Safe Driving Tips for Teens

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

Teen drivers make up the largest percentage of auto accidents – more than any other age group.  However, with safe driving practices you can stay safe on the roads this summer!  Here are a  few tips to help you drive safely.

Safety Tips:

• Turn off Your Phone – Studies show that using your cell phone while driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.  This is even true with hands-free devices!  
• Don’t Text and Drive – On average, texting causes loss of focus for 5 seconds.  A lot can go wrong in 5 seconds!
• Use Your Headlights – Doing so can increase your visibility and help other drivers see you both at night and on sunny days.
• Drive at the Speed Limit – Speeding is the cause of 40% of all fatal teen accidents.
• Practice Defensive Driving – Always make sure that you maintain a buffer zone between you and the car in front of you, depending on the speed limit.

For more teen driving tips, visit the dmv website.

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in traffic 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 Uses License Plate Trackers to Improve Law Inforcement

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

In an effort to improve crime-fighting, New York state is collecting records that track vehicle movement.  These records can be used to keep track of where a person has traveled, as well as alert patrol officers to stolen cars.  The purpose is to allow investigators to go back in time and track where a suspect spent his or her time.  However, there are mixed opinions on whether this improves public safety or is an invasion of privacy.

Both Nassau and Suffolk counties are now involved in long-term storage of license plate records.  The information is gathered by license plate cameras mounted on police cars, as well as at fixed locations.  Those in favor of the records believe that these records provide another tool in solving significant crime cases.  Those in opposition believe that it is an invasion of privacy to collect information on people who aren’t doing anything wrong.

To learn more about the differing views on license plate surveillance, read this USA today article.

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in traffic 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 City Bookstores Rehires Illegally Fired Workers

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 

A New York City bookstore rehired four workers who were illegally fired after voting in favor of union representation. 

Federal labor law prohibits firing employee in favor of a union.  However, the affected employees were let go because they had been deemed managers by the ownership.  Managers aren’t eligible to be part of the union and aren’t protected against being fired.  The managers who were let go argued that they were managers in title only.  The union filed an unfair labor practice complaint on their behalf and the book store has decided to re-hire all four store managers who were previously terminated.

Read more about this union issue on the Huffington Post website.

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in employment law.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier law firm. If you were unfairly terminated or you are experiencing any issues related to labor law, 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.

photo credit: brewbooks via photopin cc

Long Island Fishing FAQs

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 

Plan on doing some fishing this summer?  Warm weather is perfect for this popular sport!  If you aren’t sure what rules and regulations you need to follow in order to fish on Long Island, here are a few things you need to know.

Fishing FAQ:

• Getting a License – Those fishing in freshwater lakes and rivers do not need a license in order to fish.  However, those heading out into the ocean or Long Island sound will need to be registered with NY state.
• Fishing License vs. Fishing Registration – A fishing license allows you to fish in freshwater.  Marine fishing registrations allow you to fish in saltwater areas, such as the Great South Bay or Long Island Sound.  Both of these can be obtained through the DEC website or by calling 1-866-933-2257.
• Where to Fish – If you have a boat, you can launch it out of a boat ramp or marina.  Those without boats can cast a line from some piers and docks.  There are also boat rental options, as well as party and charter boats where you don’t have to go through the trouble of registration.
• Understanding the Fishing Season – In 2014, fluke are in season rom 5/17-9/21 with a size limit of 18” and a daily possession limit of 5.  Yellowtail flounder must be 13”, but do not have a bag limit.  The season for Winter flounder ended May 30^th.

Check out this article for more tips on how to fish on Long Island this summer.

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in 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.

photo credit: theodoritsis via photopin cc

Avoid Family Issues with These Estate Planning Tips

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 

A well thought out estate plan can eliminate issues among your loved ones.  With careful planning, you can avoid family fighting and estrangement.  Here are a few estate planning tips to keep in mind.

Estate Planning Tips:

• Don’t Keep It A Secret – It’s a difficult topic to discuss, but you should let your family know what they can expect before you pass away.  This avoids unpleasant surprises.
• Define Terms – You may want to expand the definition of “descendant” to encompass modern methods of conception.  Modern methods, including in-vitro fertilization, surrogate mothers, adopted children, and non-biological children should be specified in legal documents.
• Consider Trust Protectors – A trust protector is a fiduciary, separate from the trustee.  They have the power to remove and replace a trustee, to amend trust agreement and to change the situs of the trust.
• Inform Beneficiaries – Don’t leave your beneficiaries in the dark.  All beneficiaries are entilted to a copy of the trust agreement. 
• Make Edits – It is ok – and even encouraged - to make estate planning adjustments along the way.  Circumstances change over time and you want your estate plan to be current and complete.

Check out this article for more estate planning tips.

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in 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.

photo credit: iowa_spirit_walker via photopin cc

What To Do After An Auto 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 

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Car accidents can put a person in shock.  Do you know what to do after an accident?  Being prepared can help you stay calm in an emergency.  Following these steps can make the claims process simple and help you get the money you deserve. 

Steps to Take After an Accident:

·        Check for Injury – The first thing you should do following an auto accident is see if anyone in your vehicle or the other vehicle needs medical assistance.

·        Move to the Side – If your vehicles are blocking the road, move them to the side to a safe position.

·        Call 911 – Call the police to file an accident report.

·        Exchange Information – Get the insurance information and drivers’ license numbers of the other drivers involved in the auto accident.

·        Document – Take pictures with a camera or cell phone of your vehicle damage, the scene of the accident, and any injuries.

If you have recently been in an auto accident, the first thing you should do is get the medical care you need.  Notify your auto insurance provider, get a copy of the police report, and have your claim reviewed by a personal injury lawyer.  This will make sure that you are being treated fairly by your insurance company!

Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. are experienced in motor vehicle accident 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.

MTA Labor Dispute

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: Wikimedia

The MTA and the LIRR have yet to negotiate an agreement in their labor union dispute.  The Long Island Rail Road workers will go on strike on July 20^th without a new contract with the MTA.  The unions are working to come to an agreement and avoid a strike.

The threat of an LIRR strike has left over 100,000 Long Islanders concerned about how they will commute to work while the unions come to an agreement.  69,942 commuters from Nassau and 33,127 commuters for Suffolk will join the 1 million Long Islanders who travel into the city for work every day.  An LIRR strike has many concerned about how the traffic will affect their commute.

Remember to contact the Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. with all of your legal questions.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier labor and discrimination 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.

Avoiding an MTA and LIRR Union Strike

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 Long Island Rail Road is the nation’s largest commuter railroad.   A possible LIRR strike would create a problem for over 150,000 commuters!  The Metropolitan Transportation Authority and its LIRR unions are currently negotiating their contract in an effort to prevent the railroad from shutting down.

Both Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio say that they are committed to resolving the conflict in a manner that maintains LIRR service and respects the taxpayers and LIRR workers.  The two have discussed contingency plans to prepare for increased traffic, gridlock, and security concerns. 

The union negotiations involve the salaries over 5,400 Long Island Rail Road workers.  The outcome will determine if the workers get a 17 percent pay raise and take longer to reach top pay.  For future workers, the union negotiations could mean paying into their pensions longer and contributing to health care plans.

Read more about the potential LIRR strike in Newsday.

Remember to contact the Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. with all of your legal questions.  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.

NYC Municipal ID Cards

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: Wikimedia

Municipal identification cards will now be available to anyone who can prove their identity and residency in New York City.  Mayor Bill de Blasio signed into law a plan that offers municipal identification cards to residents regardless of their immigration status.

This identification card is aimed towards groups of people who are currently unavailable to show a form of government identification to cash a check or sign a lease.  According de Blasio, "There are so many reasons why we want people to have ID, but we have a difference in this city to begin with.  We don't have the same usage of driver's licenses that other parts of the country have."

The card will initially be free, but officials say they may charge a small fee for the license after the first year.  Documents that are acceptable option the municipal identification include a birth certicate and proof of residence, such as a utility bill or bank statement.

Read more about the new municipal license on the CBS website.

Remember to contact the Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. with all of your legal questions.  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.

School Bus Safety 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 

The popular school bus company Blue Bird has issued a recall on their buses.  Blue Bird has recalled more than 2,500 school buses, including 400 transit buses.  The recall will address a problem that affects a steering issue, as well as a propane fuel leak.

The steering problem affects buses made between 2011 and May of last year.  The issue with the buses is when the steering shaft clamp comes into contact with a rubber close-out boot on the floor. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the fuel leak problem can happen in “severe environments” when the aluminum fuel line fitting corrodes.  This is considered a fire hazard.

Read more about the school bus recall here.

Remember to contact the Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. with all of your legal questions.  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.

photo credit: Twix via photopin cc

911 Operators Sue Nassau 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 

Photo Source: sunypotsdam.org

A union of 911 operators has filed a law suit against Nassau County.  This lawsuit was filed last month by the Civil Service Employees Association because operators were not receiving essential training on how to handle hostage situations.  Lou Stober was interviewed about the lawsuit.

A lawsuit was first filed last year, when the county failed to provide state-mandated 21 hours of classroom training, despite receiving state grants for the training.  The suit was dropped by the CSEA after Nassau County agreed to provide training.  The current suit alleges that Nassau breached the agreement with the union to provide employees with compensation for the days they were in training.

“Nassau has not followed through on the terms of the settlement agreement,” Lou Stober said in his interview. 

According to Newsday, the suit comes more than a year after Hofstra student Andrea Rebello was accidently shot and killed by a Nassau police officer.  Police Benevolent Association President James Carver has said the 911 call was never transmitted as a hostage situation.  In a lawsuit filed against the county in May, Rebello’s family cited CSEA’s allegations that 911 operators were not trained for hostage situations.

Read more about the case: http://goo.gl/JSo3uN

Remember to contact the Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. with all of your legal questions.  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.

Happy 4th of July!

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 

Happy 4^th of July!! If you are handling fireworks today, remember to be careful.  Almost half of all fireworks-related injuries happen around July Fourth.  Here are a few tips to help keep your celebration safe.

Firework Safety:

• Check the Law – If you are celebrating in NY, the possession and use of fireworks is illegal.  Enjoy the holiday by attending a public show instead!
• Supervision – Make sure that children are always supervised when handling fireworks.  Always have a bucket of water or hose ready just in case the firework needs to be put out in a hurry.
• Managing Dud Fireworks – Every once in a while you’ll get a “dude” firework that doesn’t go off like it was supposed to.  However, it’s still dangerous.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak the firework in water to be safe.
• Sparklers – Sparklers are common for young children and families!  Remember to never hold or attempt to light more than one sparkler at a time.  Also remember that the wire and stick may be hot long after the sparkler has gone out.
• Be Cautious – Always stand back when a firework is being lit.  It may seem like common sense, but many fireworks can backfire or go off in the wrong direction.

Remember, NY state and local officials warn against the possession and use of fireworks this weekend.  Always be careful and enjoy the holiday safely!  

Remember to contact the Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. with all of your legal questions.  Our experience, combined with our successful track record makes us Long Island’s premier personal injury 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.

Cyberbullying Law Considered a Violation of the First Amendment

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 court system struck down a local law that made cyberbullying a crime.  The New York Court of Appeals found that the law was in violation of the First Amendment.  The court’s ruling could serve as a guideline for other court cases that challenge cyberbullying laws.

The Albany law was called into question by Cohoes High School student Marquan W. Mackey-Meggs, the first to be charged under the law.  The student pled guilty under the condition that he could challenge the constitutionality of the law.  It was determined that although the First Amendment may allow for a cyberbullying statute of limited nature, the existing local law was too broad.

Corey Stoughton of the New York Civil Liberties Union, representing Mr. Mackey-Meggs, agreed that cyberbullying is a serious concern.  However, he argued that “there are better and more constructive ways to address the problem than giving children criminal records.”

County Executive Daniel P McCoy is working with county legislature to create a new law aimed to reduce cyberbullying of children that takes this court decision into consideration.

Read more about the cyberbullying case in the Wall Street Journal.

You can contact the Law Offices of Louis D. Stober Jr. with all of your legal questions.  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.

photo credit: Joanka.Torres via photopin cc