Fight Your Traffic Violations

This Blog was brought to you by the San Antonio’s Attorney for Traffic Violations Gordon Slade 210-820-3033

Fight Your Traffic Violations

When a police officer pulls you over in your car for speeding or any other moving violation, you have very few opportunities to avoid getting a ticket. In some cases, such as when you exceed the speed limit by an excessive amount, you might not be able to convince the officer that you don’t deserve a ticket. For minor infractions, however, you’ve got some leeway.

Don’t Acknowledge the Violation
The first rule to avoid getting a ticket is never to admit you did something wrong. A traffic violation is not a severe crime, but the same restrictions apply to speeders as murderers. Acknowledging your offense is a confession, and you’ll almost always receive a citation. For example, when the police officer approaches your car, you don’t want to say, “Was I speeding a bit?” This tells him that you knew you were breaking the law but disregarded it anyway, and he’ll be able to use it later if you go to court to fight it.

No Sudden Moves
You might be the most law-abiding citizen in the world. Perhaps you were speeding across town to get to your volunteer job on time, or maybe your best friend’s grandmother has been rushed to the hospital. Nevertheless, the police officer doesn’t know you are a boy scout who always tips at least 25 percent and never leaves the toilet seat up. To avoid getting a ticket, make sure you do everything possible to put the police officer at ease. Keep your hands on the wheel unless you tell the officer you are reaching for something, and try to stay as calm and collected as possible.

Give a Reason
You should only break rule number one (never acknowledge the violation) when you have a valid reason for breaking the law. This is usually the most effective way to avoid getting a ticket, but only if your explanation is plausible and quickly proven. Perhaps you were informed of an emergency at work, or maybe you are worried about your elderly mother, who you’ve just discovered is home alone. Whatever the case, a solid reason might convince the officer that you don’t deserve a ticket. The last thing you want to do is make something up.

Be Original
Police officers spend all day driving the streets, watching for citizens to break the law. Their work lives are often monotonous and boring, despite the heroic and exciting visions you might have of a police officer’s job. To avoid getting a ticket, you might consider making the officer laugh.
This is only appropriate if you think the officer will find your joke or comment amusing, so don’t try this tip unless you’re sure you can pull it off. If the officer is stone-faced and grim, now might not be the time for jokes. However, try original humor if he seems like an amiable fellow.

Treat Her Equally
A female police officer might pull you over, and if you want to avoid getting a ticket, you won’t treat her any differently than a male officer. Derogatory or sexist comments will anger her, and jokes about her gender will likely bring down her wrath.

Make a Donation
In most cities, police departments accept donations from the public and will give you a sticker to put on the back of your vehicle as a reward. This is a great way to avoid getting a ticket because police officers will know you support their work. You can also join anti-crime organizations in your city and display the decals on your car. For example, the Texas Department of Public Safety offers the H.E.A.T. program, which stands for “Help End Auto Theft.” When you join, you give officers the right to pull your vehicle between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. to combat automobile theft. However, it also shows you support law enforcement and might help your case.

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PERSONAL INJURY – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

This Blog was brought to you by the San Antonio Car Accident Lawyer of the Carabin Shaw Law Firm in San Antonio

PERSONAL INJURY – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(1) What if I want to claim my injuries?
If the other driver was at fault, you might be entitled to compensation – for your injuries, pain and suffering, car damage, and other expenses, such as lost wages or the cost of a nurse needed after the accident. It would be best if you claimed with the other driver’s insurance company a.s.a.p. But, if you are not satisfied with the amount they offer, you may want to contact an attorney.

If you plan to sue, do not delay. There are time limits for filing various claims – usually one to two years after the accident, but sometimes much less, so act quickly; you can sue for $5,000 or less in small claims court. A lawyer can’t represent you in this court, but you can talk with one beforehand.

You will need your lawyer to sue for a larger amount. An insurance company lawyer cannot represent you if you are the person who is suing (the”plaintiff”). Many lawyers take accident cases on a contingent “fee” basis. That means you do not pay the lawyer if you lose the case. If you win, you pay the lawyer a percentage of your money. Most lawyers charge a smaller percentage if the case is settled before the lawyer does all the work necessary to go to trial. If you and your lawyer agree to a contingent fee, the lawyer must write the agreement and give you a signed copy. The contract should explain what percentage the lawyer will get if you win and how it might vary. It should also state who will pay for any court costs. More info on this website

(2) What if someone sues me?
Contact your insurance agent and your lawyer right away. Generally, your insurance company will assign a lawyer to handle your case. But, if you are sued for more money than your policy covers, you may need your attorney too. Also, insurance company lawyers do not handle traffic citations or criminal cases, such as hit-and-run charges. If you are charged with a crime and cannot afford a lawyer, call your county’s Public Defender. Depending on your income, you may qualify for free assistance. To find the Public Defender, look in the white pages under your county’s name. T

(3) Should I get a physical check-up after the accident?
It may be a good idea for both you and your passengers. You could be injured and not know it right away. At least call your doctor or another healthcare provider for help in deciding what your needs may be. Your automobile insurance may pay your health care bills.


(4) How can I get help? As soon as you can get to a telephone, call 911.

Explain the situation and give your exact locations so that help can arrive quickly. Be sure to mention whether you need an ambulance or a fire engine. Or, flag down a passing car, and ask the driver to go for help. Perhaps the driver will have a cellular phone in the car and can make an emergency call on the spot.

(5) What should I do if the other driver does not have insurance?
Suppose the other driver caused the accident and is not insured. In that case, your policy will pay for your injuries – if you have “uninsured motorist” or medical payments” coverage. If the other driver’s insurance is not enough to pay for all of your damages, your insurance may pay the difference – if you have “underinsured motorist” coverage. You can sue the other driver if you do not have these kinds of insurance or if your damages exceed the policy’s limit. However, even if you win the case, you cannot be sure that the other driver has the money to pay. If you have collision insurance, it will pay for damage to your car, no matter who is at fault.

(6) How do attorney fee structures work?
Most attorneys charge by the hour. Other fee structures include flat fees, contingent fees, or retainer fees. The following provides a simple explanation of how each kind of fee structure works.

The hourly rate primarily depends on the attorney’s experience, although other factors include operating expenses and the location of the practice. An experienced attorney may also be able to give you a better estimate of how much (s)he will end up charging you.

Attorneys will charge a flat fee when dealing with a common legal matter, such as composing a will or drafting bankruptcy filings. When dealing with a flat fee, ask what it covers.

Another common fee structure includes a retainer fee. Retainer fees involve creating an escrow account into which you pay in advance, and they deduct from this account their hourly rate.

Attorneys occasionally use a contingent fee structure. In this kind of fee structure, the attorney does not charge any fees but instead takes a percentage of the settlement (usually 33%) and fronts all costs related to bringing the matter. Contingent fee structures are usually used in personal injury and debt collection cases but are not allowed in divorce, criminal, or child custody cases.

(7) What is attorney-client privilege?
The attorney-client privilege means that any legal information or matter you discuss with your attorney cannot be discussed with anyone else. Aside from a few exceptions and unless you consent to release legal information about your case, s(he) is required, by law, to keep all of your information confidential.

Contact our Accident Lawyers if you have ever experienced a personal injury and think others are at fault for the accident.

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Truck Accident Injury Lawyers

Injury Lawyer

If you or your loved ones suffer any type of injury resulting from somebody else’s action, you may find that the individual who caused the injury does not jump at the opportunity to help you. Although they are responsible, they may not be ready to compensate you for the associated costs. In this situation, truck accident injury lawyers can help.

How Can Injury Lawyers Help?

When you need financial coverage to ensure that you are able to heal, you want to take the time to seek out the help of an injury lawyer. Talking with injury lawyers will ensure that you can find the help that you need when searching for your resolution.

A personal injury lawyer will ensure that you are able to navigate the laws that govern who is responsible for what. Lawyers are trained to know the law and know your legal rights, this way you do not have to wonder what you are and are not entitled to.

There are many people that struggle to understand how they are going to pay for a personal injury lawyer. Most personal injury lawyers will accept your case as long as you are willing to pay a contingency fee.

This means, that if you are to win the trial they will get a percentage of the awarded funds as your fees. If you do not win your case, the lawyer will not charge you any lawyer’s fees, but the lawyer’s fees are different from the costs associated with the rest of your case.

Even if you lose, you may be responsible for paying for the filing fee of your lawsuit. Learning precisely what you are going to be responsible for paying is important, and you want to make sure that you do not sign up with a lawyer before you know what you are responsible for.

As you are working with a personal injury lawyer, you should be honest about the event in which you are injured. Taking time to work with the personal injury lawyer that you hire will ensure that you are able to be as successful as possible while you are working.
There are a lot of people that do not realize that they are going to have to start looking through the many different lawyers in their area. As you are talking with the different lawyers, you should be sure that you get along well with the lawyer that you end up going with.

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