Memphis Legal Blog

Did you know there is a debt awareness holiday?

On behalf of Gentry Arnold PLLC posted in bankruptcy on Thursday, March 21, 2019.

Just about everyone in Tennessee loves and is excited for a good holiday. If anyone takes the time to look, they will find that there is a national holiday for something just about every day of the year. There is even a debt awareness holiday called National Credit Card Reduction Day.

March 21 is reportedly National Credit Card Reduction Day. For most people, this day went right on by unnoticed. The purpose of this day is certainly good, though, as millions of Americans have credit card debt that is out of control. Bringing awareness to this issue and offering solutions is always a positive thing.

Tennessee motor vehicle accidents: Crash kills 1, injures 2

On behalf of Gentry Arnold PLLC posted in motor vehicle accidents on Thursday, March 14, 2019.

Police in Tennessee are in the process of investigating a recent car crash that claimed the life of one man and left two other individuals injured. This event occurred in early March in Shelby County. Following motor vehicle accidents like this, according to state laws, the victims or their surviving family members may be entitled to seek compensation for their losses.

A local news channel initially issued a report about this incident on March 4. According to the report, the driver of a sedan was on Highway 385 headed southbound when, for unknown reasons, this individual crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a Jeep. The driver of the impacted vehicle died at the scene of the crash. His passenger suffered unspecified injuries and was transported to Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Struggling financially? Bankruptcy may help your situation

On behalf of Gentry Arnold PLLC posted in bankruptcy on Wednesday, March 6, 2019.

As much as you probably hate to admit it, you are in a bad way financially. You have tried your hardest to correct the situation on your own, but things just do not seem to be improving. What can you do? The truth is, you are not alone. Numerous Tennessee residents are in your same position and bankruptcy is what may help your and their situations.

Just to be clear, bankruptcy is not for everyone. There are other debt relief options out there that may work for some people. To find out if bankruptcy is actually a good fit for your situation, it is good to talk to an experienced bankruptcy attorney. No one will push you to file for this type of debt relief. It will only be suggested if it is the absolute best option for your current economic position.

Tennessee personal injury: Did your surgeon make a mistake?

On behalf of Gentry Arnold PLLC posted in personal injury on Tuesday, February 26, 2019.

Every day, numerous Tennessee residents have surgery performed for a variety of reasons. In non-emergent cases, patients can pick their doctors, giving them time to research physician qualifications and experience. In emergent cases, one just has to hope that the physician on the clock or on call is good at his or her job. No matter how qualified a surgeon is said to be, a recent report claims that stress during surgery can cause even the best physicians to make mistakes, leaving their patients with some level of personal injury or causing patient death.

According to the report, every year anywhere from 250,000 to 440,000 deaths in the United States are related to medical errors -- many of which occur in operating rooms. Many more individuals suffer injuries due to medical mistakes. A study out of Columbia University claims that surgeons make significantly more mistakes during times of stress in the OR.

The role of inattentional blindness in motor vehicle accidents

On behalf of Gentry Arnold PLLC posted in motor vehicle accidents on Wednesday, February 20, 2019.

Car, truck, motorcycle and pedestrian accidents all happen for a number of reasons. One reason that some Tennessee residents may not be familiar with is inattentional blindness. What it is? What causes it? Can victims of inattentional blindness-related motor vehicle accidents seek compensation for their losses?

Inattentional blindness is something researchers have studied for some time. In 2018, a study on this topic, particularly how it contributes to car accidents, was released by a team from a leading university abroad. The study involved asking 56 adults to identify driving dangers by looking at a series of pictures. In one picture, researchers introduced an unexpected object in clear view in order to see if it would be noticed, such as a motorcycle. According to study results, 48 percent of participants missed that object completely -- why does that matter?

Why health problems often lead to the need to file bankruptcy

On behalf of Gentry Arnold PLLC posted in bankruptcy on Thursday, February 14, 2019.

Most people are aware that there is a medical debt crisis in this country. Millions of Americans have found themselves unable to provide for themselves and their families due to experiencing health problems that make it difficult, if not impossible to work. This leads to a lack of income, often a lack of insurance, and an inability to pay their medical and other bills. Hundreds of thousands of families across the country, including many here in Tennessee, file for bankruptcy every year due to unexpected health problems.

According to the American Journal of Public Health, it is estimated that two-thirds of all bankruptcies are related to medical issues. Most people lack just a few hundred dollars in savings to cover a minor medical expense. That leaves them unprepared for a major health crisis or any big medical events that may occur in their retirement years.

Truck weigh stations help prevent motor vehicle accidents

On behalf of Gentry Arnold PLLC posted in motor vehicle accidents on Thursday, February 7, 2019.

Truck weigh stations are commonly seen on the sides of Tennessee highways. Most people just drive on by, not giving these stops a second thought. The truth is, truck weigh stations serve a valuable purpose. The work done at these stops help keep dangerous trucks off the road, which helps to prevent motor vehicle accidents.

According to a recent report, roughly 4,000 trucks pass through the westbound truck stop in Haywood every day. Every truck that stops is weighed and some are inspected by the Tennessee Highway Patrol. According to a sergeant who works at this stop, they frequently find trucks that have broken frames, broken springs, flat tires and deflated air suspensions -- among other issues. When these types of vehicles are in poor condition, that presents a significant safety risk to the general public. When a truck is deemed unsafe, the driver is not allowed to move the vehicle from the weigh station until the problem is fixed.

Over relying on car technology proving to be dangerous

On behalf of Gentry Arnold PLLC on Saturday, February 2, 2019.

One of the most exciting aspects about purchasing a new car is learning all about its new enhancements and technologies that your old car most likely never had. You may have even upgraded to a car that was beyond what you were first shopping for because of these new systems.

With so much technology, it is hard to miss there are now cars that do not even need a driver. Self-driving cars not only need to know how to drive down the road, but also need to notice other vehicles and the probabilities of a collision. The problem is, this same type of technology in your car can lull you into a state of over protection and may put you and other drivers at risk.

Tennessee bankruptcy: Memphis residents drowning in student debt

On behalf of Gentry Arnold PLLC posted in bankruptcy on Thursday, January 31, 2019.

Millions of Americans have taken out student loans in order to pay for their higher education. While improving and advancing one's education is a noble cause, most people who take out loans to do so end up struggling to pay them off. According to a recent report, Memphis residents have a harder time paying down their student loans than people living in other cities. A bankruptcy law attorney may be able to help those struggling with these issues find debt solutions that fit their circumstances.

Outstanding student debt in the United States reached an all-time high of over $1.5 trillion in 2018. It has doubled in the past 10 years. Education debt has made it hard for numerous individuals to live the lives they want and to provide the basics, such as homes, for their families.

Tennessee motor vehicle accidents: Several injured in crash

On behalf of Gentry Arnold PLLC posted in motor vehicle accidents on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.

A multi-vehicle car crash in a Memphis neighborhood left several people injured. This event occurred in the early evening of Jan. 21. Motor vehicle accidents involving numerous cars can do a lot of damage -- not only to physical property but to the victims physically, and to them and their families emotionally and financially.

According to a recent news report, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a car struck a pole near the intersection of North Watkins and Witney Avenue. Police have not gone into any details, but three other vehicles were also involved. A total of five ambulances were called to the scene. The injured individuals were taken to various area hospitals including Le Bonnier Children's Hospital and Methodist North. The current conditions of all those involved in this incident have not been reported.