Allowing someone else to use a vehicle can be a kind gesture, but it can potentially have financial consequences. There may be issues with liability if a crash occurs. What happens if someone who borrows a vehicle gets into a wreck while driving that borrowed vehicle?

The Owner’s Policy May Pay

Texas requires several different types of car insurance. Basic liability coverage mandated under state law covers the vehicle regardless of who is driving. As long as the person at the wheel had permission to operate the vehicle, the liability coverage of the actual owner may pay for any crash caused by someone operating the insured vehicle.

The vehicle’s owner provides the coverage that may pay for property damage liability and injury-related expenses for the parties involved in the collision if the person driving their vehicle was at fault. However, no-fault personal injury protection coverage and other forms of supplemental insurance may follow the driver, not the vehicle.

Especially in scenarios where the person borrowing the vehicle is at fault for a crash, they may not have any available coverage to pay for their medical treatment. That being said, actual legal liability relates to responsibility for causing the crash, not simply owning and insuring a vehicle. If the other party involved in the incident intends to pursue a personal injury lawsuit, the party held accountable should typically be the driver who caused the collision, not necessarily the owner of the vehicle.

Claims related to crashes caused by other drivers can increase what a motorist pays for insurance and lead to other legal and financial complications. Vehicle owners need to consider the risks carefully before letting someone else drive a vehicle. Understanding what insurance applies in a car crash involving a borrowed car is important. Generous vehicle owners may unintentionally put themselves at financial risk by sharing their good fortune with others.

A Forbes Advisor comparison of all states determined that Texas ranks third on the list of unsafe drivers from across the country. There are two main issues in this state that stand out.

Drunk Driving

Texas ranks second in the country for fatal drunk driving motor vehicle crashes. There are 8.32 of these fatal crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers in this state. Impairment is measured as blood alcohol concentration (BAC). In Texas, .08% is considered legally drunk for a person can legally drink. It’s possible for a driver to be impaired by other substances like illegal drugs or legal medications.

Once a driver is impaired, they don’t have the reaction skills and cognitive abilities that enable them to drive safely. The more a person drinks, the more it will affect their driving abilities.

Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving is another primary issue in this state. Texas has 1.29 fatal drowsy driving crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers, which puts the state in fourth place for this problem.

One of the main concerns regarding drowsy driving is that it can lead to microsleeps. These occur when the driver dozes off while they’re driving, so the vehicle isn’t under anyone’s control. Another problem with fatigued driving is that the effects begin to mimic impaired driving. A driver who hasn’t slept for 20 hours experiences similar effects as a person who has a BAC of .08%.

Even when drunk or fatigued driving crashes aren’t fatal, they can still lead to catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to considerable medical bills, so victims may need to pursue a compensation claim to hold a negligent driver accountable for their financial damages. These cases can be complex, so having legal assistance is beneficial.

When real estate passes through the probate courts, it is at risk as a high-value asset. Creditors including credit card companies and even the Medicaid estate recovery program could try to request repayment using the equity in the home as a source of revenue. Many people, therefore, try to use unique solutions for transferring real estate as part of their estate plans. Some people draft transfer on death deeds to address real property in their Texas estate plans.

What Is a Transfer on Death Deed?

As the name implies, a transfer on death deed is a document executed to facilitate the smooth transfer of real property from the initial owner to a chosen beneficiary after their passing. Unlike most other means of transferring real estate after someone dies, transfer on death deeds do not involve the probate courts.

The real property can transfer to a specific individual or multiple co-owners without the probate courts’ involvement. This theoretically protects the property from probate creditor claims and other complications, such as lost value due to the property sitting vacant until the transfer of ownership occurs. The recipient of the home could still face collection efforts brought by creditors of the decedent in some cases.

Texas is one of the states that recognizes transfer on death deeds. A previously executed deed can be a viable solution for real property. However, there are a few complications that could arise. For example, the loss of the deed might result in a challenging situation in which someone’s estate plan does not address one of their most valuable resources. There could also be a conflict between someone’s will and the deed, which could lead to litigation.

The type of real property, the extent of someone’s estate, the degree of their personal debt and numerous other factors can influence whether a transfer on death deed is the right choice for addressing real property in an estate plan. Discussing assets and personal legacy goals with a skilled legal team can help people create plans that effectively address their most valuable holdings.

The property that belonged to someone before they died becomes their estate after their passing. Their financial responsibilities typically also pass to their estate. The Texas probate courts play a role in estate administration by overseeing the process. The courts ensure compliance with the law and with valid estate planning documents.

Full probate proceedings can take a year or longer to complete in many cases. They can also increase the expense involved in estate administration. Some estates are eligible for more rapid administration. People can file a small estate affidavit allowing them to largely streamline the probate process.

How can someone determine whether or not their situation might qualify for a small estate affidavit?

A Review of the Estate Plan

Typically, families prefer to have a will or other estate planning documents to guide probate matters. However, those hoping to file a small estate affidavit in Texas may celebrate when they don’t locate a will. Generally, only estates without valid wills qualify as small estates.

A Review of the Estate’s Resources

The total value of the estate is one of the most important considerations when trying to establish eligibility for a small estate affidavit. In general, the total value of all the assets in the estate must be less than $75,000 to qualify. If someone has a small business in their name, large financial accounts or extensive personal property, the total value of resources might make the estate ineligible for a small estate affidavit. Other times, the specific assets included in the estate affect eligibility. Real estate of any type typically requires full probate court proceedings instead of a small estate affidavit.

A Review of Estate Obligations

The value and type of resources in the estate are not the only considerations when determining whether someone may be able to file a small estate affidavit for the estate of a deceased family member. The financial obligations of the deceased are also an important factor. Generally, the estate needs to have enough assets to fully repay all valid debts to qualify for a small estate affidavit. In a scenario in which there may be outstanding debts after the liquidation of estate assets, full probate oversight may be necessary.

Learning more about the different probate options in Texas can benefit those who expect to administer or inherit from the estate of someone who has recently died.

Unfortunately, many animal owners in Texas end up making unsafe choices because of their desire to offer their animals a pleasant experience. For example, people may let their dogs off of their leashes while at a park or beach even though there may be signs warning them against that exact decision.

Why is it so important for dog owners to keep their animals on a leash?

Loose Animals Cause Safety Issues

A dog running free in a park or down a sidewalk could it startle someone. While the dog may not intend to cause any harm to someone else, a human could fall and end up seriously injured after encountering a dog that scares them. In fact, the dog could potentially also injure itself. Leo the golden retriever recently made national news after he fell off the edge of a cliff while running unleashed during a park visit with his owners. The Coast Guard had to use a helicopter to rescue the dog.

Animals May Fight With Each Other

Even a dog who usually seems like a happy, friendly animal can turn aggressive in a moment if they encounter another dog that they dislike. They may take off running before their owner ever notices the other animal. The scent of another dog or its behavior might trigger aggression in a typically friendly animal. An unleashed dog may attack someone else’s pet, leading to major animal injuries and veterinary bills. When one animal attacks another, the animal’s owner may sometimes be liable for the damages the animal caused.

Dogs May Perceive People as a Threat

If someone adopted a rescue dog, they may not know its history with humans. The dog may have experienced abuse before or witnessed human criminal activity that could trigger volatile behavior. When dogs feel threatened, they can act in a way that is contrary to their normal behavior. They may become aggressive even toward humans. They may attack someone that they believe poses a threat to them or their owner. A dog in an unfamiliar location might also be more likely to lash out toward others because it feels anxious about its environment.

In Texas, the owner of an aggressive animal may incur legal and financial liabilities for the damages it causes others. Someone who lets their dog run loose in public puts themselves at risk of major expenses and puts other people at risk of preventable injuries. As such, taking legal action against an irresponsible dog owner is a reasonable reaction if someone gets hurt by an aggressive canine.

Statistically, the holidays result in a significant increase in certain types of risks. Some people end up hurt, and occasionally people die because of common risk factors that become more pronounced during the holiday season. Celebrating should still be the main priority, but people may want to adjust their conduct somewhat to reflect the possibility of injury or death marring their holiday celebrations. To start, consider these top often overlooked risks that increase during the holiday season.

Drunk Driving Crashes

For many families, holiday celebrations are synonymous with alcohol consumption. People may drink beer while watching football games or have a special holiday cocktail they share with their loved ones. More alcohol consumption combined with same-day road travel means that the holidays often see a significant increase in drunk driving deaths when compared with other days of the year.

Dangerous Conditions at People’s Homes

It is common for parents and grandparents to host holiday celebrations, but they may not engage in proper maintenance of their residences throughout the year. When people come to visit, they might be at significant risk of injury. Loose handrails, damaged flooring and a variety of other issues with someone’s home could lead to people getting hurt during their holiday visits.

Unsafe Retail Establishments

The holidays tend to see a massive uptick in shopping. Most people understand that Black Friday or the day after Thanksgiving is a very dangerous day to visit retail establishments. Historically, there have even been fatalities due to people getting crushed in the rush to enter stores. The high volume of people throughout the holiday shopping season at retail establishments will often mean that workers have more tasks to fulfill than time. Cleaning and maintenance will often take a backseat to helping customers and running a cash register. People could easily slip and fall in an unclean spill or have poorly stocked merchandise fall on them from shelving units.

Exposure to Defective Products

Friends, employers and family members are often eager to buy exciting gifts, which might mean purchasing something that has just reached the retail market. Popular holiday purchases can potentially cause injuries or worse. For example, hoverboards have been massively popular in recent years, and they caused fatal house fires in some cases.

Being aware of the risk factors that can compromise people’s safety around the holidays in the San Antonio area may help people plan safer celebrations for themselves and the people they love.

People never know when they might encounter someone with unsafe driving habits and get into a crash, but there are certain locations where the risk of such experiences will be higher. Statistically, some roads in Texas are deadlier than others. What are the most dangerous roads in Texas in recent years?

The Deadliest Roads Are All Highways

Higher speed limits and heavier traffic levels make highways and interstates some of the most dangerous roads in the Lone Star State. Often, the areas where these major thoroughfares pass through urban centers will be some of the most dangerous places.

According to a review of crash data gathered between 2018 and 2020, there were 10,125 deadly crashes during that time. The good news for those in the San Antonio area is that none of the 10 deadliest roads in the state during those years were local. I-20 is the third deadliest road on the list, specifically between Exit 443 and Exit 439, where 14 people lost their lives.

Technically, I-20 was in fourth place because different stretches of I-35 in Austin took second and third place respectively. There were 15 deaths on the section of I-35 between Exit 235B and Exit 229 and 18 deaths reported between Exit 238B and Exit 244. The deadliest road in the state is a stretch of I-10 in Beaumont. There were 17 traffic deaths between Exit 855A and Exit 849 during the three years with data reviewed.

How Can This Information Help Drivers?

San Antonio drivers should not develop a false sense of safety just because there aren’t any particularly deadly roads in the city. They are still at risk of a severe or fatal crash whenever they drive, especially if they leave the region and end up on one of the interstates mentioned above as having a high number of fatal crashes.

Motorists need to adjust their driving habits to prioritize safety on more dangerous roads or to avoid the streets with higher crash rates might keep themselves and the occupants of their vehicles a little bit safer. Recognizing where someone’s risk on the road is highest might help individuals take some of the danger out of driving in Texas.

These are some tips for handling frustrations as a co-parent, including understanding the concept of parental alienation, what it is and isn’t, and when it might be necessary to involve the courts.

Communication Is Key

Effective communication is the foundation of successful co-parenting. Keep the lines of communication open with your ex-partner, and try to maintain a civil and respectful tone, even when disagreements arise. Remember that your children benefit when you can work together as a team. Be clear about your expectations and actively listen to their concerns and needs.

Focus on the Children

Always prioritize your children’s well-being over personal conflicts. Children can sense tension and conflict, so do your best to shield them from it. Try to ensure they have access to both parents and maintain a consistent routine to provide stability during difficult times.

This brings us to the billion-dollar question most co-parents constantly ask: What is parental alienation? Parental alienation is when one parent manipulates or influences a child to reject, fear or become hostile toward the other parent. This damaging behavior can lead to a fractured relationship between the child and the targeted parent.

First off, parental alienation isn’t typical child resistance; children may naturally express a preference for one parent over the other at times, but parental alienation involves one parent actively encouraging and nurturing these feelings to the detriment of the other parent-child relationship.

Moreover, parental alienation isn’t your occasional disagreements with your co-parent. Parents will have disagreements and conflicts from time to time, but parental alienation goes beyond this, often involving a consistent pattern of denigration and rejection.

When Should You Get the Courts Involved?

While resolving co-parenting issues outside of court is often preferred, there are situations where court involvement becomes necessary. For instance, if your co-parent consistently violates court-ordered parenting time schedules or other agreements, you may need to return to court to enforce the orders.

Moreover, if you believe your child’s well-being is at risk due to your co-parent’s actions, such as neglect, substance abuse or abusive behavior, you might want to consider filing for a modification of custody or parenting time. It would help if you also involved the courts in cases of severe parental alienation that harms the child’s emotional and psychological well-being.

Co-parenting can be challenging, but by prioritizing open communication, focusing on your children’s needs and seeking professional help when necessary, you can navigate the frustrations that may arise to the best of your ability.

Speak With Your Children

In a child-centered divorce, parents put children’s needs above their own. You and your estranged spouse can do this by having divorce-related discussions with your children. These talks let parents learn a child’s preferred arrangements.

Try To Avoid Court Disputes

Legal proceedings must happen for a marriage to end. But a divorce doesn’t have to be a contentious process. Many couples going through a child-centered divorce do so through a collaborative divorce or mediation. These options can provide a relatively quick divorce for estranged couples who can work together.

Decide on Living Arrangements

After most divorces, a child’s parents stop living under one roof. In a child-centered divorce, some parents continue living in the marital home. While it’s not an arrangement all former couples are comfortable with, having both parents in the same house can benefit children. This arrangement also minimizes children moving from one parent’s home to another.

Stick to the Plan

Divorcing couples with children often create plans. These plans can detail when one parent spends time with their child, holiday arrangements and other information. As time goes on, ensure that you and your other parent stick to previously made arrangements. Sudden and stressful disruptions can make the post-divorce process tough on your child.

How parents navigate life after divorce can have a profound impact on children. This time can also form your child’s opinions about future relationships. While it takes time and effort, working with your ex-spouse makes life easier for your children.

Oftentimes, a shared love for their children is one of the few things that parents are able to agree on throughout the divorce process. They may also have goals for the children that they worry about achieving because of how divorce will affect the family financially. For example, parents will likely worry about what will become of funds saved for a young adult’s college tuition as a result of the split.

Sometimes, Protecting College Savings Is Simple

Some families will find that there is a very straightforward process for the protection of college savings. If the parents have funded a 529 educational savings account, there are simple rules for handling that account in a Texas divorce. The custodial parent who has more time with the children will often assume control over the account, although the courts can treat it as part of the community property pool.

It is also possible for parents with college savings stored in any sort of financial account to reach an amicable agreement about property division matters so that there is no question about what happens to those college savings when parents divorce. Mutual cooperation is often the best option, as parents can work out a plan that involves both of them continuing to set aside funds for college costs for the children. Parents need to keep in mind that ongoing funding will almost certainly be necessary, as college tuition costs continue to rise each year.

Savings Can End Up Compromised in Some Cases

Unfortunately, the resources originally earmarked for the children in the family may sometimes go to other uses. For example, one parent might tap into the account to cover divorce costs or set up an independent household after the divorce. A judge could also treat the savings as marital property instead of setting it aside for the children.

Using a standard savings account or a cash savings system to put aside money for college expenses can leave a family very vulnerable to abuses during divorce proceedings. Parents who know their child will likely require a college education to pursue their dream career may need to make preserving college savings in specific ways and negotiating arrangements to cover future college expenses a major priority as they negotiate with their spouse about the details of their divorce.

These are some of the potential hazards heat poses on roads and the broader implications for transportation system safety overall.

The Stress on Wheels

One of the most immediate effects of extreme heat on vehicles is the increased risk of tire blowouts. As temperatures rise, the rubber components of tires expand. This can cause the pressure in tires to decrease. Underinflated tires, exacerbated by heat-related expansion, are more prone to blowouts. Therefore, during hot months, proper tire maintenance and adequate inflation may become particularly imperative.

Engine Overheating and Performance

High temperatures can also take a toll on vehicle engines. Engine components can overheat, causing decreased performance, reduced fuel efficiency and even engine damage. Regular maintenance, checking coolant levels and proper engine functioning are essential to help prevent overheating during hot weather.

Rising Temperatures and Road Surfaces

Summer’s relentless heat takes a toll on road surfaces, which are subject to continuous expansion and contraction due to temperature fluctuations. This phenomenon, known as thermal expansion, can lead to cracks and fissures in the asphalt. When water seeps into these cracks and freezes during cooler nights, it exacerbates the damage, causing potholes to form.

Furthermore, the materials used in road construction, such as asphalt and concrete, are susceptible to temperature-induced damage. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to a phenomenon known as “rutting,” where the road surface softens and deforms under the weight of vehicles. This creates uneven surfaces, reducing road grip and making driving conditions dangerous, particularly during rain or nighttime.

Stress on Bridges and Overpasses

Bridges and overpasses face unique challenges in high temperatures. The metal components of these structures expand under heat, which can lead to structural stresses and even structural failures if they’re not appropriately managed. Proper engineering and maintenance are crucial in helping to ensure that these critical pieces of infrastructure can withstand temperature-induced strains.

During summer, roads are subjected to thermal stresses that lead to cracks and deformities, while vehicles face tire blowouts and engine overheating. By understanding this reality, drivers can be inspired to drive more defensively and to drive at cooler times of day to stay safer when conditions get hotter and more dangerous.

Defining a Spendthrift Trust

A spendthrift trust is a legally established estate planning arrangement that allows the person creating the trust, otherwise known as the grantor, to place assets into a trust for a beneficiary’s benefit while maintaining a degree of control over the distribution of those assets. The unique aspect of a spendthrift trust is that it includes specific provisions that prevent the beneficiary from freely accessing or transferring the trust’s assets, offering protection against creditors and the beneficiary’s own rash financial decisions.

Protection From Creditors

If a beneficiary faces financial difficulties or legal claims, the assets within the trust are typically shielded from these external threats. Creditors cannot access the assets held in the trust, providing peace of mind to both the grantor and the beneficiary.

Preserving Assets From Impulsive Spending

Another key feature of a spendthrift trust is its role in preventing the beneficiary from squandering the assets through impulsive or reckless spending. Trust management is in a trustee’s hands, often a financial institution or a trusted individual, who is responsible for distributing funds to the beneficiary in a controlled manner as outlined in the trust agreement. This distribution method helps ensure that the beneficiary has access to a steady income stream while minimizing the risk of depleting the principal amount.

Balancing Control and Beneficiary Needs

While a spendthrift trust offers robust protection, it is useful to strike a balance between control and the beneficiary’s financial needs. The grantor can tailor the trust’s terms to cater to specific circumstances, outlining conditions under which distributions can be made. For instance, the trust may specify that funds be allocated for education, healthcare or other essential expenses.

Choosing the Best Estate Planning Option

In estate planning, a spendthrift trust stands out as a valuable strategy for protecting assets and securing beneficiaries’ financial well-being. It can save a person from their impulsive financial behavior, leaving the grantor content in knowing that their beneficiary will have a steady income to account for the important things in their everyday life.

Those who understand the Texas community property division process and who are proactive about protecting themselves may be able to reduce their worries about the negative impact a divorce could have on their small business.

Will the Business Itself Be at Risk?

One of the main reasons that people worry about property division affecting a business is that the company is probably their primary source of income. If they have to sell it or divide it, that might mean that they either have to start a new business or find a job somewhere.

Although community property rules do generally require that spouses divide assets acquired during marriage, they don’t have to actually split every asset in half. While the liquidation of the business is an option, it may not be the approach chosen by a couple or the judge presiding over their case. Instead, the business’s value may influence the division of other resources.

It is possible for one spouse to retain both ownership and management of a company in a divorce if they make concessions in other areas of property division. In some cases, such as when there is an airtight prenuptial agreement or ownership records that help establish the company as separate property, the business may not be at risk of division or may only have a small portion of its value in play during property division proceedings.

Those who worry about losing control of their business or being unable to support themselves financially because of a divorce may have an incentive to negotiate a settlement with their spouse early in the process to retain control over the outcome. Learning more about community property rules may help people feel empowered as they prepare for divorce proceedings in Texas.

What Kind of Bladder Injuries Are Common?

Motor vehicle accidents can lead to a wide variety of injuries. These include blunt force and penetration injuries, chiefly related to seatbelts. The high force of the impact can cause the bladder to be tightly compressed or ruptured. This can lead to severe pain and the possibility of long-term damage.

The spine can also be pushed out of shape due to a car accident. This can lead to chronic dysfunction in the bladder. This can lead to such effects as frequent urgency, incontinence, and difficulty in completely emptying the bladder. You may also experience pain in your back and pelvic areas.

In many cases, your bladder will not rupture but will only be torn. While this is a less severe injury, it can still result in a great deal of pain and discomfort. The most common symptoms are blood in the urine and pain while urinating.

How Can Bladder Injuries Be Treated?

There are many types of dangers on the road that can lead to a bladder injury. If the bladder has been ruptured, you will require immediate surgery. Injuries related to spinal misalignment can usually be treated by a chiropractor. The relief that this gives you can take most of the pressure off of your bladder.

Observing safe driving practices is the best way to avoid a bladder or other injury. Drive at the speed limit and carefully follow all posted signs. Stay away from drivers that appear to be weaving or behaving erratically. Never drive in the blind spot of a large tractor-trailer. These simple precautions can save you a lot of pain.

What’s more, understanding what you can and cannot do during a DUI stop can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. So what are your rights during a DUI stop?

The Right To Remain Silent

One of your most fundamental rights during a DUI stop is the right to remain silent. You are not obligated to answer any questions beyond providing the necessary identification and documents, such as your driver’s license and vehicle registration. It is important to exercise this right respectfully, clearly stating that you choose to remain silent until you consult with legal counsel.

The Right To Refuse Field Sobriety Tests

During a DUI stop, an officer may ask you to perform field sobriety tests, such as walking in a straight line or balancing on one leg. It is essential to note that you have the right to decline these tests without any penalties.

While implied consent laws can result in administrative penalties for refusing a breathalyzer or chemical test, the field sobriety test is not mandatory in Texas. As such, you need not worry about any consequences.

The Right To Refuse a Search

Law enforcement officers may also ask permission to search your vehicle during a DUI stop. Unless the officer has probable cause or a valid search warrant, you are not obligated to allow them to search your vehicle. It is important to assert this right politely but firmly, stating that you do not consent to a search.

The Right to Legal Representation

If you are arrested during a DUI stop, it is crucial to remember you have the right to legal guidance. It’s in your best interest to exercise this right and refrain from answering any further questions without it. This will help ensure your rights are protected and that you have the chance to build a strong defense strategy.

These rights exist to help ensure fairness and protect individuals from potential violations. If you find yourself in a DUI stop, it is essential to stay calm, be respectful, and assert your rights while cooperating within the boundaries of the law. 

Method of Transfer

One of the primary considerations when including the family home in your estate plan is determining how you want it to be transferred. You may choose to leave it as an inheritance to one or more family members or sell it and distribute the proceeds among your beneficiaries. This decision largely depends on your family’s circumstances and your own preferences.

Addressing Outstanding Debt

Another critical aspect of estate planning for the family home is addressing any outstanding mortgage or debts associated with the property. In the event of your passing, these obligations may fall on your heirs or be settled through the sale of the home. Planning for these financial aspects can help prevent unnecessary burdens on your loved ones.

Weighing Tax Implications

Depending on your jurisdiction, inheriting property may trigger tax liabilities for your beneficiaries. Understanding tax law as it pertains to the family home can help you navigate these complexities and find strategies to minimize the tax impact.

Considering a Trust

To ensure the smooth transfer of your family home, consider establishing a trust or drafting a will that clearly outlines your wishes. A trust can provide greater control over how the property is managed and distributed. At the same time, a will is a legal document that designates your beneficiaries and how the home should be handled.

Regularly Reviewing Estate Plan

Life events such as marriages, divorces, births or changes in financial circumstances may require adjustments to your plan. Keeping your estate planning documents updated ensures that your intentions for the family home are accurately reflected.

Plan for Your Family’s Future

By addressing all matters related to your home you can protect your family’s interests and provide clarity for the future. The more you can help your beneficiaries avoid needless bureaucracy and taxes, the happier they will be and the less room you will leave for contention between them.

Certain criminal and traffic courts may even order people to take driving courses when they have caused crashes or displayed poor decision-making at the wheel. There are also many employers that may require defensive driving to reduce crash risk on the job, as car wreck wrecks are a leading cause of worker deaths and severe injuries.

Many people are very skeptical about the usefulness of additional driving courses when someone already has a license. Does defensive driving actually help?

Defensive Driving Can Empower Individuals

The point of defensive driving education is to teach people about the top causes of crash risk. Defensive driving courses typically identify the decisions that often lead to wrecks, including distraction at the wheel, excess speed and right-of-way violations.

By teaching motorists about what traffic behaviors are the most dangerous, defensive driving courses can help people make better decisions for themselves at the wheel. The course can also help someone understand how prevalent the risk generated by other motorists really is. Defensive driving is also about monitoring traffic more carefully and possibly pausing at a four-way stop to wait and see what the person across the intersection does after approaching.

Although defensive driving cannot eliminate someone’s crash risk, it absolutely can teach them about their top safety risks and Inspire them to make safer choices on the road.

Implementation Is More Important Than Education

The unfortunate truth about defensive driving courses is that they often don’t work as they should not because the curriculum has innate flaws but rather because the people attending the courses don’t take the lessons seriously. Defensive driving as a concept will do very little to reduce someone’s crash risk. It is only the successful implementation of defensive driving techniques that may help someone improve their safety in traffic.

If people won’t avoid known driving safety risks and treat others like a threat in traffic, then the education that they receive will have very little impact on their overall safety. Learning more about what causes crashes can help people avoid motor vehicle collisions, but only if they change their habits to reflect their changing awareness.

Trusts

Trusts are a classic estate planning strategy for sheltering your assets. They make the probate process less expensive for your beneficiaries as well. A trust transfers automatically to the beneficiary. It doesn’t need to go through probate as assets in a will do. Irrevocable trusts are usually immune to creditors, giving your assets another layer of protection.

Texas recognizes pet trusts, a specific type of trust that protects money and items set aside for your pet. If you were to allocate money for your pet through a will, the law can’t legally enforce it.

Transfer-on-Death Accounts

An alternative to trusts is a transfer-on-death account. You can easily assign a beneficiary on some financial accounts to avoid probate. Some properties allow you to choose a beneficiary, creating a transfer-on-death deed.

Digital Identities

Your digital identity reflects who you were while you were alive. You might want to put careful thought into what you post online. When writing your estate plan, you may want to consider what to do with your online profiles. Some people want to close their accounts after their death. Another digital aspect to consider is your files. Some files, such as a journal or personal correspondence, may contain information you don’t want others to read. You might consider asking a trusted friend or loved one to delete these for you.

When you’re thinking about your legacy, you may want to look into trusts, transfer-on-death accounts and digital identities. These are some of the most important aspects of leaving behind a legacy.

Importance of Creating a Will

One component of estate planning for new parents is the creation of a will. A will outlines how you want your assets to be given out after your death.

It can also specify who will care for your minor children if both parents pass away. If you do not have a will, your assets will be given out according to Texas state law, which may not reflect your wishes. Moreover, without a will, the court will appoint someone to care for your minor children, which may not be your chosen person.

Consideration of a Trust

In addition to a will, new parents should consider creating a trust, which is a legal arrangement. In it, a trustee manages assets for the beneficiary. Trusts can be revocable, meaning you can change the terms or terminate the trust, or irrevocable, meaning you cannot change the terms or terminate the trust.

Trusts can be an effective tool for providing for your minor children, as they can ensure that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes. For example, you can specify that the trust assets be used for your children’s education and healthcare.

Designating Beneficiaries for Retirement Accounts and Life Insurance Policies

Another important aspect of estate planning for new parents is designating beneficiaries for your retirement accounts and life insurance policies. Beneficiary designations are separate from your will and can override your will.

For example, if you name your spouse as the beneficiary of your retirement account and life insurance policy, but your will specifies that your assets should be divided equally among your children, your spouse will receive the retirement account and life insurance policy. As a new parent, you may want to consider your spouse as the primary and your children as contingent beneficiaries.

Secure Your Family’s Future With Estate Planning

Estate planning is a vital aspect of responsible parenting, and new parents in Texas should take steps to protect their families.

Creating a will and trust while also designating beneficiaries for life insurance policies can ensure your wishes are performed dutifully and your loved ones are provided for in the event of death or incapacity. By planning your estate, you can take comfort in knowing you have taken care of your family.

How someone behaves when an officer announces the intention to arrest them will have an unquestionable impact on their future charges and defense options. What does someone need to do when facing imminent arrest?

Make Use of Their Right To Remain Silent

All too often, people already in handcuffs or a police cruiser think that they can talk their way out of charges. They think if they can just give the right explanation or humanize themselves to the officer, they can avoid criminal penalties.

However, the more that someone talks after their arrest, the greater the chance that they will say something that implicates them or that contradicts a previous statement. Their right to remain silent will be one of their most valuable protections. Choosing not to answer questions while in police custody is often the best option for someone under arrest.

Assert the Right to a Defense Attorney

Everyone arrested for a criminal offense theoretically has the right to the representation of a criminal defense attorney. They should be able to contact their attorney at the time of their arrest and defer speaking with law enforcement officials until their lawyer is present. An attorney can help someone avoid mistakes that could worsen their current legal predicament.

Be Cautious About Police Searches

Often, officers will ask during an arrest if they can look through a vehicle or enter someone’s home. Those seemingly benign questions can lead to lengthy searches and major consequences for the person arrested. Individuals do not have to authorize any searches simply because they are under arrest. They can still deny access to their home or their vehicle in many cases.

Those who know their rights before experiencing an encounter with law enforcement agents will have an easier time asserting themselves and avoiding mistakes that could hurt their chances of a successful defense during a criminal trial. Taking the right steps when in state custody will give someone the best chance of mounting a successful criminal defense with the assistance of a legal professional.