Thursday, May 27, 2021

Legal Tips for the Aspiring Business Owner

If you've decided to start your own business, congratulations! That's a huge step in life. No longer having a boss because YOU'RE the boss is a big deal. That being said, you don't want to go into this new venture blindly. There are many legal aspects you should keep top of mind as a business owner. Our business attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks are here to give a few legal tips for the aspiring business owner, in this week's blog. If you own a business and would like some legal advice from the experts, please call Gibbons Law Firm today. We can be reached at (573) 348-2211. Give us a call today for your consultation, the first one is FREE.



Legal Tips for the Aspiring Business Owner


PROTECT WHAT IS YOURS.

Intellectual property is a BIG deal for any business but can have a devastating impact on a small business. Be sure you protect this property well. Consult legal assistance when it comes to safeguarding your intelligence. Trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, and confidentiality are all examples of intellectual property. When hiring a new employee, be sure they are clear as to what information they are privileged to and what they are not allowed to disclose to others outside the business. This can help to keep your vital information safe and help you legally protect this property.


STAY ON TOP OF NECESSARY CONTRACT UPDATES.

Once you have your legal contracts reviewed and ready to go, that's not the end of the road. On a regular basis try to have your business lawyer review these documents. With each year, you may need to make updates to your contracts in order to stay up with any loopholes that may come about. It's also important to update any dates or other information to ensure they are still relevant.


KEEP A RECORD OF EVERYTHING.

We can't say it enough - documentation is vital to the legal protection of your business. Whether it's a new employee being hired, contracts with customers, or outsourcing your marketing - keep good documentation of all agreements. This can help to protect you and your business, should a conflict arise. If you have everything documented well, you can easily prove your side via the paperwork you have on hand.


DOCUMENT THOROUGHLY WHEN YOU HAVE TO FIRE SOMEONE.

Many small business owners utilize friends and family, especially when getting started. While this can be of great benefit to the business owner, it's important to ensure you treat these employees just like everyone else. It's also vital to keep good documentation when letting an employee go. Document the reasoning and conversation that takes place, when firing an employee.




Legal Business Advice From An Expert Can Help You Tremendously!

Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Have you ever heard that saying? It doesn't hurt to be prepared for any legal situation that could happen when owning a business. We hope you found these legal tips helpful. If you have any questions or would like to sit down with a legal expert at the Lake of the Ozarks and discuss your business over a consultation, please give us a call. We can be reached at the phone number listed below. You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements.


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, May 24, 2021

3 Bodily Impairments Drinking While Driving Causes

Many people will travel down to the Lake of the Ozarks for weekend fun. With the tons of celebrations and gatherings happening throughout the area, some will include alcohol. Our lawyers at the Lake of the Ozarks have seen too many DWI-related accidents happen throughout the years in this area. Do NOT drink and drive. Keep reading this week's blog for 3 ways alcohol can impair your senses when behind the wheel. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, please contact our personal injury attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks today. Gibbons Law Firm can be reached at 573-348-2211.



3 Bodily Impairments Drinking While Driving Causes


1. YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SEE AS WELL.

Road lights, signs, and other car headlights can all blur together if you have been drinking. Many times a drunk driver will subconsciously drive toward a light that catches their eye. This can lead to a very dangerous situation on the road, especially with oncoming traffic.


2. YOUR DECISION-MAKING SKILLS ARE CLOUDED.

When drinking, your judgment may be impaired. This is not a good attribute of a driver. Your judgment of traffic and other situations on the roadway may be hindered if you have alcohol in your system. It's best to have a ride home lined up before you even head out.


3. YOU WON'T REACT AS QUICKLY AS YOU NORMALLY WOULD.

Alcohol can inhibit the time it takes for you to react to a situation. If you are operating a vehicle, you may not have the same reaction time as you would sober. If someone in front of you stops abruptly, you may not be able to get your vehicle stopped in time. If a deer jumps out in the road, you will likely not be able to react in a timely manner to avoid the animal. Swerving may be your instinct and this can lead to overcorrecting or travel off the road.



EXTRA IMPAIRMENT TO KEEP IN MIND:


STAYING BETWEEN THE ROAD LINES WILL BE HARDER.

Your coordination may be impaired when driving under the influence of alcohol. It may make it difficult to navigate the roadway safely. Staying between the lines can be difficult for someone who has been drinking. Coordination is a vital part of safely operating a vehicle.


Our Personal Injury Attorneys Are Here To Help You!

All of us here at Gibbons Law Firm hope that you a fun, but safe weekend. With that said, if you or someone you know ever ends up getting injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, the medical bills can be intense. Get the compensation you deserve! Call Gibbons Law Firm today. Your first consultation is free! We can be reached at the phone number listed below. You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest legal tips.


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...

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Why Prenups?

Prenuptial Agreements (Prenups) - you've likely heard of this term before, but have you ever thought about why people actually get them? There are more reasons to get a prenup than you might actually realize. If you just got engaged and it's something you're considering but you're not fully decided yet, talk to an experienced family law attorney at the Lake of the Ozarks. They can answer your questions and give you expert legal advice on the subject. In the meantime, keep reading this week's blog for a few reasons couples decide to get prenups. If you want a prenup, please call Gibbons Law Firm today. We can be reached at (573) 348-2211. Your first consultation is free.



Why Prenups?


ONE OF YOU PLANS TO STAY HOME WITH THE CHILDREN.

If you or your spouse plan to stop working once you get married, a prenuptial agreement is a good idea. It can help protect the assets of both parties. Whether you both decide it's best for one of you to stay home with the kids or are in a good financial position to have one income, it's important to sign an agreement to help protect the income and existing assets of everyone involved.


YOU OWN A BUSINESS TOGETHER.

If you or your significant other owns a business, a prenuptial agreement can help protect that venture, should the marriage end. If the business owner has partners, they may insist on a prenup being signed to help better protect the business. While getting married is an important life decision, you still need to look out for your business and other assets in the process.


YOU HAVE BEEN DIVORCED BEFORE.

If you have a history of divorce, you know how hard the process is. Also if you or your spouse have children from outside the marriage, it's a good idea to have a plan as to what will happen if the marriage doesn't work out. Try outlining a plan ahead of time, should the marriage dissolve. This can help alleviate a big headache down the road if you have already worked out an agreement.


ONE OF YOU HAS A SIGNIFICANTLY GREATER AMOUNT OF MONEY THAN THE OTHER.

If one of you makes a significantly higher income, it's a good idea to protect your assets with a prenup. Whether it's a high-paying position at work or a wealthy family, you and your future spouse should sign documentation to decide what will happen in the future, if there is a problem with the marriage.



Considering a Prenup?

We hope you found this blog helpful when it comes to determining if a prenup is right for you. Prenups aren't for everyone but if you feel this is something you need, call our experienced lawyers in Lake Ozark today. We can be reached at the phone number listed below. You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements and tips.


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...

Friday, May 7, 2021

Motorcycle Safety Tips For Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month 2021

Did you know that May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month? Our personal injury attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks sure did. We have helped a number of clients with personal injury cases who have been involved in motorcycle accidents. Be safe out on the roads and drive defensively. Keep reading this week's blog for more motorcycle safety tips for riders. If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, please call Gibbons Law Firm today to set up a consultation. Know that your first consultation is free. Our Lake Ozark law firm can be reached at 573-348-2211.



Motorcycle Safety Tips For Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month 2021


DRIVE YOUR MOTORCYCLE DEFENSIVELY.
Again, it's important to drive defensively while on two wheels. When on a motorcycle you may be harder to see than a full-sized vehicle. Don't ever assume another driver can see you. Stay on the defense when riding your bike. Think about the blind spot on vehicles as you are passing or pulling out.


ALWAYS BE ALERT WHILE DRIVING YOUR MOTORCYCLE.
Like any motor vehicle, it's important to stay awake and drive sober. You want to ensure your reaction time is as short as possible when riding your bike. Alcohol or being tired can damper your ability to react to a situation on the road. Ensure you are in a safe condition to properly operate your bike.


ALWAYS OBEY THE TRAFFIC SIGNS.
Pay attention to traffic laws that apply to all vehicles - motorcycles included. Stay within the speed limit and come to a complete stop at all intersections. Also, research local traffic laws before traveling out of the state.


WEAR A HELMET.
Protective clothing is important for all rides. Motorcycle operators and passengers are no longer required to wear helmets while on a motorcycle, provided they are 26 years of age or older and are covered by a health insurance policy which provides medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a motorcycle accident. However, that doesn't mean that a helmet can't still protect you from getting a serious head injury. Sunglasses or other eyewear can help you see better, as well. Leather clothing can protect your skin from the harsh wind and other factors. Consider buying clothing with extra reflective features to help increase visibility to other drivers.



Get The Compensation You Deserve With Gibbons Law Firm.


All of us here at Gibbons Law Firm hope that you found these motorcycle safety tips helpful. We wish all of the motorcycle riders out there a SAFE, but fun ride. Be careful and alert at all times. The Lake of the Ozarks traffic increases greatly around this time of year. Please keep that in mind as you travel here and around the area. Be cautious and aware of others around you. Again, if you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident at the Lake of the Ozarks, please call Gibbons Law Firm today. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. We can be reached at the phone number listed below. You can also follow us on our social media channels listed below to stay up to date on our latest announcements. 



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...