Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident
February 22, 2022 | Adriel B. Villarreal
Getting into a car accident is stressful and scary, but taking the proper steps following the crash makes all the difference, especially when it comes time to deal with the insurance companies. After you’ve gathered yourself and taken a few deep breaths, the next steps are crucial and will ensure your personal injury legal defense has the upper hand. Continue reading to learn how to make the process easier when it comes time to talk with insurance companies. Medical Attention The first step should always be ensuring all parties involved in the accident are safe and receiving the necessary medical attention. If you don’t have a cell phone near you, make sure a pedestrian nearby calls 911. Next, if there are no notable injuries, any vehicles that are blocking traffic should be moved to the side of the road. Take Detailed Notes Taking detailed notes will ensure clear, concise records of the events. Sometimes it may take months for insurance companies to wrap up your case, and without a clear recollection of the accident, you may miss vital details. To ensure your notes cover the necessary information, make sure they include: Pre-Accident Details – These notes should include where you were headed to; both the direction and location, what direction the other vehicle involved in the…
Read MoreThe Corporate Transparency Act and How It Impacts Your Business
February 17, 2022 | Georgia Kellogg
Update December 19th, 2024 On December 3, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc., et al. v. Garland, enjoining the federal government from enforcing the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and its reporting deadlines. On December 13, 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed an Emergency Motion for Stay Pending Appeal in the Fifth Circuit requesting an expedited briefing schedule and a ruling “as soon as possible, but in any event no later than December 27, 2024, to ensure that regulated entities can be made aware of their obligation to comply before January 1, 2025.” Reporting companies should continue monitoring developments in the coming days in case the January 1, 2025 deadline for filing is reinstated. In January of 2021, as part of its initiative to crack down on illicit activities commonly associated with shell companies, Congress passed the Corporate Transparency Act (the “CTA”). Under the CTA, entities formed or registered to do business in the United States will be required to report various information concerning beneficial ownership of the company. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) has been tasked with preparing the regulations that will govern the beneficial ownership reporting requirement and provide the necessary oversight to ensure…
Read MoreDWI: Can You Refuse a Breath Test?
February 14, 2022 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
Should you make the mistake of driving under the influence, there may be a series of penalties coming your way. Many try to avoid the repercussions by refusing a breathalyzer test completely, but this is a crime itself in Minnesota and oftentimes gets you in more trouble. Continue reading to find out what you should do if you are pulled over while driving under the influence. Understanding Minnesota’s Implied Consent Law According to Minnesota Statute § 169A.51, any person who drives or operates a motor vehicle in Minnesota consents to a test of their breath to determine if they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Essentially, this law is stating that if you are suspected of driving while under the influence, and you refuse to take a breath test, you can be reprimanded. Some of these penalties for a first-time refusal include a one-year license revocation and jail time. What Happens If You Refuse? The minute you refuse a breath test, the officer is legally required to inform you that the law states that you have already consented by driving, and the refusal is now considered a crime. The officer then must also inform you of your right to speak to an attorney. After you are informed of the law, you…
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