Motorcycle Accidents in Tampa: The Role of the Attorney
An article in tampabay.com on June 25th reported: Deputies search for gray Cadillac in hit-and-run that killed motorcyclist. A fatal motorcycle crash happens nearly every day somewhere in the United States—but every death is personal. In the article, one of the siblings of the deceased requested the public to come forward with any clue regarding the negligent driver of the Cadillac.
It is difficult to deal with insurance companies and police reports while recovering from injuries or the loss of a loved one. But it is a simple fact that the sooner someone deals with an accident, gathers evidence, and talks to witnesses, the stronger your case is likely to be if another party is responsible for your injuries. Thus, it simply makes sense to approach an attorney who is experienced in dealing with motorcycle accidents in the same jurisdiction where the accident has taken place. If an accident happens in the Tampa area, it is easier for a local attorney to visit the accident scene and investigate the accident. If you have suffered serious injuries, contact a motorcycle accident attorney in Tampa as soon as possible.
Most accident attorneys do not charge for an initial consultation. And most charge on a contingency fee basis if they accept your case. These means you do not pay unless an attorney wins you compensation. If you are in a motorcycle accident, an attorney can do the following:
- Investigate the accident and determine who is at fault
- Help you determine the total cost of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, future lost wages, and other expenses
- Build your case by getting reports from the police department in Tampa, statements from witnesses, and photos of the accident scene
- Negotiate with the insurance company of the defendant for a fair settlement
- Take the case to court if necessary
If you suffer injury in a motorcycle accident because of the negligence of another person, remember: the law is on your side.
Personal Injury Lawsuit for Brain Injury
A brain injury can result from a car crash, a workplace accident, a slip and fall, medical malpractice or other causes. If you believe another person was responsible for your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for damages. More than most other injuries, a brain injury can be fatal or result in permanent or temporary disability.
If you or a loved one is the victim of brain injury due to an accident in Rhode Island, you should contact an experienced Rhode Island injury law firm for legal assistance. While a victim concentrates on medical treatment and recovery, an attorney can concentrate on winning compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
A brain injury can be categorized as either a traumatic brain injury or a non-traumatic brain injury. Both types of injuries can fall under personal injury laws in U.S. states, including Iowa. Traumatic brain injury is due to an impact to the head. This often occurs during vehicle accidents, when a heavy object strikes the head, or when the head of a victim sharply hits the ground.
Non-traumatic brain injury is commonly due to non-violent incidents, such as exposure to toxic substances in the workplace or medical malpractice.
Following are the common clinical problems related to traumatic brain injuries:
- Closed head injury
- Open head injuries
- Concussion
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depression
It is important to save medical records of your traumatic brain injury and provide them to your attorney. The more evidence and documentation your attorney has, the stronger your case is likely to be.
Below are the symptoms of non-traumatic brain injuries:
- Speech and sensory troubles
- Problems with memory
- Cognitive impairment
- Diminishing muscle coordination
- Emotional and psychological distress
If you are injured, seek medical attention. If you believe another party caused your injuries, seek an attorney as soon as possible.
Are All Drug Crimes Punished the Same Way?
Certain crimes and certain drugs result in more severe punishment than others. For example, if you are caught with a small amount of marijuana for personal use, the penalties you face are less serious than if you are caught with cocaine.
Other factors, such as a first or second offense, or the amount of the substance you carry, greatly influences the penalties you face. And of course, selling drugs is a much more serious crime than simple possession.
Penalties for drug dealing in Pennsylvania
While most marijuana offenses are considered misdemeanors, you should still hire a Bucks County criminal defense lawyer if you are accused of possession or distribution. In Pennsylvania, distribution of 1,000 pounds or less of marijuana can result in up to five years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.
Cocaine is dealt with much more harshly than marijuana. As Bucks County criminal defense lawyers can explain in more detail, conviction for distribution of cocaine can result in fifteen years in prison. Furthermore, you must pay a minimum of $250,000 in fines. A subsequent offense or sale to minors automatically doubles these fines. There are also online legal resources you can access at Drug Strike Force.
Penalties for drug dealing in New Jersey
In New Jersey, the distribution of even one ounce of marijuana is considered a felony and is punishable by up to eighteen months in prison and $25,000 in fines. Sale of twenty-five pounds or more is punishable by $300,000 in fines and up to twenty years in prison.
Like Pennsylvania, cocaine is dealt with harshly in New Jersey. If accused of a cocaine-related crime, do not hesitate to contact a New York City criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Distribution of five ounces or more of cocaine carries mandatory imprisonment with a maximum of twenty-five years and $300,000 in fines. Selling to minors or a pregnant female automatically doubles these penalties.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Requirements
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a great way for honest debtors to get a second chance. Unfortunately, there is also much potential for abuse by those simply seeking to avoid their financial obligations. That is why bankruptcy law imposes limits on who is eligible for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. Long Island Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyers can tell you whether or not you are eligible.
Who can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
- Both individuals and corporate entities, such as partnerships and corporations, can file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy
- Chapter 7 bankruptcy is available without regard for the amount of debt or whether the debtor is solvent or insolvent
If you are filing for bankruptcy in Long Island, approach a bankruptcy lawyer in Long Island, considering that it is tough for an individual to go through the legal processes without expert help.
Who cannot file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy?
- A debtor is ineligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy if a court dismissed a previous bankruptcy petition in the last 180 days after the debtor willfully failed to appear at court proceedings or comply with court orders
- A debtor is ineligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy if he or she voluntarily dismissed a previous bankruptcy petition within the last 180 days after his or her creditors petitioned the court to recover property subject to liens
- A debtor is ineligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy if he or she has not received approved credit counseling within the last 180 days unless special circumstances apply
- A debtor is ineligible for Chapter 7 bankruptcy if his or her monthly income is high enough that granting bankruptcy would be abusive under the Means Test
The Means Test
The Means Test is a complicated test used to determine if a debtor has income and resources such that granting discharge in bankruptcy would be a presumptive abuse of the bankruptcy law.
The court applies the Means Test if the debtor has a current monthly income in excess of the median monthly income in the state where the debtor filed for bankruptcy. Current monthly income is determined by averaging the monthly income the debtor received over the six months prior to filing for bankruptcy. This amount does not include social security income.
If the Means Test must be applied, the court determines the aggregate current monthly income enjoyed by the debtor over the last five years. If it is more than $11,725 or 25 percent of the unsecured debt the debtor carries, the court presumes that granting Chapter 7 bankruptcy would be an abuse of the bankruptcy law. The court will then either dismiss the petition or, with the consent of the debtor, convert it to a petition for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.
Even if the court presumes that granting relief would be an abuse of the bankruptcy law, the debtor has an opportunity to refute this presumption by showing special circumstances. The Long Island bankruptcy lawyers at the Law Offices of Kyle Norton, P.C. have dealt with this type of case before and know what the court looks for when considering special circumstances.
Contact us
For effective, professional advice and assistance when facing bankruptcy in New York and throughout the process, you need an experienced lawyer who is knowledgeable about all of the provisions of the law and who genuinely wants to help. Call our emergency legal hotline at 877-871-6179 or contact the Law Offices of Kyle Norton, P.C. online for a free consultation.
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