From Our Computers to Yours
Friends:
Watching the Super Bowl, I thought about how things come together with good leadership, individuals striving for personal best and also working together as a team, being aware of what’s going on around you, and knowing how your actions impact what happens to someone else.
I also thought about Vince Lombardi, perhaps one of the most quotable coaches in history, and some of the very astute and motivational things he said. “The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.” “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” “The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have.” “Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence.” “We didn’t lose the game; we just ran out of time.”
Food for thought as the winter winds down.
Your Attorney,
Steve Bienstock
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’M IN A CAR ACCIDENT?
No matter how upset you are, don’t make any statements about who caused the accident, but note any statements made by other people involved in the accident.
If you are injured, go immediately by ambulance or car to a hospital emergency room, or go see your doctor right away. Don’t say you are fine. Why? Because you may not realize that you are injured or how badly you are hurt. You may not even be aware of certain injuries, like soft tissue injury, until days or weeks after the accident. If you say you’re fine, it may impact a future settlement. Seeing a doctor immediately is very important for your well-being. It is also key for getting compensation for your injuries.
What information should you give to, and get from, others involved in the accident? Witnesses? Police?
When should you call the insurance company? Your attorney?
For more information, visit our website at www.bienstocklegal.com. From the Services drop-down menu at the top of the page, select “Personal Injury,” and scroll down to the bottom of the page for “What To Do After A Car Accident.” Or, if you’d prefer, just give us a call on 301-251-1600 or email us at sheila@bienstocklegal.com. We’d be happy to send you a helpful list of “Do’s and Don’t’s.”
We all hope that we and our loved ones are never involved in a car accident. But, unfortunately, it just happens. There are so many things to remember, and being prepared will help relieve at least a little of the anxiety.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION
The initial consultation is your attorney’s first opportunity to hear from you about your particular situation, to ask you questions, to clarify what your options are, to explain how we can help you and how our fees would be structured. Without this discussion, we would not have the information needed to understand your specific circumstance.
This initial consultation is also YOUR opportunity to ask questions and get legal advice. Very importantly, you need to determine if you feel comfortable with us. Are we listening to what you are saying? Are we communicating well, giving you clear and concise answers? Do we understand what you are going through? Do you feel confident in our knowledge and experience?
Our initial consultations are currently being done over the phone. We have found this to be very efficient, although we definitely miss seeing you in person. We look forward to being able to resume in-person meetings soon!
The initial consultation usually lasts 30-60 minutes. We only charge a small fee for this time, instead of our standard hourly rates.
We appreciate the opportunity to be of service and thank you for choosing us as your attorneys.
BELIEVE IT OR DON’T!
- A Florida teenager, seriously injured in an auto accident, sued the city because the police failed to arrest him for drunken driving.
- A Las Vegas man was convicted of smuggling a dozen lizards into the U.S. in his underwear.
- A Fairfax man was arrested when his hand got stuck in the dashboard as he tried to steal the stereo.
- Cited for driving alone in an HOV lane, a California mortuary driver told the judge he wasn’t alone, he was transporting 48 bodies.
- A Pennsylvania jury ordered a nightclub to pay its stripper $363,153 because she was badly burned while performing her fire-breathing routine.
- A woman in Israel caught the flu after leaving home without a coat. She sued the local TV weatherman for $1,000 since he had predicted sunshine, but it was windy and wet.
- Before going inside to rob a sandwich shop, a Louisiana man stood out front and practiced pulling his shirt over his head as a disguise. All of this was captured on the security camera.
Q&A
A. Yes, that is fine. Just keep in mind that this person will be responsible for going through your personal property, both physically and virtually, so this could present some logistical challenges for an out-of-state Personal Representative.
A. Yes, and this is why. When someone dies without a Will, each jurisdiction (e.g., MD, DC) has its own laws that dictate how their estate is distributed. This may not be what the person would have wanted. Regarding the Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, and Living Will, as you know, as parents you can legally make these decisions on behalf of your minor children. But, once the “children” reach the age of majority, you no longer automatically have the legal right to make their legal/medical decisions. So, if one of your children becomes incapacitated and does not have these documents, these critical and personal decisions will be made by the Courts. We recommend adults of all ages have these documents to ensure their wishes can be legally recognized and to facilitate the process for those who need to make the decisions.
A. The length of the marriage counts in several ways. When one party makes non-monetary contributions to the acquisition of property in a marriage that lasted just a few years, this will not weigh as heavily as contributions in a 25-year marriage. Standard of living is tied to length of marriage, so that plays a role as well. Your next question may be, “What qualifies as non-monetary contributions?” These can include, for instance, taking care of the children, working around the house, cooking meals, working in the yard, etc.
Do you have a question for us?
Are there any topics you would like to hear more about?
Email our Paralegal, Sheila, at sheila@bienstocklegal.com !