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Help! I Got a Traffic Ticket While Traveling 0 45

Help I Got a Traffic Ticket While Traveling

Renting a car while traveling gives you a sense of freedom and comfort that cannot be achieved by taking an Uber. They also save you a ton of money in maintenance, repairs, servicing, and insurance fees. Whether your trip was purely business or a much-needed vacation, rental cars allow you to travel at your own pace and convenience. You don’t have to worry about the bus being late or the absence of taxis on your street.

So, what happens if during your drive you suddenly got stopped by a patrol car for speeding or other common traffic infractions? How can you best handle the situation? Most importantly, how can you protect yourself from liability?

Rental Car Traffic Tickets vs Parking Tickets

Renting a car helps you to get around easily while travelling while also saving yours from wear and tear. The only problem with visiting new places is that even the most skilled driver is bound to violate a road regulation and receive a traffic citation.

To understand how to handle the situation, you first of all need to know the difference between the two tickets. A traffic ticket is a moving violation that is directly applied to your driver’s license regardless of the type of car you are driving; rental or owned. In this case the rental company will only be informed of the violation if you decide to contest the ticket or refuse to pay it.

On the other hand, a parking ticket charges the violation on the car and not the driver’s license. In this case, the rental company will immediately be informed of the violation. The best way to handle this scenario is to pay the fine promptly, inform the rental company, and provide proof of payment.

Either way, allowing the rental company to cover the cost of the tickets is going to take more out of your wallet. You will be charged the fine for violating traffic rules along with a substantial ‘administrative fee’ for their troubles.

Speeding Ticket in a Rental Car

Regardless of whose car you are driving, it is important that you abide by the traffic rules and regulations of that region. This involves going way over the speeding limit. If you are a careful driver, then you don’t need to worry about getting a speeding ticket while driving a rental.

These days, its relatively easy to receive a speeding violation and not even know it. Thanks to laser technology, a photo of the vehicle’s licensing plate is taken and the owner of the car is tracked down – in this case, the rental company.

However, if you do find yourself on the receiving end of this violation, you will have to pay the fine along with other additional charges. This is because the fine for the speeding violation will be sent directly to your rental company. They will take care of the penalty fine before charging it out of your credit card along with other administrative charges.

EZ Pass or Similar Toll Violations

A toll violation in a rental car can be an expensive addition to your trip. This is due to the fact that the violation will be reported directly to the rental agency. You will be charged for the toll and penalty fee, as well as an administrative fee by the rental car company.

When driving on a cashless toll road, you cannot stop to pay with cash at the booth. Instead, the electronic sensors scan your vehicle for a pass or transponder such as the EZ pass. If your vehicle doesn’t have one, then your license plate is captured and sent to the owner. Renters who refuse to pay transponder fees in advance and use a toll road anyway may face additional charges and administrative fees.

The best workaround would be to either bring a transponder from home, buy one for the road, or avoid toll roads all together.

International Traffic Ticket

Some rental companies allow you to take their cars across the border. If you are involved in a traffic violation while driving the rental, you will be responsible for covering the cost of the fine.

Contrary to popular belief, escaping a fine as a foreigner is not an easy task. Depending on the policies of that country, the violation will either be sent directly to you, or your rental company. Either way, it must be paid. If the rental company handles the violation, then its only a matter of time before they charge it to your credit card along with the handling fees.

However, traffic violations while in a foreign country do not necessarily affect your visa status unless you fail to pay the fine or the violation resulted in a more serious offence such as death, injury, or damage. In this case, you will be prosecuted as per the laws of that country to the point of probable deportation.

How Can I Fight a Rental Car Traffic Ticket

If you feel that your traffic ticket was issued in error and plan on contesting it, your first cause of action would be to inform your rental company. Since the violation will also be sent to their offices, it prevents them from handling the charges while you are busy taking the case to court.

While you do have the right to contest a ticket, it is important to note that your grievance is with the authority that issued it and not your rental company. You also need to remember that if you lose the case, you will be liable for all the fines including paying your rental company’s administration fees. Your rental agreement should also include a guideline on what to do in case you want to contest the violation.

Since each state has their own traffic laws, it’s best to review the State’s laws (where you received the traffic ticket) or consult with a traffic ticket attorney for that specific state. For instance, if you’re an out-of-state driver and you received a speeding ticket in New York State, the laws can be a bit tricky to decipher as we see here according to Weiss and Associates, PC, a New York traffic ticket law firm:

The Drivers License Compact requires member states to report traffic ticket convictions imposed upon a motorist to the state where that motorist has a license to drive (home state). The purpose behind sharing this information is so that the home state can determine whether to give you points and so insurance companies can take this information into account in deciding whether to raise your rates.

However, every state is different about point transfers. For instance, a New Jersey driver who is convicted to a New York moving violation will be given 2 points by the NJ MVC regardless of how many points NY assigns to that offense (assuming NJ has a like offense) and regardless of how many points NJ would have assigned it had the offense occurred in New Jersey.

In contrast, although reported to the Pennsylvania DOT, points for a minor traffic offenses in New York, such as speeding and red light violations, will not be added to a Pennsylvania license (except for those holding a CDL license).

Therefore, before you plead guilty, call us to learn how your home state will treat a conviction to a New York traffic ticket. We maintain a comprehensive database covering the interplay between a New York conviction and other states and will free of charge give you sound advice as to whether it makes sense to fight your ticket.

So depending on the severity of your traffic ticket it might benefit you to consult with a traffic ticket attorney. Many traffic ticket attorneys offer a free consultation, so it’s often worth the initial phone call. When a traffic ticket does not carry points or heavy fines – like an EZ Pass or similar toll violation – it’s probably best to simply pay the fine and move on to your next travel destination…. slowly, of course!

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What To Do If You’re Involved in an Uber or Lyft Accident While Traveling 0 255

uber lyft accident while traveling

Technology makes life so much easier. You can order food from your favorite restaurant, have groceries delivered, book flights, and even find a date. And one of the most popular and convenient applications is those that offer ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft. They are more cost-effective than taxis and can be at your doorstep within minutes. 

But as with anything else that’s convenient, the experience comes with some risks. If you get into a car accident in the same jurisdiction where you live, you would probably speak with a local attorney. But what happens if the unfortunate event takes place while you’re traveling? Are there any specific laws that can still hold these companies liable? If so, what’s the procedure? 

What Should I Do If I’m Involved in an Uber Accident While Traveling Abroad?

First, do the same things you would do after an accident at home: 

  • Seek medical help
  • Take pictures (of injuries, of damages to vehicles, of location)
  • Get information from everyone involved, as well as witnesses (full names, driver’s license, license plates, and insurance information)
  • File a police report
  • If you purchased travel insurance, call them ASAP and let them know. 

Now, this can become extremely complicated if you’re traveling in a country where you don’t speak the language and can’t communicate with the parties involved. 

If you’re traveling to Europe, it’s good practice to first download a copy of a European Accident Statement (EAS) in your own language. This form is available for drivers within the European Union, so even if you don’t understand what’s going on, each of you can look at your forms, respectively, so that you know which information to collect. (For example, you can look at, say, question 5, and so can a driver who only speaks Polish on their own form, and both understand what’s being asked). 

Both parties need to fill out the form. This is not an acknowledgment of liability, but a way to verify certain facts, such as whether the accident occurred by changing lanes, turning right or left, reversing, entering or exiting a parking garage or a roundabout, etc… 

Once the form is filled out, verify for accuracy and send the completed form to your car insurance provider. Its purpose is to have as many agreed-upon facts as possible to process the insurance claims. 

If you’re anywhere else in the world, get a copy of the police report. If you receive medical attention, ask for a copy of a medical certificate. And no matter where you are, always report the accident to the ridesharing company as soon as possible, as explained below. 

What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Rideshare Accident While Traveling in the United States?

If the accident occurred while traveling within the United States, follow the same procedures regarding preserving evidence: photos, videos, witness information, and police reports. 

When taking photos, do so of every visible injury, as well as from the vehicles involved from all angles. Also take pictures of surrounding businesses in case one of them has surveillance video that can, later on, be used as evidence of the accident. And remember to take pictures of license plates to avoid confusion from typos or writing it down nervously or in a hurry. 

Seek medical attention whether you feel well or not, since some injuries aren’t obvious at the beginning, and some jurisdictions require that you receive the attention within a short time frame in order to qualify for certain liability coverages. 

Then speak with a local attorney. If you were on your way to the airport or don’t have time to see a lawyer before you return home, do an online search for local car accident legal counsel and reach out to them when you get home. This is because in order to file a case anywhere, the local courthouses must have jurisdiction over the parties. In the case of a car accident, this means where the defendant resides or where the accident occurred. 

Within the context of large corporations — such as Uber or Lyft — this can also include where they are incorporated and/or regularly conduct business. However, filing where the accident occurred means having much easier access to evidence such as witnesses, doctors, and police officers who showed up at the scene. 

Can Uber, Lyft of Other Rideshare Apps be Held Responsible for an Accident?

Uber keeps uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage for their drivers. This can be used when the other driver is at fault and they don’t have enough insurance coverage, or if the accident was a hit and run. 

If your driver was at fault, how much will be covered will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. However, Uber offers insurance for liabilities to third parties (passengers, pedestrians, bystanders, etc…)

By the same token, Lyft offers liability coverage for accidents that occur during the time the Lyft Driver app is on and offers rides to customers. This extends to bodily injuries and other losses related to the accident. 

Do keep in mind that each jurisdiction has its own local requirements. For example, in the Sunshine State, Florida Statutes section 627.748 requires all ridesharing drivers to have car insurance with a minimum coverage of $50,000 for death and bodily injury, per person, and $100,000 per accident. They are also required to have a minimum of $25,000 in coverage for property damage. 

Likewise, New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law, Title 8, Article 44-B requires both ridesharing companies and all their drivers to have insurance that covers any accidents that occur while the driver is logged into the ridesharing digital network. 

It’s important to note, however, that many state laws specifically establish that ridesharing companies do not own, control, operate, manage, or direct any of the vehicles in their networks. Because of this reasoning, these companies may try to limit or deny coverage in certain circumstances and claim that your only recourse is to sue the driver. 

According to Miami Uber and Lyft accident attorneys Panter, Panter & Sampedro:

Usually, the driver is held liable for an accident. This makes intuitive sense because the driver is operating the vehicle. Sometimes, the driver’s insurance policy is not adequate to compensate you for the injuries you suffered. In those instances, it is possible to sue Lyft or Uber. This is the reason that Uber and Lyft provide a $1 million liability policy. 

So always seek legal advice before proceeding, so that you can have someone who’s experienced with these types of claims watching out for your interests. 

What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Rideshare Accident While Traveling for Work?

Since Uber and Lyft require their drivers to carry insurance to cover accidents while driving passengers, you could file a claim to recover damages through those policies. If the claim is denied or dismissed as to one of the companies under the defense that the driver is an independent contractor, you may still be able to get relief by filing a worker’s compensation claim with your employer.  

A workers comp claim could be viable if the accident occurred while you were conducting your job duties, or to and from an activity within the scope of employment (such as stopping for gas or driving back home or to work at the end of your shift).

Your employer may be able to get off the hook if you detoured to do something unrelated to your job duties (such as running a personal errand), or if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

To know your options, instead of speaking with a personal injury attorney, call a workers compensation one. 

How is Liability Determined in a Rideshare Accident?

Liability in a ridesharing accident is determined the same way as in any traffic accident: Presenting evidence to figure out who was at fault. This can be reconstructed through what’s called a discovery process, where the parties are required to exchange relevant information — such as photographs, surveillance videos, dash cam footage, and police reports. 

Based on this information, the attorneys can determine the parties to depose (take sworn testimony). These may include the parties involved in the accident, witnesses, medical providers, experts, and the police officers who prepared the report. 

Liability can be placed on one person, or it can be attributed in part to all drivers involved. If the latter is the case, the percentage of liability has to be apportioned in jurisdictions that apply a comparative negligence standard: If a party is deemed to be 60% at fault, they are responsible for 60% of the costs of the damages. 

There are also jurisdictions that apply a contributory negligence approach. Under this method, if both parties are at fault, coverage may be denied, depending on the circumstances. 

What is the Uber and Lyft Accident Claims Process?

Each ridesharing company has its own steps to complete to file an accident claim. While this information is up-to-date as of the time of this writing, always check for information within the app’s Frequently Asked Questions section. If you can’t find it, do an online search of the company’s accident claims procedures.

Uber

If you were using Uber services, follow these steps:

  1. Open the app and click on Settings on the right-hand corner of the screen. 
  2. From there, click on the Help section.  
  3. Click on Report an Issue With This Trip
  4. Select that you were in a crash. 

Lyft

If you were using Lyft, open the app and click on Claims Customer Care. They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will guide you through the next steps in the reporting process.

How Long Do I Have to File My Uber or Lyft Accident Claim?

The statute of limitations for a negligence claim can vary from one jurisdiction to the next. In many places within the United States, you have four years from the date of the accident. This will vary even more greatly from one country to the next. 

But even if you got into an accident in a place with ample time to file a claim, seek legal advice as soon as possible. Remember that your ability to prevail will depend on how convincing your evidence is. 

Certain elements like photos and medical records can be used regardless of how much time has gone by; but witnesses — as well as their recollections of events — will be harder to come by the longer you wait. And if a nearby business has surveillance cameras that caught the accident, they may have been deleted by the time you need them. 

 

Long Island: The Ultimate Travel Guide 0 255

travel guide long island

Long Island is only miles away from New York City, but you’ll notice a drastic contrast in scenery and activities as you cross over the city border. Long Island is well known for miles of oceans, unique villages, world-renowned wine country, shopping, and more.

Before Long Island was settled by Europeans in the 17th century it was home to 13 Native American tribes. You’ll notice this history easily by looking at a map of Long Island or reading each of the town names as you drive along Long Island’s many highways and parkways. Some names that might be familiar to you include Montauk, Massapequa, Setauket, and more.

Getting from New York City to Long Island is easy, and there’s no shortage of options. Keep in mind that the west end of Long Island begins just as you cross the New York City limits and extends 118 miles from tip to tip, so it’s important to understand WHERE on Long Island you’re planning on traveling to. Depending on the time of day or time of year (summertime out east!), it can take hours to go only a few miles.

Long Island is accessible by car, taxi, the LIRR (Long Island Railroad), and more, and linked to New York City by major roadways, bridges, and tunnels.

Long Island is officially made up of two counties: Nassau and Suffolk, and both have plenty to do. There are contrasts from one county to the other, whether you’re on the North Shore or South Shore, so do your research before planning your trip to Long Island.

Let us help with your Long Island trip!

Best Beaches on Long Island

Jones Beach

Jones Beach is one of THEE spots for anyone growing up in or around Long Island during the summer. Located only 20 miles from New York City, Jones Beach Park is visited by local Long Island residents and landlocked visitors from the 5 boroughs. Created by infamous master builder Robert Moses in 1920s, Jones Beach Park is made up of over 6.5 miles of beautiful white-sand beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean. Over 6 million people visit Jones Beach each year. Jones Beach is a great family-friendly beach option this summer.

Long Beach

Connecting almost all of the South Shore of Long Island and New York City via the Long Island Railroad, Long Beach is one of the best beaches on Long Island. With its famed boardwalk, Long Beach boasts over 3 miles of gorgeous white sand. And if you’re looking for a local vibe, Long Beach is your best bet. Just steps for the boardwalk, and leading you back to the Long Island Railroad station, you’ll find local restaurants, bars, and local shops.

Main Beach, East Hampton

Home to some of the most exclusive residents on Long Island, Main Beach is as secluded as beaches come. With no boardwalk like you’ll find in Long Beach, Main Beach is less crowded, but that’s what adds to its charm.

Robert Moses State Park

Attracting over 4 million visitors each year, Robert Moses State Park is a great family-friendly beach option. Broken down into 4 sections (Fields 2, 3, 4, and 5), Robert Moses State Park has options for all.

Fire Island

As a barrier island south of mainland Long Island, and part of Robert Moses State Park, Fire Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions for residents and visitors each year. Because you can only visit Fire Island by ferry, getting there is part of the adventure. Fire Island is over 32 miles long, and boasts historic tales of colonial-era pirates, shipwrecks, and rumrunning during Prohibition. There are no cars allowed on Fire Island, so if you’re not walking, you can rent bikes, private boats, water taxis, and golf carts. Fire Island has many different beaches, but some of the most popular include Ocean Beach – known for its downtown village vibe with restaurants, bars, and shops. While all of Fire Island is LGBT-friendly, you won’t find another community on Long Island quite as boastful as Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines.

Best Things to Do on Long Island

Wine and Dine

Long Island is home to some of the best wineries in the country. There are so many wineries on Long Island, and you can enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the beautiful landscape. Many of these wineries are open for tastings and tours, which is a great way to get to know the wineries better. These tours will give you an inside look at how the wine is made and how it’s put together. You’ll learn about all the different types of grapes, how they’re grown, and what makes each type unique.

The food scene on Long Island is just as impressive as the wine scene. There are many amazing places to eat and drink on the island. Some of the best restaurants and bars are located in Huntington, while others are based in Long Beach, and one of the most popular places to dine is by taking a trip to Sag Harbor. All of these places offer fantastic food and a great atmosphere. If you want to go out for dinner at night, plenty of restaurants are open late.

Kids and Family Fun

The Long Island Children’s Museum is great for kids to learn and play. There are so many different programs that kids can enjoy. If you have small children, head over to the Long Island Aquarium. Here, they can learn about different sea creatures and get a chance to touch some of them. There are also plenty of other exhibits that will keep the kids entertained. The Smithsonian Museum in Nassau is an excellent option if you have older children. There are many interactive exhibits for the kids here and a Science Center where they can learn about space and science in general.

Golfing and Outdoor Activities on Long Island

Long Island is a great place to golf. There are so many fantastic courses that offer something for every level of player. If you’re a beginner, you’ll find an 18-hole course that doesn’t require you to hit the ball over water or deal with crazy wind conditions. If you want to improve, there are courses that will challenge you and build your skills. Any way you slice it, Long Island has something for everyone looking to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

If there is one thing that fits the whole “outdoors” theme of Long Island, it is outdoor water sports like kayaking, surfing, and canoeing. The island is home to some beautiful waterways, so why not take advantage of them? There are plenty of places on Long Island where you can rent kayaks or canoes and head out on the water for fun in the sun. You can also enjoy other outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching, and fishing. For those who want to get away from it all and enjoy nature, several state parks on the island have lots of trails and activities to keep you busy.

Long Island Farms and Orchards

In the Northeast, it’s hard to find a place where you can walk through an apple orchard in the summer without getting a little bit dirty. The farms of Long Island provide the same experience with their crops. Whether you’re looking for the perfect way to see some fall colors or want to try some delicious apples, there are plenty of farms around Long Island. If you decide to go on a tour, check out some of these farms so you can learn about the history and culture of this area.

Experiencing nature firsthand is something that everyone should do once in their life. If you’re looking for a more modern farm, take the Long Island Railroad to Greenport and walk down to The Long Island Greenport Farm Museum. Several orchards are also open to the public. You can check out the orchards and make your apple pies. If you’re looking for a more adventurous way to see some of the orchards, make sure to go on a hayride with some of these farms to enjoy the experience.

Arts and Culture Around Long Island

Long Island is a place that you can visit for many different reasons. If you’re interested in art, there are plenty of museums and galleries to see. There is also one of the largest art collections in the world, the Museum of Modern Art. Not only is it home to some fantastic pieces, but it also hosts events like free Friday night concerts. These can be very fun and interesting to watch. Not only is Long Island an amazing place for art lovers, but it’s also an excellent place for history buffs as well. You can visit museums like the New York Historical Society Museum or learn about famous figures like Thomas Edison through exhibits at The Henry Ford.

Artists and musicians flock to Long Island for the summer. There are plenty of places for you to listen to live music and see some amazing art. Merrick’s Waterfront, Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, and Hofstra University’s Nassau Coliseum are some of the most popular spots. Long Island is also a great place to visit for sports fans. While technically Queens is part of Long Island, Queens is part of New York City. The Mets play their home games at Citi Field in Flushing Meadows Park (Queens), while the Yankees play at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx. If you’re staying in Manhattan, both are accessible via the NYC subway system. These are great places to go if you’re into watching professional sports and are easily accessible if you’re traveling from Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, or Manhattan.

Shopping Your Way Around Long Island

The shopping scene on Long Island is incredible. There are so many amazing shops with so much to offer. Shopping is one of the most fun things to do on Long Island, and there’s no shortage of options. Whether you’re looking for something unique or just want to shop local, the shops here have everything you need. With so many shopping areas, it’s easy to find something you like right where you live.

From clothing stores like Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, and J Crew to shoe stores like Alfred Sung and Steve Madden, to name a few worth checking out. Another thing you’ll find on Long Island is excellent malls like Westbury Galleria Center, Roosevelt Field, The Miracle Mile, and more. If you want even more shopping opportunities, Manhattan’s 5th Avenue is a short trip away from Long Island on the Long Island Railroad.

Long Island: a Unique History

The history of Long Island is a long, exciting tale full of adventure and excitement. The first inhabitants of the island were the Lenape Indians. They were a group of Native Americans that inhabited the island until the early 1700s. The Lenape Indians were a very peaceful group and did not have contact with any other groups in their day. The Dutch later colonized the island in 1615 and founded a settlement called New Amsterdam. In 1625, the English took control of New Amsterdam and renamed it New York City.

From then on, Long Island was settled by many different European groups until 1776, when it became part of the United States. Today, Long Island is a beautiful place with many diverse ecosystems and attractions. The island is home to more than 6 million people and is an excellent place for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers.

Yearly/Annual Long Island Events

• St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Montauk, March
• Hamptons Restaurant Week, March
• Long Island Marathon: Festival of Races, May
• Bethpage Federal Credit Union New York Air Show at JonesBeach, Memorial Day weekend
• Belmont Stakes, June
• Long Island International Film Expo, July
• Mattituck Strawberry Festival, July
• Scope Hamptons Art Fair, July
• Riverhead Blues Festival, July
• Hampton Classic Horse Show, August
• Medieval Festival at Sands Point, September
• Hamptons International Film Festival, October
• Annual Oyster Bay Oyster Fest, October
• Long Island Restaurant Week, November
• Charles Dickens Festival, December

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