Recovering from Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy can be both emotionally and financially stressful, but bankruptcy also offers the hope of a more financially stable future. It is important to look and plan ahead after bankruptcy. If you need assistance filing for or recovering from bankruptcy call your LegalShield provider law firm today.

• Take stock and review what led you to bankruptcy. Develop a realistic budget and review it frequently. Many banks now offer budget tracking apps and tools that allow you to closely monitor spending.
• Look towards building your savings. Many individuals face high debt and ultimately bankruptcy because of unexpected expenses like medical bills. Savings will help protect you from falling into debt due to emergencies.
• Monitor your credit score. Make sure any inaccurate information on your credit report is corrected. Check each year to ensure the accuracy of your credit score. In addition, after 7 years (6 years in Canada), debts associated with your bankruptcy should be removed from your credit report. If you need assistance working with the credit reporting agencies call your LegalShield provider law firm.
• Rebuild your credit score. Build your credit slowly and responsibly. Pay your bills on time. Do not take on new debt right away and avoid predatory lenders at all cost. Predatory lenders may seek out those who have recently filed for bankruptcy, because their ability to file for another bankruptcy is limited. High-interest loans from predatory lenders can lead to financial ruin.
• Stay positive. You are not alone. Many Americans are facing the same financial problems. Stop worrying about the past and start thinking about how to move forward. Don’t be afraid to set goals for the future. Do you want to go back to school or buy a home? Make a plan for the future and think carefully about how you will pay for it. Setting a plan early will give you the opportunity to succeed.

7 Legal Tips to Keep Teen Drivers Safe

Teen drivers are at a higher risk for both accidents and moving violations. It is important to teach teen drivers about the potential physical and legal damages that may occur as a result of careless driving. Adults too could benefit from a refresher. If you have a question or need legal assistance regarding a ticket or an accident call your LegalShield provider law firm today.

1. Know the traffic laws where you live and lead by example. Most teens learn to drive by watching and driving with their parents. Set a good example by knowing the traffic laws where you live and following them closely. Explain the laws to your children. If you feel your teen needs additional help enroll him or her in a safe driver or driver’s education program.
   
2. Distracted driving is the number one cause of auto accidents. Inexperienced teen drivers are particularly susceptible to distraction. Texting or using a smart phone while driving is now illegal in many states and provinces. It may not only earn you a traffic ticket, but could also seriously injure or kill you. Talk to your teen driver about the risks of distracted driving and set a good example for them by turning off your own phone while driving.
   
3. The law has zero tolerance for teen drunk driving. This means that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 (22 in Canada) to have any measurable amount of alcohol in their system while driving. Drunk driving is incredibly dangerous; it is also a criminal charge rather than a traffic violation. Drivers could face heavy fines, loss of license, legal fees, a criminal record and possible jail time.
   
4. Teach teens how to behave during a traffic stop. If pulled over you should first pull safely off the road, turn your interior light on at night and keep your hands on the steering wheel. It is important to be polite and cooperative. Comply with the officer’s requests for your name, driver's license, registration and insurance information. Do not exit the vehicle unless you are directed to do so by the officer. You are not required to consent to a search of your car. If the officer searches over your objection, stay calm and tell the officer you object to the search but do not physically resist the search. Finally, call your LegalShield provider law firm and speak with an attorney.
   
5. Make sure your teen driver knows they cannot simply hide a ticket. Some teens believe that by paying off a traffic ticket on their own, or worse yet, throwing it away, they can escape punishment. Teach your teen that hiding a ticket only makes the problem worse. Simply paying off a ticket will still mean points on his or her license and a higher insurance rate. Throwing a ticket away means he or she will be convicted of the violation. Failure to pay could result in additional fines and a suspended license.
   
6. Explain to your teen what to do if they are in an accident. After an accident pull safely to the side of the road and out of the traffic lanes, if possible. Even if your accident seems minor, call the police and file an accident report. Exchange information with the other driver(s). Do not admit to guilt or responsibility for the accident to the police or other persons. If there are witnesses on the scene take down their contact information. Retain all documents regarding your accident. Do not sign any documents or agree to any type of settlement without calling your LegalShield provider law firm to speak with an attorney.
   
7. Teach your teen about car insurance. Part of the financial and personal responsibility involved in driving includes paying for car insurance. Show your teen how much car insurance costs. Explain to them how the coverage works and that those costs will increase considerably if they are in an accident or receive a traffic ticket.

Personal Injury Law: 7 Frequently Asked Questions

August is typically the most dangerous month for traffic accidents and fatalities. If you are injured in an auto accident you may be entitled to compensation. The following information will help you understand some of the general principles of personal injury law. It is important to speak with an attorney about your rights, options and obligations. If you have been injured in an accident or as a result of someone else’s negligence, call your LegalShield provider law firm.

1. Do I need an attorney for my personal injury? – Insurance companies employ attorneys to protect their interests and it is in their interest to make the lowest possible payment for your injuries. You need an attorney to make sure your interests are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. Avoid making a statement, signing an agreement or accepting a settlement before speaking to an attorney.
   
2. How long will it take to receive compensation for my injuries? – It may take time for the complete effects and costs associated with your injury to become apparent. Preparing a solid case or negotiating with an insurance company may also take time. It may be tempting to take a quick payout to cover your immediate expenses, but it is important to consider the complete cost of your injury.
   
3. What kind of compensation might I receive for my injuries? – Compensation may include money for lost wages, medical bills, rehabilitation, disabilities, pain and suffering, as well as other hardships caused by your injuries.
   
4. Is there a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit? – Statutes of limitation determine your deadline for filing a lawsuit. Some statutes may be less than a year. It is important to discuss the statutes that apply to your case with an attorney to make sure you do not miss any important filing or notification deadlines.
   
5. Will I receive more compensation if I go to court? – Your attorney can help you decide the best course of action for your particular case. In some instances it may be beneficial to accept a negotiated settlement to avoid the time and expense of a court case. In other situations where a fair settlement cannot be reached it may be necessary to go to court.
   
6. Would I still receive compensation if I were partly responsible for the accident? – This would depend on the state or province where the accident occurred. In some states and provinces you may not be entitled to compensation if you are partly responsible for your injuries. Other states have laws that are used to determine compensation based on your level of fault in the accident. Your attorney will explain the laws that apply to your case.
   
7. How does a contingency fee work? – A contingency fee means the attorney does not receive payment until the opposing party pays a settlement or verdict. In many cases the total fee is a percentage of the money received from the other party plus expenses.