What To After a Commercial Truck Accident

Steps to take following a commercial truck accident

Accidents involving commercial semi-trailers and passenger vehicles are an entirely different animal from accidents involving cars and pickups only. The large size and massive weight of a semi create a bigger risk of more severe injuries. The steps you take after a truck accident mimic what you do in any traffic accident to an extent but also take on more urgency.

1.      Get people to safety, tend to injuries, and call emergency services. Injuries may be so serious that you won't have time to do anything else until emergency services arrive. Get everyone out of the path of oncoming traffic if possible, but be aware that some victims may not be able to move or be moved safely. If the truck driver is able to walk and help out, he or she should have emergency tools like cones or flares, and should be able to call for help.

2.      Call the police and remain at the scene. Even if you think you're OK -- even if you weren't hit -- stay and talk to the police. Your information could help the police determine fault and also figure out the cause.

3.      Trade what information you can. If you were involved and you and the truck driver are able, trade all the typical information -- insurance, license numbers, contact information, and the like. If a driver is unconscious, record the license plate of the vehicle and other information like makes and models.

4.      Get or provide witness contact information and take pictures of the scene. Those involved in the accident, as well as the police, should get contact information from witnesses.

If you were one of the people involved in the accident, contact an attorney who can represent you if you go to court over medical and other accident-related costs. Eisenberg Law Offices can help you whether you're seeking additional insurance payouts or have other costs stemming from the accident.
This post was originally published at https://www.eisenberglaw.org/what-to-after-a-commercial-truck-accident/

Recognize and Combat Distracted Driving

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

This April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and while most people now know what distracted driving is, they don't realize that they are likely taking part in it daily. Distracted driving can be as dangerous as drowsy or drunk driving, and in fact, it can be worse, because your guard is completely down and you don't have a sense that something is off even though you're sober and awake. Take a look at what distracted driving is really all about, and chances are you'll recognize actions that you thought weren't a problem.
Distracted driving is driving when your attention is pulled away by something else. Your kids might be fighting in the backseat and you end up yelling at them instead of looking at the road, you get so caught up in finding a good song on the radio that you forget to pay attention to the upcoming stoplights, you zone out on a long road trip, and so on. Texting while driving is a form of distracted driving; so is putting on makeup while in the driver's seat and concentrating on finding the fry bag in your fast food order even though your eyes are pointed at the road.
Obviously, you can't stop thinking while you're behind the wheel. It's common for attention to ebb and flow to an extent. However, you do need to control that ebb and flow so that you maintain safe reaction times.
Distracted driving falls into three general categories:

1.      Manual, in which you remove one or both hands from the steering wheel;

2.      Visual, in which you look away from the road; and

3.      Cognitive, in which you are looking at the road and holding the steering wheel but not paying attention.

You can do one, two, or all three of these forms of distracted driving.
If you have been injured by someone who was driving while distracted, contact Eisenberg Law Offices. You need legal help to ensure you get proper compensation for injuries and living expenses while recovering.
This post was originally published at https://www.eisenberglaw.org/recognize-and-combat-distracted-driving/

Your First Wisconsin OWI Is Still a Big Deal

Your First OWI in Wisconsin will significantly impact your life

Many people believe that the first offense for an OWI in Wisconsin will bring a slap on the wrist. Mistakes happen, after all. Unfortunately, this is not the case. An OWI arrest brings real consequences that can impact you for the rest of your life. For this reason, if you are charged with OWI in Madison, you should retain an experienced attorney to help.
Monetary Penalties
Your first OWI offense counts as a civil conviction. It comes with a fine between $150 and $300, along with an additional $365 OWI surcharge. You will also get your license suspended for six to nine months, and pay a $200 reinstatement fee before you get your license back. Finally, all of these penalties increase dramatically, and it actually becomes a crime, if you have a passenger under 16 years old in the vehicle with you.
You will also have to get an ignition interlock device (IID) if your blood alcohol content is above .15, and undergo a mandatory Alcohol and Other Drugs Assessment after your conviction. Your auto insurance rates may increase significantly.
Lingering Effects of Your First OWI
Your first OWI offense stays on your driving record forever. Any time you apply for a job or credit, that mark can count against you. Having your license suspended or revoked can also create difficulties with your current work or home life. It takes time to move past the penalties, but it takes even longer to move forward in your life.
You can even be convicted for an OWI if your blood alcohol content is within the legal limits. The court can determine that your ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired and it was unsafe for you to drive based on other factors. If you have been pulled over and arrested for an OWI, it is important to work with experienced attorneys. In the Madison, Wisconsin area, Eisenberg Law Offices can provide the representation you need.
This post was originally published at https://www.eisenberglaw.org/your-first-wisconsin-owi-is-still-a-big-deal/

Understanding Attorney-Client Privilege

What is protected by Attorney-Client Privilege?

Attorneys hear all kinds of information from their clients. If you speak with an attorney, you may be nervous about what you should tell him or her. You want your lawyer to help you, but you may have information that you don't want to get out.  Fortunately, your communication with your attorney(s) is protected by Attorney-Client Privilege.  What does this mean?
The law creates privileges and protections for your communications with an attorney. Any of these communications remain private and cannot be used against you in court proceedings. This gives you the freedom you need to give your lawyer all the information he or she needs to best represent you at trial.

How Attorney-Client Privilege Works

If you are arrested, you may have to provide some information to prosecutors. This process is called "discovery," and is a way to make sure both sides have access to all the relevant facts of a case. Privilege creates an exception to this rule. Once you speak with a lawyer, that information is protected by the attorney-client privilege. This keeps any communication that you make in confidence with a lawyer from being disclosed to a prosecutor.
The reason for attorney-client privilege is the special relationship that an attorney and client need to share. You cannot be open about your case if you know prosecutors might take any information you provide. No matter what you tell your attorney as part of his or her representation of you, the prosecuting attorney does not have a right to that information.
How It Helps You
The biggest benefit to this rule is that it allows you to be open. The more honest you are with your lawyer, the more completely he or she can represent you at trial. Understanding the facts fully can help him or her know what witnesses to call, whether to have you testify, and what evidence will be most helpful to your defense. It gives him or her the ability to advocate fully on your behalf.
If you have been arrested in Madison, Wisconsin, you need to be confident in your attorney's ability to defend you. Contact Eisenberg Law Offices for experienced representation.
This post was originally published at https://www.eisenberglaw.org/understanding-attorney-client-privilege/  

Maintain Your Vehicle to Prevent Car Accidents

Properly maintenance can prevent car accidents

If you are driving in the Madison, Wisconsin area, you need to do what you can to prevent car accidents. Safe driving requires more than just following speed limits and traffic rules. You also need to maintain your vehicle. If you get involved in a car accident, you may be responsible if the accident results from your failure to properly maintain your vehicle. Heeding these warning signs can help you avoid liability.
1. Worn Tires
Your tires provide one of the most important safety details on your car. Proper tread helps your tire grip the road and avoid slipping or skidding off the road or into another vehicle. You will experience wet or icy roads in the Madison area; if your tires are wearing down, replace them before they create problems.
2. Wheel Alignment
Besides the tread itself, if your car's wheels are out of alignment, you may veer out of your lane or struggle to steer out of trouble. A car that drifts in one direction or shows uneven tread wear probably needs an alignment.
3. Brake Problems
Brakes, before they give out, give warning signals that you need to address. If your brakes squeal or grind, it means the brake pads or rotors are wearing down. A spongy feel to your brakes likely means you are losing brake fluid. Address these signs so you can stop when you need to do so.
4. Shocks and Suspension
If your vehicle is sitting low, or seems to move too much when you hit a bump, you may have suspension problems. These affect your vehicle's reaction and can lead to accidents. Look to repair suspension issues as soon as you notice them.
5. Dashboard Lights
Your vehicle has warning signals for both general and specific problems. Never assume that a warning light is meaningless or just a fuse problem. Repairing issues your car warns you about helps keep you and other drivers safe on the road.
Cars are safer today than ever before, in part because of the warning signals they provide. Maintain your vehicle properly to stay safe when you drive.

This post was originally published at https://www.eisenberglaw.org/maintain-your-vehicle-to-prevent-car-accidents/