In general, truck accident cases are heavily based on evidence. We take steps to obtain evidence by gathering information from sources such as:
Driver's logs
GPS navigation systems
Delivery routes
The scene of the accident
Witness accounts
Police reports
When investigating Ohio truck accidents, we work with experts such as accident reconstructionists who can recreate the scene of the accident. Accident reconstruction is often a very powerful tool that we can use to show a jury just how an accident occurred.
If your loved one was killed as a result of a truck accident, you have the right to seek compensation through a wrongful death suit. Though compensation cannot bring your loved one back, it can replace the wages that he or she would have earned over the course of a lifetime. It can also cover funeral expenses and enable you to put aside money for a child's college tuition or your long-term care.
Schedule a free initial consultation by calling our office in Dayton today. We will handle your case on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no fee unless we obtain compensation for you.
]]>Understanding the causes of truck accidents in Ohio is important for building your case. Negligence on the part of commercial trucking companies can take many forms:
Trucks are not properly loaded or are overloaded
Drivers are not given adequate rest time, leading to fatigue and impaired driving
Driver's speed
Trucks are not properly maintained
Drivers fail to maintain cleared distance
Truck drivers experience tire blowouts
Moments after the accident, the commercial trucking company's risk management team will arrive on the scene to gather evidence that the company will use against you. You can do the same. By contacting our lawyers from the scene of the accident, you can ensure that evidence in your favor is collected and preserved.
If you were injured in an accident with a commercial vehicle, contact our firm today to schedule a free initial consultation. We do not charge a fee unless we are successful in obtaining compensation for you.
]]>With help from StachlerHarmon in Dayton, you can take legal action against undue influence.
Undue influence occurs when an individual manipulates another person's decisions. Generally, the influencer is in a position of power over the person being influenced. To have grounds for undue influence, you must be able to prove:
Your loved one's will designates property to beneficiaries in an unexpected way. For instance, the will excludes close family members and leaves property to another beneficiary, seemingly without a reason.
Due to physical, mental or emotional frailty caused by illness or age, the author of the will was vulnerable to undue influence.
The beneficiary who exerted influence was someone whom the author of the will trusted or relied upon, such as a caretaker, relative, lawyer or accountant.
The beneficiary took advantage of the situation and benefited from undue influence over the author of the will.
Family members who suspect undue influence after a loved one passes away may wish to enter probate litigation and contest the will. A judge may determine that the influencer used undue influence over the testator, which invalidates the will. When the court concludes that a will is invalid, all property and assets belonging to the deceased are distributed according to a previous valid will or by Ohio's intestate succession laws.
Unfortunately, because the influencer wants to keep changes to estate plan documents hidden, family members may not realize a loved one was manipulated until after his or her death. However, even the subtlest influencers leave evidence. Be on the alert for any of the following signs:
The influencer attempts to isolate your loved one.
The influencer begins to take charge of your loved one's affairs and life, including handling financial matters.
Your loved one fails or refuses to engage in family activities, holidays or other activities that he or she previously participated in.
If you suspect undue influence over a loved one, there are legal remedies. Speak with one of our probate attorneys at StachlerHarmon. Call us today or reach us online.
]]>A beneficiary who wishes to contest a will must have reasonable grounds for doing so. Grounds for contesting a will include:
Undue influence
Lack of proper execution
Forgery
Incapacity
Our Dayton will contest lawyers represent both fiduciaries and beneficiaries in will contests. If you are a beneficiary and you believe that you have reasonable grounds for contesting a will, our attorneys can thoroughly examine the document to determine whether legal action is possible. If you are a trustee or executor, our attorneys are prepared to defend you in the event that the will is contested by a beneficiary.
In either case, our attorneys utilize a judicious application of legal theory to achieve the best possible results for our clients.
Under the law, a will contest must take place within a certain time. The window for challenging a will is very narrow, so if you suspect fraud or wrongdoing, contacting an attorney quickly is absolutely essential. Even if the allotted time has already passed, there may be other remedies that may be helpful to you.
Schedule a consultation with our lawyers by contacting our office today.
]]>At StachlerHarmon, our attorneys have extensive experience with passenger claims.
As a passenger, you have a claim against the driver if the person driving the car you were in was at fault. Many people are hesitant to take action against friends after a car accident.
Keep in mind that you are not taking your friend to court — you are making a claim against your friend's insurance policy. Your friend pays premiums for a policy that covers him or her for exactly this type of claim. When you are injured in an accident, one of the three people bears the cost: you, your friend or the insurance company. Our lawyers are prepared to take steps to ensure that the insurance company bears the cost — to the fullest possible extent.
Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident can strengthen your case significantly. Insurance companies begin gathering evidence moments after a car accident. Bringing in a lawyer immediately to do the same helps you level the playing field.
Contact the Dayton car passenger injury lawyers at StachlerHarmon by calling today to schedule a no-cost initial consultation. Because we take injury cases on a contingency fee basis, there is no fee unless we win.
]]>Breach of fiduciary duty is a serious matter. Some examples include:
Misuse of powers of attorney
Transfers involving undue influence
Any action that benefits an individual rather than the ward or testator
Questionable investment choices
Transfers of real estate
The term fiduciary duty means that an executor or trustee must act with the utmost trustworthiness and fidelity. Fiduciaries must put aside their own interests and do what is best for the individuals in their care. When the fiduciary is a family member, failure to do so can lead to family conflict.
Understanding one's obligations as a fiduciary can be difficult, so guidance from a knowledgeable attorney is essential for avoiding missteps that could be construed as breach of fiduciary duty. Our attorneys work closely with trustees and executors, providing counsel aimed at ensuring that every choice they make is proper under the law.
When fiduciaries are accused of wrongdoing, we are prepared to aggressively represent them in court. Conversely, we represent beneficiaries and heirs who bring actions against trustees and executors for alleged breaches of fiduciary duty.
Whether you are a fiduciary or beneficiary, our Dayton fiduciary litigation lawyers are prepared to defend or assert your rights. To learn more, call our office today to schedule an initial consultation. Or, if you prefer, complete our online form.
]]>That is why, after an accident, it makes sense to protect your interests with assistance from attorneys who are well-versed in handling those issues.
At StachlerHarmon, in Dayton, our attorneys have the knowledge and ability to tackle all types of car insurance issues arising out of car accidents in Ohio or in other states. Give us a call today for a free phone consultation about your specific situation.
Our lawyers handle a full range of insurance issues involving compensation for car crashes. This includes:
Uninsured/underinsured motorists — In theory, all drivers in Ohio are required to have insurance. But what happens if the driver who injured you was uninsured or underinsured? Our law firm can help you respond to this situation, such as by asserting your rights under the UM/UIM coverage under your own insurance policy.
Litigation coverage — What if you end up getting sued because the other driver claims you were at fault or partly at fault in an accident? We will explain what your legal rights and options are. It's important that your rights are protected in any litigation or settlement arising from the accident, even if the insurance company says they will take care of it.
Bad faith — Sometimes, insurance companies don't deliver on the coverage they were supposed to provide, even though there is no legitimate reason for them to refuse to pay or deny your claim. We can help you hold your insurance company accountable.
For a no-cost phone consultation, call today. Or, if you prefer, complete the online intake form.
]]>At StachlerHarmon, our Ohio law firm provides effective legal guidance to families and fiduciaries throughout the probate process. This includes strong advocacy in any litigation that may arise from the family conflict. We are committed to simply solving complex issues.
Give us a call today to discuss your specific situation in a free phone consultation. We serve clients throughout the Dayton area.
Our lawyers have proven experience in representing all types of parties in family disputes. This includes:
Executors or personal representatives of an estate — If an executor or personal representative engages in misconduct or wrongdoing, that is a breach of fiduciary duty. And such a breach can give rise to litigation to hold the executor accountable.
Trustees — The same fiduciary principles that apply to executors of an estate apply to trustees. They can be sued if there is self-dealing, fraud or other wrongful conduct.
Family members — Members of a family sometimes find themselves at odds over a contested will or other issues. We can help you protect and assert your interests.
There are any number of situations that could have occurred in your case. Maybe an executor favored certain heirs over others. Maybe a trustee engaged in some sort of fraud.
Or perhaps there was no actual misconduct by the fiduciary — merely hard feelings about a sensitive issue among family members. Either way, you need strong and capable legal representation to prevent litigation where possible and resolve it effectively when necessary. At StachlerHarmon, that is what our attorneys do.
Take action by giving our law firm a call. Or, if you prefer, complete the online form. The first phone consultation is always free.
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