Frails & Wilson Attorneys At LawFindLaw IM Template2024-03-16T17:49:39Zhttps://www.frailswilsonlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1602614/2021/03/cropped-favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Frails & Wilson Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.frailswilsonlaw.com/?p=478922024-03-16T17:49:39Z2024-03-16T17:49:39ZCommon culprits: Sparks and spills
Several factors can turn a collision scene into an inferno. The most common culprit is a leak of flammable fluids. Cars carry a number of these, including:
Gasoline
Engine oil
Brake fluid
A crash can rupture tanks or lines, allowing these fluids to spill and pool. If a spark ignites the spilled liquids, a fire can erupt quickly. Sparks can be generated in multiple ways during an accident. For example, damaged electrical wiring may short-circuit, creating sparks. Additionally, the force of impact can cause components like the battery to break, leading to spark production. Even hot engine parts can ignite leaked fluids under the right conditions.
Fire risk: Not as common as you think
While fire is a potential consequence of a collision, it's important to maintain perspective; the risk of a fire after a car accident is relatively low. This is due in part to safety features built into modern cars. Fuel tanks are now positioned and constructed to be more resistant to punctures.
Taking precautions: Be prepared, not paranoid
Even though the risk of fire is statistically low, it's wise to be prepared. A key precaution you can take is to run routine maintenance and diagnostics on your vehicle. Regular car maintenance is key to preventing leaks and malfunctions that could increase fire risk. Additionally, it can help to always have a fire extinguisher in your vehicle. Having a fire extinguisher readily available in your car can be a lifesaver in case of a small fire.
By understanding the potential causes of fire and taking a few preventative measures, you can minimize this risk and help ensure your focus remains on staying safe after a collision. Remember, the most important action following an accident is to ensure your safety and that of your passengers. In the event that you or your passengers are injured due to another’s negligence, it can be to your benefit to consider pursuing compensation for your injuries, even if a fire was not ignited.]]>On Behalf of Frails & Wilson Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.frailswilsonlaw.com/?p=478912024-02-08T00:04:44Z2024-02-08T00:04:44ZWhat causes property line disputes? How can you resolve them?
Property line disputes can happen for just about any reason, but here are some common causes:
Unclear boundaries: Unclear or undocumented property boundaries are a problem in a lot of places. Over time, successive property owners and “word of mouth” about where boundaries lie can lead to a lot of confusion. This is probably the number one reason for disputes between neighbors.
Encroachments: Sometimes, a property owner will be so certain that they know where a boundary line is that they barrel ahead and build a shed or a fence that they believe is on their land – and their neighbor does not. That’s usually a source of fast, intense conflict.
Generally speaking, the key to resolving property line disputes with neighbors is addressing them as calmly and strategically as possible. Some options include:
Talking to your neighbor: An open, respectful conversation with your neighbor can often be productive, especially if you express a desire to work together to avoid conflict.
Get a professional survey: This is the number one way to resolve any disputes. An accurate land survey will clarify the boundary lines
At times, no matter what you do, you may not be able to resolve a dispute peacefully. Some neighbors have been known to even move survey pins once a professional survey has been done (even though that is not legal) to try to confuse the issue at hand. Ultimately, when you’re in a heated dispute with your neighbor over a property line, it’s wise to seek legal guidance to better understand your rights and explore your options.]]>On Behalf of Frails & Wilson Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.frailswilsonlaw.com/?p=478882023-12-15T14:52:51Z2023-12-15T14:52:51ZSemitruck crashes are among the most severe and devastating accidents on the road. These large vehicles can cause significant damage to other vehicles, which can also lead to catastrophic injuries.
Various factors can contribute to semitruck crashes, and being aware of these can help victims of these crashes to determine how to proceed with compensation claims.
1. Trucker’s actions
Trucker's actions include a wide range of behaviors, such as speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted driving, fatigue and aggressive driving. These professional drivers must adhere to strict regulations regarding hours of service to prevent fatigue, but violations still occur and can lead to severe accidents.
2. Trucking company policies
Trucking company policies may pressure drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, leading to speeding or driving without adequate rest. In some cases, companies might neglect proper training for their drivers or encourage practices that compromise safety for efficiency. Regulatory compliance is essential, but some companies may skirt these rules, increasing the risk of accidents.
3. Improper cargo securement
Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, which can cause the truck to become unbalanced and difficult to control. In some cases, cargo may fall off the semitruck, creating road hazards for other vehicles.
4. Lax maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for the safe operation of any vehicle, especially semitrucks. Lax maintenance can lead to critical failures while the truck is in operation. Common issues include brake failure, tire blowouts, and malfunctioning lights or signals. These problems affect not only the trucker but also other road users.
5. Defective components
Defective components, including manufacturing defects in brakes, tires, steering components or engine parts, can lead to crashes. While maintenance can identify some issues, defects can sometimes go unnoticed until they cause a problem. Manufacturers, suppliers and trucking companies all have a role in ensuring that the components of these large vehicles are in good working order.Understanding the cause of the semitruck crash can play a critical role in a personal injury claim. Working with someone who can evaluate the cause and determine the appropriate defendants to name is critical.]]>On Behalf of Frails & Wilson Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.frailswilsonlaw.com/?p=478862023-12-12T23:49:55Z2023-12-12T23:49:55ZThey require ongoing care
Burn scars often require ongoing medical support. Someone with significant burn injuries may have nerve damage that can cause a host of symptoms, including ongoing pain. They may require future medical procedures, including skin grafts.
Disfiguring scars can affect mental health
The scars left behind by burns can drastically alter someone's appearance and cause pain or range-of-motion limitations that constantly remind them of their injuries. Those frequent reminders of one's injuries and scars can exacerbate the mental health consequences of a serious injury. People may develop depression or may become more socially withdrawn because of their scars. The mental health consequences of burn scars can often trickle down to affect someone's earning potential by impacting their job performance. People may also see impacts on their closest relationships when they have mental health struggles.
Visible scars reduce earning potential
Some people talk about “pretty privilege” in the workplace and how more attractive workers tend to earn higher wages. Workers who others perceive as attractive may have an easier time getting ahead in the workplace. The inverse can also be true. Those with unusual physical characteristics, including visible scars, they struggle to earn as much as their co-workers even when they consistently perform at the same level as their teammates. Additionally, the burn scars that someone may have can affect their strength and range of motion, which can limit their job performance or advancement opportunities at a company.
Burn injuries can affect someone's finances, relationships and career. Someone who is adjusting to life with major burn scars needs to consider the long-term financial impact of their injuries, not just their emergency medical care costs, when assessing how much compensation to pursue from a party that is at-fault for their harm.]]>On Behalf of Frails & Wilson Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.frailswilsonlaw.com/?p=478852023-10-13T06:53:52Z2023-10-13T06:53:52ZWhat does recent collision data show?
Based on statewide crash information collected in 2020, car crashes are still one of the most common causes of premature death in Georgia. In fact, it is the second leading cause of death and also the second leading cause of hospitalizations. It is also the second most-commonly reported reason people give for seeking medical care at an emergency room. The one exception is for those between the ages of five and 14, for whom traffic collisions are currently the top cause of premature death.
When compared with other states, Georgia is one of the most dangerous places to drive. It had the fourth-highest number of traffic deaths in 2020 even though it has the eighth-largest population. At least 1,664 people lost their lives in collisions in Georgia in 2020. Thousands of others experienced collisions that put them in the hospital or required emergency medical care. A large number of those collisions involved pedestrians or bicyclists, and many of them left people with financial expenses that they could not cover with just insurance. People often end up going to court when a crash causes major personal injuries or leads to someone dying.
What does this mean for those who worry about their safety?
Motorists concerned about traffic safety in Georgia may want to invest in vehicles with better safety ratings the next time they make a purchase. They may also want to refresh themselves on best practices for mitigating crash risk in traffic. It's also important to have a plan in place for how someone should respond to a wreck if one occurs.
Engaging in defensive driving, carefully maintaining vehicles and watching for bad habits in others can all help people to avoid being injured in a serious wreck. In the event that a collision does occur, though, it’s important to keep in mind that seeking legal guidance to explore one’s rights and options is always an opportunity available to crash victims.]]>On Behalf of Frails & Wilson Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.frailswilsonlaw.com/?p=478842023-09-10T14:07:33Z2023-09-10T14:07:33Z98% of car accidents stem from human error. There are cases where both drivers make mistakes, but it is also possible for a two-car crash to occur when only one driver acts negligently. The other person could be the one who suffers the injuries, despite not making any driving mistakes themselves.
Why are human errors so common?
There are a lot of things to consider when looking at human error, starting with the fact that there are so many different types. Breaking the speed limit. Not wearing a seatbelt. Texting and driving. Not maintaining a proper following distance. Turning without a signal. These are just a few of the hundreds of potential errors that people make while they drive.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that it only takes one mistake, perhaps one made just for a split second, to cause an accident. In other words, someone may spend hours on the road every day, and they may be very safe 99% of the time. But if they decide to just look down at one text message, they could cause an accident. If they decide to break the speed limit just once because they’re in a rush, they could hit another car.
Most people think of themselves as good drivers. And this may be because, for the majority of the time they are behind the wheel, they are good drivers. But even one error can cause an accident, and the statistics show that this happens all the time.
What options do you have?
It is important to focus on safety when you’re driving. But if you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence despite your own best efforts, then you need to know what legal options you have to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to start.]]>On Behalf of Frails & Wilson Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.frailswilsonlaw.com/?p=478832023-08-09T23:06:22Z2023-08-09T23:06:22ZAdding the right clauses to the lease in the first place
The best time for a tenant to protect themselves from future financial obligations is when negotiating the lease. It may be possible to convince a landlord to reduce the duration of the lease during the initial negotiations in some circumstances.
Even if the lease period is not negotiable, other contractual provisions could potentially protect the tenant from lawsuits over unpaid rent. A force majeure clause, for example, would give a tenant the right to break the lease without penalty in scenarios beyond their control that force them to close the business. Natural disasters and supply chain disruptions are examples of circumstances that may trigger force majeure clauses.
Assigning the lease to a new tenant
When a business files for bankruptcy with multiple months left on its lease, finding another party to take over that lease is often one of the best options. Landlords may also allow someone to end their financial obligation for a lease as soon as they locate a new tenant to take over the space. That type of arrangement can take some of the marketing pressure off of the landlord while ensuring that they will have a steady stream of rental revenue. Even if the business doesn't intend to file for bankruptcy, it may be possible to have a new tenant assume the remainder of the commercial lease to absolve the current tenant of responsibility to the landlord.
Directly discussing the matter with the landlord and trying to negotiate an amicable arrangement could help a commercial tenant limit the long-term financial challenges they may face if they need to end a lease arrangement for a property early.]]>On Behalf of Frails & Wilson Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.frailswilsonlaw.com/?p=478822023-06-13T13:06:34Z2023-06-13T13:06:34ZLove letters are personal letters from potential buyers to sellers expressing their emotional attachment to a property. They often include personal narratives, family photos and sentimental reasons why the buyer is interested in the home. The idea is to create an emotional bond that could influence the seller's decision.
Understanding the ethical implications of love letters
As a real estate agent, you facilitate fair and transparent transactions based on objective criteria such as the buyer's financial capability and the offer price. When love letters come into play, decisions can become influenced by personal sympathies or prejudices, leading to potential fair housing violations.
The buyer's personal story may include details about their family, occupation or lifestyle choices, which could inadvertently reveal their marital status, nationality, religion or other protected classes under the Fair Housing Act. If these factors sway a seller, it may lead to inadvertent discrimination, making the transaction legally and ethically problematic.
Adopting a responsible approach in property transactions
Real estate professionals must maintain an equitable marketplace free from bias and discrimination. Hence, it's advisable to discourage clients from writing or using love letters during home-buying. The seller’s agent may not allow the notes anyway. Instead, focus on the buyer's financial readiness, the value of their offer and their genuine interest in the property. Encourage buyers to write a formal, professional letter outlining their offer’s merits without involving personal stories or emotional pleas.
In the end, a responsible approach to property transactions safeguards the interests of all parties involved. It upholds the principles of fairness and equality that are the foundation of our profession. It's vital to stay vigilant, avoid pitfalls and to do what you can to ensure that the industry continues to meet the highest ethical standards.]]>On Behalf of Frails & Wilson Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.frailswilsonlaw.com/?p=478802023-06-12T12:51:23Z2023-06-12T12:51:23Zwrite love letters about a house. Here is why they think this will work and why you should avoid this approach.
Providing personal information
In this “love letter,” the potential buyer will provide information about their family. They may mention how many children they have, how long they’ve been looking for a house, how they envision raising their family there and things of this nature. They’ll try to explain why the house would be so perfect for them in order to create an emotional connection, which they hope will cause the seller to accept their offer, even if there’s a better one on the table.
Why is this an issue?
This is a problem because a love letter can accidentally give the seller information that they shouldn’t have. If they make the decision based on this information, they could be accused of discrimination. For example, some people will include a picture of their family along with the letter. But this can tell the seller certain things that shouldn’t factor into their decision. The seller can see the potential buyer’s race or ethnic background, for example. The love letter might mention their religion or culture.
Sellers cannot make decisions about who to sell their home to based on that person’s race or religion. This would clearly be discrimination. That certainly might not be the intent of a letter, but it can cause this situation to arise unintentionally. That’s why it’s best to skip writing a letter and simply let your offer stand based on its own merits.
The home buying process
This is just one thing to think about when buying a home. If this is the first time you’ve ever been through this process, it certainly can be complicated. Make sure you know exactly what steps to take and what mistakes to avoid by seeking legal guidance proactively.]]>On Behalf of Frails & Wilson Attorneys At Lawhttps://www.frailswilsonlaw.com/?p=478082023-03-23T16:30:57Z2023-03-23T16:30:57Zhighly troubling findings:
Approximately 23 million vehicles suffered severe damages
Injuries were at around 4.5 million
Deaths of drivers and occupants ended the year at about 36,500
Costly collisions impacting the GDP
During the pandemic, drivers breaking speed limits became a trend. The overall monetary costs of collisions accounted for 1.6 percent of the $21.4 trillion gross domestic product (GDP). Even drivers who avoid crashes still pay for approximately three-quarters of insurance premiums, taxes, fuel consumption, lost time in traffic jams, and the overall environmental impact.
By 2021, fatal crashes experienced a 10.5 percent increase from the previous year, representing the most significant jump since the NHTSA started collecting fatality data in 1975. More than 43,000 lost their lives that year, representing the highest number in 16 years. Data for the initial nine months of 2022 revealed a slight decline of 0.2 percent.
The Federal government announced $5 billion in aid to cities and localities to find ways to slow vehicle speeds, add additional bicycle paths, and increase promotional efforts focused on the benefits of public transit. However, are those efforts enough for drivers who continue habits engrained during a worldwide pandemic?]]>