Over the course of a lifetime, the average person encounters various legal challenges in San Jose. San Jose legal advice from an attorney might be the only effective way to approach these challenges with a degree of efficiency. After all, the average San Jose resident is not a legal expert – and the legal world may seem daunting.
Here’s the good news:
With guidance from a qualified, experienced attorney in San Jose, you can approach virtually any legal issue in a confident manner. Follow this basic guide to determine your next steps:
>>> DOWNLOAD THE PDF TRANSCRIPT
The legal world consists of numerous sub-categories known as “practice areas.” If you’re dealing with legal issues in San Jose, your first step should be to determine exactly what type of lawyer you need. Here are a few examples of practice areas in San Jose:
Once you know what type of lawyer you need, it’s time to choose a San Jose law firm that suits your specific “practice area.” For example, you might have suffered an injury in a San Jose truck accident. If this is the case, you might need a personal injury lawyer who has experience with truck accident lawsuits. Search for a lawyer who has dealt with these types of lawsuits in the past and choose a suitable option for the best possible chance of success.
On the other hand, you might have a business in San Jose that is facing a wrongful termination lawsuit from an ex-employee. If this is the case, you should search for a lawyer who has experience with employee law in California.
Maybe you’re approaching a divorce, and you’re not quite sure how to secure your financial future in the face of this turbulent life change. In this situation, you should search for an experienced divorce lawyer in California.
Here’s the good news: You can book a consultation with a prospective lawyer and ask them all about their experience levels, qualifications, and strategies. During this initial meeting, you’ll have a chance to discuss your unique situation – whether it involves divorce, corporate law, personal injury, or something else entirely.
During a consultation, you might want to ask your lawyer about their track record. If you’re approaching a bike accident lawsuit, for example, you might ask about settlements they have won for bike accident victims in the past. If you’re approaching divorce, you might ask about specific examples of positive custody results or property division “wins.” For corporate law, you might ask for specific examples of how the lawyer has resolved contract disputes.
Source: https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/child-custody/what-to-expect-mediation
After your consultation, you should take a moment to ask yourself whether legal assistance is truly necessary. For most people, legal action represents the last resort – and there may be easier and less expensive ways to resolve the situation. Informal discussions and negotiations can go a long way.
For example, a litigated divorce is usually much more expensive compared to alternative dispute resolution strategies – such as mediation. “Litigation” involves hearings or trials in the Superior Court of Santa Clara County, the Santa Clara County Family Court House, or another court. Although litigation can provide results, you might face serious legal fees if you choose this route. The same logic applies to virtually every other type of legal action – including both civil and criminal cases.
That being said, lawyers in San Jose can still offer plenty of assistance outside of the courtroom. Many of these lawyers are excellent negotiators, and they are capable of representing your best interests during informal discussions with relevant parties. For example, personal injury lawyers in San Jose can negotiate on your behalf with insurance adjusters after a car accident, ensuring you receive a fair settlement.
If you’d like to discuss the specifics of your legal issue in more detail, consider booking a legal consultation with a Civil Lawyers in San Jose, CA. Although internet research is a positive first step, it cannot replace legal advice from a qualified, experienced San Jose lawyer. For many years, the Hann Law Firm has offered targeted guidance and assistance to San Jose residents. We give you access to a wealth of experience in personal injury, family law, criminal defense, business law, and many other practice areas. While the legal world might seem confusing, you always have the right to explore your legal options alongside a professional.
Schedule your consultation today.
Sources
Address: 84 W. Santa Clara St. Suite 790 San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 755-3498
Email: hlfmail@hannlawfirm.com
Various studies have indicated that a wide range of traffic accidents become more common after daylight savings time goes into effect. The cause of this phenomenon has sparked ongoing debate. Many suggest that setting our clocks forward might not be such a smart idea after all, and the United States government has seriously considered abolishing daylight savings time on more than one occasion.
For victims of traffic accidents in San Jose, the threat of daylight savings time accidents is especially obvious. After all, serious injuries, missed wages, and emotional distress show just how dangerous daylight savings time can be.
Although moving the clocks forward might seem logical, various studies have confirmed that daylight savings time causes an increase in traffic accidents. There is some debate among researchers when it comes to just how dangerous roads become after clocks move forward, but it is certainly a high enough number to warrant concern.
The most agreed-upon number of deaths is approximately 30 per year. In other words, eliminating daylight savings time could save dozens of lives in just the first 12 months. Within just three years of eliminating daylight savings time, about 100 people would be spared. Some studies have indicated that accidents increase by up to six percent in the week following daylight savings.
Traffic fatalities only represent one aspect of daylight-savings-related hazards. There are many others to consider:
Injuries: Finally, researchers at the University of Washington state that eliminating daylight savings time would prevent over 2,000 traffic injuries yearly. These injuries affect pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists, and motorists. Common traffic injuries include whiplash, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), fractures, burns, and many others.
The statistics surrounding daylight savings time highlight clear dangers, but they do not explain the cause of accidents after clocks move forward. What is it about daylight savings time that leads to a sudden increase in San Jose accident rates?
The explanation is simple: Drowsy driving.
When tired, people are more likely to make mistakes while driving. Perhaps most obviously, they are also more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel. Even if a driver “nods off” for a few seconds, they might suddenly open their eyes to find themselves crashing into a pedestrian, swerving into oncoming traffic, or flying off an overpass.
That being said, driving can be dangerous even if motorists manage to stay awake throughout their entire journeys. Why? Because just a few hours of sleep deprivation can affect our driving abilities. The Sleep Foundation states that after being awake for 20 hours, we reach impairment levels equivalent to a 0.08 percent BAC Breathalyzer result. Staying away for 24 hours equals a BAC level of 0.01 percent. In other words, drowsy driving can be just as bad as drunk driving. In many cases, it is more dangerous.
Of course, missing an hour of sleep is not the same as staying up all night. To that end, comparing 20 hours of sleep deprivation to daylight savings is excessive. On the other hand, research confirms that at its core, sleep deprivation of any level can potentially affect our driving abilities. Even a slight level of impairment has the potential to cause accidents, and this is the root cause of accidents after daylight savings.
The interruption of regular sleep patterns might be more relevant to this discussion than the number of missed sleep hours. According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep disruption leads to several common issues among healthy adults. Perhaps most notably, these issues include “cognitive, memory, and performance deficits.” Driving requires our full attention, and this highly complex task is likely much more difficult with the cognitive and performance issues detailed by the National Institutes of Health.
Victims who have experienced daylight savings time accidents can pursue compensation for their medical expenses, missed wages, and other damages. If you have experienced daylight savings traffic hazards firsthand, consider contacting the Hann Law Firm. At this experienced San Jose law firm, our qualified slip and fall lawyers, business lawyers, and auto accident attorneys are ready to provide targeted assistance. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter when your accident occurred. Traffic accident victims always have rights in California – and Hann Law fights for these rights on your behalf.
Click here to schedule a consultation.
Sources
Address: 84 W. Santa Clara St. Suite 790 San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 755-3498
Email: hlfmail@hannlawfirm.com
>>> DOWNLOAD THE PDF TRANSCRIPT
A car accident lawyer in San Jose provides a number of different services to their clients. Here is a brief summary:
Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV§ionNum=1431.2.
Injury lawyers can help you pursue fair compensation that covers your damages. Your exact level of compensation depends on the losses you have experienced as a direct result of your accident. These losses fall into two categories:
The best lawyers can help you pursue compensation for both non-economic and economic damages.
A common car accident injury is whiplash. This injury may lead to medical expenses and weeks of missed wages. A personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for these damages – ensuring that you pay absolutely no out-of-pocket expenses for your whiplash while getting treatment from a San Jose healthcare provider such as the Allied Pain & Spine Institute.
A car accident can lead to all kinds of questions, and internet research can only get you so far. In order to approach this situation with a measure of confidence, consider getting in touch with the Hann Law Firm at your earliest convenience. With our careful guidance, you can pursue compensation effectively. During an initial consultation, our experienced car accident lawyers in San Jose will answer any questions you might have. From there, we’ll help you assess the most appropriate course of action as you seek compensation and justice. Reach out today to learn more about your options.
Address: 84 W. Santa Clara St. Suite 790 San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 755-3498
Email: hlfmail@hannlawfirm.com
“How much do personal injury lawyers charge in California?”
It’s a valid question. After all, you might be facing serious medical bills and months of missed wages. In addition, you might be struggling with PTSD or anxiety after a traumatic crash on Monterey Road, Highway 17, or another dangerous roadway in San Jose. Amidst these concerns, the last thing you need is to worry about legal fees.
With all that said, the cost of hiring San Jose personal injury lawyers may be much more reasonable than you think.
>>> DOWNLOAD THE PDF TRANSCRIPT
Here’s why:
Personal injury lawyers in California almost always charge their clients based on a system of “contingency fees.” This system allows virtually anyone to file a personal injury lawsuit – including low-income, working-class San Jose residents who don’t have a penny to spare for legal fees. There’s a reason the Consumer Attorneys of California refers to this system as the “key to the courtroom” for thousands of average Americans.
Image source: https://www.caoc.org/?pg=feekey
But how is this possible?
Essentially, personal injury lawyers promise to work for free until you receive compensation for your car accident. When this moment arrives, they take a certain percentage out of your total compensation. Note that if you fail to win your injury lawsuit, the lawyer doesn’t receive any payment whatsoever.
In other words, your San Jose attorneys assume virtually all of the financial risk. You pay them if and only if they succeed in getting you the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, missed wages, and other damages.
Even though you won’t have to pay your San Jose personal injury lawyers up front, you’ll need to compensate them eventually. While many lawyers are motivated primarily by a sense of justice, they still need to earn a living. The real question is how much you’ll need to pay your lawyer out of your settlement or jury award.
There is no easy way to answer this question, as each injury case is slightly different. Relatively moderate injuries may result in minor settlements, while permanent disabilities could result in eight-figure settlements. As a result, it’s difficult to determine the specific amount you’ll pay your lawyer until you actually receive your compensation.
The good news is that your contingency fee will take the form of a percentage – giving you a general idea of how much you’ll need to pay in legal fees. The specific percentage is something you can discuss with your collision attorney during an initial consultation.
For those who don’t know, a consultation is an initial meeting with representatives of a law firm. During this first meeting, you can discuss a wide range of topics – including legal fees. Fortunately, many firms in San Jose – including the Hann Law Firm – offer consultations.
While internet research is a positive first step, it cannot replace a face-to-face meeting with a lawyer. During this meeting, you can receive personalized legal advice based on your specific situation. At the conclusion of your consultation, your attorney may recommend taking further legal action.
Personal Injury Attorneys Won’t Take Your Case if it’s Not Worth Their Time
Here’s another key benefit of the contingency fee system: Personal injury attorneys won’t bother taking your case if they don’t think you can win. Because these lawyers are assuming all of the financial risk, they tend to choose cases they feel most confident about. If a personal injury attorney agrees to take your case, it usually means that you have a solid chance of victory.
Of course, the downside is that lawyers are less likely to gamble on “long-shot” cases. Either way, these legal professionals tend to be clear and transparent with you about your chances of receiving compensation. This gives you the information you need to move forward with confidence.
Personal Injury Lawyers Are Incentivized to Negotiate for Higher Settlements
In addition, the contingency fee system ensures that injury lawyers are incentivized to pursue the highest possible settlement on your behalf. The higher your settlement, the more they’ll earn from your case. As a result, many personal injury attorneys bring strong negotiation skills to the table as they work with insurers to pursue fair settlements.
Based on all of the information above, it should be clear that your legal fees depend entirely on how much compensation you receive. Therefore, the real question is simple:
How much will you get for your auto accident?
It all depends on your damages. In the legal world, “damages” represent all the losses you experienced due to your accident. These losses might be economic or non-economic in nature.
Examples of economic damages include:
Examples of non-economic damages include:
Add up the total value of your non-economic and economic damages, and you’ll get an idea of how much your personal injury claim might be worth.
If you’re ready to pursue compensation with help from car accident lawyers in San Jose, consider booking a consultation with the Hann Law Firm at your earliest convenience. Remember, these consultations are completely free of charge, and you assume no financial risk by moving ahead with your claim. Working-class Americans deserve to hold negligent parties accountable for car accident injuries, and the contingency fee system ensures that everyone has a shot at justice. Reach out today to get the ball rolling alongside qualified San Jose personal injury lawyers.
Sources
Address: 84 W. Santa Clara St. Suite 790 San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 755-3498
Email: hlfmail@hannlawfirm.com
People spend an average of two and a half hours on social media daily. And the information you post on social media platforms can be used as evidence against you in court, so you can be sure that your soon-to-be-ex and their attorney will be heading straight to your social media profile during your divorce case.
Knowing what you should and shouldn’t post on your social media during divorce proceedings significantly impacts your case’s outcome. Here are some tips to keep in mind when using social media during your divorce.
You read that right, avoid social media. That’s the easiest way to avoid any posts that may hurt your divorce case.
Deleting your social media account or even past posts can be considered destroying evidence, which is illegal and could land you in more trouble with the courts. So, wait until your divorce is finalized to clean up your social media profiles.
Before you click “Post” be sure to double or even triple-check what you’re posting to make sure it’s something you wouldn’t mind the judge overseeing your divorce seeing. Because even if your ex can no longer see your posts, it’s still possible that someone else grabbed a screenshot of your post to share with them, and if that happens, it’s likely that it will end up as evidence in your case.
So you’re out living it up, being the life of the party. However, it’s important to make sure you’re keeping that information off of social media. Posting photos of you using or being around drugs and alcohol can affect your divorce. And if children are involved in your divorce, these types of posts can be used to prove that you are an unfit parent.
Changing your relationship status on social media or going public with a new relationship can cause problems during your divorce, as you are still legally married until the divorce is final.
Divorce sometimes brings out the worst in people. But choosing to talk badly about your spouse on social media can negatively impact your divorce.
This is especially true if there are children involved. A judge will likely pay close attention to how parents treat each other when determining a child custody order. With the children’s best interest as the main priority, judges want to ensure that parents can act appropriately in front of their children. Making disparaging comments on social media can be used against the parent who posted the comments.
While it is essential to watch what you’re posting, posts made by friends and family can have an equally negative effect on your divorce. Not only should you watch for posts that may be bad-mouthing your spouse or mentioning your divorce, but you should also watch someone tagging you in posts or photos.
Maybe you’re at a party or out with friends having a couple of drinks, and someone posts a photo of the night and tags you in it. Your spouse could see that photo.
If you weren’t where you said you would be, or if you were out on the town when you were supposed to be home with the kids, it could cause problems during your divorce and custody case. The best thing you can do is ask family and friends to avoid posting anything about you until the divorce is final.
Even if you can’t believe what your spouse did in court or what their attorney said about you, don’t head to social media to vent about it. Talking about your case online can only cause more problems. Speak to your family law attorney about any issues, and don’t turn to social media.
Posting about shopping sprees or buying a new car during your divorce, especially when your typical spending habits are more conservative, can lead your spouse and the courts to believe that you are better off financially than you have stated. Flaunting new extravagances can affect how much child or spousal support you are awarded or required to pay.
Social media is being used more often in determining the division of marital assets, child custody, alimony, and child support. Don’t underestimate the consequences of social media interactions during your divorce. If you aren’t sure if you should post something, err on the side of caution and just avoid posting it, or contact your divorce attorney for advice.
If you’re looking for a skilled, dedicated attorney for your divorce case, Hann Law Firm can help. We take a personal approach to every case. We’ll listen to your needs and address any concerns you have. Our team will prepare your case for the best possible outcome for you and your family.
You and your case matter to us. Contact us today for a consultation.
]]>Personal injury cases in the United States increase significantly during the holidays. Most of the common injuries that land people in the emergency room over the holidays are preventable. We want you to have a safe and joyous holiday season, so we’ve put together the top five most common ways people are injured during the holidays and tips on how to avoid these mishaps.
Who doesn’t love the sparkling lights and other beautiful decorations during the holiday season? But someone has to put those decorations up, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported an estimated 160 injuries per day related to decorating during the holiday season, half of which are due to falls.
Avoid the potential for injury due to decorations by:
Although many people turn to online shopping in this day and age, you can bet that malls and stores can get extremely crowded during the holiday season, which can easily lead to personal injury.
Stay safe while shopping with these tips.
In 2018, the CPSC reported 166,200 toy-related ER injuries leading to 17 deaths in children under 15. Keep the little ones safe this holiday season by:
The most common holiday-related injury is burns. Spending time in the kitchen cooking a delicious holiday meal for the family is a great idea as long as you follow some safety guidelines to avoid fires while cooking.
Candles are another cause of burns during the holidays. Avoid burns from candles by using the proper candle holders and keep them away from children, curtains, and decorations.
Staying alert behind the wheel is always important, but the holidays are a time to be extremely cautious while behind the wheel. With distracted drivers, people driving home from a holiday party after a few drinks, and parking lots will be full of people, a watchful eye and responsible decision-making can help avoid a potentially fatal situation.
Here are some ways to stay safe on the road:
The holidays are supposed to be a happy time, so taking the necessary steps to ensure everyone is safe and happy can make all the difference. However, no matter how hard you try, it’s not always possible to eliminate the risk of getting injured, especially when the injury results from someone else’s negligent act. If you’ve experienced a personal injury because of someone else’s actions, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer.
At Hann Law Firm, our expert team of personal injury lawyers is here to advocate for you. We have a proven track record of success in San Jose and California and are here to fight for you. From start to finish, you can rest assured knowing that we’re investing the time, energy, and resources needed to get you the best outcome in your case.
Let us do the fighting for you. Contact our team today.
]]>In some cases, the fault is apparent. For example, in a rear-end collision, the rear driver is typically always at fault. However, sometimes it’s not that easy to prove who was at fault. If you weren’t at fault, proving that is in your best interest.
Many factors can be used to determine the fault when it isn’t apparent. This article will discuss how California determines fault in an accident and six ways to prove that you were not at fault in a car accident.
In California, who was at fault in a car accident can be proven in two ways. One is to show the other driver was negligent under common law, and the other is to prove statutory negligence, meaning that the other driver violated the California Vehicle Code or another law.
To establish that the other driver was negligent under the rules of common law, you must prove:
Statutory negligence is easier to prove. The police report from the accident will generally state if a driver violated any traffic laws. If this is the case, they are considered negligent with no additional evidence, also known as negligent “per se.” If this is the case, it is up to the other driver to prove that they weren’t negligent.
Having the proper evidence to provide the insurance company when seeking a settlement is essential. Here are some ways you can prove fault in a car accident.
Collect as much evidence as possible from the accident site. You will need this evidence to prove that you aren’t at fault during your case.
Take as many photos as possible of the damage to the vehicles and the area where the accident occurred. If you have been injured, ask a bystander to take as many pictures as possible of the accident. These photos will be vital evidence during the investigation.
Be sure to exchange contact information with the other driver. Exchanging information doesn’t so much prove fault, but you will need the other driver’s insurance information when filing a claim for the accident.
If anyone was around to see the accident, getting their information can be vital for your case. Not only should you get their witness statement, but you should also exchange contact information with them. Their unbiased testimony can be valuable when proving fault.
Traffic laws vary from state to state. Researching local traffic laws can help you better understand who was at fault.
After an accident, your first call should be to the police. When the officers arrive on the scene, they will speak to all involved to gather information for their accident report.
The accident report outlines what happened in the accident and any conclusions officers made regarding who was at fault. The police report can be used as evidence for legal proceedings or insurance claim purposes.
A car accident can quickly become a serious legal matter. If you even hint to the other driver, police, or the insurance company that you may be at fault, your credibility will be questioned, and you risk implying that you were at fault in the accident. Avoid this by not speaking to anyone except your attorney about what happened at the accident.
Trying to negotiate a settlement with an insurance company can be challenging after you’ve been in an accident. If you have been involved in an accident and need legal advice on how to prove that you weren’t at fault, turn to Hann Law Firm.
Whatever legal challenge you’re facing, you can depend on the dedicated, skilled attorneys at Hann Law Firm to walk you through the legal process. From your initial consultation, we will listen to your needs and concerns and work with you to address your specific challenges. Then, we will diligently prepare your case and get you the best possible outcome to help you reach your goals.
You and your case matter to us. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
]]>When any spinal injuries are caused by the recklessness or negligence of another party, you deserve to be compensated; not just for medical help you need but also for your pain and suffering when your life has been severely impacted by your accident. Dealing with the pain from your injuries and as life keeps moving though you feel like you cannot, hiring a personal injury lawyer for your spinal cord injuries helps you maneuver your claim and get you the compensation you deserve allowing you to heal with less stress.
Your spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that run down the middle of your back and are shielded by your vertebrae. The spine is the body’s most critical component as it carries messages from the brain to the rest of the body. When you experience any damage to your vertebrae, your spinal cord can become damaged as well and affect that connection from your brain and your body.
After you have been in an accident, it can be hard to determine what type of spinal cord injury you have. Immediately after an accident, you should seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and how to follow up with treatment. There are two categories for spinal cord injuries, incomplete and complete.
You are entitled to compensation if you are irresponsibly harmed by an entity or person. Before you confront the person or company, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.
A spinal cord injury lawyer will bring a different level of expertise to the table when filing your personal injury lawsuit. They will be diligent with filing your claims and fight for the best compensation for your injury, which is something that can be difficult to do when you are in pain and recovering.
There are plenty of times where people do not recognize the monetary value that is available from their spinal cord injury claim. There are a lot of factors when your claim is being valued and only an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer will be able to put a price to it. This may still be only an estimate, but it is important to still consider and to gain perspective about your claim.
A skilled and experienced attorney often handles spinal cord injury claims on a regular basis, meaning they are much more familiar with the law and the processes; from documenting legal files, to properly filling out forms, and what any limitations might be. A good lawyer is there for you and ensures you will not be taken advantage of. You can end up spending much more money if going head to head with insurance companies that will try to avoid paying as much as possible.
By hiring a spinal cord injury lawyer, you’ll not only be protected and compensated for your injuries, but your lawyer also can help protect your family during your recovery. Compensation means more than just the damage for your injuries, it includes covering family financial burdens, home modifications, adapted cars for driving with a disability, or even physical or mental therapy.
Hann Law Firm in San Jose, California wants to help you receive the best compensation possible. We fight tenaciously and are expert negotiators to make sure you are taken care of and will not settle for less than what is rightfully yours. Your pain and suffering is enough to deal with and we take the reins so you can focus on healing and moving through the next chapter of life.
Contact us today; nobody needs to face these challenges alone. Get the compensation you deserve.
]]>While in the moment, you may want to move along with your day or have pressing matters at hand to tend to instead. The adrenaline and stress of the accident may cause you to say everything is okay, but then later find yourself feeling symptoms of an injury from the accident. When you fail to file a police report, you lack the important information needed to file an insurance claim that may have a detrimental effect on compensation you deserve.
Reporting an accident is not only going to help in receiving compensation for your injuries, but it is the law in California. A driver of a vehicle involved in an accident that resulted in any injuries or death has 24 hours to report the crash to highway patrol or the police department where the accident happened.
Not only do you need to report your accident to law enforcement, but the DMV also needs a report within 10 days of the accident that caused an injury, death, or property damage that exceeds $1,000.
It is especially important to file a police report in these situations:
Even if you do not think you have been injured in the accident, you should receive medical attention as soon as possible. Symptoms of spinal or muscle injuries may not be noticeable until days after the accident has happened. In the same way that a police report will be able to provide evidence that you were not at fault, a medical examination and report will provide the evidence of your injuries.
You can never have too much information or documentation when it comes to your accident. After ensuring everyone involved in the accident is not injured, and only if it is safe to do so, document the scene by taking pictures of the vehicles involved and the location of the accident. In addition to the photos, gather names and addresses of any witnesses to the accident.
A police report is considered an unbiased report of your accident, making it more valuable than a claim or the at-fault driver’s recollection of the incident. If you decide to file a personal injury claim after the accident, the police report is a necessary document for your insurance company.
A police report offers a neutral viewpoint of what has happened at the accident by providing factors like:
Immediately call the police after your car accident. Once they have arrived on the scene, discuss the details of your accident and answer all questions. The responding officer will interview the other driver, as well as any witnesses, then determine how the accident happened. Once they have written a traffic collision report, ask for a copy for your records.
When accidents are not as severe, the police may not respond to the scene if it is a minor accident with no reported injuries. If this is the case, be sure to file an accident report within 24 hours to the police station.
The accident report is evidence that the other driver was present at the scene and was involved in the accident. A police report will be mandatory when you attempt to recover any damages, in case the other driver denies they were in the accident, are uninsured, and if the at-fault driver flees the scene of the accident.
Once you have your police report, make sure to speak to an attorney before agreeing to any insurance company settlements. You may have many more costs for your pain and suffering, medical bills, loss of income, long term treatments, and more.
At Hann Law Firm, we fight for you every step of the way, keeping your best interest in mind and making sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to request a consultation with one of our experienced San Jose personal injury lawyers.
]]>In California, there are two general types of divorce, contested or uncontested. A contested divorce is when both spouses cannot agree on some or all the aspects of their divorce, meaning a trial will be held with a judge to examine evidence and call witnesses. This process is much more lengthy, emotionally draining, and expensive.
An uncontested divorce is where both spouses have reached agreements about all the major issues in order to end their marriage, allowing them to avoid going to trial or having to appear in court.
There are few benefits to an uncontested divorce:
The uncontested divorce process in California begins when one spouse files a petition for divorce. At first, a case may start out as a contested divorce, but with mediation or negotiation, both parties may find themselves compromising and agree on aspects of their divorce.
There are some criteria that must be met to get an uncontested divorce in California:
A summary dissolution is a simplified uncontested procedure that is available when both parties agree and meet these requirements:
When you are unable to use the summary dissolution procedure, you must fill out the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/Domestic Partnership, and Summons. These forms will be filed with the court clerk and you will be given a case file number. A copy of this filed petition needs to be delivered to your spouse, along with the Summons and a blank copy of a Response and Request for Dissolution of Marriage/Domestic Partnership.
There are various other forms to file when going through a standard dissolution, and a trusted California divorce lawyer will be able to help you through the process. If your spouse is uncooperative, does not respond in the time frame required, or fails to show up to court hearings, an important document to create is a marital settlement agreement.
This written marital settlement agreement will disclose how your property and debts will be divided, any owed spousal or child support to be paid, child custody details, and visitation rights for minor children. All of this can be streamlined with a divorce attorney who will provide a well-written agreement, as well as make sure forms are filed thoroughly and within the necessary time frame.
Like any divorce proceeding, this entire process takes at least six months from the initial date that one spouse has notified their spouse they are filing for divorce. If you are dealing with a contested divorce, this process can take much longer depending on how cooperative and proactive your ex-spouse is. There is a six-month waiting period that is required before the divorced is finalized.
Regardless if you qualify for an uncontested divorce, it is still helpful to have a divorce lawyer by your side. Sometimes during a divorce, emotions begin to run high once it is time to talk about the final agreements and can cause trouble between the two parties. Having someone with experience and familiarity with divorce laws in California on your side can likely help you achieve the outcome you want from your divorce.
At Hann Law Firm, we ensure your rights and that your best interests are protected. We take a look at all potential factors and consider what is fair for all parties involved through your divorce. This is an emotional time for you and the rest of your family and our team works diligently to make this process easier for you while you start a new chapter of life.
Contact us today to request a consultation with one of our trusted divorce attorneys.
]]>