• Mandatory drug and alcohol testing
• Maintaining motor carrier registration and insurance
• Safety and health standards
• Keeping all the necessary accessories for safe operation of the vehicle

However, Georgia’s laws add an additional level of scrutiny to the laws demanded by the federal government.

Medical Examiner’s Certificate

If you are pulling a trailer of 10,001 lbs or more (class A Commercial Driver’s License), you need a medical examiner’s certificate.

Time Limits for Driving

Again, if you are pulling a trailer of 10,001 lbs or more, you may not drive for more than 14 hours straight. After 14 hours, you must have ten consecutive hours off duty. In addition, you may not log more than 70 hours in any 8-day working period. If your company doesn’t operate on the weekends, you may not log more than 60 hours in a week.

Trailer Brakes

If the gross weight of the trailer is over 3,000 lbs, you need to have separate trailer brakes installed on your truck.

Alcoholic Beverages

Drivers may not operate the vehicle while under the influence. Furthermore, drivers may not have alcoholic beverages anywhere in the vehicle, unless they are part of the cargo.

Most Commonly Violated Regulations

In addition to the above regulations, these are the most common issues truck drivers face with the law. If you get into an accident these can be used against you:

• Improper vehicle identification (name and DOT number)
• Lack of medical examiner’s certificate
• Use of a radar detector. Radar detectors are prohibited.
• Lack of a fire extinguisher in the truck. You must keep a fire extinguisher within reach at all times.
• Forgetting to do a safety check before leaving. In Georgia, if it can be proven that you didn’t do a safety check before you take your cargo, and you get into an accident, you can suffer huge fees and even loss of license.
• No time records kept in the truck. This is important because you are only allowed to work for a certain amount of time each week.

As long as you stay abreast of Georgia’s traffic laws, you will stay safe from having to pay exorbitant legal fees. However, if you fail to follow the laws, you put yourself at risk. For assistance with truck laws in Georgia, contact the Truck Accident Law today.

The cancer, usually in the form of a tumor, is formed in the mesothelium, the protective lining surrounding our internal organs. The mesothelium contains a sac which allows the fluid within to move about the organ easily. This can allow reduced friction between the lungs and the ribs for instance. Cancerous cells start replicating in the mesothelium. Tumors follow, reducing the ability of the mesothelium to perform its lubricating job. Breathing can be painful for a person afflicted with this form of cancer.

Most mesothelioma tumors are found in the lungs. But they can also be present in the abdomen and in the heart muscle although these tend to be rare. The cancer can metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body.

Diagnosis can be difficult in part due to the long latency period and in part due to similarity of symptoms to other diseases and conditions. It is important to seek medical help quickly.

Symptoms of lung mesothelioma can include: a dry cough, wheezing or hoarseness, fatigue, and pain and/or shortness of breath when breathing. Symptoms of abdominal mesothelioma can include:abdominal pain and/or swelling, bowel problems, and weight loss.

While surgical intervention can be used to remove the tumors, the long-term prognosis for most people suffering from mesothelioma is poor. If you suspect that you may have been exposed to asbestos, you should seek medical and legal help immediately.

This article does not provide legal advice.

Clients in Indiana that have suffered the damaging effects of mesothelioma need legal assistance from Kenneth J. Allen & Associates, P.C.

To make matters more confusing, states are not bound by the federal inheritance tax limits, and some states have lower or higher limits than the IRS. States also differ in the types of taxes they assess on various properties. A condominium may have taxes assessed differently from a single-family dwelling; vacation property may be rated on a different scale than residential property.

If you own property in more than one state, it would pay to have a competent estate-planning attorney look at your assets and advise you as to the best way to shelter your property from taxes. Most attorneys are licensed in only one state; however, your estate-planning attorney may be licensed in more than one state, especially if you are in an area where state boundaries are close. If he or she is not licensed in more than one state, it is easy to incorporate the counsel of another attorney in the estate planning strategy for solid advice and feedback. Whatever you and your attorney decide, it is imperative to get sound advice about the tax laws in each state where you own property, in order to protect all your investments.

You should also keep in mind that if you have heirs who live outside of your state, your attorney should be aware of this so that he or she can look at the laws of that particular state. States can and do assess inheritance taxes on out-of-state heirs, and there may be tax consequences in the heir’s home state as well.

There are ways to shelter your property, such as trusts. An estate attorney can help you decide which options are best for you.

This article is not intended as legal advice. Only an estate planning attorney can give you information tailored to your individual situation.

What is the difference between a DUI and DWI?
Both DUI and DWI are legal terms that refer to driving under the influence of illegal alcohol or drugs. The state requirements and laws regarding a DUI or DWI vary. DUI refers to “driving under the influence,” while DWI refers to “driving while intoxicated.” Typically, a DUI offers less harsh punishment and reflect lesser intoxication than a DWI. Often, a DWI can be reduced to a DUI with the aid of a lawyer.

If the police stop me, should I answer questions they may ask regarding drinking?
If a police stops your vehicle and proceeds to question you, you are not bound to answer any questions he or she asks. Instead, you may respectfully request to speak with an attorney before answering any questions. If you have only had 1 or 2 drinks, it should not be a problem to simply say you have had a drink. You should also understand, however, that a police officer may be recording everything you say from the moment he or she approaches you, or even beforehand.

If police stop me for a DWI investigation, do I have the right to an attorney?
Often, people misunderstand the extent of their legal rights when asked to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test. You do have the option to take the test or not, however, in varying states you may receive harsh penalties for not taking the test if found to meet the DUI or DWI requirements. You also do not have the right to speak with an attorney until after an investigation has been conducted, even if that investigation ultimately means you are taken to jail. However, it is beneficial to ask respectfully if you may speak with an attorney and express this desire in a polite way.

These are just a few questions people often have regarding DWIs and DUIs. If you are in the position of having a DUI or DWI, be sure to consult a defense attorney to help you every step within your case.

Tender of Lawsuit Summon

The clerk of court then issues a summons to the defendant notifying the latter that he or she is being sued, the nature of the complaint, and the time he or she has to file an answer with the court where the suit has been filed. The tendering of the summons is called service and also includes a copy of the complaint which has been filed.

In some courts, however, the summons and the complaint can be tendered directly to the defendant without prior filing of the complaint with the court. Once the defendant has received summons, he or she has a fixed amount of time to answer or respond to the complaint made against him or her.

Course of Actions

Within that time she may do the following:

• Answer the plaintiff’s complaint by stating his or her defenses and counterclaims against the plaintiff’s allegations as well as admit or deny the allegations made in the complaint.

• The defendant may also file a third party complaint if he or she believes that other defendant should be included in the complaint and also be held liable for the damages suffered by the plaintiff.

• The defendant may also choose to dispute the validity of the complaint by filing motions to dismiss the complaint. Should these motions be denied by the courts and an appeal is also denied, the defendant will have to file an answer to the complaint.

While these pleadings are usually drafted and filed by a lawyer, the parties to a suit may choose to do this themselves and courts do provide what is known as a pro se clerk to assist those acting as their own legal counsel.

This article is for information purposes only and not intended for legal advice. For legal assistance with a lawsuit summons, please contact the attorneys at Shavitz Law in Boca Raton, Florida.

The main reasons where accidental shooting occurs (not in order of frequency) are:

• Victim being out of sight of the shooter.
• Failure to identify the target.
• Victim moving into the line of fire.
• Swinging on game
• Careless handling of firearms
• Loading or unloading firearms
• Failure to check beyond the target
• Improper crossing of an obstacle
• Faulty equipment
• Falling

Non-shooting Accidents

Non shooting accidents can also occur when hunting. The most common of these is falling from tree stands. Injury can also occur from slipping and falling. Attacks from prey can also occur depending on what is being hunted with wild boar being the most likely to attack.

Biggest Safety Concern

Failure to identify the target is the biggest concern among researchers as it often ends in fatalities or serious injury and is often the hardest for personal injury claims to determine. Many hunters who accidentally shoot a fellow hunter find themselves facing manslaughter charges.

Safety Tips

Correctly identifying the target is the number one safety rule and there is concern at how often people fail to do so. This is often attributed to ‘buck fever’ where the hunter becomes so engrossed in the process of the chase that they forget this basic rule and shoot at any shape, color or movement sets them into fire.

Wearing brightly colored clothing to avoid mistaking the target is a requirement in nearly every country. In the United States blaze orange is specified as the legal color. Inspector Joe Green (from New Zealand) states that in some lighting conditions blaze orange can be seen as a deep red instead (the same color as deer). He suggests that light blue may actually have more contrast in most hunting environments.

There has also been concern that ‘hunter density’ can contribute to accidents, in times where there are many hunting parties in a small area. Statistics show though that 65% of the time the shooter and the victim are from the same hunting party.

Hunting safety classes should really be a necessity for those intending to hunt. The risks involved for uneducated hunters and others in the area are just too great. Even experienced hunters should take the time to re-read the rules at the beginning of any hunting season.

Keeping equipment, particularly firearms in good shape can also reduce the risk of accidental injury. Hunters should always wear appropriate clothing that makes them clearly identifiable and have a solid means of communication open with others they are hunting with.

Along with following the basics, one of the main things each hunter needs to do is keep a level head. Always, always – Think before you shoot. Being involved in a hunting accident can change lives forever.

If you have been the victim of a hunting accident, seek legal counsel from the injury attorneys at Ken Allen Law.

Predetermined Child Statute
These rights fall under the Predetermined Child Statute, which gives recently born or adopted dependents fifty percent of the decedent’s estate, provided they were born or adopted between the time of the will’s drafting and the time of death. Dating back to Roman law, the child is guaranteed the same amount they would have received had the decedent died intestate, with no will at all.

Homesteading Rights
Minor children are protected by homesteading rights that prevent the decedent from giving away the family home if there is an heir who is a minor child. Exceptions to this would include a child who was intentionally left out of the will; a child who was given an alternate inheritance intended to replace being mentioned in the will; or a child whose surviving parent inherited the entire estate or the great majority of it.

After-born Children
Some states have specific laws regarding the rights of children born after the making of a will. These are called after-born children. Rather than voiding an existing will, after-born children serve to modify it. Obviously, a child born well after the decedent’s demise, for example ten months later, would not be included in the settlement, as the will would be closed nine months after death.

For more information on Cutting a Child out a Will, please visit the office of Adrian Phillips Thomas, Probate Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale.

Blood Alcohol Level
It depends on a few factors, one being how much alcohol was in the one drink you had, and the other being how much that alcohol impacted your body. In most states, you are considered to be over the legal limit when your blood alcohol level reaches .08 percent. On average, a 100 pound person will reach the .08 percent limit for each 2 drinks consumed during a one hour period.

Standard Drinks
Also, the above calculation assumes “standard drinks,” which are not high in alcohol content. If your “one drink” is high in alcohol content or is a large drink, like a double- or a triple-sized drink, it is very easy for your body to cross the legal BAC driving limit after finishing that drink. And if your body weight is below 100 pounds, then that will make your BAC reach .08 percent with less alcohol.

Absorption of Alcohol
Additionally, the general condition of your body will determine how it absorbs alcohol, which influences your blood alcohol content level as well. If you have more fat on your body you will absorb alcohol more quickly (this is one reason why women get drunk faster than men). If you’re fatigued or dehydrated, that can affect how alcohol interacts with your body and cause your BAC to go up quickly. And if you haven’t eaten, that can also make your body absorb alcohol speedily and cause the alcohol level in your body to increase more rapidly.

If you’re in doubt about your BAC level, the safest choice is always to walk, take a cab, or let a sober friend drive instead.

This article is intended to provide you with information about how different factors can affect your blood alcohol content and is not intended to be legal advice.

Legal Resource: If you have been convicted of drunk driving in the state of Texas, the attorneys at Dallas Justice can help.

The vast majority of landlords today are no doubt very responsible and maintain their properties in full compliance with the law. For those who don’t, however, tenants may choose to exercise their right to organize in order to force his or her hand on certain issues.

Choosing Your Dispute

Remember that there is a big difference between a rental property that is somewhat out of date and one that is violating the law or that is unsafe. The carpet in the entryway may be old, but this may be nothing over which to start a rent strike. So, it’s good to consider your disputes and to be selective.

Safety should be everyone’s priority and unsafe properties should be fixed and maintained. But it’s good to write up a list of specific problems in a rental property and to be sure that these problems actually violate the law or are presenting a safety hazard before anyone organizes.

Handling a Dispute

Of course it’s better to try to resolve a dispute with a landlord directly before anyone considers a rent strike or other methods. Remember that a landlord has the legal right to answer your claims in court, so just forming a tenant organization is not a guarantee that you’ll get your way.

And sometimes when a landlord is presented with a letter or protest in writing and signed by many tenants, they’re more likely to take it seriously. This can save everyone court fees and other expenses.

Any tenant or tenant organization that has a serious dispute with a landlord would do well to speak to an attorney, at least for a consultation, before taking any drastic measures. An attorney can review your claims and advise the best way to handle these disputes so that everyone’s legal interests are protected. This article should not substitute for sound legal advice.

Look for Plainview, NY area lawyer Elan Wurtzel, PC for more details at www.WurtzelLaw.com

Under Florida law, there is equitable distribution of assets on a divorce. This does not necessarily mean that the assets are simply divided in half but that the financial arrangements are fair to both parties. All marital property such as the family home, other properties, vehicles, stocks and shares, business interests and money in bank accounts are taken into account and divided between the two parties in an arrangement agreed between the divorcing spouses or if no agreement can be reached, then a judge will make the final decision, based on evidence presented at a trial.

When one party requires financial support, or alimony, from the other, all relevant economic factors are taken into consideration such as the standard of living prior to the divorce, the length of time the parties have been married and the reason for the divorce can be used as a factor.

The tax consequences of any financial settlement are also taken into account. Any debts that require settling are looked at to agree who should be responsible for the repayments. This includes mortgages on properties, tax liabilities and credit card debts.

If the matter proceeds to trial because no agreement can be reached amicably between the two parties then the court will first set aside all assets and liabilities not considered marital. Then the starting point is that all the marital assets should be divided equally, unless there are good grounds not for equal distribution. Factors that will be taken into account are the length of the marriage, the contribution to the marriage by each party (not restricted to financial contributions but looking after the home and raising the children will also be taken into account), the economic situation of both parties, how each party has helped the other in terms of career and education, if either party has given up opportunities for the sake of the marriage, the effect of losing a particular asset by either party (such as a business interest or the matrimonial home) and the contribution of each party to joint income or liabilities of the family. If either party has intentionally dissipated any assets since the divorce petition was filed, this will also be taken into account.

If you are considering getting divorced in Florida and would like to speak to a Florida Divorce Lawyer, visit the Jodat Law Group in Tampa, Florida.