Teens More Likely to Engage in Risky Driving Behaviors If Their Parents Do
As we’ve discussed previously, 99% of Americans consider themselves to be safe drivers, despite the fact that over 75% admitted to performing dangerous activities behind the wheel. The people surveyed admitted to eating, drinking beverages, speeding, driving while tired, and using a cell phone while behind the wheel.
The study demonstrates a clear disconnect between drivers’ perception of their driving abilities and their actual driving abilities. This disconnect makes it difficult for a driver to honestly examine their driving behavior and make corrections, which is perhaps why more than 3,000 people were killed and over 416,000 were injured in crashes involving distracted driving in 2010—despite the ample evidence available to the public showing the dangers of distracted driving.
A recent article regarding important estate-planning tips for attorneys to consider mentioned the importance of a powerful estate-planning vehicle with a funny acronym. The article discussed how a QTIP trust could serve as an important piece of an overall Alabama estate plan.
First things first, let's be clear that we aren't talking about a little stick that's meant for your ear. QTIP stands for "qualified terminal interest property" trust. Qualified means it's property that is qualified for the marital deduction. Terminal means the surviving spouse gets the income interest during his or her lifetime, but that interest terminates at his or her death.
You really need to think it through before you add someone's name to your Alabama deed because it could cause a lot of unintended pain. Theoretically, adding your child's name to the deed to your home is a good move because it's a way to avoid the time and expense associated with probate. But doing so could create problems for you for a number of reasons.
A slip and fall or trip and fall accident comes within an area of the law known as premises liability. Under Alabama law, a premises owner has a duty to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition for a business invitee. The plaintiff or injured party has the burden of proof in slip and fall case to establish that the premises owner/operator knew or should have known of the dangerous condition on their property that caused the person to fall. This often is a tough burden to meet. However, this can be established in a variety of ways: 1. Does the premises owner have a policy and procedure whereby they monitor their premises; 2. If the fall was caused by a substance, was there such a large amount that they should have noticed it?; 3. If the fall was caused by a defect in the premises the premises owner is presumed to have notice and knowledge of the condition; and 4. If the defect was created by the premises owner they are presumed to have notice - i.e. leaving an object sticking out in the aisle.
As 