evidence – if the car is totaled, don’t let it be towed away to the dump immediately or you may lose out.
8. Talk to witnesses. Try to talk to as many people as possible who actually saw the incident with their own eyes, taking careful notes and getting all contact details. This might be especially important if the other party later makes claims about injuries that are non-existent, or greatly exaggerates them.
9. Exchange information with other parties involved. Make sure you get all the contact details of the other parties, not only their full name, address and contact numbers, but also their vehicle registration, their insurance details etc.
10. Report the accident. Many states mandate that accidents are reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles if there was an injury, and you should also call the police. However, lawyers suggest that you make the report as brief as possible, and admit no responsibility. Insurance companies could later use this information against you (see No 6).
11. Call your lawyer and file a claim. Even if the accident is relatively minor, this can nonetheless be a good idea if you think that money will be involved. An attorney who has lots of experience with personal injury cases might be the attorney for you – they sometimes work on a contingency basis. You will have to file a claim with the other party’s insurance company as well if you are seeking compensation from them for your injuries or damage to your vehicle.

Top Tips

• Carry a list of emergency items in your glove compartment just in case, including a pen and paper, disposable camera, basic first aid kit and medical history card.
• Every state has different laws, so it’s important you discover which ones are pertinent to your situation. Don’t just get information across the board, make sure it applies to you.
• Know your insurance policy from top to bottom. If you know what is covered and what isn’t, your life will be a lot easier should the unforeseen occur.
• The withering economy means that uninsured drivers are on the rise, according to recent statistics published by the Wall St Journal. Attorneys today are recommending that drivers have under-insured and uninsured motorist coverage, to protect them when they have an accident that is not their fault and the driver has no insurance or only the bare minimum as required by their state.

Getting in a car accident can be frightening and unpleasant experience, but it happens to the best of us. Fortunately, most accidents are relatively minor, and the aftermath can be dealt with fairly easily. Still, you don’t want the headache of dealing with all the paperwork for months on end, and find yourself still trying to get compensation the following year.

If you prepare ahead for the possible eventuality of an accident occurring, you’ll be well ahead of the game. If the worse does happen, maintaining a clear head and following the above checklist should help you get the best deal you can.

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So sit back and play the jury as we examine the evidence of the greatest lawyers in movie history!

Daniel Kaffee in A Few Good Men

Hailing at just under 5’7, Tom Cruise doesn’t have the most intimidating presence, but he still manages to compensate with some impressive shouting and courtroom bravado in Rob Reiner’s 1992 award-winning film A Few Good Men. In the movie, he plays the novice US Navy lawyer Daniel Kaffee, who is tasked with leading the defense of two court-martialed Marines accused of murdering a fellow Marine at the now-infamous Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba.

During the trial, he goes up against the likes of Jack Nicholson who plays the gruff and hardened Colonel Nathan Jessup, who’s credited with having growled the classic line “You can’t handle the truth!”-  which essentially scared Tom Cruise into the fetal position.

But even so, Tom Cruise holds his own in the face of military intimidation and Jack Nicholson, earning a place as one of film’s best lawyers and proving once again that size isn’t all that matters.

Vincent “Vinny” Gambini in My Cousin Vinny

Need to hire a lawyer? Vincent “Vinny” Gambini is not that lawyer. Released the same year as A Few Good Men (solidifying 1992 as the golden age of lawyer movies), My Cousin Vinny veered from the courtroom-drama take on law and into the territory of courtroom-comedy. The movie casts the endlessly annoying Joe Pesci as an obnoxious, abrasive and perennially Brooklyn-esque lawyer named Vinny – which, on second thought, fits Joe Pesci perfectly.

Having just passed the bar exam after six previously failed attempts, Vinny finds himself defending his cousin and a friend from charges of a murder they didn’t commit. But in the course of the movie, Vinny redeems his inexperience and thick Brooklyn accent through a series of clever arguments and brash statements that ultimately gives him a fighting chance at winning.

And despite Joe Pesci, the movie itself was well-received, even landing Marisa Tomei an Oscar for best supporting actress- though the argument stands that it might have been awarded out of sympathy for having to play alongside Pesci.

Billy Flynn in Chicago

Though tap-dancing has never been proven to help win a trial in the court of law, that didn’t stop Richard Gere from busting his moves as the sleazy lawyer Billy Flynn in the wildly successful 2002 film adaptation of the musical Chicago.

Starring alongside Gere is wannabe heartthrob Renee Zellweger playing a femme-fatale nightclub dancer named Roxie Hart who is accused of a murder she very much did commit, and which lands her in prison on Murderess’ Row. And in order to regain her undeserved freedom, she resorts to the likes of Billy Flynn in the hopes that he can lie her way out.

What follows is a series of musical numbers and clever court-room deceptions as the two of them scheme their way to victory, the latter of which secures Billy Flynn as one of the best -albeit damnable- lawyers in film.

Erin Brokovich in Erin Brokovich

While not technically a lawyer, Julia Roberts’ landmark role as the spunky and determined paralegal Erin Brokovich battling corporate giant PG&E was nevertheless good enough to earn her a spot on this list.

In this 2000 movie based on true life events, we see Brokovich go from a poor single-mom to an unlikely hero as she fights on the side of a small town that has experienced debilitating illness as a result of PG&E’s pollution of the town’s water supply, eventually resulting in a record-setting $330 million settlement.

The case ultimately served as a wake-up call to corporations everywhere suffering from delusions of omnipotence, and was hailed as a major victory for both Erin Brokovich and consequently Julia Roberts, who won an Oscar for the role.

And Roberts’ performance is made all the more impressive considering her previous film was the 1999 disaster Runaway Bride. Just goes to show you miracles do exist…

Fred Gailey in Miracle on 34th St

Speaking of miracles, this holiday classic from 1947 casts John Payne as the ambitious young attorney Fred Gailey, tasked with the impossible feat of proving that his client Kris Kringle is – in fact – the real Santa Claus.

The story follows Kringle from his job impersonating Santa Claus at the one-and-only Macy’s Department Store in New York City to him eventually revealing that he actually is Santa Claus to the bewilderment of the general public. But following a series of magical moments of goodwill, he eventually wins over the holiday shoppers to the dismay of his bitter and tightly wound boss Doris Walker, who obviously lacks the requisite holiday cheer. She then pursues a campaign of vengeance against Kringle, which finally lands him in a mental institution.

This leaves our heroic attorney Fred Gailey in quite the predicament as he attempts to clear Kringle from charges of insanity by proving that his client is the true Santa Claus. The movie then proceeds to ladle scene after scene of touchingly inspirational court-room moments on to the audience until Gailey finally wins, proving conclusively that Kris Kringle is indeed Santa Claus – and leaving us with a warm and cuddly admiration for good-natured lawyers.

Well, that concludes the list of the greatest lawyers in film, but if you know of a celluloid attorney that you think should have made the cut, feel free to share in the non-legally-binding comments section below!  And make sure to read our sister article – The Greatest Lawyers in History!

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