Bigger & Harman - July 2024

A CAT’S NOSE KNOWS

FLUFFY’S HEROIC DEED SAVES A VETERAN

FLUFFY TO THE RESCUE One fateful day, at around 8 a.m., Ron slipped and fell on his way out of the shower. He landed on

In 2020, Ron Williams, a Korean War veteran in his mid-80s, lived alone. His only lifeline was his Life Alert, a small device designed to alert health care officials if an emergency occurred. That was until he was gifted a black-and-white spotted cat named Fluffy. From the moment they met, it was clear the two would make a perfect pair. But what Ron didn’t know was that he had been given more than a companion — he had been given a savior. FELINE FRIEND While Ron did not have many people to talk to, he did have Fluffy. The two shared mostly one-sided conversations, likely interspersed with the occasional meow. Whenever Ron received a call on his cellphone, he got in the habit of saying, “Ring-a-ding.” While the two shared a deep bond, Ron never considered that Fluffy was actually listening.

his arm, which became pinned under him. His Life Alert, which he had relied upon for situations like this, was charging in the other room. His cellphone, his only other

means of calling for help, was on the bathroom counter, out of reach. The hours ticked away, and Ron lay in agonizing pain on the bathroom floor. At just past midnight the next day, Ron had an idea. Fluffy had wandered into the bathroom to check on his friend. “Ring-a-ding,” Ron told him, and Fluffy knew to retrieve his phone and bring it to him. Ron was able to call for help in time to save his life. Fluffy’s quick thinking prevented tragedy. This heroic act is a great reminder that our pets care — and listen — more than we may ever give them credit for.

“I just fell in love with him,” Ron said of Fluffy in an interview with FOX17 in Michigan. As it turned out, Fluffy loved him back.

STAY IN THE CLEAR

Get Legal Help With a Lane Violation Rap

A citation for a lane violation in California is one of the biggest potential headaches facing commercial truck drivers. Police officers, professional truck drivers, and motorists in other vehicles can easily disagree about whether a trucker’s lane change was safe or not. Big trucks are confined by California law to the right lane on roads with three lanes or less. On four-lane highways, tractor-trailers may only use the two right lanes. More than a dozen other states place restrictions on truckers’ use of left lanes, but California’s laws are among the toughest. If you are cited for a lane violation, understanding the nuances of defending yourself is essential. Several types of

evidence could help you avoid a conviction. Road conditions are important to note. Rain, snow, ice, or fog could serve as evidence that you had a legitimate need to change lanes. Also, if you moved over to avoid debris, potholes, or other hazards, this could support your argument that you were putting safety first. If you were navigating through heavy traffic and you needed to change lanes to maintain a safe speed, this will support your defense. Similarly, if another vehicle suddenly swerved into your lane, you may be able to show you had to change lanes to avoid a crash. Courts also consider whether you put on your signal in advance of a lane change, so gathering any evidence that you signaled your intention is important.

Defending yourself against a lane violation ticket can be complicated. An experienced traffic attorney can help you build the strongest possible defense. If you are tempted to simply pay the fine, be aware that paying the fine is considered an admission of guilt. Lane violations are considered serious enough to be recorded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. That conviction will stay on your record for three years, and any subsequent convictions will result in suspension of your commercial license. Don’t hesitate to call our firm if you have been cited for a lane violation. We will be happy to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation at your convenience to plan the best possible strategy for your defense.

2 | www.bakersfieldtraffictickets.com

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