Social Media and Its Impact on Your Divorce: Do’s and Don’ts

November 8, 2022September 2, 2022 by On behalf of Hann Law Firm

Social media has become a significant part of many people’s lives. Some people don’t think twice about posting what’s going on in their lives to their online “friends.” Some post pictures of their children, or their latest vacation, while others may use it as a sounding board or to vent their frustrations. Despite why and how you use social media, it’s important to know that what you post can negatively impact your divorce.

People spend an average of two and a half hours on social media daily. And the information you post on social media platforms can be used as evidence against you in court, so you can be sure that your soon-to-be-ex and their attorney will be heading straight to your social media profile during your divorce case.

Knowing what you should and shouldn’t post on your social media during divorce proceedings significantly impacts your case’s outcome. Here are some tips to keep in mind when using social media during your divorce.

Avoid Using Social Media

You read that right, avoid social media. That’s the easiest way to avoid any posts that may hurt your divorce case.

Don’t Delete Anything

Deleting your social media account or even past posts can be considered destroying evidence, which is illegal and could land you in more trouble with the courts. So, wait until your divorce is finalized to clean up your social media profiles.

Social Media Posts are Forever

Before you click “Post” be sure to double or even triple-check what you’re posting to make sure it’s something you wouldn’t mind the judge overseeing your divorce seeing. Because even if your ex can no longer see your posts, it’s still possible that someone else grabbed a screenshot of your post to share with them, and if that happens, it’s likely that it will end up as evidence in your case.

Keep Your Partying Off of Social Media

So you’re out living it up, being the life of the party. However, it’s important to make sure you’re keeping that information off of social media. Posting photos of you using or being around drugs and alcohol can affect your divorce. And if children are involved in your divorce, these types of posts can be used to prove that you are an unfit parent.

Wait to Announce a New Relationship

Changing your relationship status on social media or going public with a new relationship can cause problems during your divorce, as you are still legally married until the divorce is final.

Don’t Talk Bad About Your Spouse

Divorce sometimes brings out the worst in people. But choosing to talk badly about your spouse on social media can negatively impact your divorce.

This is especially true if there are children involved. A judge will likely pay close attention to how parents treat each other when determining a child custody order. With the children’s best interest as the main priority, judges want to ensure that parents can act appropriately in front of their children. Making disparaging comments on social media can be used against the parent who posted the comments.

Monitor What Family and Friends Are Posting

While it is essential to watch what you’re posting, posts made by friends and family can have an equally negative effect on your divorce. Not only should you watch for posts that may be bad-mouthing your spouse or mentioning your divorce, but you should also watch someone tagging you in posts or photos.

Maybe you’re at a party or out with friends having a couple of drinks, and someone posts a photo of the night and tags you in it. Your spouse could see that photo.

If you weren’t where you said you would be, or if you were out on the town when you were supposed to be home with the kids, it could cause problems during your divorce and custody case. The best thing you can do is ask family and friends to avoid posting anything about you until the divorce is final.

Don’t Talk About Your Case

Even if you can’t believe what your spouse did in court or what their attorney said about you, don’t head to social media to vent about it. Talking about your case online can only cause more problems. Speak to your family law attorney about any issues, and don’t turn to social media.

Avoid Overexaggerating Your Financial Status

Posting about shopping sprees or buying a new car during your divorce, especially when your typical spending habits are more conservative, can lead your spouse and the courts to believe that you are better off financially than you have stated. Flaunting new extravagances can affect how much child or spousal support you are awarded or required to pay.

Trust the Experts at Hann Law Firm

Social media is being used more often in determining the division of marital assets, child custody, alimony, and child support. Don’t underestimate the consequences of social media interactions during your divorce. If you aren’t sure if you should post something, err on the side of caution and just avoid posting it, or contact your divorce attorney for advice.

If you’re looking for a skilled, dedicated attorney for your divorce case, Hann Law Firm can help. We take a personal approach to every case. We’ll listen to your needs and address any concerns you have. Our team will prepare your case for the best possible outcome for you and your family.

You and your case matter to us. Contact us today for a consultation.

5 Most Common Holiday Injuries

March 10, 2023August 26, 2022 by On behalf of Hann Law Firm

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the holidays. Unfortunately, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can also make the holidays the most dangerous time of the year.

Personal injury cases in the United States increase significantly during the holidays. Most of the common injuries that land people in the emergency room over the holidays are preventable. We want you to have a safe and joyous holiday season, so we’ve put together the top five most common ways people are injured during the holidays and tips on how to avoid these mishaps.

#1. Decorations

Who doesn’t love the sparkling lights and other beautiful decorations during the holiday season? But someone has to put those decorations up, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported an estimated 160 injuries per day related to decorating during the holiday season, half of which are due to falls.

Avoid the potential for injury due to decorations by:

Be careful when using a ladder — Whether you’re bringing decorations down from the attic, be careful on ladders. Always keep your body centered, don’t stand on the top of the ladder, and have someone there to help you.
Keep cords and decorations away from walkways — Avoid potential falls by keeping cords away from walkways.

Getting a live tree? Make sure it’s fresh — Choosing a tree that is dry increases the risk of your tree catching fire which could harm not only your property but you or your friends and loved ones as well.

Avoid dangerous decorations — Decorations that are sharp or could easily break should be avoided. Having a guest get injured by a broken decoration could leave you liable for their medical bills.

#2. Shopping Mishaps

Although many people turn to online shopping in this day and age, you can bet that malls and stores can get extremely crowded during the holiday season, which can easily lead to personal injury.

Stay safe while shopping with these tips.

Be aware of traffic signals — If you’re crossing the street and get injured by a vehicle, your personal injury case can be more challenging if you were crossing on a green light or outside of the crosswalks. To avoid this, use the crosswalks and only cross the street on a green light.
Use caution in the store — With all the extra people out and about, slip and fall accidents become more likely. Whether it be from someone knocking a display sign loose or spilling their drink, using extra caution while you’re in the store can help you avoid a trip to the ER.

#3. Toy Injuries

In 2018, the CPSC reported 166,200 toy-related ER injuries leading to 17 deaths in children under 15. Keep the little ones safe this holiday season by:

Following age guidelines and safety information provided with the toy
Making sure children wear helmets and safety gear when playing on bicycles and other riding toys
Keeping small parts of toys and packaging away from young children who may put them in their mouths and choke on them

#4. Burns

The most common holiday-related injury is burns. Spending time in the kitchen cooking a delicious holiday meal for the family is a great idea as long as you follow some safety guidelines to avoid fires while cooking.

Never leave food unattended
Keep the little ones out of the kitchen
Keep the cooking area clean
Remove potholders and food packages away from the top of the stove

Candles are another cause of burns during the holidays. Avoid burns from candles by using the proper candle holders and keep them away from children, curtains, and decorations.

#5. Automobile Accidents

Staying alert behind the wheel is always important, but the holidays are a time to be extremely cautious while behind the wheel. With distracted drivers, people driving home from a holiday party after a few drinks, and parking lots will be full of people, a watchful eye and responsible decision-making can help avoid a potentially fatal situation.

Here are some ways to stay safe on the road:

Use a designated driver — Having a few drinks at a party is fine, as long as you have a designated driver or plan on calling a rideshare service to get home.
Don’t drive when you’re over-tired — With everything going on over the holidays, if you’re driving and you start to feel sleepy, pull over and let someone else drive.

Watch for pedestrians and distracted drivers — Watch for shoppers and rogue shopping carts while you’re in the parking lot. And keep an eye out for drivers who may not be paying attention to where they’re going.

Keep your eyes on the road — Need to connect your Bluetooth to your car? Or maybe set your GPS? Do that before you hit the road so you can keep your eyes where they need to be…on the road in front of you

Hann Law Firm Can Help with Your Personal Injury Case

The holidays are supposed to be a happy time, so taking the necessary steps to ensure everyone is safe and happy can make all the difference. However, no matter how hard you try, it’s not always possible to eliminate the risk of getting injured, especially when the injury results from someone else’s negligent act. If you’ve experienced a personal injury because of someone else’s actions, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer.

At Hann Law Firm, our expert team of personal injury lawyers is here to advocate for you. We have a proven track record of success in San Jose and California and are here to fight for you. From start to finish, you can rest assured knowing that we’re investing the time, energy, and resources needed to get you the best outcome in your case.

Let us do the fighting for you. Contact our team today.

How to Prove the Other Driver Was at Fault in a Car Accident

November 8, 2022August 19, 2022 by On behalf of Hann Law Firm

Unfortunately, car accidents are a common occurrence. In 2020, there were over 54,000 vehicle accidents in the United States. And if being in a car accident isn’t traumatic enough, determining who was at fault for the accident can add an extra layer of stress and uncertainty.

In some cases, the fault is apparent. For example, in a rear-end collision, the rear driver is typically always at fault. However, sometimes it’s not that easy to prove who was at fault. If you weren’t at fault, proving that is in your best interest.

Many factors can be used to determine the fault when it isn’t apparent. This article will discuss how California determines fault in an accident and six ways to prove that you were not at fault in a car accident.

Proving Fault in California

In California, who was at fault in a car accident can be proven in two ways. One is to show the other driver was negligent under common law, and the other is to prove statutory negligence, meaning that the other driver violated the California Vehicle Code or another law.

Common-Law Negligence

To establish that the other driver was negligent under the rules of common law, you must prove:

Duty of Care — Every driver is responsible for operating their vehicle with reasonable care. All drivers must obey traffic law, drive safe and responsibly, avoid injuring others, and be mindful of road conditions.
Breach of Duty — Did the other driver act as a reasonable person would act in the situation they were in? If the answer is no, you can prove breach of duty.

Causation — The cause of the accident was because of the other driver’s breach of duty.

Damage — The accident caused a monetary loss or physical or mental injury.

Statutory Negligence

Statutory negligence is easier to prove. The police report from the accident will generally state if a driver violated any traffic laws. If this is the case, they are considered negligent with no additional evidence, also known as negligent “per se.” If this is the case, it is up to the other driver to prove that they weren’t negligent.

Ways to Prove Fault

Having the proper evidence to provide the insurance company when seeking a settlement is essential. Here are some ways you can prove fault in a car accident.

#1. Evidence from the Accident

Collect as much evidence as possible from the accident site. You will need this evidence to prove that you aren’t at fault during your case.

Take as many photos as possible of the damage to the vehicles and the area where the accident occurred. If you have been injured, ask a bystander to take as many pictures as possible of the accident. These photos will be vital evidence during the investigation.

#2. Exchange Information With the Other Driver

Be sure to exchange contact information with the other driver. Exchanging information doesn’t so much prove fault, but you will need the other driver’s insurance information when filing a claim for the accident.

#3. Find Witnesses

If anyone was around to see the accident, getting their information can be vital for your case. Not only should you get their witness statement, but you should also exchange contact information with them. Their unbiased testimony can be valuable when proving fault.

#4. Review Traffic Laws

Traffic laws vary from state to state. Researching local traffic laws can help you better understand who was at fault.

#5. Get a Copy of the Police Report

After an accident, your first call should be to the police. When the officers arrive on the scene, they will speak to all involved to gather information for their accident report.

The accident report outlines what happened in the accident and any conclusions officers made regarding who was at fault. The police report can be used as evidence for legal proceedings or insurance claim purposes.

#6. Don’t Admit Fault

A car accident can quickly become a serious legal matter. If you even hint to the other driver, police, or the insurance company that you may be at fault, your credibility will be questioned, and you risk implying that you were at fault in the accident. Avoid this by not speaking to anyone except your attorney about what happened at the accident.

Let Hann Law Firm Help With Your Car Accident Case

Trying to negotiate a settlement with an insurance company can be challenging after you’ve been in an accident. If you have been involved in an accident and need legal advice on how to prove that you weren’t at fault, turn to Hann Law Firm.

Whatever legal challenge you’re facing, you can depend on the dedicated, skilled attorneys at Hann Law Firm to walk you through the legal process. From your initial consultation, we will listen to your needs and concerns and work with you to address your specific challenges. Then, we will diligently prepare your case and get you the best possible outcome to help you reach your goals.

You and your case matter to us. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Is Hiring A Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Worth It?

March 10, 2023August 12, 2022 by On behalf of Hann Law Firm

Spinal injuries are one of the most serious types of health damages that a person can experience. Suffering the pain itself alone can make it difficult to focus on anything else in your life, more or less having to take care of bills that stack up while you’re unable to work properly. Most spinal injuries are caused from car accidents, but also happen from falls, assault, sport injuries, or even medical malpractice.

When any spinal injuries are caused by the recklessness or negligence of another party, you deserve to be compensated; not just for medical help you need but also for your pain and suffering when your life has been severely impacted by your accident. Dealing with the pain from your injuries and as life keeps moving though you feel like you cannot, hiring a personal injury lawyer for your spinal cord injuries helps you maneuver your claim and get you the compensation you deserve allowing you to heal with less stress.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Your spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that run down the middle of your back and are shielded by your vertebrae. The spine is the body’s most critical component as it carries messages from the brain to the rest of the body. When you experience any damage to your vertebrae, your spinal cord can become damaged as well and affect that connection from your brain and your body.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

After you have been in an accident, it can be hard to determine what type of spinal cord injury you have. Immediately after an accident, you should seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and how to follow up with treatment. There are two categories for spinal cord injuries, incomplete and complete.

Incomplete vs Complete

An incomplete spinal cord injury, the function of the spinal cord is only partially compromised. Symptoms can vary from individual and their injury, but some symptoms include back and neck pain, muscle spasms, partial loss of movement, partial sensation loss, or chronic pain below the injury.
A complete spinal cord injury is when the brain is no longer able to send messages down the spinal cord to the injury. This can end up leading to complete loss of sensation, complete loss of motion, difficulties controlling bladder or bowels, or difficulties breathing.

Key Reasons to Hire a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

You are entitled to compensation if you are irresponsibly harmed by an entity or person. Before you confront the person or company, you should consult with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Professional Experience

A spinal cord injury lawyer will bring a different level of expertise to the table when filing your personal injury lawsuit. They will be diligent with filing your claims and fight for the best compensation for your injury, which is something that can be difficult to do when you are in pain and recovering.

Understanding the Value of Your Claim

There are plenty of times where people do not recognize the monetary value that is available from their spinal cord injury claim. There are a lot of factors when your claim is being valued and only an experienced spinal cord injury lawyer will be able to put a price to it. This may still be only an estimate, but it is important to still consider and to gain perspective about your claim.

Familiar with the Legal Process

A skilled and experienced attorney often handles spinal cord injury claims on a regular basis, meaning they are much more familiar with the law and the processes; from documenting legal files, to properly filling out forms, and what any limitations might be. A good lawyer is there for you and ensures you will not be taken advantage of. You can end up spending much more money if going head to head with insurance companies that will try to avoid paying as much as possible.

Offers Protection for Your Family

By hiring a spinal cord injury lawyer, you’ll not only be protected and compensated for your injuries, but your lawyer also can help protect your family during your recovery. Compensation means more than just the damage for your injuries, it includes covering family financial burdens, home modifications, adapted cars for driving with a disability, or even physical or mental therapy.

Hiring a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Near You

Hann Law Firm in San Jose, California wants to help you receive the best compensation possible. We fight tenaciously and are expert negotiators to make sure you are taken care of and will not settle for less than what is rightfully yours. Your pain and suffering is enough to deal with and we take the reins so you can focus on healing and moving through the next chapter of life.

Do I Have to File a Police Report for a Car Accident in California?

March 10, 2023August 5, 2022 by On behalf of Hann Law Firm

With nearly 39 million people in California, there is no doubt that you are bound to be in a car accident at some point living or visiting the golden state. Many assume that if they are involved in a minor auto collision that they are not required to file a police report and only quickly exchange information before rushing off.

While in the moment, you may want to move along with your day or have pressing matters at hand to tend to instead. The adrenaline and stress of the accident may cause you to say everything is okay, but then later find yourself feeling symptoms of an injury from the accident. When you fail to file a police report, you lack the important information needed to file an insurance claim that may have a detrimental effect on compensation you deserve.

What to Do After An Accident in California

Reporting an accident is not only going to help in receiving compensation for your injuries, but it is the law in California. A driver of a vehicle involved in an accident that resulted in any injuries or death has 24 hours to report the crash to highway patrol or the police department where the accident happened.

Not only do you need to report your accident to law enforcement, but the DMV also needs a report within 10 days of the accident that caused an injury, death, or property damage that exceeds $1,000.

It is especially important to file a police report in these situations:

Multiple injuries
Any deaths
More than one car was involved
Property damages over $1,000

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if you do not think you have been injured in the accident, you should receive medical attention as soon as possible. Symptoms of spinal or muscle injuries may not be noticeable until days after the accident has happened. In the same way that a police report will be able to provide evidence that you were not at fault, a medical examination and report will provide the evidence of your injuries.

Document the Scene

You can never have too much information or documentation when it comes to your accident. After ensuring everyone involved in the accident is not injured, and only if it is safe to do so, document the scene by taking pictures of the vehicles involved and the location of the accident. In addition to the photos, gather names and addresses of any witnesses to the accident.

Why Are Police Reports Important

A police report is considered an unbiased report of your accident, making it more valuable than a claim or the at-fault driver’s recollection of the incident. If you decide to file a personal injury claim after the accident, the police report is a necessary document for your insurance company.

A police report offers a neutral viewpoint of what has happened at the accident by providing factors like:

The location of the accident
Date and time of the accident
Damages of vehicles involved and any other property
Any injuries to drivers, passengers, or others
Statements from both drivers involved
Statements and contact information from witnesses of the accident
Environmental conditions at the time of the accident

How to File a Police Report in California

Immediately call the police after your car accident. Once they have arrived on the scene, discuss the details of your accident and answer all questions. The responding officer will interview the other driver, as well as any witnesses, then determine how the accident happened. Once they have written a traffic collision report, ask for a copy for your records.

When accidents are not as severe, the police may not respond to the scene if it is a minor accident with no reported injuries. If this is the case, be sure to file an accident report within 24 hours to the police station.

The accident report is evidence that the other driver was present at the scene and was involved in the accident. A police report will be mandatory when you attempt to recover any damages, in case the other driver denies they were in the accident, are uninsured, and if the at-fault driver flees the scene of the accident.

Were You Involved in a Car Accident?

Once you have your police report, make sure to speak to an attorney before agreeing to any insurance company settlements. You may have many more costs for your pain and suffering, medical bills, loss of income, long term treatments, and more.

At Hann Law Firm, we fight for you every step of the way, keeping your best interest in mind and making sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What to Know About Uncontested Divorce in California

March 10, 2023July 29, 2022 by On behalf of Hann Law Firm

When you and your spouse have decided to end your marriage, there are many decisions the both of you will need to make. Though it can prove to be difficult to agree on every aspect of your divorce, there are some couples who are luckily able to come to general agreements on most things like parenting and handling finances or properties.

In California, there are two general types of divorce, contested or uncontested. A contested divorce is when both spouses cannot agree on some or all the aspects of their divorce, meaning a trial will be held with a judge to examine evidence and call witnesses. This process is much more lengthy, emotionally draining, and expensive.

An uncontested divorce is where both spouses have reached agreements about all the major issues in order to end their marriage, allowing them to avoid going to trial or having to appear in court.

There are few benefits to an uncontested divorce:

Usually less costly
Less time required
Control the outcome of the case
Private and documents are kept from public records

Requirements for a Uncontested Divorce

The uncontested divorce process in California begins when one spouse files a petition for divorce. At first, a case may start out as a contested divorce, but with mediation or negotiation, both parties may find themselves compromising and agree on aspects of their divorce.

There are some criteria that must be met to get an uncontested divorce in California:

One spouse must have lived the previous six months in California, and at least the past three months in the county where the divorce has been filed
Both spouses need to be willing and available to sign all of the necessary paperwork
Both spouses must agree on all issues in the settlement like division of property, spousal and child support, and child custody

Summary Dissolution

A summary dissolution is a simplified uncontested procedure that is available when both parties agree and meet these requirements:

No minor children
Have not been married for longer than 5 years
No property is involved
Debts do not exceed $6,000
No more than $41,000 of community property
Neither party has more than $41,000 in separate property
Neither party will be paying alimony
Both parties have written their property division agreement

Standard Dissolution

When you are unable to use the summary dissolution procedure, you must fill out the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage/Domestic Partnership, and Summons. These forms will be filed with the court clerk and you will be given a case file number. A copy of this filed petition needs to be delivered to your spouse, along with the Summons and a blank copy of a Response and Request for Dissolution of Marriage/Domestic Partnership.

There are various other forms to file when going through a standard dissolution, and a trusted California divorce lawyer will be able to help you through the process. If your spouse is uncooperative, does not respond in the time frame required, or fails to show up to court hearings, an important document to create is a marital settlement agreement.

This written marital settlement agreement will disclose how your property and debts will be divided, any owed spousal or child support to be paid, child custody details, and visitation rights for minor children. All of this can be streamlined with a divorce attorney who will provide a well-written agreement, as well as make sure forms are filed thoroughly and within the necessary time frame.

How Long Does the Process Take?

Like any divorce proceeding, this entire process takes at least six months from the initial date that one spouse has notified their spouse they are filing for divorce. If you are dealing with a contested divorce, this process can take much longer depending on how cooperative and proactive your ex-spouse is. There is a six-month waiting period that is required before the divorced is finalized.

Experienced Divorce Lawyers in San Jose

Regardless if you qualify for an uncontested divorce, it is still helpful to have a divorce lawyer by your side. Sometimes during a divorce, emotions begin to run high once it is time to talk about the final agreements and can cause trouble between the two parties. Having someone with experience and familiarity with divorce laws in California on your side can likely help you achieve the outcome you want from your divorce.

At Hann Law Firm, we ensure your rights and that your best interests are protected. We take a look at all potential factors and consider what is fair for all parties involved through your divorce. This is an emotional time for you and the rest of your family and our team works diligently to make this process easier for you while you start a new chapter of life.

Should I Get A Divorce Or Legal Separation In California?

March 10, 2023July 22, 2022 by On behalf of Hann Law Firm

When you can no longer confront irreconcilable differences with your partner, most people often think it is time to simply file for a divorce and completely sever your legal relationship with your spouse or domestic partner. A legal separation may be available to couples that are taking legal steps to separate, and is similar to a divorce but with negotiations made and agreements. Divorces are more final, while legal separations can live and act separately but still can join back later as a married couple.

Let’s take a look at both of these options and discover whether a divorce or legal separation is right for your situation.

What is the Difference Between Divorce and Legal Separation?

The main difference between divorce and legal separation is its permanence.
Here we go over the intricacies of each to see how these two options differ.

What is Divorce?

A divorce is also called a “dissolution of marriage”, and is a permanent end to your marriage. Legally, after your divorce, you are single and allowed to get remarried. With a divorce, there can be agreements made or involve a judge to order how your money, assets, debts, visitation, custody, and support is handled with your former spouse, similar to how a legal separation is handled.

The divorce process consists of two distinct parts: negotiation and final judgment of dissolution. Contested divorces involve hiring a family law attorney to work out their family issues like alimony, child custody, child support, and property division in court. An uncontested divorce is where both partners work out an agreement upon themselves without having to see a judge. There is the possibility that you can get a divorce without any negotiations or if you and your spouse already have a prenup set in place. Your divorce is not final until a judge has your divorce decree and finalizes your marriage dissolution.

Why Choose Divorce Over Separation?

Allows you to be legally single and able to remarry
Finalizes an end to your marriage
Cut legal ties and financial matters
Establish child support or spousal support obligations

What is Legal Separation?

California is one of the states that allows married couples to legally be separated. Legal separation is an official court order where you and your partner do not live together and wish to carry on in your lives separately, but without the permanence of a divorce. By doing this, you are able to create financial boundaries, determine who is responsible for assets and debts, and go into further detail with your child custody and support.

Why Choose Separation Over Divorce?

Tax benefits
Unsure if you’re both willing to reconcile and are letting time away from one another give you perspective or time to work with a marriage counselor
Retaining medical benefits
Residency restrictions
Financial freedom and separation
Social security benefits
Aren’t ready to negotiate

What is the Difference in Procedures?

Both of these legal procedures are complicated. Each follows a similar course, starting by filing a petition. You will disclose your financial details and the position to your spouse as well as the court. In both situations it is necessary to decide how property will be divided, how much child support is owed, and the next steps you will both take in co-parenting your children. Both situations also allow you to come to a settlement agreement and resolve your financial and other decisions, or go to court to decide on them there.

The Divorce Procedure:

A divorce petition is filed and served to the other spouse.
The respondent needs to file a response to the petition within 30 days.
One spouse can request a hearing to create temporary child custody or spousal support.
Each spouse exchanges information and documents that relate to their divorce, including income and other expenses.
Both spouses meet one another with their attorneys to discuss settlement of their case. Their Marital Settlement Agreement will then be signed and includes all of the terms of their agreement.
If one of the spouses does not agree on the issues within the agreement, a trial will take place.
Once both parties sign the Agreement, a judgment of dissolution of their marriage is prepared and has the court orders.

The Legal Separation Procedure:

You decide the legal grounds for your separation, whether irreconcilable differences or incurable insanity.
File a petition that gives the option of separation or divorce.
File forms to the local county court, and provide information about properties and children. This is also the time to request child custody orders from the court.
If you have minor children, you will file a form to establish jurisdiction over a child if one of the parents lives in another state.
Pay a filing fee.

Finding a Divorce Lawyer in California

Regardless if you choose a legal separation or a divorce, at Hann Law Firm in San Jose, California, we help you through your case to successfully come to an agreement that works for you and your ex-spouse. We work tirelessly with our skilled attorneys to help you receive the best outcome for your situation, and with the best interest for you and your children.

Contact us today and find a personal injury lawyer in California to talk about if a legal separation or divorce is right for you.

Here’s Why DIY Personal Injury Claims Are A Bad Idea

March 10, 2023July 15, 2022 by On behalf of Hann Law Firm

After an injury happens out of negligence or an accident you are left dealing with shock and pain from your injury, potentially not being able to work, and a great deal of medical bills. While going through these hardships, it may be difficult to juggle pursuing a personal injury claims at the same time. You may think you will spend less money by filing a personal injury claim yourself, but in the long run you can find yourself spending more precious time, energy, and money instead of focusing on healing from your injuries.

You Can Harm Your Chances When Working Alone

Personal injury claims are typically more complex with a strict process to follow accompanied by deadlines and lots of paperwork and evidence to get together. Communication, negotiation, and litigation is involved in these cases and most people do not have the expertise or skill level to deal with these processes.

You can minimize the amount of stress you have during this time and maximize your compensation by asking an experienced lawyer for help. A personal injury attorney will help you by:

Having experience with claims like yours
Knowledge about the laws and legal processes in your state
Contact with quality investigators and other lawyers
Alternative ways in helping reach a resolution
Qualified representation during your trial

We want to show you the most common mistakes when you represent yourself rather than calling a personal injury attorney to help with your case.

Lack of Experience

Having someone who has worked with cases similar to yours can give you the guidance you need when navigating through a personal injury claim. They have the knowledge of state laws and processes, what kind of evidence you’ll need, and all of the documentation in order to build a strong case. They also will be able to prepare you and give you a reasonable expectation by knowing all the potential hurdles and setbacks that can happen with your claim.

Forms and Documents

Paperwork is a huge part of a personal injury case and missing deadlines or filling out documents incorrectly can be the small mistakes that can be very costly. You may not know what needs to be filled out, where it needs to be mailed, or even the types of documentation you need to get from certain sources. A personal injury attorney will explain and guide you through providing all the documents you need so you don’t have any delays in your financial recovery.

Needing Outside Perspective

Dealing with an injury is an emotional time and overwhelming feelings can have a negative impact on your mental health. Your attorney will be able to offer a different perspective throughout your case that can ease your mind by fully explaining what you should expect and what may not happen in your case.

Having Support Through Your Case

Without support when representing yourself, it is easy to feel lost filing your claim and that you have nowhere to turn. Your personal injury attorney will have access to their colleagues and other support to turn to for advice and to get a second opinion.

Because it is so stressful and tiresome to keep up with deadlines and having to be patient during each step of your case, many people decide to abandon their case altogether. The amount of paperwork, questions asked, evidence needed, it is understandable to want to give up. With an attorney, they will see your claim through from beginning to end. They have a better idea of what the process is like and what is normal for the court to do, helping you understand and feel less lost throughout the process.

Financial Risk When Representing Yourself

A main reason that people will try to DIY their legal matters is to save money, but the financial risk in representing yourself can be a lot greater than just having to face paying attorney fees. Other than the amount of money you can lose by walking away from your claim or accepting a lower settlement, other expenses from things like obtaining reports, postage, court fees, or specialist advice can easily add up.

Having a lawyer protects you from the costly mistakes you can accidentally make and offer you experienced advice for the best outcome possible.

Getting Legal Advice From A Personal Injury Attorney

At Hann Law Firm in San Jose, California, we can help you through your personal injury claim and build you the strongest case to receive compensation for your injuries. We know how difficult it can be going through a stressful time legally, while simultaneously dealing with pain and suffering. We work tirelessly with our skilled attorneys to help you receive the justice you deserve.

Contact us today and find a personal injury lawyer in California to talk about your circumstances and see if we can move your claim forward.

Can Social Media Affect My Personal Injury Claim?

March 10, 2023July 8, 2022 by On behalf of Hann Law Firm

With social media being such a huge part of our lives it is very easy to want to share when something happens to us, big or small. It is almost second nature to share with friends or family online using posts, photos, or videos. But if you have been injured in an accident and are pursuing a personal injury claim, posting on social media can lead you to some future difficulties and have negative consequences for your claim.

Our personal injury lawyers have seen problems in the past when clients share too much online. We want to show you how social media can impact your personal injury claim, why you should avoid sharing at this time, and some tips to follow while your claim is pending.

How Can Social Media Impact My Claim?

Despite your injuries and pain being legitimate and interrupting your life, social media posts can contradict what you are feeling and potentially undermine your claim.
You could potentially mention something online about going to work, on a vacation, or the gym. Maybe you yourself are in denial about how bad your injury is and talk about that in a post or video. Insurance companies are vigilant and use any evidence they can find to downplay your injuries and accuse you of fraud.

Courts have been allowing social media posts to be used as evidence and because of this, any posts you make during this time can be used against you. When pursuing your personal injury claim, you will need to supply evidence that supports your claim, with things like medical records, expert testimonies, witnesses of the event, and friends or family that testify exactly how this injury has affected your life. Insurance companies will present any possible evidence to deny your claim in order to take zero responsibility by extensively combing through your social media accounts.

Tips to Follow While Your Personal Injury Claim is Pending

Here are some steps you can take to make sure your social media won’t affect your personal injury claim:

Adjusting Privacy Settings

Even if you have a private account, understand that anything you share online is never really private, but there are still ways to make it a little bit harder to find information about you. It only takes a few minutes to go over your privacy settings on each of your social media accounts. Recommended privacy settings include:

Who can view your posts
Review all your existing posts or things you are tagged in
Change your profile to private
Who is allowed to send you friend requests
Who can see your friends or following list
Who is able to see your email or phone number
Not allow search engines to link to your profiles

Resist Posting About Your Accident

Social media is one of the first places we turn to when involved with something upsetting and when we get through a troubling situation. Remember that an insurance adjuster still could use this against you. In order to protect your rights and for the best possible outcome from your case, think about what you are posting and if there are any potential issues that it can cause:

Avoid posting about your case in general, and make sure your friends and family understand they cannot post about your accident or injury either
Wait to use social media until your case has been completely resolved
Avoid accepting any new friend requests or any new connections at all while your case is ongoing. Someone from the insurance company, the defense counsel’s firm, or a person connected to the defendant can try to get your information or keep an eye on you for any possible discrepancies.
Although it may be hard, avoid posting about your frustrations about your case.

Find a Personal Injury Attorney for More Advice About Your Claim

The best thing you can do during your personal injury claim is to avoid social media altogether. This may feel difficult to do, but instead of posting or leaving comments, right now you can just view others’ posts in the meantime. You can update friends and family through the phone or in person about your case instead and give any updates to followers after your case is finished.

Finding a personal injury attorney for your case is also one of the best things you can do for your case. At Hann Law Firm in San Jose, California, we can help you through your personal injury claim and build you the strongest case to receive compensation for your injuries. We are here to protect your rights and give you advice every step of the way with our extensive experience in a wide variety of cases.

What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor After A Car Accident?

March 10, 2023July 1, 2022 by On behalf of Hann Law Firm

When involved in an accident, it’s very common to feel as though you’re fine thanks to the rush of adrenaline. But even if you seem okay immediately after the accident, there is a chance you start feeling the effects of an injury days, weeks, or even months after the accident occurred. Waiting longer to go see a doctor can lower your chances of getting compensation when filing a personal injury claim, and can potentially harm chances of recovering fully from your injuries as well.

It’s stressful to be involved in an accident, of any kind, so thinking of what questions you should ask your doctor can elude you when you have so much happening. Here are some important questions to ask your doctor after being involved in a car accident.

Why Is It Important To See A Doctor After A Car Accident?

Maybe your body is seemingly in working order after an accident, but you could potentially be injured even if you can’t see it. Things like head injuries can have serious medical consequences when left untreated and when you don’t seek medical attention immediately, you pose a risk to your health. If you choose to wait to seek treatment, insurance companies may be able to claim that any injuries you suffer from are not related to the accident you were involved in, and not let you receive appropriate compensation. The more evidence you have with documentation, and the earlier you start gathering it, the stronger your personal injury claim will be.

What To Do Right After A Car Accident

Immediately after a car accident, if you are not in danger or harmed, check on the condition of the other driver or persons involved, exchange insurance and personal contact information, take photos, get names of witnesses, and then report the accident to the police. Even if you feel fine, try seeking medical attention immediately. Some injuries to the neck or back can take days or weeks to manifest and cause any pain.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor After A Car Accident

Whether you are receiving immediate medical attention after an accident, or having a follow up with your doctor later, here are some important questions to ask your physician.

What Are the Specifics of My Injury?

Ask your doctor about the specifics of your injuries. Knowing the specific bones broken, or nerves and muscles damaged, your doctor will be able to determine the extent of your injuries and give treatment options. Make sure to thoroughly document each visit to your doctor to keep track as you heal or find new symptoms or damage.

How Long Will It Take for Recovery?

All injuries and accidents are different, but there are averages on how long it takes for a certain injury to recover. Soft tissue damages will resolve after about a week, but more extensive injuries like broken bones or whiplash can take months or even years to heal. Your doctor will be able to tell you how long each injury will take to recover and create a plan towards your recovery.

What Treatment(s) Do I Need?

After a car accident, you may need more than one or two doctor visits. In some cases, injuries require long-term and ongoing treatments like medications, medical devices, surgery, physical therapy, or extended hospital stays. By asking your doctor what treatments they recommend, or if you need to see a specialist, it can give you a clearer picture on the total amount of medical expenses for your injury and what compensation you’ll need for them.

Should I Not Work At This Time, and When Can I Go Back?

Depending on the type of injury you have, and the work that you do, you may be required to take time off from work. Your doctor can write a note for your time off work, and provide all the necessary information for your recovery in the meantime. It can be difficult to not work when you have other life expenses piling up, so having documentation of lost wages should be included in your personal injury claim. Your doctor will determine when you can go back to work, and what your limitations may be, so you may receive financial compensation for your loss of wages and income while recovering.

Can I Have a Copy of My Medical Records?

Ask your doctor for all of your medical records with each visit. This provides all the necessary information for your case, and allows your attorney to have a stronger case to support your claim. Because your injuries can potentially get worse, it is very important to have documentation through every step of treatment and healing.

Personal Injury Lawyers in California

At Hann Law Firm in San Jose, California, we help with pain and suffering, lost wages, and other punitive damages caused by all types of injuries, from slip-and-falls to car accidents. Figuring out what is the next step with your personal injury claim can be difficult to navigate while also managing other parts of your life. Our experienced accident attorneys work tirelessly to ensure compensation for you, so you can focus on healing.