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Prepare for court or better yet, avoid it with essential information on lawsuits, personal injury and accident law, and the legal system. From small claims court to a jury trial, get the facts you need here. Below you'll find users' top picks on injuries, lawsuits, and going to court.
It can be tough to set a dollar amount on injuries you suffer in an accident. There are so many things to consider: doctor's bills, time lost from work, medical costs for ongoing injuries, pain and suffering, and so on. Insurance companies consider all of these factors when deciding how much to offer -- and ultimately pay -- for a personal injury claim.
Before going to court, it's wise to send the other party a short, clear letter demanding payment. It may seem unlikely that a simple letter will help you resolve your dispute or reach an acceptable compromise, but demand letters initiate a successful resolution in as many as one third of all potential disputes.
There is a limit on the amount of money you can ask for in a small claims court case. Generally the limit is between $3,000 and $10,000, but it depends on your state. Recently, there has been a trend toward increasing small claims court limits. Read on to find out the limit in your state.
If you have won a court judgment against someone with a decent job, you may be able to intercept up to 25% of his or her wages to satisfy your judgment. This process, permitted in nearly every state, is called a wage garnishment. Find out how, when, and whether you should garnish wages.
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution places limits on the power of the police to make arrests, search people and their property, and seize objects and contraband (such as illegal drugs or weapons). These limits are the bedrock of search and seizure law, and here are the basics you should know.
In many states, with many tickets, it's possible -- and sometimes even fairly easy -- to challenge the police officer's view of what happened. Learn when it makes sense to question an officer’s subjective or objective observations, or ask the judge to dismiss your ticket.
If your legal problem is complex or involves lots of money, you might not want to attempt to handle the entire matter without a lawyer. Lawyers offer strategic advice and apply sophisticated technical skills to legal problems, and they sometimes serve as your legal "coach" to help you educate yourself.
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