Legal Blog of a Civil Litigation Lawyer in Altamonte Springs

Tired or drowsy driving is estimated to be a factor in around 20 percent of fatal crashes, leading itself to the need for an auto accident attorney in Orlando, FL, in many cases. A study from the American Automobile Association (AAA) states that drivers who do not get the recommended seven hours of sleep increase their risk of a crash exponentially. The research shows that missing one to two hours of sleep doubles a driver’s crash risk while foregoing two or three hours increases the risk of a crash by 400 percent. Furthermore, people who sleep for less than four hours in a 24 hour period are 11.5 times more likely to cause a crash.

Any auto accident attorney will agree that not getting enough sleep is extremely dangerous for drivers. AAA research clearly shows that getting less than five hours of sleep is equivalent to driving while intoxicated.

Tired drivers are more likely to be slower to react, distracted, and more prone to making dangerous decisions than well-rested drivers. This may lead to accidents and the need for an auto accident attorney. Clear signs of fatigue include an inability to keep your eyes open, frequent yawning, and drifting into the opposite lane or shoulder of the road. While there is a rumble strip on the side of the road that vibrates vehicles to alert drivers when they’ve departed from the lane markers, if you find yourself continuously hitting them, it might be time for a little shut-eye. Please understand your limits and take breaks when needed for your safety and the safety of other drivers.

Unfortunately, not every marriage works out. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your future — and even your spouse — is to make the decision to split up. Each state has its own laws about the process, however, and some involve particular waiting periods before you can finalize. Don’t get surprised by the requirements.

Our divorce attorney in Altamonte Springs, FL, has experience with local laws. If you’re planning a separation, there are a couple of numbers you might need to know.

The first is related to residency. If you’ve recently moved or plan to move, Florida’s residency requirements for divorce filings might present an extra complication. Before you can petition the court, you have to be a state resident for at least six months. That means it might be easier to wait until the separation is final in your home state before you change your legal living situation.

Second is the actual waiting period that comes with the petition. In order to give couples time to consider the issue, Florida requires a 20-day delay after the petition is filed. If children or property are involved, however, it’s likely to take longer. By planning ahead, you can make sure you choose the right steps at the right time. If you need more specific advice, your best bet is consulting a knowledgeable divorce attorney.

When a day out on the water turns into a life-altering injury, a personal injury attorney in Altamonte Springs can make all the difference. But as in all cases, the details matter. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, liability and the potential to recover compensation can change drastically. This is important because many people don’t even realize when they could be entitled to restitution that helps them recover after an accident.

Though only your personal injury attorney can tell you for certain if you have a case strong enough to pursue, you might be surprised to learn about some of the injuries you can seek damages for. Don’t let someone else’s actions or irresponsibility cost you more than they have to. Just a few injuries that might constitute grounds for a case include:

Propeller — Often some of the most damaging accidents, situations involving a propeller can require lifelong treatment.

Run-Over — After fall overboard or swimming in a boat’s path, someone in the water might risk serious head and spinal damage from being run over. Even without a collision, someone going overboard at all is often a sign of negligence.

Slip and Falls — Just like on land, property owners at sea have a responsibility to avoid slipping hazards, since they can lead to all kinds of impact injuries.

If you aren’t a U.S. citizen, living legally in the country will require some form of documentation. For most people, that means a Permanent Resident (Green) Card or an immigrant visa. Which one you need depends on your current situation, but you have options to protect your rights.

For those already in the U.S. and with eligibility, the Green Card is the right way to go. By filing for an adjustment of status, you won’t have to return to your home country while your case is processed. There are a number of ways to qualify, including:

• Through Family
• Through Employment
• As a Refugee
• As a Human Trafficking or Crime Victim
• As a Special Immigrant

If you live outside of the U.S., you’ll need an immigrant visa, which can require several steps. The first one is finding a United States embassy or consulate where you can apply. The application will likely require a sponsor, a medical examination, an interview, and other procedural requirements.

Uncertain about your status or the best steps to take? You may be able to find more information and assistance from a local immigration lawyer in Altamonte Springs, FL. Always follow the steps necessary to remain safe and give yourself the best chance of living legally in the U.S.

After suffering an injury as a result of a slip-and-fall, car accident, or other personal injury due to negligence, an insurance claim will often be filed in order to compensate you for any type of loss. While the insurance claim process is rather straightforward, it can be daunting and even intimidating for those who have never had to go through it before. To better understand the process, we will use an auto accident as an example of how the claims process is conducted.

Notification of the Incident
After being in involved in a car accident, it is best for all parties to exchange contact information, including names, phone numbers, vehicle ID information, and insurance information. This data will be needed to file a claim with your insurance company.
When you do get in touch with an insurance agent, you will be asked for a statement about the details of the accident, as well as any information about the other driver(s) involved. A claim will then be opened, and an agent will be assigned.

Investigation
After the notification, an investigation will ensue. The claims adjustor who has been assigned to handle the case will attempt to determine precisely what happened. They may do this by contacting you to request additional information, getting in touch with witnesses, reviewing police reports, and so on.

Negotiation and Payment
Once the claims adjusters have complete their investigation, they will offer a settlement, which is a payment designed to cover any losses you have suffered. However, you are not required to accept it; instead, you may consider negotiating for more. If you are unsuccessful in negotiating a necessary settlement amount with the insurance company, contact a personal injury attorney in Altamonte Springs.