Truck Accident Attorneys: Semi Tractor Trailer Accidents

Wisconsin Truck Accident Attorneys

Accidents in your vehicle always create dangers to you and those with you. When your accident involves a semi tractor trailer, though, the size of the vehicle and the force with which it impacts your own vehicle make these accidents even more dangerous. Whether a trailer tips to hit your vehicle or you face direct impact, you need to be ready to protect your rights using the services of truck accident attorneys in Madison WI.
Details of the Accident
As in any kind of collision, you need to make sure you gather as many facts about your accident as possible. Part of this will come from the police report. If you are the victim in the accident, stay on the scene for long enough to give your explanation of what happened, if you are able, so the police are not relying solely on the other driver. Note the time of day, driving conditions, and anything else that might relate to what happened.
Driver Factors
Because semi tractor trailers present such an added risk factor in accidents, Wisconsin law places specific requirements on truck drivers. They must be at least 18 years old. They can only drive for up to 12 hours in a day, and must have eight hours of rest before they do so. They can only drive a total of 70 hours in a given seven-day period.
All of these rules help ensure the safety of other drivers on the road. If a truck driver is fatigued or underage, or otherwise impaired, that creates powerful evidence to support a claim against that driver.
Truck drivers play an important role in transporting goods in Wisconsin and across the country. But when they make mistakes, the results can be deadly. If you or someone you love has been hurt in an accident with a semi trailer truck, contact Eisenberg Law Offices for a free consultation.
This post was originally published at http://www.eisenberglaw.org/truck-accident-attorneys-semi-tractor-trailer-accidents/

3 Insider Tips From Car Accident Attorneys

What to do if you're involved in a Car Accident - Tips from Car Accident Attorneys in Madison, WI

If you are injured in a car accident, you don't have to wait long to be flooded with advice. Fliers and letters pour into your mailbox, and friends and family have plenty of recommendations for you. Before you get started, though, you need to make sure you have everything in order.  Here are 3 tips from Madison Car Accident Attorneys:
1. Collect Details
You need to make a statement to the police and to your insurance company--and only your insurance company. Do not talk to the other driver's insurance company. Have your lawyer do that. If you are physically able, stay at the scene of the accident to tell the police your version of events. Make note of what you experienced before and during the accident, including the other driver's actions and the conditions in which you were driving. The more you take down, the more easily you will remember later.
2. See a Doctor
Whether you feel hurt or not, you need to see a medical professional. After an accident, your body gives you an adrenaline boost. This is a natural defense to help you push through, but it can sometimes mask pain that an injury would ordinarily make you feel. A thorough examination is the only way to know the nature and extent of any injuries you may have suffered. You cannot get the treatment you need unless you know what to treat.
3. Get Local Legal Help
It often shocks people how quickly they begin to receive letters from attorneys and law firms across the state and beyond. Many firms monitor police records to jump in when an accident occurs. They may genuinely want to help, but a non-local attorney lacks the intimate knowledge of the local court rules and the judges who might hear your case if it goes to trial. And they don't have the familiarity with the other party's counsel that helps an experienced local attorney better navigate any settlement discussions.
At Eisenberg Law Offices, we have the experience and the breadth of local understanding to help in your Madison-area accident claim. Call us today to get the personal attention your case deserves.
This post was originally published at http://www.eisenberglaw.org/3-insider-tips-car-accident-attorneys/

Penalties for Possession of Prescription Drugs in Wisconsin

Possession of Prescription Drugs in Wisconsin - what you should know

Wisconsin does not limit possession of illegal drugs to street drugs. Many prescription drugs create dependency and, if you do not have an active prescription, possession of prescription drugs also carries criminal penalties. The fact that these drugs carry less of a social stigma can make them in some ways more dangerous--and Wisconsin law provides for stiff penalties as a result. Illegal possession of prescription drugs can create significant problems for you.
Pain Killers
Many powerful opiates and opioids are prescribed to help patients deal with chronic pain after surgery or traumatic injuries. These include codeine, morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. Unfortunately, the strength of these drugs and the narcotic effects they create make them highly addictive. Wisconsin law classifies them as Schedule II narcotics. If you possess any of these without a valid prescription, you are subject to arrest for a Class I felony, with a potential fine of $10,000, and a prison sentence up to three and a half years.
Other prescription-strength pain medication that is not classified as a narcotic still carries a fine of up to $500 and up to thirty days in jail. These can include clonazepam, ketamine, and anabolic steroids.
Amphetamines
Possession of amphetamines carries similarly heavy penalties. Drugs like methampehetamine and Adderall are Class I controlled substances. Your first offense for possession of amphetamines carries a fine up to $5,000 and jail up to one year. Any future offenses, though, carry the same penalties as those for opiates. The second offense and any after are also considered Class I felonies.
Additional Penalties
For any drug possession conviction, you may lose your driving privileges. You can also have a 50% surcharge added to any fines you receive as a result of a conviction. Wisconsin treats drug-related offenses severely, for prescription drugs as well as street drugs.
If you have been arrested for illegal possession of prescription drugs, you have rights. Do not waive your right to remain silent--or your right to an attorney. Contact Eisenberg Law Offices to get the representation you need.
This post was originally published at http://www.eisenberglaw.org/penalties-possession-prescription-drugs-wisconsin/

Penalties for Driving On a Suspended License in Wisconsin

Driving on a Suspended License in Wisconsin?

You rely on your car every day, for work and for your personal life. But if your license has been suspended, you face significant legal problems under Wisconsin law for continuing to drive. The extent depends on why your license was suspended and what happens when you drive. When you harm property or other people while driving under a suspended license, the penalties increase. Regardless, if you are caught driving with a suspended license, you will need strong legal representation from .
Fines for Driving Under Suspension
Depending on why your license was suspended, you can face significant fines. In most cases, you may be fined between $50 and $200 for driving while your license is suspended. But if your license was revoked, or if you are charged with an OWI, that fine can increase to as much as $2,500. You can also be sentenced to up to a year in a county jail.
Hurting Others
The stakes increase dramatically as you cause more damage. If you seriously injure someone while driving with a suspended license, you face a fine between $5,000 and $7,500 and a one-year county jail sentence, and if you knew your license was suspended, can also be charged with a Class I felony. If you kill another person while driving under a suspended license, the fine can increase to $10,000 and a potential Class H felony.
Legal Help
If you are arrested for driving under a suspended license, cooperate with the arresting officer; resisting or fleeing will only lead to additional charges. Still, you should work with an experienced Wisconsin attorney to help protect your rights. If the officer did not have a valid reason to stop you, or did not follow proper procedures to stop or arrest you, this can serve as evidence in your favor in court, and even be a basis to have the charges dismissed. Even if your license was suspended, you have rights. If you have been arrested for driving under a suspended or revoked license, contact Eisenberg Law Offices. We will give you the experienced, effective representation that your case deserves.
This post was originally published at http://www.eisenberglaw.org/penalties-driving-suspended-license-wisconsin/

Hiring Injury Lawyers In Madison | Hire The Right Lawyer

3 Reasons Why Hiring The Right Personal Injury Lawyers In Madison Matters

If you have been injured in an accident or due to someone else's negligence, you may have a personal injury case on your hands. A personal injury attorney helps victims fight for their right to compensation for the pain and damages they have suffered as a result of the incident. While there are many personal injury lawyers in Madison, you should take your time interviewing several to find the right fit for your case and your personality.
3 Reasons Why You Need To Choose The Right Personal Injury Lawyer For Your Situation
Many attorneys have great qualifications, but sometimes the person behind those qualifications is just as important. Keep these three points in mind as you seek out personal injury lawyers in Madison.

1. You'll Need To Trust Them. This is one of the biggest reasons why you need to interview attorneys before retaining one. You need to trust that they are looking out for your best interests throughout what could be a long and invasive process. Does the attorney understand your situation? Does he/she respect you and listen to you? Do you have similar goals for what you want to achieve through a lawsuit?

2. You'll Be Working With Them Very Closely. Similar to #1 above, you'll be working closely with your injury attorney. They will have access to and ask you questions that may be deeply personal. They will be reviewing your medical history and your financial situation - both highly personal topics. It's vital that you find an attorney with whom you can work comfortably.

3. They Need To Have The Right Experience. Injury lawyers handle many different kinds of cases. You want to find one that specializes in your type of case. If you've been injured in a car accident, you want someone who is familiar with that area of the law. Someone who specializes in construction accidents or slip and fall cases might not necessarily have the right background to win an auto accident case. This expertise is useful from the start; attorneys can often tell you from the outset whether or not it is worth your while to pursue legal action, saving you time and money.

Arrange A Free Consultation With Personal Injury Lawyers At Madison's Eisenberg Law Offices
If you have been injured and are considering pursuing a personal injury claim, contact the Eisenberg Law Offices personal injury lawyers for a free consultation. We welcome the chance to sit down with you and learn about your situation so we can advise you of your best options to move forward.
Contact Eisenberg Law Offices at 608-256-8356 or request a consultation online to discuss your situation.
This post was originally published at http://www.eisenberglaw.org/hiring-injury-lawyers-madison-hire-right-lawyer/

Assault And Battery In Wisconsin

If Physical Contact Is Made, It's Battery, Not Assault

Assault and battery are so often lumped together in Wisconsin that many people think they are the same crime. They aren't; they are two separate and distinct criminal charges but they are both often used to describe the crime of battery.
Under Wisconsin law, battery is defined as using force against someone with the intent to injure them, whereas assault is the threat of bodily harm; no actual physical contact is required.
Types Of Battery
Battery is a serious charge. It is considered a criminal offense in Wisconsin. You can be charged with battery if you intentionally cause injury to another person, including a fetus. Depending on the circumstances, you may be charged with a "misdemeanor battery" or a "felony battery."
A misdemeanor battery charge may be leveled when you intentionally cause bodily harm to another person.  Bodily harm is considered any physical injury, illness, or impairment. You can be charged with battery for pushing, scuffling, spitting, or throwing something at someone.
When the battery causes serious bodily harm, it is considered a felony battery. But there are two different types of felony battery charges, depending on the circumstances. "Substantial battery" exists when there is substantial bodily harm. Examples of substantial harm include: broken teeth or bones, concussions, cuts requiring stitches or staples, or anything that affect the senses. The second type of felony charge is "aggravated battery," where there is great bodily harm. Great bodily harm causes long-term consequences including a risk of death, disfigurement, loss of a limb, or permanent impairment.
Misdemeanor And Felony Penalties
Misdemeanor battery is considered a Class A misdemeanor. Anyone found guilty of misdemeanor battery could face as much as 9 months in jail and fines of up to $10,000. If a weapon was used or there was a threat to use a weapon, prison sentences can be as long as 15 months.
Felonies are much more serious charges than misdemeanors. As a result, the fines and penalties are significantly higher. Due to the nature of felony crimes, penalties vary widely and may be classified differently. A felony battery may be classified as a Class E, a Class H, or a Class I felony depending on the injury caused to another.  Jail time ranges from 3 and a half to 15 years in prison and fines range from $10,000 - $50,000.
Defend Yourself Against Battery Charges With Help From Criminal Attorneys In Madison, WI
Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony depends on the particulars of your case, what happened to the alleged victim, and what your intentions were at the time of the incident. But in any case, a battery charge is a serious situation. In addition to fines and penalties, you will have a criminal record.
If you have been charged with battery, you need help from the Eisenberg Law Offices criminal attorneys in Madison, WI. Such cases can be complex, requiring an attorney who is skilled in research and fact-checking as well as criminal law and trial experience. Your Eisenberg Law attorney will thoroughly investigate the facts of the case to build a strong defense and fight for your rights.
Contact us at 608-256-8356 or request a consultation online to discuss your case.
This post was originally published at http://www.eisenberglaw.org/firm-overview/articles/assault-battery-wisconsin/

Understanding Snowmobiling OWI Laws In WI

Snowmobiling OWI Laws In WI: What You Need To Know

Did you know that Wisconsin's drunk driving laws apply to off-road and recreational vehicles as well as traditional cars, trucks, and motorcycles? Yes, you can get pulled over and charged with Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) while driving your boat, ATV, or snowmobile in WI.
With winter in full swing here, we thought it would be a good time to go over snowmobiling OWI laws in WI.
Snowmobiling OWI Laws In WI Are Far-Reaching
Wisconsin has a stringent set of snowmobile laws, which include a prohibition against operating the machines while intoxicated. Snowmobiling laws are enforced by the DNR and dictate:

• It is illegal to operate a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on public property such as trails, routes, lakes/rivers or corridors. The same driving laws that apply to public roadways apply to snowmobile operation on public lands.

• Wisconsin's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08%.

• By using public lands, you automatically provide consent to provide a breath or blood sample if an officer has probable cause to believe you are intoxicated.

Things are a little different if you are operating the snowmobile on private property. In that case, you do not have to submit to a breathalyzer or a blood test unless another criminal offense has occurred.
In either situation, snowmobile OWI infractions do not affect your driver's license or show up on your driving record.
Fines And Penalties
Snowmobiling OWIs do come with their own set of fines and penalties. Fines can range from $125.00 to $2,000 depending on the circumstances and if you have had any prior infractions. You can also have your privilege to operate a snowmobile revoked if you are found to be exceedingly negligent or reckless.
In recent years, there has been a push to enact more restrictive snowmobiling OWI laws in WI, changing the regulations to be more like automobile OWI laws and pushing for cross-jurisdiction tracking of OWI offenses so OWIs for snowmobiling, boating, or ATVs would show up on your driver's license. So far, none of these bills have passed
Fight OWI Charges With Help From Our Madison Criminal Defense Attorneys
Despite increased awareness and enforcement, or perhaps because of it, accidents and arrests related to snowmobiling while intoxicated remain high. That doesn't mean the arrest is justified, however. If you have been charged with OWI while snowmobiling, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Madison's Eisenberg Law Offices for a free consultation.
Contact our criminal defense attorneys at 608-256-8356 or request a consultation online to discuss your situation.
This post was originally published at http://www.eisenberglaw.org/understanding-snowmobiling-owi-laws-wi/