Unfortunately, accidents involving drivers who do not have insurance are common, as millions of Americans drive without insurance. đ In such cases, Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) is critical. Given this risk, we strongly recommend reviewing your UM coverage limits.
UM coverage is especially beneficial after hit-and-run incidents involving stolen vehicles, which are all too common. Because the driver is unknown, legal action is often not possible. In such cases, UM coverage covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other related damages, which would otherwise fall heavily on the victim.
If you have questions about uninsured motorists or about your options in accident scenarios, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to be a resource for you and your family. You can reach us at ravosalaw.com
This is only intended to be information and does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create any attorney-client relationship with the firm.
đ¨ Distracted driving is a serious issue that affects countless lives. As lawyers, we’ve witnessed the devastating consequences firsthand. Let’s make a change together. Spread the word about the importance of driving without distractions. Share this post to help keep our roads safe. đđ
Did you know?
⢠Each year, about 3,000 lives are lost due to distracted driving.
⢠Distracted driving accounts for about 8% of fatal car accidents.
⢠Young drivers, especially those aged 25 to 34, are more prone to distracted driving accidents.
⢠Drivers spend an average of 1:38 minutes on their phones per hour of driving.
⢠Almost all states have laws against texting and driving, with 27 banning hand-held cell phones while driving altogether.
If you have been in a car accident contact us today to speak with an attorney right away. You can reach us through ravosalaw.com.
This is only intended to be information and does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create any attorney-client relationship with the firm.
With changing temperatures come seasonal hazards, so we wanted to pass along some tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe and injury-free:
Watch your step: Be cautious when walking on wet or slippery surfaces, especially after rain or when leaves accumulate. Walking at a slower pace and taking smaller steps will help you maintain stability.
Clear your paths: Keep your sidewalks and driveways clear of leaves, debris, or potential obstacles. Regularly sweep or rake them to prevent accidents for yourself and others in your neighborhood.
Wear appropriate footwear: Choose footwear with good traction and non-slip soles. Avoid high heels or shoes with smooth bottoms that may increase the risk of slipping.
Proper lighting: As the days grow shorter, ensure that outdoor areas are well-lit to improve visibility during the evening and early morning hours.
If you or someone you know has suffered injuries due to a slip and fall incident, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our attorneys specialize in personal injury law and can provide guidance and support in navigating legal matters related to claims like these and others.
Even if you’re not sure an accident was a “slip and fall,” call our office. We have attorneys happy to listen and offer their expertise.
This week is Child Passenger Safety Week, taking place from September 17-23. During this week, weâre committed to providing you with vital information and actionable tips to ensure the safety of your smallest passengers.
Select the right car seat: Use a rear-facing car seat for infants and toddlers until they reach the maximum weight or height limit specified by the manufacturer. Move to a forward-facing car seat with a harness when your child outgrows the rear-facing seat and then to a booster seat until they can properly fit in a seat beltâusually around 4 feet 9 inches tall. Get custom guidance here.
Install the car seat properly: Follow the car seat manual and your vehicle’s owner’s manual for correct installation instructions. Ensure the car seat is securely installed and does not move more than one inch side-to-side or front-to-back. Place the car seat in the back seat, preferably in the middle.
Insist on seat belt safety: Teach your children the importance of buckling up every time they get in the car and set a good example by wearing your seat belt. Ensure the seat belt fits properly: the lap belt should rest on the upper thighs, not the stomach, and the shoulder belt should cross the shoulder and chest, not the neck.
Complete regular car seat checks: Take advantage of free car seat inspections by a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician to ensure your child’s seat is correctly installed.
By implementing these guidelines and staying informed, we can work together, this week and always, to significantly reduce risk and protect the most vulnerable in our community.
If you have any questions about child passenger safety or any other legal matters, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Weâre here to do whatever we can to keep your family safe and secure.
As a firm that specializes in personal injury, weâve seen the devastating impacts of unsafe traffic behavior far too often. Thatâs why, with National Traffic Safety Month upon us, we want to take this opportunity to offer some key safety tips for drivers and pedestrians.
Driver Safety Tips:
Always wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers do as well.
Follow the speed limit, and be sure to adjust your driving for weather and traffic conditions. (Sometimes, that means going under the speed limit!)
Stay focused on the road, avoid using your phone, and minimize other distractions.
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and watch for people walking or bicycling in bike lanes.
Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Keep in mind youâre often much more impaired than you or others might think.
Not always sure who has the right of way at a stop sign? Itâs easy to forget some traffic law nuances, so I recommend taking some time each year to review basic traffic rules.
Pedestrian Safety Tips:
Always use sidewalks and crosswalks when available, and look both ways before crossing the street.
Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street to ensure that they see you.
Avoid using electronic devices, such as smartphones or headphones, while crossing the street.
Wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight when walking at dusk or night to increase visibility to drivers.
Teach children pedestrian safety rules and always accompany young children when crossing the street.
I hope that you find these tips useful and that you will join me in promoting traffic safety this month and throughout the year. And, of course, do not hesitate to reach out if you have any legal questions or needs.
Most of my clients who have been injured want to return to work as soon as they can, but they are often unsure about how this process will work.
With that in mind, I wanted to proactively outline some advice regarding a return to work:
Maintain open communication. Make sure you are communicating with your employer during and after the treatment process so they have an estimated time frame in mind. Doing so can also help them prepare for any accommodations that may be required for your return.
Do not return to work too early. Returning to work too early can cause you to reinjure yourself or slow your healing and affect your ability to contribute fully to your job. Itâs always better to wait until you are cleared by your doctor.
Reach out if you receive a Notice of Ability to Return to Work. You may receive a Notice of Ability to Return to Work form from the doctor affiliated with the insurance company. This suggested return-to-work timeline may clash with your personal doctor’s recommendation. Keep in mind that this does not mean you have to return to work, but it does mean the insurance company is considering removing or limiting your benefits. Given that, you should quickly get in contact with legal representation when this happens; we will likely recommend receiving a second opinion from another doctor as soon as possible. Thereâs no need to panic, however, as a judge will usually review your case before any benefits are suspended or rescinded.
Follow â and file away â work restrictions. If your doctor has recommended any restrictions upon returning to work, such as modified lifting, sitting, or standing, make sure your employer and direct supervisor know and that you keep a copy of these restrictions on you when you return to work.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that you shouldnât be forced to return to work before you are healthy, and weâre here to help you if such a situation arises.
With that said, if you have any questions about returning to work after an injury or workersâ compensation rights in general, please do not hesitate to reach out.
With the unseasonably warm weather, we bet youâre looking forward to getting out and about. And when youâre at restaurants, on walks, shopping, or visiting parks, itâs all but guaranteed that youâll run into dogs and other pets.
While many people love petting dogs and stopping to take pictures, not all furry companions are as friendly, sweet, and lovable as they look. Spending time around unfamiliar dogs unfortunately poses the risk of getting bittenâin fact, approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the U.S. every single year.
While we hope that you are never bitten, we thought weâd take a moment to share some insights on how to navigate the situation should you or someone you know find yourself affected:
1. Seek immediate medical attention
Itâs crucial to seek immediate medical treatment for any injuries resulting from a dog (or any animal). Not only can dog bites cause serious damage, but some dogs may not be vaccinated against rabies and other diseases. Whatâs more, they can carry bacteria that can cause a simple cut to turn into a brutal infection. A doctor will document your injuries in medical records (potentially with photos) that can be used if you go to court.
2. Get contact information from the dogâs owner
When youâre bitten by a dog, itâs stressful. You might try to quickly escape the situation to protect yourself and forget to get contact information for the owner. Itâs important to identify the owner of the dog and get their information so that you can follow up regarding medical bills and treatment. Itâs also helpful to take a picture of the dog (if itâs safe to do so) for evidence later in court.
3. Give us a call
If youâre bitten by a dog, you should contact the office as soon as possible. While not all dog bites will turn into a lawsuit, itâs common for dog owners to try and avoid responsibility for injuries caused by their dogs.
The sooner that we am looped in on the details of the case, the better your chances are to recover money for your injuries. As always, let us know if you have any questions or need guidance. If you have any questions about a dog bite or any other injury, donât hesitate to contact us. You can speak with an attorney today by calling us at 508-755-3202.
Despite our best planning and precautions, accidents happen from time to time–and when they do, being able to navigate the legalities of a personal injury claim while managing physical limitations, emotions, and medical bills can make a world of difference during the recovery process.
In case you ever find yourself in a position to file a claim, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Hiring an attorney to represent you can help you recover significantly more compensation. Legal professionals have the expertise to negotiate on your behalf, and they understand the intricacies of valuing a claim.
Time is of the essence after an injury is sustained. Contacting legal representation as soon as youâre able after an accident prevents you from making mistakes that could cost you, such as sharing too much information with claims adjusters. Not only that, but the fresher the event is in your mind, the easier it will be to recall important details.
Do not sign any documents before consulting with your attorney. Unfortunately, many insurance companies do not prioritize a victimâs best interests and will attempt to engage with you directly. Doing so puts you in a position to potentially settle for much less than you deserve.
Some personal injury cases are time-consuming. Depending on the complexity of what took place, a case can last for much longer than an injury victim may anticipate–emphasizing the need for legal representation that truly understands the unique challenges that people in this situation face.
The recovery process can be difficult–and thatâs exactly why Iâm passionate about advocating for my personal injury clients and ensuring that they work through each step of their case with confidence and clarity.
If you have any questions about personal injury claims or know someone who would benefit from empathetic, seasoned representation, do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Call our office today at 508-755-3202 to speak with an attorney right away.
For more information on our office visit ravosalawoffices.com.
Throughout each season, there are so many things to enjoy–especially when it comes to outdoor activities. But spending time outside comes with its own set of risks, including injuries caused by slipping, tripping, and falling.
We certainly hope we donât meet or talk under these circumstances, but we want you to know what to do should you or a loved one experience a fall or another personal injury.
Seek medical attention. Any delay in going to the emergency room or a healthcare clinic could have repercussions for your health or legal case. Discuss all injuries with your doctor, even if you think they are minor, but donât embellish or exaggerate.
Stay âmumâ about your case. The only people you should discuss your case with are your doctor and your attorney. If you need to speak with an insurance agent or opposing legal counsel, your attorney should be present.
Gather information about your case. Collect medical records, police reports, witness information, and photographs that document your case. You should also write a detailed account of what happened to help you recall the events later.
Find an attorney you trust. Your health and wellbeing are primary, but once youâve received medical attention, you may want to consider hiring legal representation.
If you have suffered a personal injury always seek treatment right away! Then call an attorney to know your options right away. Call our office today at 617-720-1101 to speak with an attorney right away.
For more information on our office visit ravosalawoffices.com.
One question our office often hears is whether or not personal injury settlements are taxable.
Like most tax-related issues, the answer is it depends–especially after the significant changes made in 2017 under the previous administration. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
In general, funds from a personal injury settlement or jury verdict are not subject to state or federal income taxation–but this tax-free treatment only applies to compensatory damages.
Remember, compensatory damages compensate the injured party for loss or injury, whereas punitive damages punish a wrongdoer.
Punitive damages and interest are always taxable.
Per the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, to qualify for the federal tax exclusion, the money you receive from a settlement must be directly related to physical injuries. If you received compensation for emotional distress, anxiety, or other “pain and suffering,” your settlement may be taxable.
The clauses and exceptions surrounding this issue are quite complicated, so if you received a personal injury settlement or know someone who did, give our office a call. Weâd be more than happy to listen and make sure you (or a loved one) arenât paying more than you should.
All of our contact information can be found at ravosalawoffices.com. Or call us today at 508-655-3013.
Ravosa Law Offices, PC 