How to Feel in Control After an Auto Accident
September 27, 2012 | Adriel B. VillarrealYou never really expect to get into an auto accident, even though in the back of your mind you know it’s always a possibility. You can be the best driver in the world, follow all traffic rules and be visually attentive but still, one day – wham! You weren’t prepared for this and feel like you have lost all control; now what? Try Not to Panic First, you should remain calm and try your best not to allow stress to take over. It is natural to be in shock at first until you are able to assess the situation. Once you get over your initial reaction, you will be in a better state to see if you have suffered any injuries and if the other driver and passengers have been injured. Even if you were not badly injured, you should give your statement to the police officer reporting on the accident. You should never admit fault to the accident no matter what the circumstances. Simply tell the officer what happened and that’s it. If the other car involved leaves before the police arrive, make sure you write down the make, model and license number of their car. After you get home, be sure to contact your insurance company and give them an account…
Read MoreCity Employees and Off-Duty Conduct Webinar
September 11, 2012 | Scott M. LepakOur attorney, Scott Lepak, presented a free webinar hosted by the League of Minnesota Cities. This webinar titled, “City Employees and Off-Duty Conduct,” took place on Thursday, July 12th. You can view the full webinar here: Click here to download the full transcript (PDF) Click here to download the presentation slides (PDF) Scott Lepak is a frequent lecturer on labor and employment law topics in Minnesota and in this webinar he provides some guidance when off-duty conduct is illegal, unethical, or harms the reputation of the city. It’s often hard to know whether or not the city can discipline for that behavior. Off-duty conduct is a tricky and every-changing area of employment law. There are issues associated with freedom of speech and expectations of privacy that must be waived against the legitimate interest of the city. In this webinar Scott discusses… What is off-duty misconduct? What governs off-duty conduct? Are there limitations on conduct that may be regulated? The National Academy of Arbitrator’s four prong test An alternate four prong test Limitations on regulating off-duty conduct Arbitration Rulings We want to thank the League of Minnesota Cities for granting us permission to publish the webinar here and on our YouTube channel.
Read MoreWhat To Do In Case of a Car Accident
August 21, 2012 | John T. BuchmanIt’s one of those things you don’t like to think about – what to do in case of a car accident – but it’s something you should prepare for so that if an accident does occur, you’re better prepared to deal with the situation. We have put together a simple car accident form that you can download and save to your smartphone or print it out so you can have a copy for your glove compartment. Having this information available could help you know what to do if you are involved in a car accident. Here is the information you’ll find in the form: IN CASE OF A CAR ACCIDENT At the Time of the Auto Accident: Remain calm and call the police. Tell the police officer if you, or anyone involved in the accident was injured. Do not admit fault to anyone at the scene. Try to obtain witness information and license plate numbers if the police cannot make it to the scene. Keep your current insurance card in your vehicle for proof of insurance. Obtain the necessary information from the other driver if applicable (see below). Provide the information necessary to the other driver if applicable (see below). Take photographs of the accident scene or cars involved if possible. After the…
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