The Cassidy Law Firm Blog

Is it illegal in New Jersey to drive with your dog on your lap?

Distracted driving can come in many forms. While texting and driving is the most obvious form of distracted driving, an often overlooked, but dangerous behavior involves your furry friend. Many of us enjoy bringing our dogs in the car. Drivers with smaller dogs may be tempted to put their pooch on their lap as they drive. In the state of New Jersey, however, driving with your dog in your lap is not just dangerous, it is also illegal.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim?

Losing a loved one is always tragic, but the sudden loss of a relative due to an accident is all the more horrific. Surviving family members may struggle to deal with the emotions surrounding the loss, along with the financial repercussions of potentially losing the family breadwinner. Relatives of a deceased loved one may be able to file a...

What is the standard for admitting expert witness testimony in New Jersey?

Expert witnesses will often form the cornerstone of your personal injury, product liability, or medical malpractice case. The testimony of an expert witness will at times prove essential in meeting the elements of your cause of action. Given the great weight that jury members often afford to the testimony of expert witnesses, it is the role of the judge to ensure any expert witness presented is trustworthy and offers reliable evidence. If you are considering introducing expert witness testimony in your..

What medications are covered under a workers’ compensation claim?

The legalization of medical marijuana in New Jersey has impacted many areas of life and employment. Recently, a New Jersey judge ordered that public employer Freehold Township should reimburse an employee for medical marijuana used to treat his muscular spasticity. This revolutionary workers’ compensation case could hold broader import for private employers and employees making..

Would three-point belts on school buses save lives?

The horrific fatal bus accident that happened last May has many people in New Jersey asking what steps can be taken to prevent school bus deaths. One teacher and one student were killed when a school bus driver collided with a dump truck in New Jersey.

Can I discharge my student loans in a bankruptcy action?

Most college graduates today exit with considerable student loan debt. Over 44 million Americans owe student debts which amount to some $1.5 trillion, according to financial website Make Lemonade. The average student loan borrower today will have $37,172 in debt, an increase of $20,000 from 13 years ago. Student loan debt can be crippling, preventing graduates from saving money, buying a home, and establishing themselves.

Is it unlawful to drive while overly tired?

Drowsy driving is a top cause of accidents nationwide. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 100,000 car crashes annually are caused by tired driving, resulting in 71,000 injuries and 1,500 fatalities.

In the aftermath of a car accident, you will likely be confused, disoriented, and potentially injured. It is important that you know the basic steps you should take following a car accident in order to protect yourself and your legal rights. Not acting appropriately after a crash could leave you vulnerable to additional injuries or potentially diminish your later personal injury claim. Our

Who is at-fault for the Southwest plane accident that killed one passenger?

Recently, Southwest Flight 1380 suffered an engine failure that resulted in the death of one passenger and forced the pilot to make an emergency landing in order to save the lives of everyone else on board. Now, federal officials continue to investigate this fatal plane accident.
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What is the penalty for texting while driving in NJ?

New Jersey police officers have stepped up their efforts to end distracted driving as part of a national campaign entitled “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” The crackdown started on April 1st and will continue for the month of April and beyond. April marks National Distracted Driving Month, making it a perfect time for local law enforcement officers to increase enforcement of existing Read more . . .

Can I receive workers’ compensation benefits if I am injured while volunteering?

Volunteers change the world with their willingness to donate their time to help others. While many volunteers feel that volunteering has a positive impact on their lives, some volunteer positions come with risks. Those that volunteer in fire departments, rescue agencies, schools, and animal shelters, among other positions, could be injured while helping. Legal questions then arise as to who is liable for the injuries suffered by volunteers.