Denver Legal Malpractice Blog

How to prevent a rear-end car accident

On behalf of The Viorst Law Offices, P.C. posted in personal injury on Friday, October 18, 2019.

Rear-end accidents are among the most common, with these occurring in every setting imaginable.

While there is nothing you can do to control the behavior of those driving on the road behind you, there are some steps you can personally take to prevent this type of accident:

Increase your following distance: The closer you drive to the car in front of you, the greater chance there is of striking it. Also, there are specific situations, such as wet roadways, that call for even more space.
Gradually slow down: Rather than slam on your brakes at the last second, gradually slow down to give the driver behind you time to do the same. If you stop abruptly, it increases the risk of a rear-end collision.
Be aware of changing traffic patterns: For example, if a sign tells you that there is construction work ahead, keep a close eye out for slowing traffic. You know it's coming, so it's ideal to prepare as far in advance as possible. Doing so reduces the likelihood of striking the vehicle in front of yours, while also minimizing the risk of an abrupt stop.

Common causes of slip and fall accidents in an office setting

On behalf of The Viorst Law Offices, P.C. posted in personal injury on Thursday, October 10, 2019.

Just because you work in an office environment doesn't necessarily mean you're safe at all times. You may not face the same risks as construction workers, for example, but that doesn't mean you can let your guard down.

For example, a slip and fall accident can happen at any time, with these conditions among the most common culprits:

Wet or slick floors, such as from the use of too much wax or polish
Failure to provide warnings that a floor is damaged, being cleaned or wet
Applying a floor treatment to stairs or an inclining or declining part of the floor
Bulging, torn or worn out carpet
Mats or rugs with holes, worn sports or edges that curl
Worn out stairs
Stairways with a missing or loose handrail
Missing step
Malfunctioning elevator or escalator

What to include in your attorney representation agreement

On behalf of The Viorst Law Offices, P.C. on Thursday, October 10, 2019.

When hiring an attorney, it's easy to overlook the importance of a representation agreement. You have a lot of other things on your mind, such as taking care of the legal problem you're facing.

However, if you proceed without an attorney representation agreement in place, it can result in future trouble.

Were you injured in a multivehicle accident?

On behalf of The Viorst Law Offices, P.C. posted in personal injury on Thursday, October 3, 2019.

When a multivehicle accident occurs, it's not always easy to determine who was at fault. This is particularly true if more than one individual made an error that resulted in the crash.

Liability in a multivehicle accident is based on a variety of factors, including how the accident happened, the location of the vehicles immediately before the crash and the location.

Ineffective assistance of counsel can lead to a dispute

On behalf of The Viorst Law Offices, P.C. on Thursday, September 26, 2019.

You hire an attorney because you need professional, legal assistance. Unfortunately, just because you hire an attorney doesn't mean you'll receive the assistance you need to win your case.

If you have concerns about the ineffective assistance of counsel, such as during a criminal case, it's critical to learn more about your legal rights in Colorado and the steps you can take to protect yourself.

Assault and battery defense strategies

On behalf of The Viorst Law Offices, P.C. posted in criminal defense on Tuesday, September 24, 2019.

There are many defense strategies available in assault and battery cases. The one you use is based on the facts of your case and the circumstances surrounding your arrest.

Here are some of the most commonly used assault and battery defense strategies:

Self-defense: This has long been a common defense and is typically best when you can prove a threat of unlawful harm or force by another individual.
Defense of others: Like self-defense, this strategy focuses on the fact that you were defending another individual, such as a child or spouse.
Defense of property: This is when you claim that you acted in defense of property that was being illegally withheld or invaded. For instance, if someone breaks into your home and attempts to steal from you, you have the right to defend yourself and property.

How to drive safely in close proximity to commercial trucks

On behalf of The Viorst Law Offices, P.C. posted in personal injury on Wednesday, September 18, 2019.

As you drive in and around the Denver area, you'll often find yourself in close proximity to commercial trucks. The size of these vehicles alone is enough to scare you. When you add in the fact that many truckers don't follow the rules of the road, safety concerns are only natural.

Here are three tips you can follow to drive safely around commercial trucks:

Avoid blind spots: The larger the truck the more important this is. Big rigs have blind spots on all four sides, so you want to take extra caution at all times. For example, driving in a blind spot increases the risk of the trucker changing lanes into your vehicle.
Pass safely: If you need to pass a truck, use your turn signals appropriately and do so in the left lane. Illegal passing, such as making your move in the right lane, increases the risk of an accident.
Leave more space: If a truck is moving slowly, it's easy to find yourself a few feet away from its bumper. Leaving additional space allows the trucker to clearly see your vehicle. It also gives you more time to stop in the event of an emergency.

Common questions related to legal malpractice

On behalf of The Viorst Law Offices, P.C. on Wednesday, September 11, 2019.

When you hire an attorney, you do so with the idea that this person will help you with your legal problem. Unfortunately, not all attorneys are scrupulous.

Despite the fact that you put your trust in this person, they may let you down at some point. If this happens, review your agreement, learn more about legal malpractice and create a plan for how to best move forward.

What’s the best way to prevent drowsy driving?

On behalf of The Viorst Law Offices, P.C. posted in personal injury on Tuesday, September 10, 2019.

It's important to remain alert when you're behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. If drowsiness sets in, it's critical to pull to safety and consider what to do next. Continuing to drive while tired can result in a serious accident.

Rather than deal with drowsy driving as it hits you, it's better to prevent it in the first place. Here are some of the best ways of doing so:

Get plenty of rest: If you know you'll be behind the wheel the next day, get as much sleep as possible the night before. This is a particularly good idea if you're taking a long road trip.
Don't drive at night: When possible, drive during the daylight hours.
Don't drive alone: Not only can a passenger help keep you alert, but you can also share the driving if necessary.
Use caffeine: You shouldn't rely solely on this way of preventing drowsy driving, but it may give you the short-term boost you need to safely reach your destination.
Take breaks: When driving a long distance, take regular breaks to rest your mind and body. This is also a good time to grab a healthy snack that can provide you with energy for the rest of your trip.

3 steps to take if you spot a drunk driver

On behalf of The Viorst Law Offices, P.C. posted in personal injury on Wednesday, September 4, 2019.

Regardless of the time of day, it's possible you could encounter a drunk driver on the highway. For example, someone who is swerving, driving the wrong way on a one-way street or driving very slowly may be under the influence of alcohol.

Here are three steps to take if you spot a drunk driver:

Keep your distance: The closer you drive to this person, the greater chance there is of getting into an accident with them. Stay as far away as possible.
Collect descriptive details of the vehicle: This typically includes the license plate number, color, make and model. While doing so, don't get too close and risk your own safety.
Call 911: Depending on the circumstances, you may want to call 911 to notify police that there is a dangerous driver on the road. In addition to sharing the descriptive information you collect, provide the dispatcher with the vehicle's precise location. This makes it easier for police to respond in a timely manner.