Legal
The Do’s and Don’ts Directly After Being Rear-Ended
More than 25% of auto collisions are rear-end wrecks, which is a significant portion of the United States.
Whether you’re on rural roads, the highway, or driving in the city, rear-end accidents can come out of nowhere. Although you can’t prevent every accident, you can better prepare yourself for this common scenario.
Keep reading to learn the do’s and don’ts of handling accidents after you’ve been rear-ended!
Stop & Collect Yourself
The first thing you need to do after you’ve been rear-ended is stop and collect yourself.
Many people go into shock after accidents, especially if it was a hard hit. Give yourself a second before standing up or moving around to make sure you don’t have any injuries that would require you to stay in place.
Instead of going into panic mode, focus on getting your wallet and vehicle info if it’s accessible. Crying and getting angry may relieve some of the tension for a moment, but you need to save these emotions for another time.
Rear-end collisions typically don’t cause too much damage, you need to remain calm so you can drive away after you’ve spoken with the police.
If you have to wait for authorities to arrive, practice deep breathing to calm your mind and body.
Don’t Flee the Scene
Never flee an accident before police say you can leave.
A hit-and-run could result in more expensive legal fees and jail time. You shouldn’t leave the scene, even if you don’t have insurance, because other people’s lives may be at risk.
After you’ve checked yourself for serious injuries and others in your car, check the other vehicles if you don’t see movement.
If you’re worried about another driver fleeing, take note of the make and model of their car. It also helps to take a photo of their license plate, but most people don’t have time to snap a shot before they’re gone.
Check Your Surroundings
Much like old photographs and writing, memories fade as time goes by.
You should take time to look at your surroundings and take note of anything important. Taking notes can help you recall information more accurately, which will help when you speak with the officer.
Check on everyone who was in the vehicle wreck and pay attention to the traffic if you have to get around the car.
Try to take note of all the details of the accident to find out who is at fault. If you have your phone nearby, you can take pictures of everything and reference them later.
Don’t Expose Yourself to Traffic
Although you want a good photo of your car for the insurance company, you should never put yourself in danger.
Move away from the accident and oncoming traffic before debris or a vehicle gets too close. If the vehicles involved in the accident are still drivable, pull into a nearby parking lot or onto a less-busy street.
Since many accidents occur on freeways, try to go up a hill or at least 20 yards away. Other drivers on the road may be traveling at normal speeds, not realizing there is an accident, only to join in on the damage.
You are much safer stepping away from the vehicle, don’t sit inside and wait for the police to arrive .
Contact Authorities
If car accidents are severe , they could threaten everyone on the road.
Even if everyone involved in the accident looks okay and is moving around, you still want to get cleared by a medical professional. Aside from contacting the ambulance, you’ll want to be sure a firetruck and police officer come too.
It will feel like a lot of people are coming for a small accident, but each person serves a critical role. Chemical reactions could be difficult to identify, but firemen can spot them with a simple vehicle check.
Always stay at the scene until the police officer in charge gives orders that it’s okay. Even with rear-end collisions, they need statements from everyone involved and some bystanders.
Don’t Rely on Others
There could be dozens of cars that pass by your accident scene and none of them may call the police.
The bystander effect can delay the process of getting help, and in certain cases, put people’s lives at risk.
If you can communicate, point at someone and designate them to call the authorities. Have the person confirm what they are doing before you focus on other matters.
When many people are around, each person assumes that someone must have already made the call. Don’t rely on others, even if you can’t call on your phone, you can put someone in charge.
Gather Evidence
Without much evidence, your case could be weak in court and you could be responsible for paying most of the fines.
The more evidence you can get that’s in your favor, the less likely it is you’ll see a hike in insurance costs. Evidence can also help the judge and police identify if anyone broke laws or regulations.
It’s best to use your phone to take photos and notes at the scene of the accident. Not only can these photos get used in court, but they are also time-stamped and show your exact location. You can take photos of the other vehicles involved to show how the accident occurred.
If you were injured, take photos of your injuries. Make sure they are clear and identifiable on your body. You should also make copies of your medical bills and reports to help back up your photo evidence.
Don’t Lie or Alter the Scene
Car accidents can be terrifying, no matter how small they are.
Some people, in a panic, try to cover their tracks to make themselves look innocent. If you know that you are at least partially to blame for the rear-end collision, don’t lie about the incident. When you’re speaking with the police, tell the truth.
If you don’t know the answer to a question, ask to come back to it in a few minutes. You can easily get distracted and say something that isn’t true without even realizing it.
File an Insurance Claim
Filing an insurance claim can be one of the most daunting tasks after an accident.
You’ll need a police number for your case before you can file an insurance claim. Contacting your insurance company shouldn’t take long.
As long as you have all the details in front of you, you can quickly answer their questions.
The more detailed your insurance claim is, the easiest it’ll be to identify how your payments will be impacted. Most people notice a rise in their insurance bills after an accident, whether they are found at fault or not.
Don’t Wait to Call
You won’t have long to make an insurance claim, so don’t hesitate.
Most insurance companies want drivers to contact them within 24 hours of the accident. Ideally, you should make the call as quickly as possible. If you’re still waiting on your police case number, let your insurance agent know.
If it isn’t a serious accident, you may have up to two weeks to report your insurance claim. Waiting more than a few days, however, isn’t recommended and could prevent you from getting help.
Contact a Lawyer
Whether you or someone else was responsible for the accident, you should invest in an attorney.
Take a look at this website and contact an attorney to see how much money you could get in compensation. Paying for medical and auto bills after an accident can become expensive, especially if you need to take time off of work.
A car accident lawyer can represent you in court and hold the party that is responsible for the damage accountable.
Navigating the legal process for personal injury cases can become tricky. With the right attorney by your side, you can get compensation and get back on the road again.
If you’re the one that caused the vehicle wreck, a lawyer can reduce your legal fees and shorten jail sentences in some cases.
Don’t Make Side Deals
Depending on who is involved in the vehicle accident, you may get confronted with a deal.
Some people on the road aren’t permitted or licensed. If you get offered money or a deal to cover the repair costs, you shouldn’t accept without an attorney present.
These deals aren’t legitimate and many people wait for the money, only to discover that it won’t come.
Avoid tempting deals and get the police involved. Although you may want to help someone, you could get into legal trouble or deal with consequences when you start making negotiations.
Educate Yourself
While you wait for your insurance and police claims to come back, you should try to learn more about accidents.
Outside of driver’s ed training, people don’t learn about the latest accidents and issues on the road. Take a few minutes to learn about local intersections that are known for having accidents.
You should also research the reasons people get into accidents and the best ways to avoid collisions.
You can’t control other people, but being aware of your surroundings and reducing distractions should keep you safe on the road.
Don’t Get on the Road Too Soon
Although you don’t want to wait too long and be scared to drive again, you also want to wait to drive until you’ve recovered.
It’s best to wait two to three days before driving so you can be sure you don’t have any hidden injuries. Driving too soon could impact your response time, especially if you’re still recovering from migraines and pain.
Another reason you want to stay off the road is to prevent unnecessary anxiety. It’s common for people to be anxious behind the wheel after they hit or get hit by another vehicle.
This is a natural response, so you don’t want to go into drive until you feel confident again.
Be Mindful on the Road
Your focus on the road should increase after getting into a rear-end collision.
If you got into an accident because of issues with your vehicle, you need to address them immediately. Procrastinating could increase the risk of you getting into another accident and put other people in danger.
When you’re traveling, set up a music playlist ahead of time to keep your eyes on the road. You should also put GPS addresses in before putting your car in reverse.
When you pay attention to the road, you’re less likely to blank out while driving, which causes many accidents.
Don’t Engage in Aggression
Road rage is a serious issue that can make accidents even worse than they are.
You should never engage in aggression on the road, even if someone is enabling it. Speeding, slamming on the brakes, and jumping lanes are examples of aggressive driving.
If someone is riding your tail-end, get in the next lane when it’s safe and carry on with your day.
Long commutes can reduce patience, but you can improve your drive by listening to music. Do something that makes you happy on your drive, this will also help you get over the car accident.
Don’t Get Spun Around After Getting Rear-Ended
There’s nothing worse than getting rear-ended after a long day of work.
Many people panic and forget the essentials, but this guide can help you navigate your auto accident. From the start of the accident, you have to increase your awareness and take note of any detail that could help your case.
Don’t wait to contact your insurance company and lawyer, delaying can reduce your compensation.
Be sure to check out our site for more content that will help you on the road!
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Thailand’s Constitutional Court has changed the Civil Code will allow women to sue their husbands’ lovers, male or female. The Constitutional Court found on Tuesday that Section 1523 of the Civil Code breached Section 27 of the constitution, which safeguards Thais’ rights and liberties regardless of gender.
The court directed that the verdict be enforced within 360 days.
Section 1523 of the Civil Code states that husbands can sue their wives’ lovers, and wives can sue other women who publicly display an adulterous connection with their husband.
Keirov Kritteeranon, secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman, stated that the Ombudsman had previously urged the court to rule on the legality of Section 1523, which allowed wives to suit only female lovers.
Husbands can now sue their wives’ boyfriends regardless of gender, and there was no requirement for any public declaration of an adulterous connection, he claimed.
Once enforced, Tuesday’s Constitutional Court order, according to the Ombudsman, will correct this imbalance.
Thailand Amends Marriage Law
Meanwhile, Thailand is set to become the first Southeast Asian country to recognise same-sex marriage, after its marriage equality law was passed in the Upper House on Tuesday and is now on its approach to being promulgated before going into effect in the coming months.
LGBTQ+ advocates rejoiced as the Senate voted 130-4 to pass the bill on its final reading, with 18 abstentions. They hailed the development as a win in their long struggle for equal rights.
When the advocates who had gathered at parliament on Tuesday to witness the Senate’s final reading and vote on the measure heard the outcome, they burst out in cheers.
They next went to authorities House, where the authorities had planned a celebratory reception for them later in the day. They then went to the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, where the party lasted until late at night.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is on sick leave due to Covid-19, congratulated them via Zoom call from Government House.
The new law will allow any two people aged 18 or older to register their marriage and obtain the same advantages and rights as heterosexual couples. The bill refers to married couples as “two individuals” rather than “a man and a woman,” and changes their legal status from “husband and wife” to “spouses.”
LGBTQ+ people from any country can legally marry in Thailand. When the bill goes into force, foreign same-sex married partners will be eligible for a spousal visa.
The law will be sent to the government for approval before being presented to the monarch.
It will take effect within 120 days of its publication in the Royal Gazette, making Thailand the third Asian country to accept same-sex marriages after Nepal and Taiwan.
Senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn, spokesman for the Senate’s special committee evaluating the proposed law, called it a victory for equal rights campaigners.
“There is no reason for the Upper House to disagree with the judgement made by the House of Representatives,” he told reporters. He was referring to the legislation’s passage in the Lower House prior to its submission to the Senate for approval.
The battle for same-sex marriage legislation began 23 years ago. Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, a Move Forward Party list-MP, said that the law’s passage on Tuesday signified the beginning of a new chapter in Thai history.
Source: Bangkok Post
Court Upholds Israel’s Ban on News Agency Al Jazeera
Thailand’s Senate has approved a long awaited marriage equality bill on Tuesday, making the country the third Asian country to accept same-sex couples. The Senate approved the law 130-4 with 18 abstentions.
The marriage equality bill will be sent the palace for royal clearance. The marriage equality law takes 120 days to take effect after Royal Gazette publication.
LGBTQ+ advocates welcomed the proposal a “monumental step forward” because Thailand would be the first Southeast Asian country to legalise marriage equality. Thailand is popular with travellers due to its LGBTQ+ culture and tolerance.
“This would underscore Thailand’s leadership in the region in promoting human rights and gender equality,” the Civil Society Commission of marriage equality, activists, and LGBTI+ couples said.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who wore a rainbow shirt to commemorate Pride Month, joined thousands of LGBTQ+ revellers and activists in a Bangkok parade at the start of June.
The prime minister will open Government House to commemorate the bill’s passage. Pride supporters will march from Parliament to the prime minister’s office. Mr. Srettha, who has Covid-19, will join them online after taking several days off.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai anticipates June’s Pride Month to create approximately 4.5 billion baht in economic cash flow.
Pride Month in Thailand
On Saturday, Mr. Phumtham said the government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is encouraging sexual diversity and working with the commercial sector to plan more Pride Month festivities to attract LGBTQ+ tourists.
He claimed it will increase the country’s trade potential by giving SMEs business expansion chances and adding soft power value.
Mr. Phumtham claimed Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, told him Pride Month celebrations will make Thailand a “pride-friendly destination” for LGBTQ+ Thai and global consumers.
This would help the country become a regional tourism hub under the government’s “Ignite Tourism Thailand” initiative to enhance tourism in 55 “worth visiting” provinces.
He added that such festivals will support downstream industries like event planners, food and beverage companies, hotels, and transport services and disperse cash to local areas. Mr. Phumtham stated Thailand’s Pride Month began in 1999. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Chon Buri host parades, festivities, and campaigns.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects approximately 860,000 people to attend this year’s festival and contribute at least 4.5 billion baht for the economy. LGBT Capital estimates that the world’s LGBTQ+ population has US$4.7 trillion in purchasing power and Thailand’s sexually varied population has US$26 billion.
LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand are improving, but there’s still much to do. The LGBTQ+ community in Thailand is notably strong in Bangkok and Pattaya.
Strong legal recognition allows transgender people to change their names and titles. Many LGBTQ+ couples lack legal rights since same-sex marriage is banned.
LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand
Thailand is becoming more accepting despite these difficulties. LGBTQ+ rights are gaining favour. Activists want legal changes to guarantee equality.
Pride parades are becoming increasingly visible, demonstrating diverse acceptance. While challenges remain, LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand are improving as awareness and acceptance expand.
The jewelry manufacturing industry is a vibrant and highly competitive sector where creativity and innovation are paramount. Designers invest significant time, effort, and resources into crafting unique pieces that appeal to consumers’ tastes and preferences. However, this industry faces a persistent challenge: the protection of original designs from imitation and unauthorized use.
Intellectual property rights (IPR) play a crucial role in safeguarding jewellery designs, ensuring that creators receive recognition and financial benefits from their work. This article delves into the various forms of intellectual property rights pertinent to the jewelry manufacturing industry and offers insights on how designers can protect their creations.
Understanding Intellectual Property Rights
Intellectual property rights are legal mechanisms that grant creators exclusive rights to their inventions, designs, and artistic works. These rights encourage innovation by providing creators with the means to control the use of their creations and to benefit financially from them. In the context of jewelry design, the most relevant forms of IPR are copyrights, trademarks, patents, and design rights.
Copyrights
Copyright protection extends to original works of authorship, including artistic creations such as jewelry designs. Under copyright law, the designer of a piece of jewelry automatically acquires the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and display the design upon its creation. This protection does not require registration, although registering the copyright with the appropriate governmental body, such as the U.S. Copyright Office, can provide additional legal benefits and evidence of ownership.
For jewelry designers, copyright protects the aesthetic aspects of a piece, such as the specific design, patterns, and artistic expressions. However, it does not cover the functional elements or the materials used. The duration of copyright protection varies by country, but it typically lasts for the life of the creator plus an additional 50 to 70 years.
Trademarks
Trademarks protect symbols, names, logos, and slogans that distinguish goods and services in the marketplace. For jewelry manufacturers, a trademark can cover the brand name, logo, or even a unique product line name.
Registering a trademark with the appropriate authority, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), provides nationwide protection and the exclusive right to use the mark in connection with the specified goods or services.
A strong trademark helps consumers identify and differentiate a brand’s products from those of competitors, fostering brand loyalty and reducing the risk of confusion in the marketplace. It also provides legal recourse against counterfeiting and unauthorised use of the brand’s identity.
Patents
Patents protect new inventions and technical innovations. In the jewelry industry, this could include innovative manufacturing processes, unique mechanisms for adjustable or interchangeable jewelry, or novel materials and techniques. A patent grants the inventor the exclusive right to use, make, and sell the invention for a limited period, usually 20 years from the filing date of the patent application.
Obtaining a patent involves a rigorous process of proving that the invention is novel, non-obvious, and useful. For jewelry designers, the primary benefit of patent protection lies in safeguarding their innovative techniques and mechanical features, which can provide a competitive edge in the market.
Design Rights
Design rights specifically protect the visual appearance of a product, including its shape, configuration, pattern, and ornamentation. These rights are particularly relevant to the jewelry industry, where the aesthetic appeal of a product is a key selling point. In many jurisdictions, design rights must be registered to be enforceable, though some countries offer unregistered design rights that provide limited protection.
Registering a design right involves submitting detailed representations of the design to the relevant authority, such as the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for protection within the EU. Registered design rights typically offer protection for up to 25 years, subject to renewal fees.
Steps to Protect Jewelry Designs
- Document Your Designs: Maintain detailed records of your design process, including sketches, prototypes, and finished pieces. This documentation can serve as evidence of originality and ownership in case of disputes.
- Conduct Searches: Before launching a new design, conduct thorough searches to ensure it does not infringe on existing intellectual property. This can prevent legal issues and costly disputes.
- Register Your IP: Where applicable, register your copyrights, trademarks, patents, and design rights with the appropriate authorities. Registration enhances protection and provides legal advantages in enforcing your rights.
- Use NDAs and Contracts: When working with manufacturers, suppliers, and collaborators, use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and detailed contracts to protect your designs and outline the terms of use. ( Check out EJ: A Jewelry Manufacturer with NDA’s.
- Monitor the Market: Regularly monitor the market for potential infringements. This can involve online searches, attending trade shows, and staying informed about competitors’ activities.
- Take Legal Action if Necessary: If you discover an infringement, take prompt legal action to enforce your rights. This may involve sending cease-and-desist letters, pursuing litigation, or seeking alternative dispute resolution methods.
Challenges and Considerations
While intellectual property rights offer significant protection, there are challenges and limitations to consider. The cost and complexity of obtaining and enforcing IPR can be prohibitive, especially for small designers and startups. Additionally, the global nature of the jewelry market means that protections obtained in one jurisdiction may not be recognized elsewhere, necessitating international strategies for comprehensive protection.
Moreover, the fast-paced nature of fashion and jewelry trends can make lengthy registration processes impractical for certain designs. In such cases, relying on unregistered design rights or focusing on brand protection through trademarks may be more viable strategies.
Conclusion
Intellectual property rights are a vital tool for protecting the creativity and innovation that drive the jewelry manufacturing industry. By understanding and strategically utilizing copyrights, trademarks, patents, and design rights, designers can safeguard their creations, enhance their competitive edge, and ensure they reap the financial rewards of their ingenuity. As the industry continues to evolve, staying informed about IPR and adapting to emerging challenges will be crucial for sustaining success in the dynamic world of jewelry design.
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