Lake Charles Legal Issues Blog

Weather is responsible for many personal injury accidents

On behalf of Van Norman Law Firm posted in personal injury on Monday, July 15, 2019.

In certain types of weather, it can be extremely difficult to drive safely. While Louisiana does not often experience freezing temperatures, sleet or snow, it does get its fair share of rain throughout the year. And wet roadways are one the of the leading causes of personal injury accidents on roads and highways throughout the country.

Wet roads are responsible for a significant number of accidents throughout the year. U.S. Department of Transportation statistics indicate that over 1.2 million auto accidents every year are related to weather conditions, particularly rain. Weather is responsible for around 5,000 vehicular deaths and 418,000 injuries annually. Bad weather conditions and precipitation are significant threats to the well-being of all motorists.

Do you leave enough space when driving near 18-wheelers?

On behalf of Van Norman Law Firm on Friday, July 12, 2019.

A motorcyclist from Baton Rouge was recently killed in a brutal collision with an 18-wheeler. The truck driver allegedly hit the motorcyclist multiple times before running him over. According to a news report, the truck driver claimed he did not see the motorcyclist or even realize right away that he had hit someone. However, a different news article suggests the collision may have been intentional.

Although the truth about this collision may not yet be clear, many collisions are caused each year by the reckless actions of truck drivers or other motorists who do not recognize the operating limitations of 18-wheelers. Unfortunately, this recent collision incorporates a common narrative because collisions between 18-wheelers and smaller vehicles are often devastating and usually cause severe injuries or death to the occupants of smaller vehicles.

Succession law experience important after an unexpected death

On behalf of Van Norman Law Firm posted in succession law on Monday, July 8, 2019.

When a loved one dies unexpectedly, it can cause significant problems for loved ones left behind, especially if the decedent not have a will or did not leave any instructions regarding his or her Louisiana estate. Families who are grieving will then have to navigate complex legal concerns at the same time. It's smart for people who are either planning for the future or trying to settle a loved one's estate to speak with someone with experience in succession law.

Recently, a man who owned and operated a small business passed away unexpectedly. It left his family trying to figure out what to do with his company. They did not know whether they should sell or how they could keep it going, as he did not have any plans in place regarding the succession of his business. While the family was able to keep the company open, it was a legally and financially complicated process.

Avoiding problems in a residential real estate purchase

On behalf of Van Norman Law Firm posted in residential real estate on Wednesday, July 3, 2019.

Buying a home in Louisiana is one of the most important purchases a person will make in his or her lifetime. It is a major step, and before moving forward, a potential buyer will want to be sure that he or she is aware of potential pitfalls. Understanding the common mistakes that many first-time buyers make can help a person avoid complications in his or her own residential real estate purchase.

One of the most common mistakes that buyers make is looking at the features that a home offers instead of focusing on the overall quality of the home itself. When a buyer does not pay enough attention to inspect the home carefully and look for potential problems, it can lead to financial losses and issues later. This means that a buyer will want to take the time to look at the structure and bones of the home before signing a contract.

Autopilot driving can lead to personal injury incidents

On behalf of Van Norman Law Firm posted in personal injury on Thursday, June 27, 2019.

When a driver gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, he or she has the responsibility to be as safe as reasonably possible. Drivers should be attentive and aware of the things happening around them, but unfortunately, not all Louisiana drivers do that. Instead, polls indicate that a surprisingly high number of drivers are actually zoned out while on the road. Inattentive drivers are dangerous, and they lead to an increase in the likelihood of a personal injury accident occurring.

Zombie driving is a term used to describe when happens when a person is driving and arrives at his or her destination but has no recollection of how he or she got there. Approximately 40 percent of drivers polled stated that they were guilty of zombie driving at least some of the time. This is more likely to occur when a driver is familiar with the roads, tired or thinking about other things.

How do investors use a 1031 like-kind exchange?

On behalf of Van Norman Law Firm on Friday, June 21, 2019.

Make a profit on nearly any investment and you’ll need to pay a capital gains tax. This is true if you make your profit in stocks, business ventures or art deals. However you make your money work for you, you’ll need to pay your taxes—unless you take advantage of the 1031 like-kind exchange.

The 1031 like-kind exchange is a special tax loophole that allows investors to take the money out of one commercial real estate investment and roll it forward into another without paying capital gains taxes. As The New York Times recently reported, the like-kind exchange used to apply to a range of investments. It now applies only to commercial real estate.

Number of fatal personal injury incidents on the road still high

On behalf of Van Norman Law Firm posted in personal injury on Wednesday, June 19, 2019.

Car accidents continue to be one of the leading causes of injury and death in Louisiana and across the country. Most drivers are aware of the dangers associated with the reckless and dangerous operation of a vehicle, such as distracted driving and speeding, yet the number of personal injury incidents on the road remain high. In fact, 2018 was the third deadliest year of the past decade in terms of car accidents.

According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 36,750 people suffered fatal injuries in car accidents last year. This number is high, but it is actually 1% lower than the year before. Driver error and poor choices continue to be the leading causes of accidents, including things like texting, driving too fast or driving without enough experience.

Zoning laws and their impact on commercial real estate matters

On behalf of Van Norman Law Firm posted in commercial real estate on Thursday, June 13, 2019.

When a person buys a piece of Louisiana property for commercial development, there is more involved than simply buying the land and breaking ground. Zoning laws can significantly impact commercial real estate plans, and it's smart to know about these things before moving forward. Current property owners and potential owners would be wise to learn about the zoning designation for their land.

Zoning classifications determine how specific properties can be used. The government has the right to distinguish how certain types of land can be developed for the purpose of protecting land value and keeping certain types of property in the same area. For example, zoning laws are what keep industrial buildings and gas stations from going up in the middle of a residential street.

Buying residential real estate for rental property purposes

On behalf of Van Norman Law Firm posted in residential real estate on Wednesday, June 5, 2019.

When people buy a Louisiana residence for the purpose of having rental property, it is prudent to be cautious and careful before signing on the dotted line. There are a host of financial and legal issues that can arise after a hasty residential real estate purchase, and a potential landlord can avoid a lot of problems by being careful. With the right approach, a person can avoid complications and earn high rental income.

Buying rental property is a significant investment. Before purchase, a person will want to think about things such as how much rent he or she could earn from renters. A landlord will also want to factor things like how much it will cost to maintain the property. It is possible that the potential income may not outweigh the total amount it would cost to buy and maintain the rental residence, and the purchase may not be wise.

Challenges associated with residential real estate purchases

On behalf of Van Norman Law Firm posted in residential real estate on Wednesday, May 29, 2019.

Buying a home in Louisiana is not a decision a person should make lightly. This is a significant financial and legal transaction, and the implications of this step will impact a person for years. It is worthwhile for a potential buyer to slow down and consider ways he or she can avoid potential issues with a residential real estate transaction.

There is much more to buying a home than simply finding one online or while driving around and making an offer. In fact, many potential first-time home buyers actually find it quite difficult to complete this process. There are some significant barriers that often stand in between a buyer and his or her dream of buying a home.