Sal and Daniel take on this episode of the Girvin & Ferlazzo Law Show on Talk 1300 AM, the Capital District’s talk radio. Let’s dive right into the episode!
Hate Crimes
There are criminal and civil implications when people commit hate crimes. At a time in our history when people are afraid for their lives because of uncontrollable characteristics, such as skin color, it is our obligation as lawyers to remind you that you have rights to protect yourself against such hateful acts. Since this time last year, the number of hate crimes in New York City has risen 31.5 percent.
“Criminal acts involving violence, intimidation, and destruction of property based upon bias and prejudice have become more and more prevalent in New York State in recent years. The intolerable truth is that these crimes, commonly and justly referred to as “hate crimes”, victims are intentionally selected, in whole or in part, because of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Hate crimes do more than threaten the safety and welfare of all citizens. They inflict on victims incalculable physical and emotional damage and tear at the very fabric of free society. Crimes motivated by invidious hatred toward particular groups not only harm individual victims but send a powerful message of intolerance and discrimination to all members of the group to which the victim belongs.” – The NY Penal Law legislation
At a time when supremacists believe that Trump’s election means a free ticket to ride on the “hate crime” train need a wake up call. This is a crime! All people are protected under the Constitution and should not be discriminated for any reasons. If you have been the victim of a hate crime or have witnessed such vulgarity, please contact the police and contact us at 462-0300 for a free consultation. It cannot be tolerated. We need to put this to a stop.
Remember: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men should do nothing.” – Edmund Burke.
Publicly stand up for yourselves. Publicly stand up for your fellow community. Make it known that these actions will not be tolerated so that everyone can resume some type of normalcy. We would also like to say that we are not saying people are committing hate crimes only because Trump was elected as President, but rather that if you are acting in these hateful ways for any reason, you will face criminal charges as you should.
If it is a matter of sensitivity or privacy, please call the Governor’s Hotline for Hate Crimes or Bias at 1-888-392-3644.
7 Things To Do After An Auto Accident
37,000 people die in the United States every year because of auto accidents. Do these seven things if you are in an auto accident.
- Assess the situation. Collect yourself, and take basic safety precautions.
- Assess the injuries of yourself and those in your vehicle.
- Don’t apologize in an accident, even if you think you’re at fault. This can be used against you.
- Call the police. Take down the police department name (specify whether it is state, colony, or town police), the officer’s name, and badge number.
- Gather information. This includes names of those involved in the accident and insurance information. Also gather contact information for witnesses; this bit is very helpful. Take photographs of your car, the other car, debris in the road, conditions of the road, skid marks if visible.
- Take care of yourself. NY is a No Fault state, so doctor visits can be covered by the No Fault policy. Tell the facility you are seeking care because of an auto accident, and the hospital or office will know what to do to collect payment for the service. Get medical treatment as soon as possible; a doctor’s exam can find things you may not know are injured because you are in shock. The official doctor’s note is very helpful in a lawsuit.
- Call a personal injury lawyer. This is essential to think about as soon as possible. If you don’t already have an attorney, Girvin & Ferlazzo is happy to give you a free case evaluation. There is no benefit to waiting. All you do is lose evidence and possibly miss the statute of limitations if you wait.
Tune in to the rest of the episode to learn what our lawyers have to say about these topics:
- Different opinions about the opening statements from our lawyers about hate crimes
- Can people reach into my IRA when seeking insurance compensation?
- A testimonial qualification from Bob, a previous client
Want to get in touch with Girvin & Ferlazzo during the week? Call 462-0300 for legal advice or help.