The best way to avoid being charged with drinking and driving is to not drink and drive. However, if the solution were this simple then the problem would not exist. The widespread social use of alcohol and lack of transportation alternatives results in the two activities occurring together. Therefore, it is important to know how much is enough and how much is too much.

Alcohol impairment is rated by the blood alcohol percentage. A blood alcohol reading of .08 is the presumptive level of intoxication. A driver with a level of .08 or more is breaking the law, even if they seem to be in control of themselves. A driver with a level of less than .08 is breaking the law if the person is under the influence of the alcohol. “Under the influence” means that for a person, by reason of drinking, any of the following is true: 1) their reason or mental ability has been affected; 2) their judgment is impaired; 3) their emotions are visibly excited; or 4) they have, to any extent, lost control of bodily actions or motions. It is important to realize that at a blood alcohol level of .05 a person is five times more likely to get into an accident than if they had not been drinking at all. The point to remember is that a driver who is “under the limit” can still be charged with being “under the influence”.

The general rule is that one beer, one shot, one mixed drink, or one glass of wine will give a person a blood alcohol of .02. It can be more or less than this based upon body weight and tolerance levels, but this is the general rule. The other general rule is that the body will break down and eliminate .02 worth of blood alcohol per hour. Only the passage of time will lower the blood alcohol level. Drinking black coffee or eating a late night meal might make a person feel more alert, but it won’t lower the blood alcohol level. An estimated blood alcohol level can be calculated by adding together the number of drinks and multiply it by .02 and then subtracting the number of hours elapsed and multiplying it by .02. (Number of drinks x .02) – (Number of hours elapsed x .02) = Blood Alcohol level. Also, it is possible to purchase personal alcohol breath testers. Such a device is a good way for a person to gauge just how much their favorite alcoholic beverage affects their blood alcohol level which may enable a person to use alcohol more responsibly. Another general guideline is that at a level of .05 a person’s friends or family can probably tell that the person has been drinking; at .10 strangers will probably be able to tell; and at .15 it is obvious to all that a person has been drinking.

By far the best method if you are going to drink outside of your home is to use a “sober” designated driver. A designated driver is a person who does not drink at all and serves as the driver for a group of friends who are using alcohol. Unfortunately, sometimes the designated driver is a person who just doesn’t drink as much as everybody else, or who stops drinking at a certain time. This type of designated driver defeats the purpose and gives everybody a false sense of security. You can also call a taxi, if available, or call a sober family member or friend to pick you up.

Some people will choose to use alcohol in a moderate responsible manner and operate a car. If you make this choice and wish to avoid an encounter with the police, it is vital that you drive the car in a flawless manner. This means, among other things, that the driver should know where he/she is going, make sure all lights are working, use turn signals, obey the speed limit, make complete stops at stop signs, do not run red lights, do not try to beat yellow lights, make sure the registration sticker is current, yield the right of way when required, drive defensively, and do not drive aggressively. Also, keep in mind, the party stops in the car. Do not have open containers of alcohol in the car, keep the music turned down and keep alcohol in the trunk. Remember, sometimes a little is worse than a lot. A driver feeling the exuberance of a few drinks might call more attention to himself than a driver who thinks he has had one too many and is trying to be extra careful to get home.

The costs associated with an OWI are high even if nobody gets hurt. However, in a case involving death or injury, it gets much, much worse. No one ever sets out with any of that in mind so the best course of action is to not drink and drive. For more information and a new FREE book entitled “Criminal Law, Iowa Guide to Protecting Your Rights and Freedom” which exposes the “5 Rights to Know if you are Charged with a Crime” log onto www.IowaLegalInsider.com or Call 1-800-850-6617, ext. 515 to hear a brief recorded message about how to order your Free copy.

Thankfully for Jim, he found my webpage on the internet and requested my Iowa Workers’ Compensation book. I sent him my work injury book along with an audio CD discussing work injuries and an interview discussing Iowa’s workers’ compensation system. Jim lived in Texas, but drove for an Iowa trucking company. I explained to Jim that the contract he signed with his employer provided that he would receive Iowa workers’ compensation benefits. This was actually good for Jim because Iowa has one of the best systems in the country. I had a phone conference with him on the phone and agreed to take his case.

We were able to complete the necessary documents through mail for him to sign and he did not have to come back to Iowa. Once I intervened in the case, the insurance company decided that Jim’s claim was legitimate and began paying him for his lost wages. After missing several months of work, Jim made a satisfactory recovery. However, he was not able to go back to driving a truck which is all he had ever done. While the case was pending he applied for and qualified for Social Security disability benefits. We were set to have a trial in this case, but one week prior to trial I was able to obtain a “just” settlement for Jim so he can move on with his life.
People hurt at work often do not know what their basic rights are. I am willing to provide any person with an Iowa Workers’ compensation claim with basic information about their rights under Iowa’s workers’ compensation laws, including what benefits they should receive, how their weekly check is calculated and much more. Iowans’ hurt at work often do not know what their basic rights are. I am willing to provide any person with an Iowa Workers’ compensation claim a copy of my Book entitled “Iowa Workers’ Compensation- An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries” for Free with no obligations. Why offer a Free Book? I have represented hundreds of Iowans hurt at work and have seen too many clients make mistakes before they had the “right” information resulting in them losing thousands of dollars. Finally, you can learn about work injuries in the comfort of your own home with no risk or obligation. However, this is a limited offer with only 25 copies available so to learn how to avoid costly mistakes and your rights Call Now (800)-850-6617, ext. 511 (24 Hour Message) or go to www.IowaWorkInjury.com.

While Karen had the surgery and made a good recovery, the doctor assigned her a 10% impairment rating and placed a permanent 30 pound lifting restriction upon her. She was not able to return to her higher paying line job, but had to take a lower paying job. She was satisfied with the 50 weeks of benefits they paid her, but did not realize that she was entitled to much more compensation for her injuries.

Thankfully for Karen, one of her friends had previously been injured at his job and I handled his case for him. Karen came to see me and I informed her that her case was worth much more than the 50 weeks of benefits she had been paid. She was entitled to industrial disability in which her impairment rating was only one of many factors. Karen eventually settled her case for more than twice as much as the insurance company had previously paid her. If Karen had not come to see me, she would have missed out on more than $50,000 in money owed to her.

Iowans’ hurt at work often do not know what their basic rights are. I am willing to provide any person with an Iowa Workers’ compensation claim with basic information about their rights under Iowa’s workers’ compensation laws, including what benefits they should receive, how their weekly check is calculated and much more. To learn more including the 7 Deadly Mistakes to Avoid if You are Hurt at Work order your copy of my FREE Book entitled “Iowa Workers’ Compensation- An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries”. Why offer a Free Book? I have represented hundreds of Iowans hurt at work and have seen too many clients make mistakes before they had the “right” information resulting in them losing thousands of dollars. Finally, you can learn about work injuries in the comfort of your own home with no risk or obligation. However, this is a limited offer with only 25 copies available so to learn how to avoid costly mistakes and your rights Call Now (800)-850-6617, ext. 511 (24 Hour Message) or go to www.IowaWorkInjury.com.

A boating while intoxicated first offense carries a minimum 48 hours in jail, a $1,000.00 fine, a suspension of boating privileges of one year and attendance at a course for drinking drivers. A second offense requires 7 days in jail, a fine between $1,500 and $5,000, a suspension of privileges for two years and the drinking drivers’ course. Third offense boating while intoxicated is a Class “D” Felony and may result in 5 years in prison in addition to enhanced fines and a six year boating privileges suspension. Boating while intoxicated offenses apply only to the operator of the boat and Iowa law allows passengers of legal age to consume alcohol. A boating while intoxicated conviction does not affect a person’s drivers’ license.

Iowa law does require that you to be a resident of Iowa for more than one year to file for divorce, unless both parties currently are Iowa residents. There is a 90 day waiting period from the time the other party receives the papers until the divorce can be granted. The waiting period is designed as a “cooling off period” to make sure that the parties really want a divorce. The 90 day waiting period can be waived under certain circumstances, but when children are involved, it is usually enforced.

When you decide to file for divorce, you must file for divorce in the county where you or your spouse resides. If minor children are involved, you and your spouse must attend Children in the Middle to educate you on the needs of children during and after the divorce. The class is a one time class that usually costs between $30-$50 per person. You do not have to attend the class with your spouse, but it is mandatory that both parties attend. Children over the age of sixteen are also allowed to attend if they are interested.

Many people question whether they have to do counseling to get divorced. Either party may request counseling, but the Court will only require that the parties to attend one session to determine if the counseling will assist in saving the marriage. Counseling does not generally delay the divorce proceedings from moving forward.

Because Iowa is a no fault state, you do not have to prove a reason for the divorce, but the above requirements must be met before your divorce is final. Filing for divorce is an important decision that should you should think about and be prepared for the many things that come with it.

Attorneys Kathryn (Beth) Walker and Lee M. Walker have written a new book entitled the Iowa Legal Insider’s Guide to Family Law, Divorce and Paternity- 5 Ways to Survive. Why would we offer a Free Book? Because we believe that all Iowans should have the right information to make informed decisions while they are considering a divorce. Also, we have had too many clients make mistakes before they came to see us resulting in them losing money and sometimes custody of their children. To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this book, call 1-800-850-6617 and enter ext. 613. (24 Hour Recorded Message) or go to http://www.iowalegalinsider.com/iowa_family_law_cp.html.

Under Iowa Law, you need only prove that a work injury caused a material and substantial aggravation of a preexisting condition for it to be considered a work injury. That means just because you have had a prior injury to the same body part, you may still be entitled to benefits.

Also, if you previously sustained a scheduled member injury (arm, leg, etc.), whether or not it was work related, and then you sustain another scheduled member injury then you may be entitled to additional benefits under the Iowa Second Injury Fund. If you qualify for 2^nd Injury Fund benefits then the extent of your permanent disability benefits will be based upon the factors used when determining industrial disability just like a back, shoulder, neck or brain injury.

If you are able to prove that you sustained a work related injury, there are 3 basic types of workers’ compensation benefits available:

1. Medical Benefits- Lifetime medical benefits for medical treatment, including doctors’ appointments, prescriptions and mileage expenses related to your work injury.

2. Healing Period/Temporary Disability (TTD/TPD) Benefits- These are the weekly payments made to an injured worker while they are healing from their work injury and are either not able to return to their job, is only able to work a limited number of hours or is not making as much as they were before the work injury work.

3. Permanent Benefits- At some point the doctors will say that you have healed as much as possible which is also known as maximum medical improvement (MMI). At that point, your benefits change from temporary to permanent. If your medical condition heals and you are left with no permanent problems, then you probably do not have a claim for permanent disability benefits. If you have a permanent impairment rating and/or permanent restrictions, then you are likely owed permanent disability benefits. You need an attorney who understands the specialized workers’ compensation laws.

To learn more about Iowa work injuries including the “7 Mistakes To Avoid If You Are Hurt At Work” Call 1-800-707-2552 (ext. 711) (24 Hour Recorded Message) for a Free Book entitled “Iowa Workers’ Compensation- An Insider’s Guide to Work Injuries” or log onto www.IowaWorkInjury.com.

1. Negotiating with the insurance adjustor is an important part of resolving a car accident claim and here are some pointers. You should prepare before speaking with the insurance adjustor and know your facts. Also, you should have a confident, but polite attitude with the insurance adjustor. For example, it is unlikely that threatening to go to the insurance adjustor’s boss will help your case. Do no interrupt the adjustor, but instead listen to what is being said and ask questions about their positions. Even if the insurance adjustor makes a ridiculously low offer, do not lose your temper or show emotion as that will likely damage your case.

2. As part of preparing to negotiate with the insurance adjustor you should know what medical care and treatment you have had and the amount of your medical bills including the total amount. For example, if you have $4,000 in medical bills and the insurance adjustor offers you $4,500, you can ask the adjustor if they really think a judge or jury will only give you $500 for what you have been through and your loss of quality of life.

3. You should be aware that often, if your medical bills were paid by health insurance, the insurance company or plan will want to be reimbursed in full out of any personal injury recovery. Your health insurance turns out to be not insurance at all, but rather a loan that has to be paid back. The laws in some states, including Iowa, generally allow a deduction for attorney fees and costs. However, we have seen cases where the insurance companies hired lawyers to make the claims for full reimbursement for them. Also, what they don’t tell you is that this area of law, known as “reimbursement or subrogation” can be quite complicated and is sometimes governed by a federal law called ERISA (The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974). If you are handling the case on your own, you should understand the implications of ERISA on your case and who will being paying back your health insurance company.

A new FREE Book reveals ? 6 Things to Know Before Talking to the Insurance Adjustor ? 5 Things to Know Before Hiring an Attorney ? 10 Myths about Car Accidents Why offer a Free Book? For more than 10 years Iowa Injury Attorney Corey Walker has represented hundreds of Iowans injured in car accidents. He has seen too many clients make mistakes before they had the “right” information resulting in them losing thousands of dollars. Finally, you can learn about car accidents in the comfort of your own home with no risk or obligation. However, quantities are limited so to learn how to avoid costly mistakes Call Now (800)-707-2552, ext. 210 (Recorded Consumer Awareness Message). For more information go to www.IowaCarAccidentBook.com.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics show that there were more than 10,000 injuries on escalators in 2007, while there was only one reported in 2006.  Many parents are reconsidering purchasing these shoes or making sure they limit how and when they are worn.  The slip resistant nature of Crocs seems to be the cause of the escalator injury because the shoe catches in the step and gets sucked into the escalator causing foot injuries.  As summer approaches, it is important to consider whether these types of shoes are really a smart choice.  If you do wear them, or allow your kids to wear them, remember what uses they were designed for and limit use to the appropriate activities.  For more information go to www.IowaInjuryBook.com.

<>If you or a loved one has been injured in a personal injury accident you may be worried about your financial future or confused about what to do next.  A new Free book reveals 7 Common Mistakes made by Iowans injured in car accidents and other personal injury accidents.  The book also includes 12 Myths about Iowa Injury Cases, 6 things to know before talking to the insurance adjustor, 5 things to know before hiring an attorney and if you even need an attorney for your case.  Why would we offer a free book?  We have heard too many horror stories about people making mistakes because they did not know their legal rights which resulted in them losing thousands of dollars.  To hear a brief recorded message about how to order your copy, Call 1-800-707-2552 and enter ext. 212 (24 Hour Recorded Message) or for more information log onto www.IowaInjuryBook.com.  

Why do Dogs Bite and What Can Be Done to Prevent It?

There are many reasons why dogs bite.  Some bite out of fear, in an attempt to protect their territory or to establish their dominance over the person bitten.  Some owners mistakenly teach their dogs that biting is an acceptable form of play behavior, and every year a number of newborn infants die when they are bitten by dogs that see them as “prey”.

There are several common sense methods of preventing dog bites, but sometimes there is no way to avoid an attack.  If you are attacked, first try to block the attack with an object like a jacket or backpack.  If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball, protect your face by covering your head and neck.

Is the Owner of the Dog Liable?

Iowa Code § 351.28 provides that the owner of a dog “shall be liable to a injured party for all damages done by the dog…attacking or attempting to bite a person, except when the party damaged is doing an unlawful act” (for example someone breaking into a home is not allowed to recover if he/she is bitten or attacked by a dog).  This is a lower standard than other personal injury cases where you have to prove negligence, recklessness, etc.  A new FREE Book reveals: ? 3 Ways to Avoid an Attack ? 8 Things to do if Bitten or Attacked  ?  Should You Give a Recorded Statement? ? 6 Things to Know Before Talking to the Insurance Adjustor or Hiring an Attorney and much, much more.   Why offer a Free Book?  For more than 10 years Iowa Injury Attorney Corey Walker has represented hundreds of injured Iowans, including many dog bite victims.   He has seen too many make mistakes before they had the “right” information resulting in them losing thousands of dollars.  Whether you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog or are just around dogs then this book is available to you.  Finally, you can learn about dog bites in the comfort of your own home with no risk or obligation.  However, quantities are limited so to learn how to avoid a dog bite or costly mistakes      Call Now (800)-707-2552, ext. 213 (24 Hour Recorded Message) or go to www.DogBiteBook.com.