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Proving the Other Party’s Fault Proving the other party was at fault requires establishing duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages. Duty of Care: In motor vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents, duty of care means drivers must follow traffic laws and act responsibly to avoid harming others on the road. For slip-and-fall accidents, property owners have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and warn of known hazards, like wet floor signs. Breach of Duty: A breach of duty of care happens when someone acts carelessly or violates the law, like speeding or a property owner failing to fix a dangerous condition. Causation: You need to show that the other party’s breach of duty directly caused the accident, which is called “causation” in legal terms. Damages: Finally, you must prove you suffered damages from the accident. Without damages, there is no legal case, even if the other party was negligent. Common Types of Recoverable Damages Damages fall into different categories and can compensate for both financial and personal losses. Medical Expenses: Victims often need medical treatment after their accident, which can include emergency room visits, surgeries,
hospital stays, physical therapy, medications, follow-up care, and ongoing treatment. Lost Earnings: If a victim’s injuries prevent them from working, they may be entitled to recover lost income, including earnings they lost while recovering and future lost earnings if their injuries prevent them from returning to work in the same capacity, such as being unable to work full time again. Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering damages go beyond just the medical bills and cover the discomfort, pain, and suffering that result from injuries. Calculating these damages can be more subjective, often depending on the severity and the repercussions of the injuries. Property Damage: When victims sustain damage to their property, like their vehicle or bike, property damage compensation covers the cost of repairs or replacement. Emotional Distress: Emotional distress accounts for the psychological effects of an accident, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you have suffered injuries because of another person’s negligence, you should speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney right away. Contact us at Steffens Law to get on the road to recovery. –Bill Steffens
STOP, LOOK, AND WONDER
SIDEWALK TELESCOPES ARE BRINGING THE UNIVERSE TO YOU
Imagine walking down a city sidewalk and seeing a telescope pointed toward the sky. There aren’t any ticket lines or admission fees, only a friendly smile and a view of Saturn’s rings or the craters of the moon. That’s what’s happening thanks to a growing global movement bringing astronomy directly to the people, right on the streets! In cities worldwide, astronomy enthusiasts are setting up powerful telescopes in
parks, on sidewalks, and in busy downtown areas. Their mission is simple: to share the wonders of the universe with anyone who happens to walk by. The best part is there’s no experience required. All you need is a little curiosity. The movement is called #popscope (short for pop-up telescope). Founded in Ottawa, Ontario, in 2014, it has expanded to include hundreds of cities in Canada, the U.S., Ireland, and India Volunteers, often amateur astronomers or passionate stargazers, invite strangers to peer into the sky, and many people are left speechless. It’s a great reminder that we all live under the same stunning sky. These spontaneous sidewalk star parties are making science more accessible, especially for communities that don’t have easy access to observatories or science museums. Beyond amazing educational
opportunities, the pop-up telescope events spark something deeply human: connection. As people gather to look up, they share a sense of awe that transcends background, language, and age. It’s hard not to feel united when staring at the vastness of space. This isn’t about high-tech gear or flashy presentations; instead, it’s an opportunity to pause for a moment amidst the noise and hustle and realize the universe is right there, waiting to be admired. Thanks to these sidewalk astronomers, more and more people are getting that chance.
To volunteer for the group, visit their website at PopScope.org.
So, the next time you’re strolling through the city and see a telescope a stranger has set up, don’t walk past it. Stop. Look. Wonder. You just might see Jupiter’s moons or Saturn’s rings, and you’ll definitely walk away with a smile!
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