Texting and Driving Outlawed in Colorado

By Josh McDowell

On December 1st, 2009 Governor Ritter of Colorado signed into law a bill criminalizing text messaging while driving. The new law will make texting and driving a Class A driving infraction.

The Denver Post Article is linked below:

http://www.denverpost.com/ci_12498806 The new law, which will be Colorado State Statute 42-4-239, prohibits use of cellphones for drivers under 18 years of age, and texting for any drivers. The texting language is below: A person eighteen years of age or older shall not use a wireless telephone for the purpose of engaging in text messaging or other similar forms of manual data entry or transmission while operating a motor vehicle.

The law also states that no one under the age of eighteen is allowed to use a cell phone while driving: An operator of a motor vehicle shall no be cited for a violation of subsection (3) of this section unless the operator was eighteen years of age of older and a law enforcement officer saw the operator use a wireless telephone for the purpose of purpose of engaging in text messaging or other similar forms of manual data entry or transmission. (7) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to authorize the seizure and forfeiture of a wireless telephone, unless otherwise provided by law. (8) This section does not restrict operation of an amateur radio station by a person who holds a valid amateur radio operation license issued by the Federal Communications Commission.

The entire statute can be found here: http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2009a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/349F9CCA2B83CD5087257537001A2BB0?open&file=1094_enr.pdf

The fines for violating this statute are:

$ 50.00 Fine with a $6.00 Surcharge for a First Offense $100.00 Fine with a $6.00 Surcharge for a Second Offense - 29880

About the Author:

Josh McDowell is a Colorado Springs Attorney practicing in DUI, criminal and personal injury matters. As a Colorado Springs Personal Injury lawyer his law firm handles car accidents, slip and falls, and other injury matters.

The Low-Down On Colorado Bankruptcy Exemptions

By Jason Lancaster

The economy in Colorado in 2009 is in rough shape. Unemployment is up, credit is scarce, and the housing market is down. Many Colorado residents are faced with crippling amounts of debt and no prospects of paying that debt back anytime soon. Consumers who are in this desperate situation are likely considering bankruptcy, and some of these people may be under the mistaken impression that bankruptcy means they will lose all their important possessions. Fortunately, this is not true. Colorado residents who file bankruptcy can keep many of their important possessions thanks to Colorado's bankruptcy exemption rules.

In fact, the state of Colorado is one of the most progressive in the country when it comes to bankruptcy. This is due in large part to Colorado's relatively generous bankruptcy exemption rules. When a consumer files chapter 7 bankruptcy in Colorado, they're entitled to a series of exemptions. Exemptions are an important legal right that allow people who are filing bankruptcy to keep important assets like their car or their home.

Many people do not realize that bankruptcy is a fundamental American right that's included in the U.S. Constitution. America's founders included the right to file bankruptcy in the constitution because they believed that the common person is entitled protection from creditors. Many famous people in America's history - from businessmen Henry Ford and Milton Hershey to politicians Abe Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson - have filed for bankruptcy protection.

First and foremost, the purpose of bankruptcy is to protect consumers from crippling, overwhelming debt. Since protection is the ultimate goal of bankruptcy, Colorado's lawmakers have defined fairly generous exemptions for residents. Specifically designed to help consumers start over, Colorado allows consumers to exempt as much as $60,000 dollars worth of home equity. This allows people to file bankruptcy and start their lives over without losing their most valuable asset (their home).

In addition to allowing consumers to exempt quite a bit of home equity, Colorado bankruptcy laws also allow residents to keep their vehicle. Logically, cars are an essential tool that consumers need in their daily lives, so they can be exempted. Other essentials - such as tools needed for work, retirement assets, and other basics like clothing - are also exempted during bankruptcy. Of course, there is a limit on the dollar value that can be exempted, so be sure to consult with a bankruptcy attorney.

Colorado's bankruptcy exemption rules are designed to help consumers, but they're not some sort of pass that allows people to avoid their obligations. When a consumer files bankruptcy, any cash, second homes, or valuables they have may be taken and distributed to creditors. These valuables can include clothing, jewelry, furniture, artwork, and even family heirlooms. If you're serious about filing bankruptcy and you'd like to avoid losing your valuables, there are some strategies you can implement, but you must consult with a bankruptcy attorney to learn more about these strategies and how to implement them.

Bankruptcy isn't something that should be taken lightly, and anyone considering bankruptcy would be smart to consult with an attorney. Filing bankruptcy can be a complicated legal process. There can be a lot of preparation involved, and if mistakes are made there can be serious legal and financial ramifications. Bankruptcy lawyers are invaluable because they can help consumers avoid costly mistakes.

Obviously, bankruptcy isn?t for everyone, and it isn?t an easy out that allows people to avoid obligation. However, in the right circumstances, bankruptcy can make a lot of sense. If you decide bankruptcy is right for you and you live in Colorado, you can take heart in the fact that Colorado is a consumer-friendly state. Now it's time to find a Colorado bankruptcy lawyer. - 29880

About the Author:

Author Jason Lancaster is a former finance manager and a Colorado native. If you're considering bankruptcy, be sure to consult with a bankruptcy lawyer to learn more about Colorado bankruptcy exemptions and your legal rights.

In Need Of Colorado Springs Garage Door Repair?

By Willie Hundsuckles

With numerous diverse Colorado Springs garage door repair experts, it's uncomplicated to discover a company that meets your requirements and resources and is located close to you. A few are family owned, a few locally owned, and several are franchises. Quite a few are also part of the BBB (Better Business Bureau).

For an excellent family-owned option, consider Colorado Rockies Overhead Door for your repair needs. They have been serving the area for more than 15 years, and offer fast and efficient repair and installation services, as well as garage door computer system problem identification. Whereas the bigger companies turn down small jobs, they enjoy the small jobs and welcome your business.

Mountain Fox Doors offer inexpensive replacement doors as well as custom doors, repair, and installation for both commercial and residential properties. They are fully certified, insured, and family owned. They also offer free quotes on all their services.

The Overhead Door Company is the only official distributor for Overhead Door Corporation in the Colorado Springs area. The Overhead Door Corporation is accountable for leading the way in the garage door industry in 1921. They provide quality garage door products, repair, and customer service without fail.

Unique among other similar companies, American Overhead Door Co. Has service options for homes and businesses all day, every day, with emergency services available. Their specialty lies in springs and cables that are immobile or broken, and also install new name brand doors. They are members in good standing of the Better Business Bureau. They also offer a total money-back warranty on all projects, with bonus discounts for senior citizens and military members.

All Season Door and Glass is family owned and is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Member. They provide repair and installation for both residential and commercial doors, including garage, entry, interior, storm, sliding glass, and French doors, as well as other types of doors. They also repair and install remotes, key-less entry devices, springs, cables, and other hardware.

An industry locally-owned leader, Absolute Garage Door presents garage doors that meet the needs of residential and commercial clients, while still being inexpensive and dependable. They guarantee estimates without charge and will examine any garage door problem with reasonably priced service calls and additional discounts for area senior citizens and even military personnel.

With so many options in the Colorado Springs area, it could be difficult choosing just the right company to repair or install your garage door, especially with so many of them offering the same or comparable services at around the same price. One thing one could do is to ask friends or family member for recommendations, as well as searching the Internet for reviews for each of the companies. - 29880

About the Author:

Learn more about garage door repair. Stop by Willie Hundsuckles's site where you can find out all about Colorado Springs Garage Door and what we can do for you.

Which Personal Injury Attorney should I hire?

By Steve Rodemer

After being hurt in an accident one of the most intimidating tasks you face is choosing an attorney to represent you. Accident victims are bombarded with television ads, billboards, yellow page ads, and in some instances, even direct mail advertisements. All of these ads have a few things in common. The attorney usually states they will "fight aggressively" for you, or that they've gotten their clients huge settlements, and sometimes they even have flashy nicknames or catch phrases. Ignore the ads.

When looking for a personal injury attorney the best way to ensure you are going to be getting good representation is to ask questions and watch out for red flags. The first red flag is whether or not you get to meet with an attorney for an initial consultation. Many firms tell you that the case is screened by a "case manager" or a "case specialist", or sometimes even a paralegal. These firms will sometimes try and get you to sign up over the phone without even letting you talk to an attorney. They will send an "investigator" to bring papers for you to sign and will work hard to get you to sign up as quickly as possible. Ignore these firms. If the attorney will not even give you the courtesy of an initial consultation, imagine how much time the attorney will spend on the case. These firms generally assign huge numbers of cases to each attorney and consequently, the attorney's cannot dedicate very much time to each case.

The next red flag is that the attorney tries to have you pay some up front costs or retainer. Unless you elect to pay the attorney hourly, personal injury attorney's work on contingency, meaning that they are paid their fees out of the settlement or verdict. Sometimes, a lawyer will request you give them a certain amount of money to cover the costs of the case. This may be a red flag; in that it may indicate that the attorney doesn't have enough capital to front the costs of the case, which brings me to my next topic: Ask questions.

It is important to be an advocate for yourself, and in being an advocate, you must ask questions. Ask the lawyer how many cases each attorney handles at any given time. Make sure that you feel comfortable with the lawyer handling that many other cases on top of yours. Also, ask the attorney if they will be personally handling your case, and if they will not, ask to meet the attorney who will be handling the case. Make sure that you are comfortable with that lawyer. Ask how frequently you can expect to hear from the attorney, not the paralegal or case manager, but the lawyer. Find out how much trial experience the attorney handling your case has, and more importantly, the percentage of cases that the firm files a lawsuit on. This is important because, while most cases settle before going to trial, it is imperative that insurance companies know the lawyer is willing and capable of filing a lawsuit if necessary, it is the only way they are willing to offer top dollar on the case. Simply filing a lawsuit doesn't mean that the case will go to trial. Finally, don't limit your questions to the lawyer. Ask around. Ask friends or family members who have used an attorney if they would recommend their lawyer. If you know any attorneys ask them, or ask your doctor who they would recommend. The bottom line is that you must trust your lawyer, if at any point you don't feel as though you are connecting with them move on.

Choosing a lawyer is a decision that should not be taken lightly. It's good to visit a few before making your selection. Don't be pressured into hiring a lawyer until you are confident you are selecting the attorney who will get you the best recovery and treat you respectfully throughout. - 29880

About the Author:

Steven Rodemer is a Colorado Springs personal injury lawyer at the Law offices of McDowell Laybourne and Rodemer, LLC. His practice includes Colorado car accidents truck accidents, slip and fall matters, medical malpractice and all other personal injury matters.

Information About Colorado Springs Garage Door Repair

By Willie Hundsuckles

With many different Colorado Springs garage door repair specialists, it's easy to find one that fits your needs and budget and is near you. Some are family owned, some locally owned, and some are franchise. Several are also members of the Better Business Bureau.

For an excellent family-owned option, consider Colorado Rockies Overhead Door for your repair needs. They have been serving the area for more than 15 years, and offer fast and efficient repair and installation services, as well as garage door computer system problem identification. Whereas the bigger companies turn down small jobs, they enjoy the small jobs and welcome your business.

Mountain Fox Doors offer inexpensive replacement doors as well as custom doors, repair, and installation for both commercial and residential properties. They are fully certified, insured, and family owned. They also offer free quotes on all their services.

The Overhead Door Company is the only official distributor for Overhead Door Corporation in the Colorado Springs area. The Overhead Door Corporation is accountable for leading the way in the garage door industry in'21. They provide quality garage door products, repair, and customer service without fail.

Unique among other similar companies, American Overhead Door Co. Has service options for homes and businesses all day, every day, with emergency services available. Their specialty lies in springs and cables that are immobile or broken, and also install new name brand doors. They are members in good standing of the Better Business Bureau. They also offer a total money-back warranty on all projects, with bonus discounts for senior citizens and military members.

Family-owned businesses offer a significant contribution to the economy, and All Season Door and Glass provides both installation and repairs for commercial and residential customers. This includes all types of doors, such as garage doors, entry/interior doors, storm or sliding glass doors, French doors, and much more. They offer hardware installation and repair as well.

Absolute Garage Door offers both residential and commercial doors that are affordable and reliable. They offer free estimates and will repair any garage door problem with inexpensive service calls and discounts for senior citizens and military members. They offer a guarantee on all work and are locally owned.

With so many choices just in the Colorado Springs area, it could be easier said than done to choose the most appropriate company to fix or set up your garage door, principally because so many of them offer the same or similar services at approximately the same cost. One thing you can do is to request the suggestions of family, friends, or colleagues, in addition to browsing the Internet for examinations of every one of the companies. - 29880

About the Author:

Want to find out more about Garage Door Repair, then visit Willie Hundsuckles's site on how to choose the best garage repair company for your needs.