My Civil Advocate

Fact is, most people don't even know their rights if they're pulled over! Here's a quick list of the most important rights you need to know and how the conversation may go if you are pulled over: "Do you know why I pulled you over?" It's typically the first thing you'll hear. It's also deliberately designed to get you to admit to certain behavior. Be polite and simply ask, "Why do you ask?" and then wait for a response. Do not comment. That phrase "anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law" is truer than you'll ever know, trust us. "Have you had anything to drink tonight? " If you truthfully have had nothing to drink that night, say, "No." If you've had something to drink, you don't have to share that information! Telling the officer that you've been drinking will be evidence used against you. Instead, say, "I have no statement to make." While it may seem u...

If you've been injured in an auto accident due to the negligence of another driver, and our injuries prevent you from working or reduce your ability to work, you have a right to recover lost wages. Generally, to recover for lost wages, one of two things must occur: An injury must be the direct result of the accident, or a pre-existing injury was made worse by the accident. To prove lost wages, produce the pay stub from your most recent paycheck prior to your injury. Tips and non-salary benefits should be included as well. If you are self-employed, you will need to submit proof of what you would have earned. Keeping detailed, organized records pays off in these circumstances. If a motor vehicle accident results in a long-lasting or permanent injury-including chronic pain or fatigue - that will affect your ability to earn a paycheck, you may have grounds to recover for "lost earning capacity." In some situations, you can claim this even if you can work- for instance, if...

This is one of the questions we hear frequently in the law world, and with good reason: If you have a pre-existing injury and are considering filing a personal injury claim after an accident, there are some key factors that need to be considered. For instance, you'll need to be able to prove that the injuries you have suffered in the car accident were not related to your prior injury. This can be easier to do if your pre-existing injury occurred many years ago and has not required any treatment for some time. However, if it was a more recent injury, you and your attorney will need to develop a strategy to show that there was no connection between the injuries you suffered in the car accident and the pre-existing injury. No matter what, you need to be up-front and 100 percent honest with your attorney about any pre-existing injuries you may have. That way, they are prepared to deal with the issue head on, won't be caught off guard, and can build the strongest case possible. ...