Oct 1, 2021 | Auto Accidents
After a year of limited driving for many, it’s easy to see that traffic has gotten back to normal.Surprisingly, accidents during the pandemic were up. According to 2020 data collected by theNational Safety Council, “42,060 people are estimated to have died in motor vehicle crashes in 2020. That marks an 8% increase over 2020 in a year where people drove significantly less frequently because of the pandemic. Accidents can happen anywhere to anyone. The most common causes of accidents arespeeding, driver inattention, fatigue/drowsiness, and alcohol and drug impairment. In our statealone in 2020, the North Carolina Department of Transportation shares: There were 416 speed-related deaths and 18,332 speed-related crashes.Speeding was a contributing factor in 25 percent of all fatal crashes.91 percent of speed-related fatalities occurred on non-interstate roads; 9 percent occurred on interstate highways. Accidents are unpredictable and unplanned. No matter if you are driving to your local grocerystore or taking a long-distance trip to see friends or family, there are steps you can take to keepyou, your passengers, and other drivers safe: As a driver you should always be well rested before driving anywhere. This is especiallyimportant if you are driving a long distance. Being fatigued or exhausted before gettingbehind the wheel increases your risk of crashing. If you have multiple licensed drivers inthe car, try taking shifts so each person has time to relax. 2. Obeying the speed limit is another way to stay safe while driving. Speed limits aredesigned not only to keep you safe but to keep other drivers around you safe. As a driver you should always be aware of any imminent weather that...
Sep 7, 2021 | Elder Law, Just Great Info
No matter your age, being geographically separated from family is tough. For seniors, this separation can turn everyday routines into a serious challenge. If you notice a neighbor or community member struggling in this way, you may be wondering how you can best help. The answer to this question can also get complicated, which is why the legal firm of Brinkley Walser Stoner collaborated with Beverly Nelson of Stand Up for Caregivers on this resource list. How to Help Seniors at Home Caring for a home can be a burden for seniors living alone. Tasks that once were handled relatively easily — like taking care of the lawn, doing dishes, and keeping up on laundry – become more difficult to complete. Consider these options: If it’s within the budget, you could look into helping seniors hire a home cleaning service.Seniors may also appreciate help from specialty pros, like furniture cleaners. Searching for a reputable pro is easy with Angi, which also provides customer reviews and ratings.You can also help seniors who live alone by getting out and running errands.If cooking has become difficult, consider meal and food delivery like Meals on Wheels. Helping Seniors Around Town Driving can be unsafe or inaccessible for seniors. But that doesn’t mean it’s a ticket to social isolation and loneliness, which should be avoided. According to a report in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, seniors who stop driving are nearly twice as likely to become depressed. Do not despair — transportation help is available: Most communities offer free public transportation for adults who are 65+.If you’re highly motivated, you could set...
Sep 2, 2021 | Just Great Info
Lexington, NC – Brinkley Walser Stoner, PLLC, congratulates its ManagingMember, David E. Inabinett, on his 25th anniversary with the firm. Inabinett joinedBrinkley Walser on September 3, 1996, immediately after graduating from theWake Forest University School of Law. “It is amazing to me how quickly the years have passed,” says Inabinett. “If I hadthe opportunity to go back, I would not change too much. I get tremendoussatisfaction from helping clients. Brinkley Walser Stoner is my idea of what a lawfirm should be. I have had incredible mentors and role models through the years,including Walter F. Brinkley, R.B. Smith & Charlie McGirt, to name a few. And I’vetried to pass along my knowledge to younger associates. I hope I will be able tocontinue to do so for many years to come.” To celebrate Inabinett’s 25 years of service, the firm has donated $500 in his honor to the LexingtonArea Community Foundation Endowment Fund, a cause he has supported for many years. TheFoundation funds various community organizations in the area, and we are proud to honor Inabinett inthis way as he works diligently for our firm and our community.About Brinkley Walser Stoner, PLLC Brinkley Walser Stoner prides itself on providing new and cutting-edge legal counsel built on afoundation of knowledge and integrity. Brinkley Walser Stoner’s attorneys are first and foremostcounselors, advising clients on their legal rights and options for appropriate solutions. Practice areasinclude business law, real estate, litigation, elder law, estate planning, injury and disability, criminaldefense, traffic and DWI, banking, family law, municipal, governmental, and education law, amongothers. Brinkley Walser Stoner is an AV rated firm by Martindale-Hubble ®. The firm has...
Jul 27, 2021 | Just Great Info, News
By Bradley Hunt, Attorney at Law Preparing to send your child off to college for the first time (or even subsequent years) can be both exciting and stressful. The to-do list can seem endless, from buying sheets and towels to confirming the drop-off date and rules. There are a few things (from a legal perspective) you will want to consider adding to the list: Many schools allow students to give their parents access to the online portal so they can monitor grades, etc. But if your child is now 18 and an adult, understand you do not have the legal right to access this information – even if you are paying the bill. Check with your student to see if they are willing to give you access.Likewise, you can no longer request access to your child’s medical history at the on- or off-campus healthcare facility. Under HIPAA rules, your child would have to grant you that access. It is recommended that your 18 year old enter into a health care power of attorney, HIPAA authorization and a durable financial/legal power of attorney to authorize a parent(s) to handle such decisions for health, financial, insurance or legal purposes.If your student will be renting an apartment or house (especially off campus), he or she should understand the terms of the lease agreement. What happens if the roommates have a disagreement? Does the lease permit a sublet? What happens if a party gets out of hand? Lease agreements can vary widely, and failure to abide by the terms could result in loss of their deposit or even a lawsuit.We often think about...
Jun 22, 2021 | Traffic & DWI
By Attorney, Drew Nelson What Happens If I’m Convicted of A DWI? Being convicted of Driving While Impaired or (DWI), is a very serious matter. A DWI can be based upon impairment involving alcohol, prescription drugs, illegal drugs, or other impairments. According to, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “Interactions between alcohol and other substances in the body such as certain medications or illegal drugs increase impairment and make driving more risky.” If a person pleads guilty or is convicted of a DWI, its important to know what exactly happens once convicted. If you are convicted of a DWI in North Carolina, this means the state has met the burden of proof. There are only two ways the state may prove that a driver was driving while impaired. These two ways are proven by: Showing that the driver’s physical or mental faculties, or both, have been appreciably impaired by an impairing substance.Showing that the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), is 0.08 or higher. The severity of the impairment does not matter when someone’s BAC is above the legal limit of 0.08. A seemingly sober person with a BAC of greater than 0.08 can still be convicted of DWI. What Really Happens According to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, there are five levels of misdemeanor Driving While Impaired. The levels range from the most serious (level 1), to the least serious (level five). To determine the proper level of punishment, the sentencing Judge determines whether or not there are any grossly aggravating factors, aggravating factors, and mitigating factors present. These five levels are: LEVEL 1: A person subject...
Jun 17, 2021 | Just Great Info
We’ve all been looking forward to summer this year, perhaps more than ever. COVID-19 related Restrictions in North Carolina and around the United States are lifting just in time for planning your vacations and activities for the summer. While we all can rejoice in the fact that we can spend our summer days and summer nights outside, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to keeping your friends, family and loved ones safe. Safety At Home What is summer without the heat, humidity, and high temperatures? We all now the sun is the best source for vitamin D. However, too much sun during the summer months can often prove to be deadly for small children, seniors, and people with underlying health issues. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough.” You should know the warning signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and how to treat it and always remember to consume plenty of non-alcoholic drinks to stay properly hydrated. Visit the CDC website to learn more about how to keep you and your family safe this summer. Water Safety Heading to the lake, pool, or ocean this summer, then you should definitely know how much water safety is important. According to www.nsc.org , “While drowning deaths peak among one and two year old’s, drownings continue to be the second leading cause of preventable death through age...
