Entertainment

Motocross in the PNW: What Tracks you Should Visit

Motocross is a thrilling sport enjoyed by adrenaline junkies and motorcycle enthusiasts alike. The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is home to some of the best motocross tracks in the country, attracting riders from all over the world. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top motocross tracks in the PNW and why they’re worth a visit.

First up is the Washougal MX Park, located in Washougal, Washington. This track has been hosting races for over 40 years and is known for its natural terrain and challenging hills. It’s also the site of the Washougal National, a race in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship series. The track is open for practice on select days throughout the year, giving riders the opportunity to experience the same terrain as the pros.

Next, we have the Albany Motorsports Park in Albany, Oregon. This track offers riders a variety of challenging jumps and obstacles, as well as a layout that is fun for riders of all skill levels. The park also hosts regular races and events, making it a popular destination for motocross enthusiasts in the area.

Another must-visit track in the PNW is the Riverdale Raceway in Toutle, Washington. This track offers riders a mix of natural terrain and man-made obstacles, including a huge triple jump that is a favorite among riders. The track is also the site of the annual Pacific Northwest Motocross Championship, which draws some of the best riders in the region.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly motocross experience, the Straddleline ORV Park in McCleary, Washington is the place to go. This track offers riders of all skill levels a chance to ride in a safe and controlled environment. The park has a variety of tracks to choose from, including a beginner track for kids and first-time riders.

Last but not least, we have the Woodland MX Park in Woodland, Washington. This track is known for its challenging jumps and rhythm sections, as well as its well-maintained track surface. It’s a popular destination for riders in the PNW and is open for practice on select days throughout the year.

If you’re planning a trip to the PNW and love motocross, these tracks should definitely be on your list of places to visit. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s a track in the PNW that will challenge and excite you. So, grab your gear and hit the dirt!

Legal & Law

What To Do If You Get Pulled Over For A DUI

Have you been pulled over for a DUI? Here is what you should do…

Many people have preconceived notions about what to do if they are arrested for DUI. You can, however, defend yourself and your rights by following these procedures. It is critical to seek the counsel of an experienced DUI attorney.

STEP 1 – Exit the vehicle in a regular, calm manner.
Utilize your turn signal, promptly pull over, and come to a complete stop. It is critical to note that when you are pulled over for DUI, the whole stop (including your driving immediately preceding the stop) is recorded.

STEP 2 – Keep an air of politeness at all times.
Your chat with the police is being recorded (audio and video). Give no justification for anyone seeing the footage down the road to conclude you were being harsh, argumentative, or intoxicated. Always address the officer as “sir or ma’am” and avoid being aggressive with the officer at any moment.

When Arrested for DUI, STEP 3 – Refrain from admitting to drinking.
Following a DUI stop, you must supply the police officer with your name, driver’s license, registration, and car insurance information; but, you are not required to answer any incriminating questions. For instance, “how much alcohol have you had to consume tonight?” You are NOT required to respond to this question. Indeed, it is to your advantage to remain silent and avoid speaking. Again, the conversation is being recorded, which means that any admission of intoxication may and will be used against you in court.

NOTE: The primary difficulty with confessing to drinking is its vague nature. The officer will request that you admit to how much alcohol you’ve consumed, but will not follow up with questions such as “what type of alcohol, what size drinks, when did you consume alcohol, did you consume anything?” In Ohio, it is legal to drink and drive. It is illegal to consume alcohol and then drive when impaired. Therefore, if you do admit to drinking, be sure to clarify what type of alcohol you drank, when you drank it, how much you drank, and whether you drank it with food.

STEP 4 – Refrain from participating in any field sobriety testing.
The police may request that you exit your vehicle, but they cannot compel you to undertake field sobriety testing. These examinations are entirely voluntary. When an officer requests that you exit your vehicle, you must obey (but do not use your door or vehicle for balance when exiting). Once you exit your vehicle, politely decline to do any field sobriety testing. Simply state: “my attorney advised me never to consent to these exams.”

NOTE: Never perform field sobriety tests, as they are extremely tough and require a high level of specificity in order to pass. If you lack equilibrium, you will almost certainly fail these tests (regardless of how much alcohol consumed). Even if you have excellent balance, you will fail these tests due to their difficulty/specificity.

STEP 5 – Refuse to submit to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine).
If you are pulled over for a DUI, politely deny the officer’s request to perform a breath, blood, or urine test if you have been drinking. Why? For a variety of reasons: 1. Breath tests consistently generate incorrect findings for a variety of reasons (see here). 2. Regardless of whether you submit to a chemical test, the officer will arrest you for DUI / OVI (even if you blow under the legal limit).

After refusing to submit to the chemical test, you will face (at least) a one-year administrative license suspension (ALS), BUT you will also face (at least) a one-year court-ordered suspension if you are subsequently convicted of OVI. As a result, there is little to no reason to submit to a chemical test.

It should be remembered that simply because you submit to a breath, blood, or urine test and the results come back above the legal limit does not automatically mean you are guilty of DUI / OVI. Numerous defenses remain viable.

STEP 6 – Make no comment following your arrest, particularly when placed in the police cruiser.

Numerous police cruisers are equipped with microphones and cameras in the front and rear seats, which means that anything you say in the cruiser is being recorded (audio and video).

Bear in mind that you have the right to contact an attorney at any moment during the preceding discussion.

Additional Resources:

Government, News

What Qualifies as a Disability in the Eyes of the SSA? 

Consider it a disability or health constraint, frequently manifested in an individual’s appearance, speech, movement, or use of assistive technologies.

Any medical condition that prohibits a someone from working prior to reaching retirement age may entitle them to financial aid through Social Security Disability benefits.

However, Social Security has a very clear definition of what constitutes a disability. And the vast majority of applicants for Social Security Disability benefits are denied.

The distinction with Social Security is that it views disability exclusively through the perspective of labor.

To determine whether an applicant is eligible for benefits, the government considers how their specific health impairments preclude them from performing the jobs that their employment record supports.

This requires applicants for disability benefits to furnish thorough information about themselves, their medical conditions, and their job history. What appears to be a “disability” on the surface may or may not qualify for Social Security Disability.

A certain type of lawyer—a Social Security Disability lawyer—assists individuals in navigating these challenges.

Disability attorneys can serve as an educational resource for individuals who are having difficulty navigating the procedure. Geary Disability Law in Wisconsin developed this five-step approach to determining whether you match the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability.

The government requires individuals to go through a series of stages in order to receive financial assistance for major health conditions. This is intended to eliminate errors, but it also creates a convoluted system for those who must deal with it.

Disability attorneys are committed to making the procedure as simple as possible for those who are disabled.

Additional Resources: 

Legal & Law

What You Need to Know: Injured in an Orange County Motorcycle Accident?

When a motorcyclist is involved in a crash, he or she is vulnerable and exposed to severe injuries or death. Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries can result along with multiple fractures, organ, and joint damage and even traumatic or surgical amputations. Here’s what you need to know if you’re involved in an Orange County motorcycle accident.

Drivers Don’t See You
The most comprehensive motorcycle accident study in history was conducted at the University of Southern California’s Traffic Safety Center. It found that the failure of motorists to see motorcycles in traffic was the cause of a majority of all motorcycle accidents. The most frequent crash scenario was the motorcycle going straight with a passenger car making a left turn in front of it. On average, the motorcyclists had less than two seconds to attempt to avoid the collision.

Bias Against Motorcyclists
Any rider needs to know that insurance companies have their own form of bias against motorcyclists. They want to convey the misperception that motorcyclists are irresponsible and reckless risk-takers who drive dangerously and too fast, especially now that California allows lane splitting. Some jurors come into courtrooms with that bias too.

Overcoming Bias
Fortunately, California law doesn’t allow bias by insurance companies and jurors against motorcyclists to enter a courtroom. An experienced and effective Orange County motorcycle accident attorney from Guldjian & Fasel Accident Attorneys can complete a thorough and objective crash investigation and overcome any issues of bias before they ever arise. Eyewitness and police statements and testimony as to exactly what happened on that roadway can also be pivotal. Even the words of the driver who caused the crash can be used against him or her. Other vehicles must share the road with motorcycles, and the mere fact that an accident victim was on a motorcycle means nothing in the context of negligence. Judges caution jurors on that rule too.

Don’t speak with the opposing insurer after you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash. Its adjuster is only going to try and push liability over onto you. Instead of doing that, you can arrange for a free confidential consultation and case review with our motorcycle accident attorney here at Guldjian & Fasel Accident Attorneys by contacting us right away after your accident. As soon as we’re retained, we’ll start building a strong case for you. We won’t let bias get in the way. Our objective is to get you the maximum compensation that you deserve.

Guldjian & Fasel Accident Attorneys can also help victims injured in the following types of accidents:

  • Orange County Car Accidents
  • Orange County Truck Accidents
  • Orange County Pedestrian Accidents
  • Orange County Personal Injury Accidents
  • Orange County Wrongful Death
Home & Garden

The Importance of Eco-Friendly Home Building Construction

Eco-friendly home construction is a lifestyle and not a temporary fad. Many new homeowners are concerned about the environment and want to provide the least amount of damage. There are now experienced companies that cater to their special needs and budgets. The demands for green homes will only increase due to the numerous benefits.

Green Homes

A green home consists of environmentally friendly materials that are natural, recycled or biodegradable. The home’s sustainable designs do not emit toxins or rely on the over-consumption of building materials. An example is a properly insulated house that improves heating and cooling. Another example is a house with solar roof panels that produce natural energy.

Owners of green homes can make the designs more environmentally friendly. They can install appliances that conserve water or electricity. They can build trees along the property to keep the interior cool during the summer. For a renovation, it’s more efficient to use recycled wood, glass or metal. In general, it’s important to avoid not buying too many appliances. Technology is designed to use a lot of energy that is easily wasted.

The Impact of Green Home Building

There are different types of green homes available. A passive house is designed with the strictest standards of energy efficiency. The walls, windows and ceilings are insulated thoroughly. This type of home consumes a minimal amount of energy, much lower than in regular homes. The size is compact to reduce unnecessary space, and the windows are oriented toward the sun for optimal heating.

Green home building companies provide a wide range of customizable options for their clients. They can choose to use recycled glass only or have energy monitoring devices installed. These builders allow you to buy local materials and avoid having them shipped long distances. The best company develops a plan that is both sustainable and affordable to fit your budget.

Green home building has tremendous benefits for the environment. Fewer nonrenewable resources are used to manufacture and ship construction materials. Millions of gallons of water are saved each year. There is less pollution in the air, ground and water close to where green homes are built.

Building a custom home is a popular trend, and building an eco-friendly one is a sensible one. Homeowners save money on energy bills and tax incentives. It’s important that they learn more about the basic techniques of green home construction and the companies that make them. Contact the right custom home building company in Portland, Oregon to get started on your project.

Government, Resources

How The Government Shutdown Will Affect Those Receiving Social Security Benefits

The latest government shutdown has been going for over a month and doesn’t show any signs of stopping soon. Many people have been negatively impacted, and millions more are worried about how the shutdown will impact the benefits they rely on.

Benefits are still being sent out, and it’s business as usual for social security offices despite the partial shutdown. The Social Security Administration is funded through September 2019, so even if the shutdown continues for months, you won’t have to worry about making ends meet on your own.

Is Social Security open during the shutdown?

Although the government shutdown has impacted major businesses and institutions across the nation, the Social Security Administration is still up-and-running. Government offices will maintain regular business hours, which are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

If you want to apply for social security benefits, you might want to go online. The shutdown hasn’t closed offices, but they still tend to be crowded. Applying for benefits online is faster and easier.

How can I apply for social security benefits?

First, set up an account at the official Social Security Administration’s website: https://www.ssa.gov/. You can apply for retirement benefits at age 62, but your monthly payout will be bigger if you wait until the social security full retirement age of 66 years and 2 months for people born in 1955 and 67 for people born in or after 1960.

Once you apply online, you can learn more about the type of benefits you qualify for. It’s best to learn about social security benefits through official online resources. Here are a few to get you started:

Social Security Benefits Planner

Link: https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/ageincrease.html

This calculator will help you understand what “full retirement age” means and estimate your potential benefits amount.

Benefits by Year of Birth

Applying for benefits early will impact the amount of money you receive each month. Depending on your birth year, applying at age 62 opposed to the full retirement age will result in a deduction from your monthly benefits.

When to Start Retirement Benefits

You choose when you want to apply for benefits, but the decision should be thoroughly considered. This guide will help you weigh the pros and cons of applying for social security benefits before the full retirement age.

Stay Informed to Be Prepared

America’s turbulent government has millions of citizens uneasy, but there’s no cause for alarm right now. The Social Security Administration will continue to send out benefits on time during the shutdown, so you won’t have to worry about losing money.

Stay on top of current news and frequently check the internet to find out about any changes to benefits payments as early as possible or visit a local social security office near you for more information.

Additional Resources:

Legal & Law

Contingency Fee: Everything That You Need to Know About No Win-No Fee Attorneys.

When a person is seriously injured as a result of the carelessness and negligence of somebody else, that accident victim has the right to seek compensation for the damages that he or she suffered. Most people hire a personal injury lawyer to represent them for that purpose. What comes to issue is that many injury victims are not in a financial position to be able to pay an attorney to pursue compensation for them after they’ve incurred substantial medical bills and have been put out of work for weeks or months. That’s what contingency fee agreements are for. Here’s everything that you need to know about them in the State of Washington. 

What’s a Contingency Fee?
You’ve heard it all before on television during the day or late at night. “No fees unless we win!” That’s what contingency fees are. Those contingency fee personal injury lawyers don’t get paid a penny for their services unless they reach a settlement or obtain a verdict on your behalf. 

State of Washington RPC 1.5(9)
The Rules of Professional Conduct govern attorneys in the State of Washington. In the context of contingency fees, RPC 1.5(9) governs. First and foremost, any contingency fee agreement between attorney and client must be in writing and signed by the client. Handshakes aren’t allowed. Here is an overview of some other pertinent parts of the rule. 

How Attorneys Get Paid on Contingency Fee Agreements
If your personal injury attorney does obtain a settlement or verdict for you, he or she is paid a percentage of that gross settlement or verdict. That percentage must be clearly and unequivocally stated in your retainer agreement. 

Costs
In order to bring and maintain a claim or lawsuit on your behalf, certain costs are involved. Those might include but not be limited to costs of records, filing and service fees, along with court reporter fees, transcript charges and witness fees. Those are ordinarily advanced on your behalf by the law firm that represents you. Costs are distinguished from legal fees. How those costs are to be paid must also be clearly and unequivocally stated in a retainer agreement. They usually come off of the top after legal fees. The agreement must detail what expenses the client will be liable for, regardless of whether the client is the prevailing party. What that means is that a case might be lost, but the client might still owe his or her attorneys the costs of pursuing the case. 

Prohibitions
Attorneys are not allowed to take a case on a contingency fee that involves securing the dissolution or annulment of a marriage or the amount of any maintenance, support or property settlement in connection with the marriage. Contingency fee arrangements are also prohibited in criminal cases. 

Before leaving an attorney’s office, make sure that you get a copy of any contingency fee agreement that you enter into. You’ll likely want to refer to it sometime in the future. Jump to top

Legal & Law

How To React Following A DUI Arrest in Richmond, Va.

Let’s face it. We all make mistakes, and it’s how we handle the aftermath that determines whether or not we learn from these situations. If you or someone you love has been involved in a DUI arrest in Richmond, VA, there’s no doubt that the days, weeks, and even months following can be stressful. Following the arrest, there are some things you need to know in order to get back on your feet.

Legal Assistance

In many cases, it is possible to get charges reduced or even dismissed, but it requires someone with a keen understanding of DUI law in VA. Unless you have an extensive legal background, it’s unlikely you’re familiar with the rules and regulations regarding DUI arrests, but an experienced attorney can help you understand all of your options as well as ensure you remain in compliance throughout the course of the proceedings.

Report to Court

It’s inevitable that you’ll need to appear in court following your DUI arrest, and it’s imperative that you show up. Failure to appear can result in further jail time and exacerbate the severity of the trouble you’re already in. Make sure to clearly notate all court dates and keep them.

DUI Punishments

The court will determine a rightful punishment, and it’s up to you to ensure you follow through with your end in order to get your life back on track. It’s important to understand the potential punishments, and just a few of them include:

  • Installation of an interlock device on your vehicle
  • Suspension of driving privileges
  • Acquisition of SR22 insurance coverage
  • Fines
  • Jail time
  • Probation
  • Community service
  • Attendance in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program


There Is Life After a DUI in Richmond, VA

Getting a DUI in Richmond, VA is a serious situation, and law enforcement is cracking down on these occurrences. However, we all make mistakes, and the manner in which you handle the days following the occurrence have a significant impact on the final outcome. If you or someone you love are facing these types of charges, the professional staff here at the Law Office of David A.C. Long is here to help. We can provide the legal assistance you need, so call us today to see how we can help.

News

Yemen Raid’s Objective Was to Capture or Kill Al Qaeda Leader

Last week a Navy SEAL raid in Yemen had a secret agenda; kill or capture the head of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. He instead survived and is currently taunting President Donald Trump through an audio message.
Top miliary and national security intelligence officials reported that the goal of the extensive operation, which was nearly as large as the raid on Osama Bin Laden, was to capture or kill Qassim al-Rimi, who is considered the third most dangerous terrorist in the world and is notorious for being the leading recruiter for al Qaeda.
After the massive raid, one Navy Seal, 14 al-Qaeda combatants and a few civilians, including a girl who was only 8, were killed during the mission while al-Rimi is alive and still occupying Yemen, several military officials told reporters.
Yesterday, al-Rimi, who’s rose to the United States’ most wanted terrorist list after he took over al Qaeda’s Yemen group in 2015, released an audio recording that has been confirmed by military officials as authentic.
“The fool of the White House got slapped at the beginning of hi road in your lands,” Rimi said obviously referring to the recent raid.
It’s not apaprent whether al-Rimi escaped from the Al Qaeda camp during the SEAL Team 6 and the United Arab Emirates assault or whether he happened to be completely elsewhere. He could have potentially been tipped off by an informant.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer declared that the raid was “a successful operation by all standards” however the Pentagon refused to comment.
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/yemen-raid-had-secret-target-al-qaeda-leader-qassim-al-n717616

 

Legal & Law

How To Properly Handle Accidents Involving Bodily Injury in Washington

With a population that is above 200,000, Tacoma is situated 30 miles from Seattle. The same issues that cause accidents in Seattle also affect Tacoma. Traffic congestion in Tacoma like in Seattle is one of the main factors that contribute to accidents. If you have been injured in a car accident, read on for an outline of the personal injury laws in Washington, Tacoma.

Accidents Involving Body Injury and Death

According to Washington Laws, a driver who injures a person in a car accident must provide his/her name, vehicle registration number, address, insurance company and policy number and must show his/her license number to the one injured in the accident. The driver is required to offer reasonable assistance to the injured party. Such assistance includes transferring the injured person to a hospital for medical treatment.

Driver’s Duty to Notify the Police

When a driver is involved in a car accident causing injuries, death, or damage to property, they should notify the nearest law enforcement authority. The at-fault driver is required to inform the police about the accident within four days from the time of the accident.

Comparative Negligence in Washington

Washington law on personal injury applies the concept of comparative negligence. A victim’s responsibility for causing an accident affects the compensation they shall receive. The claimant’s compensation is diminished by their share of negligence.

Statute of Limitations

Each state in the U.S. has its statute of limitation for filing a personal injury claim. If you fail to file a claim within the time limit provided by the law, you lose your right to recover any damages from the defendant. The statute of limitation for personal injury and property damage is three years.

Claims Against the Government

In Washington, you can make a claim against the government or its agents for property damage or personal injury for negligence. The claim should be relevant to actions that an employee of the government or government agency that are performed in the course of their duties. If the injuries or property damage is caused by an unlawful action, you can only make a claim against the individual(s) who damaged the property or caused the injuries. The government agency cannot be held liable for its employees’ actions.

If you are involved in an injury due to a motorcycle accident or any incident, it is advisable to advisable to consult an injury lawyer to help you navigate the complicated process of filing a claim. Your lawyer will help you gather all the necessary evidence for pursuing compensation. In case you do not settle with your insurance provider, your attorney will offer you legal representation in court and ensure you get the best possible compensation.