Scam Targets New York Businesses

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Many New York business owners are receiving fraudulent and misleading notifications.  A new scam is advising businesses to pay a $125 processing fee “required” by New York State Law.  Andrew M. Cuomo is warning business owners to be wary of scams that use deception to coerce businesses into paying unnecessary fees.

The document titled “2014 Annual Corporate Minutes” uses selective quotes from sections of New York’s Business Corporation Law.  Although the document looks official, New York State does not require businesses to file corporate minutes.  Any companies that receive these fraudulent notices are encouraged to report them to the State’s Division of Consumer Protection.  They are working with law enforcement agencies to prosecute fraud against New York businesses.

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in all aspects of employment law.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm. Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Red-Light Camera Revenue Drops in Suffolk County

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

Now that drivers are more aware of intersections with red light cameras, Suffolk County is seeing a drop in ticket revenue.  In 2012, they reported a 24 percent drop in red-light tickets and a 10 percent drop in auto injuries at those intersections.  Suffolk and Nassau are looking for state approval to expand electronic traffic ticketing.

The annual Red Light Safety Program report provides both supporters and opponents of the cameras with information on the effectiveness of the system.  Complaints include tickets for minor infractions, such as slow-rolling right turns on red.  However, the cameras have brought in a significant revenue increase for both counties, which are struggling with tight budgets this year.  While some say the cameras were installed solely to bring in revenue, others say that they have already cut down on the number of serious automobile accidents.

Suffolk and Nassau Counties want to add speed cameras to each of the 125 Long Island public school districts.  Fines for violating these speeding zones would be $50 per ticket, plus a $30 administrative fee.  However, drivers do not receive points on their license. 

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in traffic violation law.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm. Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Benefits of the Point & Insurance Reduction Program

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

Photo Source: Wikipedia

The Point & Insurance Reduction Program (PIRP) is a comprehensive safety course.  It provides drivers with essential information about traffic safety issues, driver attitude, behavior, and defensive driving techniques.  Here are a few of the benefits of taking a defensive driving course.

Defensive Driving Course Benefits:

• Point Reduction – After competition of the course, you can receive a 4 point reduction on your NYS DMV driving record.
• Insurance Reduction – Drivers receive a 10% reduction on the base rate of their auto and motorcycle insurance.
• Knowledge – While this may not be your primary reason for taking a defensive driving course, it is a great way to refresh your driving knowledge.

Defensive driving courses include 320 minutes of instruction.  Drivers can find an approved classroom provider or online provider on the NY DMV website.

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in auto accident injury and personal injury law. Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm. Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

How to Document Your Auto Accident Injury Claims

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

Source: wikipedia

Have you recently experienced an auto accident?  If you or a loved one is suffering from a personal injury due to a car accident, proper documentation can help make the claims process simple and ensure that you receive the settlement you are entitled to.  Here are a few tips on how to help document your personal injury for an auto accident claim.

Documenting Tips:

• Photographs – Take a picture of any damage to your vehicle.  Several close-up and long distance shots can make the claims process simple.  You can also take pictures of the location and any injuries.
• Medical Records – Take note of any pain you are experiencing.  If you are visiting the doctor, keep records of all of your visits.  Keep all correspondence, including emails.
• Save Receipts – Keep receipts for all of your medical expenses, including prescriptions, crutches, walkers, canes, foods, and co-payments.
• Expenses – Maintain records of all of your travel expenses for medical appointments, as well as how much income you have lost due to your injuries.

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in auto accident injury and personal injury law.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076.  You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Understanding Essential Estate-Planning Documents

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

It’s never too early to start planning your estate.  Sitting down to create estate documents is the best way to ensure that your wishes will be fulfilled.  There are four estate-planning documents that everyone should have. 

Estate Planning Documents:

• Will – A will provides instructions on where things go.  While you don’t need to tell anyone exactly what the will entails, you should let your designated executor know that you have chosen them to be in charge of managing the estate. 
• Power of Attorney – This document gives someone else the authority to make legal and financial decisions in the unfortunate event that you become incapacitated.  Unlike the executor of your will, this is a continuing role.  You should choose someone who is both devoted to you and skilled at managing finances. 
• Medical Power of Attorney – This enables a designated adult to make medical decisions on your behalf.  You should pick a person who is going to stay calm during a crisis.
• A Living Will – Also known as an advanced health-care directive, this document specifies your wishes for end-of-life care.  It can include information on whether or not you want to be resuscitated, kept alive through artificial respiration or feeding, etc.

Read more about these estate-planning documents  in The Wall Street Journal.  The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in all aspects of estate planning.  We make the process simple and provide clients with detailed documents that avoid court issues later on.  Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

What To Do When You Experience A Bicycle Accident

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

As the weather warms up this spring, kids and adults will be heading out on their bicycles.  Unfortunately, drivers often fail to take proper precautions to protect vulnerable bikers.  Whether you ride your bike for fun, exercise or for transportation, you should always know what to do in the event you experience an accident. 

Bicycle Accident Tips:

Source: Wikipedia

• Safety – This should always be your number one priority.  People often panic when they are in an accident.  Remember to calm down and find a place that is away from traffic.
• Exchange Information – Just like after an auto accident, the bicyclist and driver should exchange information.  Take note of the driver’s registration number for an efficient claims process.
• Evidence – If you have your phone on you, take some pictures of the scene and any damage.  Accurate details help make the claims process more streamlined.
• Visit the Doctor – You might feel ok at first, but injuries take some time to reveal themselves.  It is worth it to visit the doctor for a check-up to address injuries early on and make sure that you are covered for any injuries.
• Insurance Companies – Do not attempt to repair your bike until after you have spoken to the insurers.  Attempting to fix any damage could have an impact on your claim.

The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in personal injury cases, including pedestrian and bicycle accidents.  Our lawyers enlist the help of medical and economic experts to see that the full extent of an injury is accurately described for the jury and insurance adjustor.  Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Common Estate Planning Mistakes

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

It is important to take care when planning your estate.  A simple oversight can leave you vulnerable and compromise the amount your loved ones will inherit when you pass away.  There are a few common mistakes that everyone should avoid when planning their estates.

Common Estate Planning Mistakes:

• Trustworthy Power of Attorney – Pick someone who you trust and who is capable the most capable of putting your estate plan in place.  Many people make the mistake of picking someone out of obligation, when maybe another person is actually more likely to make better decisions on your behalf.  Don’t forget to ask their permission before naming them power of attorney, too!
• Keep Your IRA Separate – Do not name your estate as your IRA beneficiary.  If you do, the account is subject to claims and creditors during the settlement.  When you pass away, the IRA will be used to pay off any remaining debts in your name.  If any money remains in the account, it will get distributed to your loved ones, but not in a timely fashion.  The probate process can take years.  It is better to name a living person as your IRA beneficiary to keep your savings away from creditors. 
• Update Beneficiaries – Keep your beneficiary forms updated!  Many people make the mistake of forgetting to change the IRA designation, leaving money to an ex’s family rather than their own children.  It is important to review your beneficiaries after every important life event.
• Living Trust – Don’t forget to put assets into your living trust.  While living trusts are a valuable part of estate planning, they won’t be useful until you put assets into the trust.
• Don’t Delay – Many people delay estate planning, but this is a mistake – especially for those with small children.  If you don’t have an estate plan, you are letting the courts decide how to divide your assets.  Creating a plan will maximize the amount that you leave to your heirs and make the process easier for everyone involved.

The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in comprehensive legal cases, including estate planning.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Long Island School Districts Vote On New Veteran Property Tax Exemption

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

Long Island school districts are deciding if they should enact a new property tax exemption to assist veterans.  The tax exemption applies to veterans who have served in wartime.  However, school board officials were not made aware of the law until late January or February.  They are concerned that they do not have a full understanding of the impact the law will have on non-veteran taxpayers.

This new tax exemption differs from STAR because it does not reimburse districts that lose revenue from the veterans’ exemptions.  Many school officials are concerned that the decision forces the board to favor one group of tax payers over another.  A public hearing is held before voting on whether to grant exemptions to veterans who served during a war.  Schools boards also have the option of granting partial exemptions, depending on what non-veteran residents can afford. 

Source: Wikimedia

In Nassau County, 37 of 54 school districts have approved the exemptions.  Read more about the towns that have approved the new law in Newsday.

The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in comprehensive legal cases, including employment law.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Almost $4 Million in Aid Allocated to Fix Long Island Roadways

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

Although it’s finally spring, Long Island roads are still littered with potholes.  It has been an unusually rough winter.  Fortunately, drivers will finally find some relief.  Local governments on Long Island will get almost $4 million in new state aid to fix the roadways this year.

This aid is on top of the $75 million budget increase made to the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) last year.  The money will be distributed throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties and their localities.

Governor Andrew Cuomo expressed concern regarding the damage to many local roads and bridges.  He declared a state of emergency on 8 separate occasions this winter.  Although the money will be used to fix the current road situation, Cuomo hopes that it can also be used to help brace the roadway surface for future storms.

Read more about pothole repairs in Newsday.

The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in comprehensive legal cases, including employment law.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

New York’s Paid Sick Leave Law Takes Effect

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

New York’s new paid sick leave law quietly took effect on April 1^st.  Now businesses with five or more employees have to provide up to five sick paid days off to workers if they, or a relative, fall ill.  As a result, about 1.2 million workers now have paid sick leave for the first time.

Many employees and employers have found the new law to be a reasonable adjustment.  Shiv Puri of Bombay Sandwich Company thought that providing time off was “the right thing to do.”  Although initially concerned about the cost this would have on his business, he realized that he could absorb the cost.  Mr. Puri is still concerned that some employees might take advantage of the new law, but is happy to provide his employees with sick leave after they have been on the job for three months.

Mayor Bill de Blasio considers this new law to be a victory.  With the paid sick leave law, he has succeeded in his promise to “lift up working families.”  Read more about this new law in the New York Times.

The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in comprehensive legal cases, including employment law.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Suffolk May Use Eminent Domain to Acquire 41 Fire Island Homes

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

Image: Source

Fire Island was seriously affected by superstorm Sandy.   In an effort to protect Fire Island and the people who live there, Suffolk County is prepared to use eminent domain to acquire 41 oceanfront Fire Island homes that lie in route of a planned storm-shielding dune.

This emergency flood protection project is funded with federal Sandy aid (FIMP).  However, homeowners will receive the current value of their homes, not the pre-sandy value.  This has left many affected families concerned about low appraisals.  Some homeowners are considering improving their homes to receive a better value, even though they will eventually be demolished.

Suffolk County cannot begin appraisals until the contracts have been approved by the Army Corps and New York State.  This will most likely happen in August.  Read more about the eminent domain process in Newsday.

The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in comprehensive legal cases, including real estate.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

Nassau County to Gain Revenue for Union Contracts from Speeding Cameras

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

Image: Source

Nassau County has proposed using speeding cameras to gain revenue for new union contracts.  If the three-year wage freeze for unions is lifted, it will cost Nassau County $120 million over the course of four years.  The speeding cameras are projected to rains $57.7 million if installed in school zones. 

The Nassau office analyzed the use of speed cameras in Baltimore, Chicago and Washington, D.C. to estimate potential revenue gain.  County Comptroller George Maragos reported that the speeding camera revenue would cut the contract costs to $62.6 million through 2017.  However, the State Legislature has yet to approve the use of these cameras.  If approved, legislation would divert some of this camera revenue to villages. 

Read more about the new union agreement and speeding camera proposal in Newsday.

The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in comprehensive legal cases, including traffic violations.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.

General Motors Ignition Switch Recall

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober, Jr., L.L.C.

350 Old Country Road, Suite 205, Garden City, NY 11530

877-791-8076 / StoberLaw.com 

General Motors may pay damages to those with accident cases that occurred before the company filed for bankruptcy in 2009.  Although the company is legally protected by the agreements made through bankruptcy, they are considering compensating those who experienced crashes due to defective ignition switches.

Since 2001, millions of cars were recalled for defective ignition switches that General Motors failed to fix.  The faulty ignition switches could suddenly cut off engine power and deactivate air bags.  There are 13 deaths linked to this defect.  

It is not clear why GM failed to acknowledge the ignition switch issue.  However, one document shows that the price of a new switch would cost the company 90 cents extra.

Check to see if your car is affected by the GM recall on their website.  You can also read more about the pending case in the New York Times.

The Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in comprehensive legal cases, including motor vehicle accidents.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm.  Contact our office for a consultation by calling 877-791-8076. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for the latest news stories and legal tips.