Can you be forced to file bankruptcy for co-signing on a loan? What if you signed it years ago and no longer have a relationship with your co-signer? And what are your options if you can’t pay? There are times you may decide to co-sign a loan. When you start a new business, or see your kids off to college, you may find it necessary to make sure you get access to certain services. And while most of us who deal with debt every day recommend you not co-sign if at all possible, we also know why so many people choose to do it. But what happens when that loan comes back to haunt you? When Your Co-Signer Won’t Pay
If you’re like most Americans, your credit card debt is going to go up this December. In 2016, credit card companies expected debt to reach $900 billion by New Years Day. Typically, families that rely on credit cards spend more at the end of the year around the holidays and then try to pay some of it back in the new year during the first quarter. But as a bankruptcy lawyer in Memphis, I know that’s not always possible. All across America, families took on more debt in the last few months than they can possibly pay off. Fortunately, the law is on your side and you have options. You should never feel completely trapped in a cycle of debt
Accidents between two vehicles usually result from one vehicle ignoring traffic signals, losing control of the vehicle due to speeding, or being distracted. When large commercial trucks are added into the mix, there are many more, different scenarios that could happen in an accident. Listed here are three common accidents involving cars and commercial trucks. 1. Blind Spots and Car Accidents The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported in 2015 that over 3,850 people died in crashes with a large truck. About 69 percent of fatalities were the driver or passengers of the smaller vehicle involved. Blind spots are one of the top causes of car and truck accidents. Trucks have three blind spots: one in the rear, one in
If you are involved in a car accident and suffer from injuries or property damages, there are necessary steps you should take when filing the insurance claim. The ordeal can be stressful, since there is little room for error in a successful claim. To avoid any mistakes or legal obstacle that you may encounter during the process, it is wise to seek the assistance of an attorney. A skilled personal injury lawyer can provide proper legal counsel and help with every necessary step to ensure the best possible outcome in your case. Whether you hire a lawyer or not, you are advised to follow the following steps: Gather the Necessary Evidence To prove liability in a car accident, proper documentation
When it comes to car accidents, statistics are often rolled out to make sense of the enormity of the problem in terms of injuries, costs of damages, and similar measurable metrics. There are some statistics that are just so surprising, however, that they’re worth giving a second look, as a car accident lawyer trusts can attest. 1) 2016 was the deadliest year on the roads since 2007. Preliminary estimates from the National Safety Council indicate that up to 40,000 people died in automobile accidents on U.S. roads in 2016. This figure represents a 5 percent increase from the previous year and a whopping 14 percent increase from 2014. If correct, that would be the largest increase in two years
Uber, the popular ridesharing service, has revolutionized transportation by providing accessible and affordable rides across more than 84 countries and 732 cities. According to a recent study by researchers at Stone and Providence College’s, Uber is related to a 17% decrease in vehicular fatalities and 15-62% decrease in DUI’s. Despite these successes, accidents do happen – if you or someone you know are in an Uber accident, it’s important to understand the complex nature of their insurance policy. Uber Drivers = Independent Contractors Uber recognizes its drivers as independent contractors rather than employees. An independent contractor is separated from an employee based on the degree of control and independence in their work. As a general rule, employees are granted more
It is more common than one would think to have their parked car hit by another driver. Sometimes, it is a hit and run, where the at fault driver will flee the scene. If you are lucky enough to catch the other driver- or they leave a note, you should remain calm before you start panicking. If the driver is still present, there are some steps you can take to further along the process while you wait for police to arrive. First, you should call the police and make sure you obtain the other driver’s name, their phone number, their address, and their insurance company information. Do this before the police arrive. Assess both cars and see if there is
The Difference Between Workers’ Compensation and Disability If you sustain an injury that disables you from performing normal duties at your job, you have a few options. Two of the most common include workers’ comp and disability (or SSDI). But what is the difference between workers’ compensation and disability benefits, and which should you choose? Some programs designed to assist injured workers include: state disability benefits worker’s compensation, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) You may be confused about which applies for your particular situation. The info below discusses the differences between them. Workers Compensation vs. Disability Benefits Most employers are required to provide worker’s compensation benefits to cover injuries employees might sustain on the job. They offer these benefits
Slip and fall accidents can be quite common and result in serious injuries. Regardless of the injury, if the accident was due to a certain condition on the property where it occurred, then you may be entitled to compensation for the damages. A property owner or tenant has the responsibility of maintaining the safety and care of a property, so in the case that failing to do so results in an injury, they are held liable. If you or someone you know has been injured in a slip and fall accident, then there are several steps you must take to ensure that the responsible party is, in fact, held liable, and provides the proper compensation. The following steps can assist
Sadly, accidents happen all the time, some resulting in more severe injuries than others. When those injuries prevent you from working, you may find yourself in a stressful financial situation. Thankfully, there are forms of financial assistance available for you to recover without struggling too much: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Worker’s Compensation Benefits State Disability Benefits Unemployment It can be difficult to decide which benefits apply to your particular situation. Below are comparisons of the different support you can choose from depending on your injuries. Worker’s Compensation and Disability Benefits In most states, employers must provide worker’s compensation benefits to cover injuries that employees suffer while on the job. This works to replace a personal injury lawsuit against a