You Have Just Been In a Car Accident … What Should You Do?

If you’ve ever been in a serious car accident you know it is a rattling experience. As personal injury attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks, we have worked with numerous victims of car accidents, and we know the moments right after the crash can be confusing, to say the least. We hope you never experience a car crash of any kind, but if you do, we know that you will be better prepared at the time if you are able to think about it proactively. So we wanted to spend today’s blog talking about what to do immediately after a car crash. If you would like to learn what to do if you’re ever in a car accident, just keep reading.

Assess the Situation for Safety

The first thing to think about is safety. First, see if everyone is OK and if they need help. Then, you want to avoid getting hurt or causing a secondary accident. If you are able to safely move vehicles off the roadway, you should do so as soon as possible. If you’re not able to drive your car, then call a tow truck immediately. If you have to wait at the side of the road for the tow truck to arrive, do not wait in your vehicle. Stand as far away from the roadway as you can, and pay attention to traffic.

Call Emergency Responders

It is important to let the police know there’s been an accident, and file a report. It is also important to get an ambulance on the scene if someone is injured or needs medical attention. Both will help document any injuries sustained and allow details to be recorded while they are fresh in your memory.

Take Pictures and Notes

The more you can document what happened at the scene, the better. Take pictures of the scene, and take notes on what happens, what you witnessed, any other conditions that may have contributed to the accident such as weather, traffic, road hazards, etc. It’s also a good idea for you to ask for a copy of the police report to keep for your own records and to share with your insurance company. Keep in mind it may take a few days before that report is finished.

Call Your Insurance Agent

Calling your insurance company will be step one to getting your claims process started. They will be able to direct you on the following steps to take. You will want to call your insurance agent as soon as possible.

Know Your Rights

Gibbons Law Firm we want you to know that you do not have to go it alone. There are probably a lot of things going through your mind right now and a lot of questions about how you’re going to recover from your injuries and get back to your normal life. We don’t want the added stress of medical bills and potential court battles to distract you from your healing. Our law office at the Lake of the Ozarks is ready and able to be on your side and guide you through the process to get the compensation you deserve and need.

If you’ve been in a car accident at Lake of the Ozarks, we are here for you. Your first consultation is free and well worth your time to get answers to your questions and learn what your rights are. Gibbons Law Firm is dedicated to looking out for victims of serious car accidents, and we are here for you too. If you would like to hear more tips and information from our Lake Ozark law firm, be sure to follow us on social media! We have links to our channels below.

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

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Gibbons Law Firm

2820 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B4

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

(573) 348-2211

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7 Easy Tips to Avoid Getting Distracted Behind the Wheel

We all know that distracted driving can be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. The difference is, a lot more people justify driving while distracted and do it even though they know it’s dangerous. At Gibbons Law Firm we know that it only takes a fraction of a second to cause a devastating accident. Being injured in a serious car accident at Lake of the Ozarks can be life-changing, so if there’s anything we can do to avoid it, it is well worth the effort. Our personal injury attorneys in mid-Missouri are fully aware of this, so we wanted to take some time today to talk to you about distractions to avoid while driving. Keep reading to learn how to keep yourself and others on the road safe and focused with these common-sense tips.

1) Get Set BEFORE You Go

Even if you’re in a hurry, it really doesn’t save any time to try to do things while you’re driving. Get your GPS set, adjust things like your mirrors or heater/AC and radio, put on your seatbelt, and have everything in place and ready for your drive before you start the car.

2) Secure Items

Make sure that the items you are carrying in the passenger area of your car are secure and won’t roll around as you turn curves or if you have to stop suddenly. Reaching for an item that is falling while you’re driving can be extremely dangerous. But it is almost instinctive. It is best to make sure things are secure before you get on the road.

3) Eat In

Trying to eat, especially messy foods, while driving can become a huge distraction. For example, spilling food or a drink in your lap or floorboard may cause you to serve as you react. You may feel you track just fine driving with your knee, but if you had to make an evasive maneuver you will be at an obvious and dangerous disadvantage. For these reasons and more, if you are hungry, skip the drive-through and eat in. 

4) Technology

Technology can be great and actually make life safer, but it can also be a distraction. Avoid using your cell phone, even hands-free, while driving down the road. Now is definitely not the time to check your messages, check in on social media, or watch a video, etc.

5) Keep Your Eyes On the Road

That includes watching the sides of the roads, all traffic in intersections, and basically being aware of all your surroundings and potential dangers. You have heard of active listening, think active looking! The more you pay attention the earlier you are likely to see a hazard and the more time you will have to react and avoid it.

6) Avoid Multitasking

If you find yourself saying “I’ll do that on the way there”, you are probably setting yourself up for distraction. Taking notes, making phone calls, doing personal hygiene, are all in competition with your driving. Your mind and your motor skills should be dedicated to operating your vehicle, and nothing else.

7) Don’t Drive While Drowsy

Falling asleep at the wheel can be deadly, for you and others. It is so easy to underestimate, but by the time you notice you are nodding while driving down the road, you’ve probably been doing it much more than you realize. That means you’re extremely close to falling asleep while driving and need to rest and refresh before driving further.

Safety First!

We know this is common knowledge and common sense, but so many people forget or ignore the dangers. If anything is so important that you have to take care of it while you’re driving, just pull over. Give your full attention to that task, and then get back to driving. It is not worth causing an accident. As personal injury attorneys in central Missouri, we see how devastating serious injuries can be for our clients. If we could go back and keep them from being injured in the first place, we sure would. 

We hope you appreciate these tips and that they help keep these things top of mind as you make your daily drives. If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, we don’t want you to feel alone. It is so important that you know your rights, and that is why we offer free initial consultations. If you have questions, reach out to us. We are here for you. If you would like to stay informed with all the latest news and tips from Gibbons Law Firm, be sure to follow us on social media using the links below.

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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Starting a Business? Gibbons Law Firm Can Help!

By the time someone is ready to start their own business, they have usually gone through a pretty long and intense thought process about the products or services they will offer, how to make it profitable, how to market and brand the business, etc. While organizing all of those important elements, it is also a very good idea to have a business law attorney in central Missouri to help you with the legal aspects. There are a number of important legal decisions to be made when you’re setting up your business, and legal liabilities that you want to avoid when you run your business. Having a trusted attorney with a background in business law at Lake of the Ozarks can make life much easier and keep you more protected when you start your business. At Gibbons Law Firm we are as skilled and passionate about the legal aspect of your business as you are about the business itself. So keep reading if you would like to learn 5 things to consider when starting your own business to keep yourself legally protected.

1) Business structure

Understanding the difference between a sole proprietorship, an LLC, and an S corporation is important when deciding how to structure your business. An attorney with a background in business law can look at your particular situation and help you decide how to structure your business based on the level of protection that comes with that business type.

2) Organizing money

It is advisable that you keep your personal finances and your business finances separate, even if you are a sole proprietorship. If ever your business is audited, you could open up having all of your personal accounts reviewed as well as your business, if your accounts are not kept completely separate.

3) Outside accountant

Even if you are comfortable and experienced in doing your own bookkeeping, it is advisable to have an outside accountant at least review your books. Just as you are an expert in your field, accountants stay up-to-date on any changes in laws and regulations and have a much deeper bank of knowledge when it comes to how to protect your business and keep proper records. 

4) Update contracts

You may have contracts between you and your clients, between you and vendors, and even between you and partners. Having those contracts drawn up or at least reviewed by a skilled attorney at Lake of the Ozarks can help ensure that the contracts are done properly and are legally binding. But it’s not enough just to have legal advice when they are drawn up initially. Contracts need to be reviewed periodically to make sure they stay up-to-date and don’t allow any loopholes or vulnerabilities that could hurt you and your business.

5) Documentation

When in doubt, write it down. The better you document and keep records the better it will be in the event that you have a dispute or lawsuit. Keeping excellent records when it comes to hiring and firing is a good example. It is also important to keep good records when it comes to contracts with your customers, outsourcing marketing, pretty much any agreement. With good documentation, it’s easier to prove your side in a conflict with the paperwork that you have.

Gibbons Law Firm is here to help with all of your business legal needs!

Our attorneys in Lake Ozark have the background and experience as well as the passion to look out for you and your business venture. At Gibbons Law Firm, we appreciate entrepreneurs and all they bring to our society, and we like to be able to look out for them so they can continue to look out for us. If you are thinking about starting your own business, we would love to talk with you and help you through the process. Your first consultation is free, so give us a call today! If you would like to hear more news and legal tips from Gibbons Law Firm, we invite you to follow us on social media using the links below.

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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Family Law Services – Ways Gibbons Law Firm Can Help

As a family law attorney at Lake of the Ozarks, Roger Gibbons has helped families through a number of difficult legal situations. Some happy, some sad, but most of them emotional. He understands how important the situation is to his clients and the children involved. He works hard to communicate and diffuse emotions and help his clients arrive at the best possible outcome for the given situation at hand. Today’s blog is written to share with you some of the different ways Gibbons Law Firm can help when you are in need of family legal services.

Adoption.

When most people think about adoption, they tend to think about how heartwarming it is to see a child be part of a loving home. But the process for the adopting parents can be one of angst and suspense. When you have an experienced family law attorney to help you through every step of the process, fear of the unknown can be reduced. When you hire Gibbons Law Firm you are able to walk confidently knowing your adoption attorney at Lake of the Ozarks is not new to this process and is there to look out for you and the child you are adopting.

Prenuptials and Post Nuptials

Prenuptials and post-nuptials are becoming much more common in today’s marriages. This is especially true with blended families when the couple already has teenage or adult children from a previous marriage. Although it might feel like an awkward topic, Gibbons Law Firm makes it an easy process and is familiar with the things you might want to consider when it comes to prenuptials or post-nuptials at Lake of the Ozarks.

Parental Rights

Sometimes there may be a need to establish or terminate parental rights in a family, and that is also something that our family law attorneys in central Missouri can help with. If a father is not married to the mother of his child, she will have full custody until he establishes paternity. It is highly recommended that you have an effective family law attorney to help you through that process. On the other hand, termination of parental rights is something a family must sometimes pursue. This is a very sensitive situation and has a huge impact on the children in the family. If a parent has become abusive, or the home situation is so neglectful or dangerous, the other parent may hire a skilled attorney to help. Termination of parental rights requires very specific criteria, and our ability to investigate and negotiate cases at Gibbons Law Firm can be a significant asset to our clients dealing with this heartbreaking situation.

Divorce

A large part of the work we do in family law is triggered by divorce. If one or both spouses believes the marriage is beyond repair and decide that divorce is the best way to move forward, it is highly recommended to have a family law attorney help with the details. Decisions will have to be made regarding child custody, child support, division of assets and liabilities, and potentially spousal support. A knowledgeable attorney that is adept at listening, negotiating, and diffusing, can make the process much more productive.  Having an attorney that is willing to litigate when necessary, can also make the outcome more successful.

Communication - Caring - Dedication

That is what Gibbons Law Firm is all about. When it comes to family law in central Missouri, we respect the fact that the outcome is important, not just to our client, but to the children involved especially. We believe that a family deserves the legal advice and counseling they need in these difficult times in order to make such life-changing decisions. We are here for you to answer your questions, and see how we can help. Feel free to call us and schedule an appointment. Your initial consultation is free. To hear more legal tips and information from Gibbons Law Firm, you can follow us on social media using the links below.

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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Life Changes - When You Need To Update Your Will

If you already have a will in place, Gibbons Law Firm commends you! It is something that far too many people put off and don’t get done. But not having a will, or having one that is not accurate or up-to-date, can be tragic if your estate has to go through probate and your ultimate wishes are not honored. As estate planning attorneys at Lake of the Ozarks, we know a will can also make it much easier for your heirs to get through the process of dividing your assets at a time when they’re already mourning. Unfortunately, families can sometimes end up in disputes and a will can help avoid fights from sparking over your assets. But if a will is not up-to-date, it can be as bad as not having one at all. If you would like to learn about three common life circumstances that can trigger a need to update your will, read on! This blog has the answers you are looking for.

1) Beneficiary Passes

When you love someone enough to make them beneficiary to your will, it is heartbreaking when they pass away. The last thing you’ll be thinking about is needing to update your will. But if your beneficiary has passed, and you don’t name a new one, your will can become irrelevant and ineffective in honoring your wishes for your estate. If the person you’ve named as your beneficiary passes away, you will want to reach out to an experienced estate planning attorney in mid-Missouri to have your will updated appropriately.

2) Divorce

If you have gotten a divorce since you had your will made, or are planning to divorce soon, and your spouse or ex is named in your will, that may be something you want to update. Our estate planning attorneys know just how to make the updates you need to support your wishes

3) Grandkids

Your kids have always meant the world to you, and now that you have grandchildren, they do too! As your children grow into adulthood and have children of their own, you may want to leave something for your grandchildren in your will. If your adult children are thriving and doing well on their own, it may be better for you to focus your efforts on securing your grandchildren‘s future educational needs, for example. A simple modification to your will can take care of that and make sure that your assets go to the people you want to receive them. If it is your desire to leave your grandchildren part of your state to help them get a head start in life, we can help you document your wishes legally.

Does your will reflect your life changes?

If the answer is no, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Gibbons Law Firm to get that taken care of right away. You don’t want the courts deciding who will receive your assets, so let us help you document your wishes and protect what you have worked so hard to earn. If you have any questions whatsoever about updating your will at Lake of the Ozarks, we are happy to help. Be sure to follow us on social media using the links below to stay informed of all of our latest tips and information.

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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7 Ways to Help Your Personal Injury Case

When someone suffers a serious injury caused by someone else’s negligence, they may have a right to compensation for their injury and the expenses that come with it. As a personal injury lawyer at Lake at the Ozarks, Roger Gibbons has successfully represented countless clients in personal injury cases, and he very much believes in keeping his clients informed and educated about the process. He also knows there’s a lot a client can do to help or hurt their personal injury case in mid-Missouri. So, today’s blog is dedicated to seven ways you can help your personal injury case in central Missouri. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence and could use some helpful information as you navigate through your personal injury case, we invite you to read on!

Medical Treatment.

It is to your benefit and very important that you do seek medical treatment, and that you do not refuse medical treatment. It is amazing how many people will tell the ambulance they’re fine and not allow paramedics to check them out. Seeking medical treatment allows you to document your injuries and following the advice from medical professionals shows that you are doing everything you can to recover from your injuries and that you are not contributing to your own limitations.

Don’t Wait to Seek Advice.

Knowing what your rights are when you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence is key to your case. The sooner you contact an attorney the sooner they can start investigating what happened and gathering evidence on your behalf. It is best that you know exactly what to do and where you stand from the beginning, so you set yourself up in the best possible position for your personal injury case.

Don’t Give Statements Without an Attorney.

It is extremely important that you do not give statements to the insurance company, the other parties involved, or really anyone, without having spoken to your attorney first. Ideally, your attorney should be present during any exchange like that. 

Document.

There are a lot of details that will come into play in your personal injury case. It is hard to remember everything, so the more you document the more details you will have to provide. You will want to write down what happened at the time of your injury, as well as details about your medical recovery process. Keeping track of doctor visits reports from the doctor, things that the insurance company may say or ask is also important. It is a great idea to keep a journal through the whole process so you have a place to keep those details and refer to when needed.

Don’t Volunteer Information.

You know the saying … “loose lips sink ships”. There are so many ways that talking about your injuries or the accident or the details of your case can come back to bite you. It is best to avoid conversations about your case or anything related to it. Even something like an inspiring quote on a Facebook post that talks about how you’re getting better or rising above your circumstances can be construed as you not being impacted by your injuries. The less said the better – with friends, coworkers, online, etc.

Be Honest.

Although some people may be tempted to exaggerate or make false statements regarding the extent of their injuries, it is detrimental to their credibility and their case. So, be honest about your pain, your limitations, your ability to work, how the accident happened, etc. 

Keep your Attorney Informed.

Good communication with your attorney is critical to the success of your case. Don’t keep secrets from your attorney, keep them in the loop regarding doctors’ reports or medical conditions or any changes. If you move or change jobs, don’t forget to let your attorney know. They are your partner in this process, so the more you work with your attorney, the more effective your attorney can be in looking out for your best interests.

Call Gibbons Law Firm today!

No one deserves to be injured because of someone else’s carelessness. When it happens, Gibbons Law Firm is here to help you receive the compensation you deserve. If you need a personal injury attorney in mid-Missouri, you want one that is thorough, and who believes in communication and working hand in hand with their client to achieve the best outcome possible. Roger Gibbons generally represents clients in personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis and receives compensation only when the case is resolved. To learn more about this process, please give us a call for your free consultation today. We can be reached at the phone number listed below. You can also stay up to date on our latest legal tips by following us on our social media channels listed below, as well.

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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5 Myths and Misunderstandings Regarding Divorce in Missouri

When two people get married they are thinking about living “happily ever after.” They are certainly not focusing on the fact that half of all marriages end in divorce. So, if a couple finds themselves at the point where divorce is the only option, it can be very confusing and depressing. At Gibbons Law Firm, we have noticed a few myths or misconceptions people have about divorce. Because our family law attorneys in Lake Ozark are more familiar with the process than most people, we have answers to some common questions or myths.  If you are considering divorcing your spouse, and need more information about what it entails, we have some interesting information in today’s blog for you.

Myth #1
You can only divorce your spouse if they commit adultery.

Most states, including Missouri, are no-fault divorce states. That means that no marital misconduct has to be proven before you can file for divorce. In Missouri, the only requirement is that there is “no reasonable likelihood that the marriage can be preserved, and that the marriage is irretrievably broken.“ If you have irreconcilable differences and see no possibility for repairing the relationship, you are able to file for divorce in Missouri.

Myth #2
Getting divorced will involve an expensive court battle.

If the spouses are in agreement on division of property, custody, etc., the process doesn’t have to be adversarial. Having an experienced family law attorney working with you can help you determine how their assets and responsibilities should be divided, as well as child custody, and any other unique matters in a way that you believe can be mutually agreed upon by both spouses.  If your spouse is agreement on what the final outcome should be, it can be relatively straightforward to get that finalized legally with the help of a good attorney. 

Myth #3
You cannot get divorced unless both spouses agree.

This isn’t true. In Missouri, if a person no longer wants to be married, they do not have to be bound to their marriage. If the other spouse does not want to divorce, they may try to hinder the proceedings, and may very well make things more difficult. But they don’t actually have to agree in order for the divorce to take place.

Myth #4
The mother will automatically be given custody of the child.

When the court decides who to award custody to it will base the decision on eight statutory factors. It will not necessarily go to the children’s primary caregiver in the past or the parent with the highest income. You and your attorney will have the opportunity to prove to the court that you are the best choice based on those eight factors.  You will want to have an experienced divorce attorney in central Missouri who can guide you in proving that to the court.

Myth #5
If a spouse refuses to pay child support, he or she loses visitation rights.

You may not withhold visitation with your child from your ex because he or she is refusing to pay child support. Even if it seems like that’s the only way you are going to get your spouse to help pay for the expenses of raising your child, it is very unadvised to do so. If the court finds out you are withholding visitation rights from your spouse until you receive child support, there could be legal consequences. It can also cause unnecessary resentment between you and your child. If your spouse has been ordered to pay child support and bear their fair share of the financial responsibility of raising your child, and he or she refuses to honor that order, you should contact an attorney to decide the appropriate and most effective action to take.

Gibbons Law Firm is here for you!

We know this is tough, and not something you wanted. But if your marriage cannot be repaired, and your only option is divorce, we can help you get through it and look out for your best interests. At Gibbons Law Firm, we offer free initial consultations with our divorce lawyers in mid-Missouri. We are here to answer your questions and provide guidance through this difficult time. Our contact information is below for your convenience. If you are interested in more legal tips and information from our law firm, we invite you to follow us on our social media platforms using the links below.

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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