Thursday, August 30, 2018

Ways Drinking & Driving Can Impact Your Life

Driving under the influence is illegal but it's a crime that is committed on a regular basis. As we approach a holiday weekend, it's important to keep this information top of mind. Before you get behind the wheel of a car or boat under the influence, think about the consequences. As your experienced lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know how devastating it can be to be charged with a DUI or BUI. Take a look below to learn the different aspects of your life that can be impacted by drinking and driving.

Lose License

Getting your license revoked is a common consequence of driving under the influence. This can impact your personal and professional life. If you rely on your vehicle for transportation it can have a devastating impact on your life.

Insurance Rate Hike

Most insurance companies will charge more monthly premiums after a driver has been convicted of a DUI or BUI. It can also be hard to shop around for new insurance with a charge like this. Insurance companies will see this as reckless driving behavior and the risk of insuring a person with this conviction goes up.

Loss of Employment

Some employers have policies about a criminal record and a conviction can be terms for your termination. It can also be hard to find a new job since most employers run a background check on potential candidates. This is just one of the ways a conviction can impact your professional life.

Change in Personal Relationships

Some people in your life may look down upon a criminal conviction, like a DUI. This type of situation can be damaging for your personal relationships. It can be very stressful to go through a conviction like this. Your personal relationships may suffer if you are charged with drinking and driving.

Legal Fees

Steep fees may be placed upon you if you are charged with a DUI. In addition to these fees, you'll likely incur the cost of legal representation. These expenses can add up quickly and you may find yourself in a tight financial situation.

With a big holiday weekend right around the corner, it's important to designate a driver if you are going to be out drinking. Whether driving a boat or a car, it's important to have a sober driver. If you do end up getting pulled over for drinking and driving, contact Gibbons Law Firm right away. Our Lake of the Ozarks attorney can help walk you through the legal proceedings you will soon face. Remember, your first consultation with our law firm is always free.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.



Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm
2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
(573) 348-2211

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Monday, August 20, 2018

Top Safety Tips for a Day on the Water

Do you enjoy spending time at the Lake of the Ozarks? You're not alone. Our area is a top destination for vacationers and water lovers, alike. It's no surprise that the Lake of the Ozarks was voted the Best Recreational Lake in the United States! If you spend a lot of time on the lake, it's important to use safety precautions. Take a look below if you and your family plan to spend time out on the water the remainder of the summer.


Water Safety Tips


- Always keep an eye on children while swimming

- Ensure those who aren't strong swimmers have a flotation device handy.

- Never swim alone.

- Make sure your dock has the proper electrical grounding.

- Swim away from the dock if you feel an electrical current in the water.

- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

- Avoid swimming right next to a dock. A large wave could push you into or under the dock.

- Don't dive into the water unless you are familiar with the area.

- Keep an eye on the weather and stop swimming as soon as you see lightning or hear thunder.

Boating Safety Tips


- Children under the age of 13 should wear a lifejacket - it's the law.

- Never drink and drive a boat - designate a captain before going out on the water.

- If you are born after 1984, you need a boater safety course and card to operate a vessel.

- Let someone on land know your boating plans and approximate return time.

- Ensure everyone on board has a lifejacket that's easily accessible.

- Use caution around other boaters.

- Keep an eye on the weather conditions and head back to shore if a storm is coming your way.

- If you have swimmers in the water, ensure you have an orange flag to alert other boaters.

- Always turn off the engine when passengers are swimming off the boat.

Now that you know these quick safety tips for spending time on the lake, you're ready to have a fun and safe day out on the lake. Whether you're boating with the family or swimming on the shore with friends, it's important to use safety anytime you are around water. As your experienced lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we want to help give you a refresher course in water safety. If you do get into a legal issue on the water, contact Gibbons Law Firm right away. From a BUI to boat collision, we can help represent your side of the case. Remember, your first consultation with our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is ALWAYS free.

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.



Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm
2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
(573) 348-2211

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Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Ways a Lawyer Can Help Protect Your Small Business

Do you own a small business? As a business owner, you've likely poured your heart and soul into your business. Here at Gibbons Law Firm, we know how invested you are in your venture and we want to help make sure you have the proper protection for your livelihood. As an experienced business lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know the ins and outs of running a successful business and having a go-to lawyer on your side is vital. Whether it's a quick legal question about terminating employment or a legal eye to look over your contracts, a lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks is important for your small business.


Advise You Through the Start Up Process

As you create your small business, it's important to have the proper documentation in place. A number of legal decisions will need to be made as you gear up for your venture. Deciding what type of corporation is the first big decision that will need to be made. A lawyer can help advise you as to which option is the best fit for your unique personal and business situation.

Offer a Legal Eye for Your Documents

As you run your business, you will come across the need for a ton of documentation - even on a daily basis. It's important to have that go-to person to review your legal documents before you or someone else signs them. Any contracts you put together should be reviewed and you should have a legal advisor take a look at any documentation before you sign your name or business name. It's best to have a lawyer look at this kind of document before, instead of asking questions after the fact.

Provide Advise for Employment Agreements

Employment can be a very sensitive subject. Many small businesses will hire on a family member or friend and skip over the formal hiring documentation. Avoid skipping the legal stuff when it comes to hiring employees - even if it is a friend or family member pitching in and helping. Hiring someone is a professional process and should be treated as such with the proper documentation. These documents can help save your business from a potential lawsuit, down the road. Any hiring and firing should be fully documented.

Help Establish an Exit Plan

If you are starting up a business, exiting the business is likely the last thing on your mind. Even if it is years down the road, it's important to put this type of succession plan in place. A lawyer can help you iron out the details as to who will gain ownership, who will carry out the day to day activities, and/or how your succession will play out. It's also important to have documentation in writing for whoever will be taking over down the road. This day may be here before you know it and it's easier to have everything documented ahead of time, especially if the takeover is sudden and unexpected.

Now that you know WHY you should hire a business attorney for your Lake of the Ozarks business, you need to find the right person to represent your venture. Our law firm at the Lake of the Ozarks prides itself on offering sound legal advice for your small business. Contact us today to meet our attorney. Don't forget that your first consultation with our law firm is always free!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.



Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm
2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
(573) 348-2211

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Thursday, August 9, 2018

Road Trip Safety Tips for Your End of Summer Trip

August is a popular month for those last-minute road trips before school is back in session. As summer comes to a close, there's still plenty of time to squeeze in a road trip with your friends and family. If you're planning a road trip this August, it's important to practice safe driving habits. As your experienced lawyer at the Lake of the Ozarks, we know how unsafe driving habits can impact your entire life. Take a look below to learn some safety tips for your upcoming road trip.


Click It Or Ticket

Always buckle your seat belt when riding in a vehicle. As a driver, you should not put the vehicle in drive before everyone in the car is buckled up. If you happen to be involved in a vehicle accident during your road trip, your seat belt can help keep you in place and safe during the collision.

Avoid Blind Spots

There are a number of other vehicles and semi trucks on the roadways this summer. Try to avoid driving in another vehicle's blind spot. They may be unaware of your whereabouts if you are in a blind spot. This can help prevent an unexpected collision from being in a blind spot of another vehicle.

Drive When Well Rested

Drowsy driving creates a similar condition as driving under the influence. Don't get behind the wheel if you are not well rested. Being tired can delay your reaction time and create a dangerous environment on the roadway. If you are feeling drowsy, consider taking a quick nap or ask one of your passengers to drive, if they are of age and feeling up to it.

Put the Phone Down

Distracted driving is the cause of many accidents on the roadway. Texting and driving is one of the most popular distractors behind the wheel. For a safer road trip for your vehicle and others on the road, don't text and drive. If you get a message you can have someone else check the text OR leave it alone and check it yourself at a later time, when you're not driving.

Keep an Eye on the Weather

Weather can create dangerous traveling conditions. Whether it's a thunderstorm or downpour, these types of weather changes can lead to low visibility. If you don't have a clear view of the road, you have a higher chance of being involved in an accident. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, it's a good idea to pull off the road in a safe location and wait for the storm to pass.

Now that you know these road trip safety tips, you're ready to head out on your end of summer excursion. Whether you're heading to visit family, take your kids to a popular destination, or getting away for a weekend with friends, safety should be top of mind. Your road trip should be memorable but in a good way! If you happen to be involved in an accident while on a road trip, contact our Lake of the Ozarks personal injury attorney right away. Gibbons Law Firm can help represent your side of the case and help you navigate through the legal process. Your first consultation with our Lake of the Ozarks law firm is always FREE!

Remember, your initial consultation with Gibbons Law Firm is always free.



Your Trusted Legal Resource

Gibbons Law Firm
2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
(573) 348-2211

Follow us on...