Is Avvo a credible way to search for reliable attorneys (in the USA)

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Living in a world of facts, figures and statistics, it’s easy to be sucked into the direction which ratings and percentages try to lead us. There are many websites and apps dedicated to unpicking and ranking the level of expertise businesses and individuals offer but do any of these really offer value in the legal field and is Avvo a reliable way to find a good lawyer?

What is Avvo

Avvo is a modern listing and review website which allows lawyers to market themselves to the public. With a claim to have a current rating for 97% of the registered lawyers in America, Avvo is becoming a popular and powerful research tool for clients choosing which attorney they will eventually hire.

Featuring an online résumé and basic details such as contact information, the client review section is the feature which has caused most attention on the website. As an independent and voluntary service, Avvo claims to be impartial but does the information it holds have any real significance for its users?

Pros and cons of Avvo

Any website which provides a score based on performance and opinion is liable to cause a split opinion amongst any community. Common concerns which could potentially be voiced over the Avvo platform might include the automatic nature by which lawyers are added into the database and the lack of clarity in calculating each individual score.

On the other hand, Avvo has become incredibly popular in a short space of time due its ease of use and clarity for the end. The prominent position given to any information regarding a lawyer’s disciplinary issues with the State Bar also provides quick and useful information when researching your options.

How an Avvo score compares to other accolades

Lawyer evaluation services are one of the latest developments within the industry but accreditations and memberships are nothing new to law firms looking to boast about their level of prestige. It’s difficult to say with any real conviction that one is more important than the other, however, the weight of multiple accreditations can be more conclusive.

For example, Anthony Steven Bruning Jr of the Bruning law firm in Missouri has a score of 10.0 (superb) at the time of writing according to his Avvo rating. Yet the firm also has various other profiles and ways that it is positively reviewed across the internet such as Google and Facebook and ultimately it is the sum total of these and potentially other evaluations which can give a fuller picture of the firm’s reputation.

Is Avvo a reliable source of information?

While no rating system is ever likely to be completely reliable in the legal profession, Avvo can certainly provide you with a good starting point in the hunt for a dependable lawyer.

The key factor in choosing an attorney to represent you should always be the impression which you take away from a face-to-face consultation. Assessing a lawyer on purely statistical information is not going to provide the full picture, although, the more information you can gather can prove useful in the questions you ask during every free consultation you arrange.

Three Things That a Personal Injury Lawyer Can do For You

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People don’t always realize the value of a great lawyer. In fact, some people even attempt to take on legal cases on their own. If you’re a victim of personal injury, a personal injury lawyer may be exactly what you need. Find out what an attorney can do for you.

1. Tell you how to handle the situation

Any situation that involves personal injury can be confusing. If you need to go through insurance, there’s a lot of red tape to figure out. You need to know who to talk to and what you say to get things your way. If you agree to anything, you may end up with an insurance payout that is much less than you deserve.

Some of the best Charleston WV attorneys can tell you how to handle the situation. They can tell you what you can do to make your case stronger. And they can also tell you what you should avoid doing. By advising you on the situation, they can help you build a strong case for court. You can end up with generous compensation.

2. Get you a settlement

Did you know that most personal injury cases result in settlements? A settlement can be a great way to resolve your conflict. Instead of waiting months (or maybe even years), to resolve your situation in court, a settlement can resolve it quickly.

It’s likely that the company or individual that you are seeking compensation from doesn’t have unlimited resources. Even if they do, they may not want a long court battle. The best thing for everyone is to compensate you fairly as quickly as possible. A great personal injury lawyer knows how to achieve that outcome. They can build a strong case that gives the opposing counsel no other than to award you money. With the lawyers help, you can get money for your medical bills and missed days of work. And you can get on with your life quickly.

Although you may have to sign an agreement that prohibits you from discussing your lawsuit, the results are worth it. You get restitution quickly and with only a little effort.

3. Get you the resources you need to win your case

Winning a court case takes a lot of time, money, and resources. If you’ve been injured, it’s likely that you don’t have access to any. Working with a law firm gives you access to almost unlimited resources. Your lawyers take care of all the work for you, leaving you plenty of time to recover from your accident.

If money is an issue, a personal injury firm can also help. Many personal injury law firms allow you to work out an agreement with them. Instead of paying for their services up front and by the hour, you can pay them with a percentage of your claim amount. Although this percentage varies depending on the firm and your case, it’s often reasonable. You don’t have to worry about going in debt just to pay your lawyers. Let them foot the bill until you get your payout.

Interesting Facts About Truck & Tractor Accidents Law

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Truck and tractor accidents happen every single day in the U.S. It's estimated that more than 4,000 people die each year in accidents that involve large trucks. This is approximately one out of every ten deaths in traffic accidents in the United States. Since the big heavy-duty trucks present a big threat on the highways and roads, the laws and regulations that govern this industry are very strict. That does not completely prevent truck crashes and catastrophic injuries, though.

Tractor trailer and truck accidents may occur because of different causes. That can happen due to speeding, use of cell phone while driving, short company deadlines, and so on. However, the truck drivers aren't always at fault when an accident occurs. The truck collision can be caused by other factors like maintenance neglect and faults by trucking companies.

Both trucking companies and truck drivers are required to act in accordance with federal and state regulations that determine their operations. FMCSA (The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) applies traffic regulations and rules through roadside inspections, complaint investigations, compliance reviews, checkouts of trucking terminals, and various investigations. The financial penalty is one of the most common punishments for violations. For repeated or serious violations, federal inspectors order truck drivers and/or trucks off the road. There is no excuse for trucking companies and commercial truck drivers if they allegedly don't know what's required of them.

Aside from FMCSA, there are also many other U.S. organizations dealing with truck accidents law. Just to mention some of them:

• American Trucking Association (ATA)

• American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL)

• Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA)

• Bureau of Transportation Statistics

• American Truck Historical Society (ATHS)

• American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA)

• ITS America

• Underride Network

• Truck Safety Coalition

• Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association

The question is, What to do next when experiencing a truck collision? After a truck accident, taking care of health is the first concern. Thereafter, it's necessary to take care of financial and legal issues. That will prevent a traffic accident from further affecting your life.

However, coping with these issues on your own is a daunting challenge. That's why many people hire truck accident attorneys. An experienced lawyer can help you protect your rights and pursue compensation for injury, pain, stress, and suffering. When looking for the "right" attorney, you should bear in mind the following tips:

• Pick a lawyer with proven records in court

• Be careful with quick settlements

• Look for attorneys who operate on contingency

• Choose those who offer free consultations

When a truck and tractor trailer accident happens, it's important to identify the real defendant(s). The plaintiff has to identify every government official, business entity, or individual involved in the certain accident. For this purpose, all the parties must be named in the court documents when the lawsuit is submitted. This will ensure the establishment of compensation and liability for a trucking accident.

At last, it's essential to prove liability and damage. The plaintiff in charge of a truck accident litigation has to establish a so-called "theory of liability." Besides liability, the plaintiff has to determine the extent of the damage. The best way to accomplish this is to include expert witnesses during the trial. In addition, the plaintiff needs to engage an economist to assess the damage.  

5 Signs That You Are Ready For a Bankruptcy Lawyer (in the USA)

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Many people fear bankruptcy. However, it’s often an irrational fear. Bankruptcy may be necessary for you to get out of debt. In fact, you could be making your debt troubles worse by not filing for bankruptcy. Obtaining help from a bankruptcy lawyer could make your financial troubles go away. Here are five signs that you may need help from a bankruptcy lawyer.

1. You can only make your minimum credit card payments

If you can only make your minimum credit card payments, things can go bad quickly. Eventually, you’ll need to start paying off your debt. If you’re piling up more debt as you pay your minimums, it won’t be long before things get out of control. You need help, and you need it sooner rather than later.

2. The bill collectors won’t stop calling

When the bill collectors call you constantly, it’s a sign that your debt is getting out of control. You might think that ignoring them will make them go away. But that’s far from the truth. They don’t stop until they get what they want- the money you owe them. The only way to get rid of them is to pay off your debt in full or to find another way out of debt. A bankruptcy lawyer can help you do that.

3. Your financial troubles cause you constant fear and stress

Debt can be a heavy burden. If you’re spending hours each day worrying about your debt, you should get help. You might be worried about facing garnishments or stressed about paying your credit card bills. No matter how your debt is affecting your life, you should take action.

4. You’re thousands of dollars in debt, but unsure how much you owe

You may have so much debt that you can’t keep track of it all. This is a sign that the situation has gone too far. Chances are, you’re not making your minimum payments on all your debts. And that means that the problem will get worse quickly.

5. You use credit cards to pay for your basic needs

WHen you have trouble paying your credit card bills or loans, adding to that debt is a problem. If you need to use a credit card to buy your food and clothing, you won’t be able to keep up with the bills. You will fall further and further into debt.

Get The Help You Need

You might not be sure that bankruptcy is right for you. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t seek help from a bankruptcy lawyer. A lawyer like this Maui attorney can help you determine the best way to take on your debt. And they can explain the process to you so that you know exactly what to expect. Finally, they can tell you what behaviors to avoid. You don’t want to make the problem worse than it already is.

If you’re struggling with debt, you should consider getting help. You might find out that your path to a debt-free life isn’t as difficult as you think.

NALYTICS.COM FROM NALANDA TECHNOLOGY SET TO TRANSFORM PRECISION SEARCH FOR UK LAW FIRMS

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Fast-expanding precision search technology firm Nalanda Technology is spearheading its move into the legal sector with the launch of Nalytics.com - a dynamic high precision enterprise search and discovery solution which has been engineered specifically to support law firms in precision data search. 

According to a report from the International Data Corporation (IDC) we spend almost one-fifth of our day searching for the right information. It goes without saying, especially for busy law firms, that this time could be better spent on more important tasks. However, the information still needs to be found.

David Rivett, COO of Nalytics, explains:

“Nalytics has a number of Use Cases across the legal sector including, M&A (Due Diligence), Contract Analysis, Disclosure/Litigation, Data Preservation and Research. Law firms need the right tools to help them make better business decisions and improve their customer service experience. Nalytics helps them to easily and quickly search and uncover the right information at the right time. Leading full-service law firm Gosschalks Solicitors, use Nalytics and have achievedsignificant cost savings through reduced overheads and management time.

With a precision search functionality that’s second to none, and rapid deployment - it can be up and running in a law firm within 24 hours.”

Take a look at www.nalytics.com/legal to find out more and to request a FREE demo of Nalytics.

As part of Nalytics launch into the legal sector, they have appointed two new business development managers, Neil Derbyshire and Gordon Lindsay.

Neil has over 20 year’s business development experience across a number of industry sectors.  He joins from accounting software company Intuit where he was Senior Channel Business Development Manager providing solutions to large accountancy practices.  

Gordon has been involved with the Technology sector for the last 17 years, and has extensive experience working at Director Level driving business change. 

Nalytics will also be hosting a number of FREE 'AI in Legal' events across the UK and the Netherlands, focusing on how artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting the legal sector. As AI becomes the new ‘norm’ across the industry, these workshops will delve deeper into how legal firms can utilise this technology to improve efficiency and ultimately their bottom line.

For more information and to register for an event visit www.nalytics.com/nalytics-events

Eight Myths About Speeding in England and Wales

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Speeding is the most common type of driving offence, with around one in seven motorists being caught driving over the speed limit every year. Some drivers are repeat offenders and end up being slapped with big fines and lengthy bans, but most receive either the offer of a speed awareness course or a Fixed Penalty Notice – the latter option involves three points and a £100 fine. 

The police in England and Wales normally allow drivers a 10% allowance plus another 2mph without prosecuting. In practice this means you can do any speed below 35mph in a 30mph zone – 3mph plus 2mph – and still avoid points.

As with other legal proceedings and offences, there are some stubborn myths that have led drivers into trouble before – the old copper coin trick to pass a breath test, for example. Speeding is a more straightforward affair, but there are still misconceptions surrounding it. Here are eight of the most common myths that you won’t hear when you take professional legal advice. 

If there are no white lines on the road surface before or after the camera, you can’t be prosecuted

White lines in the road only apply to fixed radar devices such as GATSOS or HADECS. Speed cameras can, and many do, operate without any road markings. If you’re flashed by one, you’ll probably receive a Notice of Intended Prosecution through the post at some point.

If you have fewer than six penalty points on your driving licence, you don’t have to declare them to your insurance provider

This really isn’t a good idea! If you fail to declare penalty points, you run a serious risk of invalidating your insurance policy.

Speed cameras can’t identify you if your number plates are dirty or obscured in any other way

While this may be true, you’re breaking the law before you even get anywhere! The Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) Regulations Act 2001 means it’s an offence to drive on a public road with dirty or obscured plates. Doing so could earn you up to a £1,000 fine. 

If you’re speeding in a hire car you won’t get caught

The hire company will be informed by the police that one of its fleet was driven over the speed limit and it’s the responsibility of the company to identify the driver. Which means you’ll be fingered!

You can flash your lights to warn other motorists about a nearby speed trap

While you may think you’re being kind to other drivers, by doing this you could end up being prosecuted for obstructing the police. 

A police officer has to wear a helmet to give you a speeding ticket 

Again, just wrong! The officer merely has to be identifiable as a police officer to book you.

It’s not illegal to drive too slowly 

OK, there is no minimum speed limit on most of the UK’s roads, but if police officers think you’re presenting a hazard to other drivers and road users by dawdling in the middle lane, you can be stopped! You’re much more likely to get a verbal warning, but you could be prosecuted for driving without due care and attention or without consideration for other road users. 

There were no warning signs on the speed camera van so no-one can be prosecuted for speeding

The warning symbol – a black and white camera – isn’t a legal requirement. It’s a legal requirement for you to observe the speed limit, though…

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Have You Been Hurt on the Job? A Post-Injury Checklist

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Getting injured at a site of employment is a terrible thing to experience. Not only is the pain and embarrassment often difficult to bear, there are many legal decisions that you’ve got to make, at the precise moment you are least able to make them. If you have a job that is risky, it is important that you know how to behave just in case you ever are injured. If you know how to make the right calls in this crucial time, you can get the kind of financial restitution and other benefits that are due someone in your situation. 

• Did You Document the Injury Personally? If you are injured on the job, it is the role of the employer to document the event. But you should document it as well. This is easier than ever before in the day of mobile phones. If you are hurt, take a picture or video of the injury and the worksite in which it occurred. Try to get a good representation of the scene, including witnesses. If, God forbid, you find out that your employer has misrepresented your injury at some future time, there will be a good document as to the true nature of your misfortune. 
• Did You Get Legal Representation? It is important to act as your own advocate; we’ll touch on this over and over. But it’s also important to have someone who will advocate on your behalf. A solicitor who specializes in workplace injury should be one of your first calls. If you don’t know who to call, talk to a solicitor you know or who is recommended by a friend. He or she can recommend a colleague who can take your case if it is not their area of expertise. Talk to your solicitor daily to ensure that the process is advancing well. Aston Knight Solicitors can help. 
• Did You Make a Formal Complaint to HR? Though they always should, not every HR department goes out of its way to act in the best interest of the worker. If you haven’t made a formal complaint with HR within minutes of injury (or if this was delayed because you had to get to a hospital quickly), see to it that this happens as soon as possible. Your HR team should direct you to all of your options and put your claim on the right track. 
• Did You Work Out Immediate Benefits and Ongoing Pay? If you were injured on the job, it is your employer’s responsibility to help you make it through this difficult time. Discuss with your solicitor and HR what these benefits are. Corresponding with both of these parties ensures that you get everything that is due you. 

It can be really difficult to get through a workplace injury, but it’s imperative that you find a way. The days and weeks that follow a serious workplace injury are some of the most trying times in your life. Get through them by following through with this checklist. It could get you through this tough time in good shape. 

Do You Need a Motor Lawyer?

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When most people are stopped by the police and given a ticket, or are caught on camera and receive a notice in the post, the majority pay the fine and take the points. However, motorists are beginning to realise that they can now challenge these notices, and more are choosing to do so.

Challenging your motoring offence

In England and Wales it is now possible to turn to a company like motoringoffencelawyers.com for targeted advice and help. In many cases, experienced motoring offence lawyers, like these, are able to successfully check, and challenge, the validity of an accusation.

Using insider knowledge to provide a good defence

A good driving offence solicitor knows the motoring law inside out. They understand how the evidence should be gathered and double-checked before fines or notices are issued. 

Using this knowledge, they will pick up situations where the proper procedures have not been followed. If the evidence used is flawed, or has not been properly collected, or handled, it opens the door for the charge against you to be dropped, or reduced. With the help of an experienced motoring lawyer, you can avoid being erroneously prosecuted.

Why you should always consider challenging motoring offences

When people are notified of driving offences, they tend to just shrug their shoulders and pay the fine, at least for the first couple of offences. They only really get worried when they have accrued enough points to be on the verge of losing their licence. 

At that point, many people realise that if they lose their licence for 12 months they are in real trouble. Their life will be turned upside down. 

For example, finding and holding down a job becomes a huge issue. In most areas, public transport is not adequate, so losing the use of your car could easily result in your losing your job. 

If you cannot legally drive, your employment opportunities are drastically reduced. In addition, many employers require staff to hold a full licence, if you do not they are often not interested in employing you.

It is all too easy to end up losing your licence. All you need to do is to get caught speeding several times in a 3 year period to tot up 12 points on your licence, which usually leads to a driving ban. Therefore, if you think you have been accused of a driving offence you did not commit, or have been given the highest possible punishment, it is always worth finding out if you can mount a legal challenge. 

Driving offences that could result in a criminal record

Some offences are considered more serious than others. If you are accused of one of these and are convicted in court, you can end up with a criminal record. Naturally, this makes you an even more unattractive proposition for prospective employers.

Add in the fact that driving offences mean that you will have to pay more for insurance, and you can see they are not something to be dealt with lightly. As a result, if you are accused of a driving offence it is usually wise to seek advice from driving offence solicitor. 

If you are in any doubt that having a criminal record arising from driving offences will have a lasting negative impact on your life, we suggest that you read this article. Doing so will help you to understand the consequences better, and help you to make an informed decision about how you deal with driving offences.

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