If you have been driving a car that is hydroplaning, you know how frightening that can be. You feel helpless and have no control over the car. At Springer & Lyle, we want to provide you more information so you can understand the causes of hydroplaning and what to do if you are in an accident caused by another car that was hydroplaning. What Causes Hydroplaning? Hydroplaning occurs on wet pavement when too much water gets between the vehicle’s tires and the road. The tires lose traction and therefore lose contact with the road surface. The driver loses control of the car. Although … [Read more...]
Can I Modify My Divorce Settlement?
Texas law makes it clear that a final judgment concerning the division of community property cannot be modified. Other orders, such as those for child support, child visitation, and spousal support can be modified if there has been a change in circumstances since the original order, but the order dividing community property cannot be modified. Even if it is discovered that one asset was not divided, that is not considered cause to modify the final judgment. There is one narrow exception. If the judgment was based on “fraud on the community,” the court may revisit the property division and … [Read more...]
What If I Am Partly Responsible For An Accident?
In Texas, to collect damages for an accident, you must prove the other party or parties were at fault for causing the accident. This is not always as easy as it sounds. At Springer & Lyle, if you were in an accident, we will investigate the case and help you in proving fault. The party from whom you are trying to collect damages may claim that you were at least partially at fault. For example, if you were a pedestrian and hit by a car, and you claim the driver was negligent, the driver may allege you were also at fault because you were crossing in the middle of the road and not in a … [Read more...]
Personal Injury Claim: Settle or Go to Court
The process of collecting on your personal injury claim is stressful. There is a long wait for compensation along with the uncertainty of whether you will win your case at trial. Almost all personal injury claims end in settlement. At Springer & Lyle, we work with you to determine whether settlement or going to trial is in your best interest. There are pros and cons to accepting a settlement before trial. Only you, with the advice of your attorney, can make an informed decision that is best for your case. Pros of Settling Before Trial Cons of Settling There are not … [Read more...]
Personal Injury FAQ’s
If you were injured in any type of accident, you may be incurring medical expenses and losing wages due to being unable to work because of your injuries. You may wonder if you have a legal case and wonder what to do next. At Springer & Lyle, we answer some frequently asked questions about personal injury claims. Frequently Asked Questions How do I know if I have a case? Most personal injury attorneys offer a free consultation where they will review the circumstances of your accident, explain to you the law, and advise you whether you have a case and what the chances are for … [Read more...]
Divorce: Do I Need a Lawyer?
It is possible to get a divorce in Texas without the assistance of an attorney. The law does not require you to have an attorney, and there are many websites that offer, for a small fee, to walk you through the process. A better question is “Should I get a divorce without the help of a lawyer?” There are some circumstances where a do-it-yourself divorce works, and you and your ex-spouse can walk into your future and not look back. There are also some cases where one or both parties look back with regret when they realize what they lost due to their divorce without legal … [Read more...]
Do I Need a New Will After My Divorce?
One important part of your divorce settlement agreement should be making changes to your will. There are unfortunate consequences if you fail to do this. Drafting a New Will After the Divorce If you have named your spouse in your will as the beneficiary of most of your assets when you die, that is who will inherit your assets if you do not change your will at the time of your divorce. It won’t matter how long you have been divorced. If your will remains unchanged, your named beneficiary, your ex-spouse, will inherit under the terms of your will even if you have been divorced for … [Read more...]
I Never Probated the Will and I Need to Sell the House
In order to sell a house, you must have clear title to that home. If the legal owner of the property died and left you that house in their will, but you never probated the will, the answer to whether you can now sell the home depends on many factors. When someone dies with a will, Texas law requires that will to be submitted to probate within four years of the death. The probate court oversees the distribution of assets to be sure that, after all the decedent’s debts are paid, the assets are distributed according to the written wishes of the decedent. Transfer of assets by the probate … [Read more...]
Christmas Safety Tips
Decorating the house, buying the Christmas tree, singing, and dancing, and off to grandmother’s house are things that traditionally make the holiday season joyous and festive. Unfortunately, the holiday season is often fraught with accidents that disrupt the festivities. At Springer & Lyle, we have some safety tips that may help you avoid those trips to the emergency room. Safety Tips for the Holidays Holiday injuries range from minor cuts and scrapes that need a simple cleaning and a band-aid to death by electrocution or fires when stringing Christmas lights. Some of the most common … [Read more...]
How Do I Know When It Is Time for a Divorce?
Marriage is sometimes difficult, but many couples stay together because it seems easier to live with problems than to make changes. There are some situations that make it impossible for you to continue living in your marriage. Each case is different, and you have to decide for yourself when it is time for you to consult an attorney and petition for divorce. Warning Signs Divorce May Be in Your Future Some warning signs indicate that you and your spouse may be headed for divorce. They do not necessarily mean that divorce is inevitable but should help you decide whether to try and get your … [Read more...]
