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Recent Blog Posts
Is Distracted Driving More Likely to Cause Car Accidents in Winter?
Car accidents are a serious concern all year round, but winter weather poses an additional risk. Snow and ice create hazardous driving conditions and make it harder to control a car, and drivers need to be able to act quickly and respond correctly to dangerous conditions. When roads are slippery, and winter conditions affect visibility, a seemingly minor mistake can have deadly results. These issues can become even more serious if drivers fail to fully pay attention to the road. While distracted driving is a serious issue at any time of year, it can be even more dangerous during the winter.
Why Distracted Driving Is Riskier in Winter
During the winter, ice and snow make it much harder for drivers to control their vehicles. Split-second decisions often need to be made quickly and with precision. Because vehicles may take longer to slow down and stop on snowy or icy roads, and because a driver can lose control more easily, it is crucial to be able to respond as quickly as possible to events and changing conditions. If a vehicle in front of a person slows down suddenly, or if a pedestrian enters the road unexpectedly, a driver will need to be able to react quickly. If a driver's attention is divided between the road and their phone or other distractions, then there may not be enough time for those quick decisions to be made safely, and a driver will be more likely to lose control when they slam on their brakes or attempt to swerve.
INSURANCE COVERAGE & CONTRACTORS
by: Paralegal Sarah Reckling
A frequent issue that arises in insurance is the extent to which a standard CGL policy covers contractor liability. In my most cases, the issue is not of fact, but of liability insurance language. An insurer, regardless of whether the allegations are covered, must provide a defense of the entire lawsuit. If an insurer wrongfully fails to provide a defense, then the insurer is responsible for the damages to the insured (potentially including attorney’s fees).
An insured can establish a claim as covered under the policy when there is a defined “occurrence,” giving rise to a qualifying “bodily injury” or “property damage.” It is worth noting that exclusions and ambiguities will be narrowly construed against the insurer.
When Can Truck Accidents Be Caused by Inadequate Maintenance?
Commercial trucks are an essential part of the transportation industry and the economy of the United States. They carry goods, materials, and other products throughout the country, ensuring that items can be delivered on time. Unfortunately, truck accidents are a common occurrence on our nation's roads and highways, and inadequate maintenance is one of the leading causes of these accidents. When a truck's equipment is not properly maintained, this can affect the safety of everyone on the road. The accidents that may occur as a result of inadequate maintenance can cause serious injuries and even death. It is important to understand when and how truck maintenance negligence can be a factor in an accident so that victims can be adequately compensated for their losses.
The Dangers of Poorly Maintained Trucks
Commercial trucks are large, heavy vehicles that require regular care and attention to keep them in good working order. Unfortunately, some trucking companies fail to adequately maintain their fleets, putting drivers—and other road users—at risk of harm. When trucks are not properly maintained, they can have serious mechanical issues that make them hard to control. Truck drivers who are unable to operate their vehicles safely due to equipment failure may be unable to avoid collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians.
Be Aware of Scammers Who Claim They Can Recover Cryptocurrency Losses
by: Ray Dall’Osto, Jack McNally & Jason Luczak
In November of 2022, a major cryptocurrency exchange, FTX, failed and has filed for bankruptcy, resulting in billions of dollars of losses for owners of virtual or crypto currency. Over the past several years, many people in the United States and throughout the world have invested in cryptocurrency. While some have been able to earn profits by trading these currencies, many others have experienced losses.
Since the cryptocurrency market is mostly unregulated, those who have lost money have had few options for addressing this issue. To make matters worse, scammers are preying on these victims by claiming that they can help recover money that was lost. In reality, people may suffer further losses if they are caught up in these recovery scams, and they may become the victims of fraud.
5 Ways Your Spouse May Attempt to Hide Assets During Your Divorce
By: Going through a divorce is difficult enough, but when you suspect your spouse of hiding assets, it can make the process even more complicated and frustrating. Your marital property, which includes all assets and debts that you have acquired during your marriage, should be divided fairly between both parties. Unfortunately, there are many divorce cases where spouses try to unfairly influence the property division process by concealing money or other valuable assets. Here are five common ways spouses may try to hide assets during divorce, as well as some tips on how to uncover these issues:
1. Hiding Money in Offshore Accounts
One of the most common—and difficult to track—ways people hide assets during a divorce is by transferring funds to overseas accounts. Since these accounts are outside the jurisdiction of the United States, you may be unable to determine their balances, or even whether they exist at all. However, with the help of a forensic accountant or other financial experts, you may be able to uncover improper transfers to these accounts from sole or joint domestic accounts, and your attorney can make sure these issues are addressed correctly during the divorce process.
Governor Evers to Continue Accepting Pardon Requests in Wisconsin
On November 8, 2022, Tony Evers was reelected as Governor of the state of Wisconsin. Since he was originally elected in 2019, Governor Evers has made efforts to grant clemency to people who have been convicted of crimes and are deserving of a second chance. He has granted a total of more than 600 pardons during his time in office, and he has stated that he will continue to pardon convicts during his next term. With this option available to people who have been convicted of criminal offenses, it is important for those who wish to receive clemency to understand the benefits of a pardon and the procedures followed during the pardon process.
Eligibility for Pardons
People who have been convicted of felonies in Wisconsin state courts may request a pardon, and if a pardon is granted, they will regain certain rights, including the right to own and possess firearms, the right to apply for certain types of professional licenses, and the right to run for public office. To be eligible for a pardon, a person will need to meet the following requirements:
When Can I Face Criminal Charges in Wisconsin for Using a Firearm?
By: It is legal to own and possess firearms in the United States and the state of Wisconsin, although there are certain exceptions, such as when a person has been convicted of a felony. However, while the laws regarding gun ownership are clear, firearms may only be used for certain purposes, and certain types of illegal uses of guns may lead to criminal charges. If you are facing charges related to the use of a firearm, you could be facing serious penalties, including jail time and large fines.
Wisconsin Laws Related to the Use of "Dangerous Weapons"
People who own and use firearms are expected to do so in a way that protects the safety of themselves and others. A person may be charged with the offense of "endangering safety by use of dangerous weapon" if they put other people at risk because they operated or handled a firearm negligently. For example, if a person did not take care while carrying or using a gun, such as by failing to use the weapon's safety settings, pointing the gun recklessly at others, or shooting at targets without making sure others were away from the line of fire, they could be charged with this offense. This charge may also apply if a person was under the influence of alcohol or drugs while carrying or using a firearm or if they were on someone else's property and fired a gun within 100 yards of a residential building without receiving permission from the building's owner.
5 Traffic Violations That Commonly Lead to Car Accidents
A car accident can be a harrowing experience. In the blink of an eye, your vehicle can be damaged or totaled, and you or your passengers can be seriously injured. Every day, thousands of car accidents occur on roads and highways across the United States. While some of these accidents are caused by weather or road conditions, many are the result of driver error, including violations of traffic laws and actions by drivers that put other people at risk of harm. Here are 5 traffic violations that commonly lead to car accidents:
1. Speeding
Drivers who travel faster than the posted speed limit are more likely to be involved in serious accidents. Speeding makes it more difficult for a person to control their vehicle, and it leaves them less time to react to hazards on the road. Additionally, speeding can increase the severity of an accident by causing vehicles to collide with greater force. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding is a factor in nearly one-third of all fatal car accidents.
When Is Wire Fraud Charged as a Federal or State Offense?
by: Jason Luczak, Patrick Knight and Ray Dall’Osto
There are a number of criminal offenses that are commonly known as "white collar crimes.” These generally involve the theft of money or misappropriation of funds and other forms of fraud that are committed using non-violent actions. Wire fraud and mail fraud are related offenses that are included in this category. However, many people are unaware of exactly what wire fraud is and what types of actions can result in criminal charges being filed against an individual or business entity.
Fraud involves taking another person or entity's money, property, or protected information through deceptive means. Unlike traditional theft or robbery, where the victim does not give consent to being deprived of their property, fraud crimes typically involve deception or false pretenses to obtain a victim’s property, where the victim may have thought the transaction was legitimate. Wire fraud is a type of fraud that uses communication networks, such as the internet, telephone lines, or email. Depending on the specific nature of an offense, the communication networks used, and the victims involved, a person accused of wire fraud may face either federal charges or state criminal charges and civil liability as well.
How Can Parents Help Children Defend Against School Expulsions?
By: The ability to attend school and receive a quality education is a right provided to all children in the United States. However, this right can sometimes be affected by disciplinary matters that cause school officials to believe that a student should be removed from school. In Wisconsin, specific procedures must be followed before a student can be expelled, and parents may need to take steps to defend their child and ensure that they will still be able to attend school and receive an education. With the help of an attorney, parents can make the correct arguments in expulsion hearings, and if necessary, they can file an appeal on their student's behalf. By understanding the laws that affect school expulsions, the grounds for discipline in these cases, and the legal procedures that will be followed, parents can make sure their children's rights will be protected throughout every step of the process.
