Neville Law, LLCNeville Law, LLC2024-01-31T17:39:02Zhttps://www.nevillelawllc.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1503836/2020/08/cropped-favicon-nueville-cunat-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of Neville Law, LLChttps://www.nevillelawllc.com/?p=479152023-09-07T03:22:03Z2023-09-07T03:22:03ZSock puppet accounts
Insurance companies try to settle motor vehicle accident claims for as little as possible, and changing the privacy settings of social media accounts may not be enough to prevent them from finding evidence that could help them to achieve this goal. This is because insurance companies, attorneys or investigators may find damaging photographs or videos posted by the friends or family members of car accident victims. They could also send car accident victims friend requests using sock puppet accounts that conceal their identities.
The public domain
During an insurance industry conference held in California in August 2023, an attorney told a story about a married couple who claimed that a car accident had left them with serious back injuries that required spinal surgery. The attorney told attendees that he discovered photographs of the couple frolicking in a back yard swimming pool on an Instagram feed. He also spoke about how metadata can be used to verify when photographs posted online were taken. Attempts to prevent this kind of evidence being used in court are rarely successful because courts have consistently ruled that images posted on social media are in the public domain.
Persuasive evidence
Social media is now an integral part of life for millions of Americans, but posting videos or images on Instagram or Facebook after being involved in a car accident can be a mistake. Insurance companies and attorneys who represent negligent drivers routinely search these platforms looking for evidence of deception, and a civil jury could find a compromising video or photograph far more persuasive than a medical report.]]>On Behalf of Neville Law, LLChttps://www.nevillelawllc.com/?p=478492023-06-02T20:39:35Z2023-06-02T20:39:35ZNot paying attention while driving
Many car collisions occur because drivers become distracted by various things and lose focus while driving. Some top driving distractions include using a smartphone, applying makeup, eating and interacting with others in the car. The potential consequences of not staying focused on the road include collisions, injuries and fatalities.
Fatigue or feeling drowsy
Fatigued drivers can struggle to remain alert and focused while driving. Chronic sleep deprivation affects many people, leading to impaired judgment, slowed responses, less coordination and lower overall cognitive function. Driving while drowsy can be as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol and increases the chance of motor vehicle accidents.
Speeding
Speeding is a common cause of traffic collisions. Many people exceed the speed limit while driving due to their emotional state, habit, time constraints or the thrill of driving fast. However, speeding reduces the time drivers have to react to unexpected hazards or other drivers, and it also increases the distance needed to stop the car. Speeding also makes the car more likely to hydroplane or otherwise lose control in adverse weather conditions, further increasing the risk of accidents.
Driving while under the influence
Driving a motor vehicle when under the influence of drugs or alcohol contributes to impaired driving, which is a leading cause of car crashes. Consuming alcohol, even under the legal limit, can still affect a driver's alertness, focus and reaction time enough to contribute to unsafe driving. Prescription drugs can also cause issues, with some people suffering from dulled senses, coordination and judgment while driving.
By understanding common contributors to car crashes, drivers can make safer choices about when and how to drive safely. Raising awareness helps promote safer driving practices and can save many lives.]]>On Behalf of Neville Law, LLChttps://www.nevillelawllc.com/?p=478482024-01-31T16:04:18Z2023-03-11T00:15:35ZBrain injuries
The human brain is the most protected body organ and is generally cushioned from trauma by the skull. However, a forceful impact from an auto accident can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that may require long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Symptoms of TBIs include dizziness, confusion, headaches, trouble with memory or concentration and mood swings.
Neck or back injuries
Whiplash occurs when the head moves suddenly in one direction and then snaps back into place – like a cracking whip. Whiplash is frequently seen after motor vehicle accidents but often isn't painful until several days later when symptoms such as neck pain or stiffness set in. Other common neck or back injuries after an auto accident include spinal cord damage and herniated discs.
Internal organ injuries
High-impact forces of a crash can affect the body's organs, even if there is no outward sign or symptom of injury. Some internal injuries may include lacerations, bruising or bleeding to the spleen, liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and intestines. Damage to these organs can be difficult to diagnose since they are not visible and may not cause pain.
Psychological trauma
Mental health issues after a traumatic event are common but often overlooked in traditional diagnostic evaluations. After an accident, it's common to see people fear getting behind the wheel again or experience nightmares and flashbacks. Other signs of psychological trauma can include difficulty focusing, avoidance of activities related to the accident, anxiety, depression and physical symptoms such as fatigue or insomnia.
Broken bones
While some broken bones may be easy to detect with immediate pain and swelling around the affected area, others may not show any signs until weeks later when tenderness or deformity begins to present itself. This is especially true for fractures of the wrist, arm or foot as well as the rib cage.
It's important to understand all possible after-effects of an auto accident to ensure you receive proper medical care. Early diagnosis and intervention can make all the difference in a successful recovery and open avenues to secure adequate compensation from your insurer or through legal proceedings.]]>On Behalf of Neville Law, LLChttps://www.nevillelawllc.com/?p=478192023-03-09T04:46:43Z2022-12-12T19:42:37ZRideshare accidents
If a rideshare driver's negligence injured someone, the victim could sue the driver. For example, a driver who makes an illegal turn and hits another vehicle might find the impacted car and the rideshare passengers take legal action. The rideshare company could be liable in some situations, such as when they continue to work with a driver with a history of reckless driving.
The negligent party might not be the rideshare driver. Commercial drivers could be the victims of others' negligence. A drunk driver could hit the rideshare car, or a shoddy repair job from a careless mechanic might result in brake failures. Victims may sue multiple liable parties after motor vehicle accidents happen.
Rideshare claims
Uber and Lyft provide up to $1 million in liability coverage when drivers are en route to or carrying a passenger. The driver might also have an appropriate commercial insurance policy. Be mindful that the rideshare company's insurance coverage could be significantly lower when the driver is not going to a pickup or carrying a passenger.
Filing an insurance claim against the driver becomes the only option because the rideshare company would not be responsible when someone completes a trip and shuts the app off. After all, they aren't working as a rideshare driver at such times. Depending on the circumstances, someone who is injured in an accident with a rideshare driver may file a direct lawsuit against the rideshare company and the driver.]]>On Behalf of Neville Law, LLChttps://www.nevillelawllc.com/?p=478172023-03-09T04:46:48Z2022-09-07T04:41:41ZExamples of secondary crashes
One of the most common examples of a secondary crash is when a car rear-ends another car. This can cause the car that was rear-ended to veer off the road and into oncoming traffic or into a ditch. Another example of a secondary crash is when a car collides with a pedestrian who then falls into the path of an oncoming car. This often occurs at intersections where pedestrians have the right of way. Sometimes, a car can sideswipe another car, causing it to lose control and spin out. This can often lead to the car hitting a stationary object or another car. Last but not least, a car can run into the back of a stopped car and push it into oncoming traffic.
How do secondary crashes increase the chances of injury?
First, the cars involved in the secondary crash are often traveling at a higher rate of speed than the car that was initially involved in the car accident. This means that there is more force involved in the collision, which can lead to more serious injuries. Secondly, the occupants of the car that was rear-ended or sideswiped are often taken by surprise and may not have time to brace for impact. This can also lead to more serious injuries. Finally, when a car is pushed into oncoming traffic, the occupants of that car are at a higher risk of getting hit by oncoming traffic.
The best way to avoid being involved in a secondary crash is to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Pay attention to the cars around you and be sure to leave enough space between you and the car in front of you. If you are approaching an intersection, be sure to look both ways before crossing. You can also invest in a multi-collision braking system for your car, which can help to prevent secondary crashes.]]>On Behalf of Neville Law, LLChttps://www.nevillelawllc.com/?p=476612023-03-09T04:47:08Z2022-06-22T17:56:15Zrise in traffic deaths is the direct result of risky driver behaviors that increased during the pandemic, including reckless driving, speeding and fewer motorists wearing seat belts. Hazardous driving activity soared when traffic levels were low in early 2020 but didn’t subside when drivers returned to the road.
Double-digit increases recorded in several categories
NHTSA released an early estimate in May for 2021 traffic fatalities. The agency reports that 42,915 people died in motor vehicle crashes compared to 38,824 the year before. While the 10.5% increase is a record, other significant increases occurred across the board, including fatalities for:
Multi-vehicle crashes – 16%
Urban road accidents – 16%
Drivers 65 and older – 14%
Pedestrians – 13%
Crashes involving large trucks – 13%
Daytime accidents – 11%
Motorcyclists – 9%
Bicyclists – 5%
Speeding-related crashes – 5%
Alcohol-related crashes reported by police also rose by 5% in 2021.
Georgia’s death rate slowed in the final three months
While the Peach State is the eighth most populous in the U.S., it has the fourth-highest motor vehicle fatality rate. Preliminary statistics show 1,776 people died on Georgia roadways last year – a 9.4% increase over 2020. The only positive news is that the fatality rate slowed during the final three months of 2021. During the first nine months, Georgia’s rate was 12.2%.
USDOT offers incentives to states
In May, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced that $6 billion in grants would be available to state and local governments to address traffic safety and help curb fatalities. The money encourages states and cities to lower speed limits, upgrade road design for bicycles and bus lines, add crosswalks and improve lighting.
The funds also provide incentives for the increased use of speed cameras, which some believe to be a more effective way to identify speeders. The money is available for five years. Traffic safety advocates say the steps are a move in the right direction, but the benefits may not be seen for years.]]>On Behalf of Neville Law, LLChttps://www.nevillelawllc.com/?p=476422023-03-09T04:47:12Z2022-06-06T19:45:45ZPenalties regarding cocaine can be very severe
Being arrested on drug charges in Georgia can be a very serious offense. If you are caught with any amount of the drug, your possession will be treated as a felony. Even if this is your first offense, you can still face a prison term of up to 15 years. The time you serve may be reduced but can still be quite long.
If you are found in possession of more than 28 grams (one ounce) of cocaine, the offense will automatically be upgraded in severity to trafficking. This is due to cocaine being considered a Schedule II drug with a high potential for abuse and addiction. The amount of one ounce is assumed to show intent of selling.
The sale of cocaine is a felony that is usually punished by a term of between 5 to 30 years in prison. A first-time offender may not serve as much time but must still serve a year in prison. If you are convicted of a second offense, you may end up serving as many as 40 years in prison.
Certain factors increase the severity of your charges
It's never a good idea to underestimate the possible severity of drug charges in Georgia. This is all the more true when it comes to cocaine. If you get caught selling it within a school zone or with a child present, the penalties will be increased. This is also very likely to be the case if a child is present with you while you are selling the drug.
The scenarios listed above can be considered aggravating factors. If you are charged with any of them, they can add a great deal of time to your sentence.]]>On Behalf of Neville Law, LLChttps://www.nevillelawllc.com/?p=476342023-03-09T04:47:17Z2022-03-07T21:24:05ZExperience
Not all criminal defense cases are alike. Representing a client in the juvenile justice system requires a unique background and skillset. The attorney you choose to advocate in court for your teen should be a professional with specific experience representing juveniles in cases similar to your own. While a criminal defense lawyer with a more generalized target demographic might offer more affordable services, you stand to benefit more from a representative that has the specialized knowledge you need.
Testimonials
You can learn much about a lawyer's area of focus by studying their website or legal blog, but this will tell you little about how they fare in court. It is important to check testimonials before finalizing your choice of a representative. If possible, consider reaching out to previous clients or meeting the attorney in person before moving forward with an agreement. Success rate and personality are both aspects to consider when making an informed decision.
Criminal charges can affect your teen's college admissions, job opportunities and overall future. You can protect your child's well-being and long-term prospects by making the best choice possible for their defense strategy.]]>On Behalf of Neville Law, LLChttps://www.nevillelawllc.com/?p=476262023-03-09T04:47:21Z2021-12-23T22:50:14ZWhat are acts of vandalism?
Vandalism occurs when someone intentionally destroys or defaces another person's property. Some activities that may result in criminal charges include:
Ruining property with graffiti
Breaking windows or car windshields
Defacing street signs
Carving your name into property
Destroying school equipment
Keying someone's car
What are the penalties for juvenile vandalism?
The juvenile justice system decides the penalties when your teen faces a criminal accusation. In this system, the courts have a wide range of penalty options for vandalism offenses and analyze various factors to determine the sentence. Some possible punishments your child may face include:
Fines paid to the court: These monetary damages vary widely depending on the circumstances of your case
Restitution to the property owner: Courts often require a juvenile to pay the money necessary to replace or repair the vandalized property
Juvenile diversion program: You may be able to get the prosecution to agree to drop the charges if your child completes a diversion program
Probation period: This sentence typically lasts around 12 months and requires your teen to complete and maintain specific tasks
Juvenile detention center: In more severe cases or those involving repeat offenders, courts may order a detention punishment
It is essential to know your defense options for challenging the prosecution's evidence to avoid serious vandalism consequences charges that can affect your child's future.]]>On Behalf of Neville Law, LLChttps://www.nevillelawllc.com/?p=476232023-03-09T04:47:26Z2021-09-08T15:16:29Zfamily violence charges to recognize that a conviction can put their parental rights in jeopardy. When criminal charges impact a parent’s role in his or her children’s lives, the consequences and hardships that children experience can be serious and long-lasting.
Restraining orders
A temporary restraining order may issue almost immediately after a domestic violence arrest. You may be unable to live with your children. If you cannot come within a set distance of your spouse, it could be extremely difficult for you to be near your children.
Impact on divorce and custody proceedings
Domestic violence charges could have a dominating impact on divorce and custody proceedings. A divorcing spouse may cite charges as evidence demonstrating that he or she should have greater parental responsibilities than you. Consequently, a court may refuse to give you custody, or it may place significant limitations on your parenting time.
Visitation restrictions
If you have to petition a court for visitation time with your children, the time that you can spend with them may be relatively short. It may even be necessary for someone to supervise visits.
It is important to take domestic violence charges seriously because they can compromise your rights as a parent. When you are defending yourself against prosecution, protecting your relationship with your children needs to be your primary focus.]]>