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www.RobinetteLaw.com Call 24/7: 304-594-1800 Advertising Material Sept./Nov. 2023
POST-CAR CRASH? WHAT YOU SHOULD NEVER SAY OR DO
On average, 6 million drivers operating passenger vehicles (everyday cars) get into an accident, and over 38,000 of them will die as a result of those crashes. This makes car accidents one of the leading causes of death for the entire United States — and this number doesn’t even encompass drivers of big rigs, motorcycles, or even buses. Due to the dangers of operating a motor vehicle, we have many laws about what you can and can’t do or what you’re at fault for when a crash occurs. But car accidents happen for many different reasons, including:
Of course, you’ll feel awful after a car accident, and not soothing the situation can be hard to do, but you must never say “I’m sorry” or “I apologize” to protect yourself down the road. No. 2: Don’t forget about passengers. This is one of the worst things you could do in the event of an accident. While you shouldn’t apologize, you should ask if everyone in your car and the other driver’s car is all right and if they need medical attention. It can save someone’s life and prove you were always operating with everyone’s safety in mind. No. 3: Don’t tell the other driver what you think happened. If you’re in an accident, you likely have a clear, almost video footage- like memory of what happened. But when the other car’s driver comes up and asks, “What happened!?” don’t share what you think. Instead, ask them, “What do you think happened?” As soon as you share your story, the opposing counsel can use it against you later. In the heat of the moment, your retelling may include a part of the story where you swerve, slam on your brakes, or look away, and while it may not seem damaging at the time, it can become harmful later. No. 4: Don’t use inconsistent language when talking with the other driver. It’s important to stick with your story as much as possible when talking with others involved in the crash, at least until you speak with a lawyer. For example, if you tell the other driver your tires probably need replacing, you can’t go back and say you just replaced them a month ago. Whatever you share with them, make sure it’s consistent all the way through so insurance companies or future opposing counsels can’t use it against you.
• Distracted driving • Drunk driving • Speeding • Running red lights or stop signs
• Reckless driving • Aggressive driving • Fatigue • Weather conditions
So, knowing exactly what to say or do after being involved in an accident can be challenging, especially if you’re unsure of the cause or if you may be at fault. Before we get into what not to do, anyone involved in a car crash should call the police, regardless of who is at fault. Passengers in other vehicles may have suffered serious injuries and need medical attention, which always comes first. Plus, having a police report is always helpful later in court. Now, we’d like to give you some pro bono legal advice and provide you with the top things to never do or say after a car accident to avoid implicating yourself and getting into deep legal trouble. No. 1: Don’t say ‘sorry.’ And when we mean to say sorry, we mean actually speaking the words “I’m sorry” to the passengers in the other vehicle. This is because even if you aren’t legally at fault, the words “I’m sorry” can be used as an admission of guilt in court. “Why would you apologize if you didn’t do anything wrong?” an opposing counsel may ask. Please call us at 304-594-1800 to find out how we can help you!
While we hope you never have to use these tips to protect yourself after an accident, it’s a good idea to keep them in the back of
your mind (or even a picture of them on your phone) so you’ll know what to do just in case. And as always, if you ever need legal advice or a referral to someone who can best help you, give us a call.
-Jeff Robinette
Referrals are Our Best Compliment!
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MONEY MASTERY: Mark Cuban’s Essential Guide to Financial Freedom
Mark Cuban is one of the most well-known American businessmen of the past 20 years. He’s one of the stars of “Shark Tank,” owns the Dallas Mavericks, and has his hands in various other profitable ventures. Cuban is not shy about sharing the secrets to his success. Here you’ll find nine of his most valuable pieces of financial advice. 1. Live like a student: When you were a student, you probably wanted to buy many things but couldn’t afford them. Now that you’re an adult with money to spend, don’t waste it on things you don’t really need. 2. You shouldn’t use credit cards: Credit cards can be dangerous, as the ill use of one can quickly send you into debt. 3. Save six months’ worth of income: How long could you live off your savings if you lost your job today? The future is unpredictable, so it’s essential
to create a safety net if the unexpected were to happen.
4. Put savings into an SPX mutual fund: You want to keep your money where it will grow on its own. Investing in the S&P 500 will keep your money safe while bringing in additional interest. 5. Invest up to 10% of your savings in high-risk investments: Investing up to 10% of your savings in cryptocurrency or other high-risk ventures is okay. Do not expect a return on this investment, though. It’s better to assume it’s already gone than to expect you’ll strike it big. 6. Buy consumables in bulk and on sale: You are going to use products like toothpaste, toilet paper, soap, and others daily. Buy as much as you can whenever these items go on sale so you don’t need to buy them at full price in the future.
7. Negotiate using cash: Most people don’t mind selling their products or services for less if they know they’ll get cash immediately. 8. Read books: There’s always something new to learn that can help you become more profitable or financially aware. Read books that will inspire you. 9. Being nice earns a good response: People respond better to kindness than anything else. Be friendly to those around you, and you’ll be rewarded.
Silence Is Golden: A Guide to Understanding the Fifth Amendment yourself, you have to answer. Even if the law doesn’t apply to the state you live in, it’s safe to simply provide your name, address, and date of birth. Another piece of information required when authorities pull you over is your license and registration. If you were pulled over by officers for a valid reason, you have to hand over your documents to them. Other than these two scenarios, you don’t have to answer any further questions. Anything you say to the authorities can be used against you, and the last thing you need is for a few poorly thought-out answers to land you in court. When is it best to stay silent? Because your words can be used against you, it’s in your best interest to stay silent until you are able to speak to your attorney. Once you have them by your side, they can speak for you and ensure that whatever they say protects you from incrimination. This is part of your Sixth Amendment right: You can remain silent and refuse to give any statements until you receive counsel. Pleading the Fifth is not an admission of guilt — while many may think those who invoke this right are guilty, in legal matters, they can’t be assumed guilty just because they refuse to answer. There have been countless cases where innocent people implicated themselves in an investigation simply because they said the wrong thing or didn’t choose their words wisely enough. No matter how many “Law & Order” episodes you’ve seen, you’re not a legal expert, and you should always err on the side of caution. The best way to remain innocent is to keep your rambles to yourself and leave it to your attorney to speak on your behalf. Silence is golden! Referrals are Our Best Compliment!
Almost everyone knows what it means to “plead the Fifth.” We hear it often in the news, crime TV series, and all of the best mobster movies. When you plead the Fifth, you’re exercising your right granted by the Fifth Amendment to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. While this is your constitutional right, there are actually times when you are obligated to speak. Before you zip your mouth shut, you’ll need to learn when you should and shouldn’t plead the Fifth. What do you need to share with authorities? While you have the right to remain silent, there are a few questions you are legally required to answer. In most states, it’s the law that when a cop pulls you over and asks you to identify
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HOW A WWII CAT SURVIVED THREE SHIP SINKINGS: THE STORY OF UNSINKABLE SAM
You’ve heard the saying, “Cats have nine lives,” and while there are countless tales of cats falling from trees or high-above windows, one cat put this theory to the test, earning himself the name “Unsinkable Sam.”
clung to a wooden plank and floated safely to the nearby shore of Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory. British service members who found him ashore put two and two together and realized the cat — the very one their fellow servicemen saved in 1939 — was the only survivor of HMS Cossack, earning him the nickname “Unsinkable Sam.” The group in Gibraltar was from the HMS Ark Royal crew, and of course, they loaded Sam aboard when it was time to launch. But as Sam’s luck would have it, a torpedo struck the HMS Ark Royal just a month later, leaving him once again clinging to a floating plank near a boat launch back in Gibraltar. Luckily, Sam’s boating days were over, and he was honorably transferred to the position of “mouse hunter” in the building of the governor-general in Gibraltar. Eventually, the British restationed their favorite floating feline to a “home for sailors” in Belfast, where he lived for the rest of his days until his peaceful passing in 1955.
Sam’s original name was “Oscar,” and his legacy began aboard the Bismarck, one of the two first-class Nazi battleships in World War II. The Bismarck (with Sam) was launched on Feb. 14, 1939, and soon after engaged in battle with The Prince of Wales, an Allied battleship. The Nazi ship was severely damaged in this battle and ultimately sunk. Only 118 of the 2,200 crew members survived, plus Sam. The British destroyer HMS Cossack found Sam floating on a board hours later, and they promptly scooped him up and welcomed him aboard. Sam had officially switched sides to the Allied forces.
Now on the right side of history, Sam lived with the British crew for the next few months as they performed convoy escort duties — until a torpedo struck the HMS Cossack in October 1941, killing all 139 members aboard. Except for Sam. Once again, Sam
Sam’s story may not officially prove cats have nine lives, but it makes at least three seem likely!
Spiced Pecan Pie Bars
WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE
Ingredients
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Use baking spray to grease a 13x9-inch pan before lining with parchment paper. 2. In a food processor, blend crust ingredients until a crumble forms. Press mixture into pan. Bake until light golden brown, about 20 minutes (crust will have cracks). 3. In a bowl, whisk all filling ingredients (except pecans)
Crust • 3 cups all-purpose flour • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed • 3/4 cup powdered sugar • 1 tsp salt Filling • 4 eggs • 1 cup corn syrup • 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar • 1/2 cup honey
MATTHEW 19:26
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup melted butter • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp ground ginger • 3 cups chopped pecans
together until smooth. Stir in pecans and pour over crust. Bake until set, around 30 minutes, then let cool completely in pan.
Inspired by SouthernLiving.com
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Call Now To Speak to An Attorney 304-594-1800 211 Everhart Drive Morgantown, WV 26508
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Legal Pitfalls to Avoid After a Car Accident
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Unsinkable Sam: The Feline Hero of WWII Spiced Pecan Pie Bars Master Your Finances With Mark Cuban’s Golden Advice Unveiling the Right to Remain Silent: Your Guide to the Fifth Amendment
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Thief Caught Red-Handed Thanks to Facebook?!
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HILARIOUS REAL-LIFE CRIMES
They Seem Too Dumb to Be True!
Today, we have tons of podcasts, YouTube videos, TikToks, and documentaries about true crime. It seems like we can’t get enough of learning about the person behind heinous crimes and their motives. But what about the crimes you can’t help but laugh at because they’re almost too funny to be true?
James also shared his phone number in case anyone had any additional information. Nicholas contacted James over text, and the two agreed to meet in person. The thief thought if he went to James’ home and returned the stolen items, everything would be fine — but that’s not how things played out. As soon as James spotted Nicholas walking toward his home, he called the police. When law enforcement arrived, they arrested the thief on the spot. Monopoly money doesn’t work in the real world. Michael Fuller stopped by Walmart to purchase a vacuum cleaner and microwave for $476. But instead of paying with real money, he decided to pay using a million-dollar note from the game Monopoly. The gentleman then demanded that he receive $999,524 from the cashier since he would need cash back for his “purchases.” The cashier called the police, and Michael was charged with attempting to obtain property by false pretenses. Can you believe these hilarious crimes?! Do you know of any we should highlight next time? We would love to hear from you! Referrals are Our Best Compliment!
Here are two crimes you won’t believe happened because of how silly and, for the lack of a better term, dumb they are! Don’t forget to log out of Facebook! Nicholas Wig broke into James Wood’s house one night and stole his credit cards, cash, watches, and more. However, the 26-year-old thief left his Nike shoes, jeans, and a belt at the scene of the crime … but that’s not all. When James got home, he was stunned to see his house had been broken into. But after realizing the thief had accessed Facebook on his computer, he decided to post on Nicholas’ account that he (Nicholas) had broken into his (James’) home.
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