Harman Law - January/February 2024

Kupata’s Road to Fame The Stray Dog Who Captured the World’s Heart

We often think dogs live the good life, as they seem to do nothing but play, eat, and sleep. Yet, some dogs are busy at work, some without being asked to do so! Take Kupata, the stray dog in Georgia, for example. This street- roaming pup takes it upon himself to guard a crosswalk all day, every day . In the town of Batumi, this stray stays by a single crosswalk and forces traffic to stop to allow pedestrians to cross the street. He’s especially protective of children! If Kupata sees a car isn’t slowing down, he’ll bark at the driver as they drive away and run to protect the person crossing the street. One local even shared that Kupata will cross the road with children and stay at the park to protect the youngsters.

hard work, and locals all pitch in to care for and feed the stray dog. His consistently round belly shows just how loved he is. You’ll even see a massive painting of the beloved animal on a nearby building. Now, after tireless days of guarding his street, Kupata has his own doghouse provided by the city with an accompanying star on the road with his name on it. Kupata’s dedication made him go viral on social media, and now travelers from all over the world come to see Kupata. Don’t distract him, though. He’s busy at work! Sadly, even though Kupata remains cherished by his community, thousands of stray dogs in the country need shelter, food, and companionship. According to activists, around 500,000 stray dogs and cats roam the streets of Georgia. While stray animals may get a bad

reputation for being dangerous or unfriendly, Kupata proves that even these furry friends deserve love and recognition.

Kupata, which in English means “sausage,” has become a staple in the community due to his

HOW TO PURSUE JUSTICE AFTER A HIT-AND-RUN CRASH Your Case Is Not a Lost Cause

After a hit-and-run accident, justice might seem bleak. But according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, almost half of all hit-and-run drivers are eventually found and brought to justice. While we hope you never have to experience one, there has recently been a rising number of hit-and-run cases, and you must learn how to protect yourself and your case if the worst were to occur. WHAT COUNTS AS A HIT-AND-RUN? Under N.C.G.S. 20-166, if a driver flees after an accident and only property damage or minor injuries are sustained, they may receive a misdemeanor. Meanwhile, it is a felony to abandon an accident when serious damage and severe injuries or death are involved. In short, even if you aren’t harmed, but your car is damaged, that driver committed a crime and should be held liable.

some have varying time limits on making a claim. You may also need to verify that you want to file an uninsured motorist claim.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A DRIVER FLEES Follow these steps to ensure you not only have a better chance of finding the driver but also to strengthen your insurance claim:

Call 911: You need to make a report with the police so they can try to find the driver and for you to provide to your insurance company. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, you should still seek medical attention, as many injuries, such as whiplash or back injuries, aren’t necessarily felt until later. This is also documentation you may need in the future for a case. Collect Evidence: Note any details you can remember, such as car type, license plate number, or characteristics of the driver. Even the color of their clothes can help the police narrow down a suspect. Call Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company quickly, as

HOW YOU CAN STILL RECEIVE COMPENSATION In North Carolina, uninsured motorist

coverage is required, which can help you receive compensation even if the driver is never identified. However, North Carolina is not a no-fault state, which means that if your insurance company finds you even partially responsible for the accident, they will not offer you compensation. If you feel that your insurance company is mistreating your case, or you are interested in further investigation into your accident, you can call our team at (704) 286-0947 . We can help you find the justice you deserve.

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