World

The Best Destinations for a Road Trip during COVID-19

Published

3 years ago

February 28, 2021

The road trip is a great way to see so many places, but this has never been more relevant than during the times of the COVID-19 pandemic. With planes and trains becoming increasingly dangerous as the virus spreads, hopping in the car is a perfect alternative for a getaway. When you use your own transportation, the options multiply. Plus if you’re comfortable getting on a plane, there are plenty of places you can hit the open road to relax and take on some adventure while enjoying lower numbers of the virus. Here are some of the best destinations for a road trip.

Iceland

Not only is the tiny island country of Iceland a short flight from Europe or the East Coast of the United States, it is one of the best countries for a road trip. It only takes eight days to drive around the entire country, and spreading the itinerary out can make for a leisurely and immersive trip through one of the most beautiful places in the world. With glorious green hills, ocean views, waterfalls, and more, Iceland has it all for those who love the outdoors. Camp or stay in small inns along the way. While you will have to do the mandatory 14-day quarantine, when you are able to hit the road you will enjoy a small population and low COVID-19 numbers.

American Southwest

With the highest numbers of the COVID-19 virus in the world, few international travelers will want to come to the United States. But if you already live in the US and want to take a road trip, the Southwest is a great option. You’ll want to avoid California but with Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Texas, you can have wide open space and room to drive to great sites and parks. You have the option to camp or stay in hotels where they’re open. If you don’t have a car, now might be the right time to invest in one with a used auto loan. Then you will be able to enjoy the gorgeous vistas of the Southwest in your new car.

Canada

Canada has a fraction of the US population and a ton of land to work with, which makes it a great option for road tripping. It depends on where you want to go, but there is no shortage of options. You can even take a trip from Montreal to Vancouver and see the whole bottom belt of the country in style. Canada has so much to offer in the way of natural beauty and sites, you won’t have a hard time avoiding people. The travel restrictions are tight, but if you can make it in the country and do the obligatory quarantine, you will have less to worry about.

Australia/New Zealand

Both Australia and New Zealand have strict COVID-19 regulations, which make it a safe place for a getaway. After the 14-day quarantine, you will enjoy low numbers of the virus and wide open spaces. There is a lot of room in these countries to spread out. However, to get into Australia you will need to spend at least two weeks in New Zealand if you’re not a citizen, resident, or immediate family member. Still this provides a variety of avenues to visit Australia and stay safe by driving around the country instead of using public transport. When you follow the rules and be safe, you will have a great opportunity to enjoy these two countries and all the natural beauty they have to offer.

While you may think it isn’t appropriate to travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, life will have to continue at some point. There is no avoiding a return to relative normalcy. If we don’t, the world economy could be in danger of collapsing. Make your travel plans ahead of time and do your best to be safe. If we don’t live our lives and enjoy it while we’re here, what are we doing? It is completely possible to be safe and moral but enjoy yourself. If you feel comfortable traveling, these road trip options provide the ability to stay away from people and enjoy the natural world. It will do all of us a lot of good.

World

A Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring the Right Personal Injury Lawyer

Published

1 week ago

April 19, 2024

Michelle Langton

Are you dealing with injuries, loss of income, and hefty medical bills because of an accident that was not your fault? If yes, you need the services of an excellent personal injury lawyer. But how do you determine if a lawyer is a perfect match for your personal injury case when you have so many options? This step-by-step guide aims to teach you the critical steps to hiring the best personal injury lawyer in your state.

1. Know Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney

Typically, you must hire the right personal injury lawyer if you are pursuing a lawsuit for personal injury. As defined on Forbes, a personal injury lawsuit is a civil action that an injured person takes against a person or company responsible for an accident that resulted in injuries.

For instance, you get into a car crash or slip and fall incident in the workplace because of someone else’s fault. You can sue the party responsible for injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and mental anguish.

But there are instances you may not need a personal injury attorney despite being in an accident. For example, a minor fender bender where no one sustained injuries or had their property damaged is easy to resolve without involving lawyers. So, after an accident, evaluate the damages incurred. If they are severe, search for a personal injury attorney.

2. Do Extensive Research

Where do I begin my search? Referrals are valuable because you can ask specific questions regarding the lawyer’s communication style, availability, litigation experience, and fee structure. So, ask family and friends to recommend someone they have worked with. Search for attorneys in your area online if you need referrals. You can type a simple search query like ‘personal injury attorney near me’ on Google. Alternatively, look for a lawyer through online directories.

3. Schedule Free Consultations

You want to know what a personal injury lawyer will do for you. Therefore, schedule a free consultation meeting and ask questions like:

What will you prioritize in my case?

The right attorney will focus on getting justice and fair compensation to ensure your stress-free recovery. Communication should also be a top priority. The lawyer should communicate with you using simple terms to help you understand your legal rights. More importantly, they should update you about the case progress on time.

Do you have experience handling cases like mine?

As lawyers at Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo law firm mention, experienced personal injury attorneys will guide you through the legal process. Even more interesting, they will handle negotiations on your behalf to safeguard your rights. So, make sure your lawyer has experience in personal injury law.

It would be better if they had specialized experience handling cases like yours. For example, if you are pursuing a truck accident lawsuit, you will want a personal injury lawyer with expertise in dealing with trucking accident claims.

What is the value of my personal injury claim?

After evaluating your case, a skilled attorney should tell you the worth of your personal injury claim. What you should be cautious of are unrealistic estimates and guarantees. There are no assurances in personal injury claims. If a lawyer promises a higher settlement that sounds too good to be true, do not fall for it because they are lying.

How much are your legal fees?

Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee arrangement. Based on Cornell Law School, a contingent fee structure allows lawyers to receive a certain percentage of the total settlement value a client wins. As a result, you do not pay your legal representative any upfront fee.

4. Check Testimonials

Aside from experience, work with a trustworthy and reputable attorney. You can quickly determine a lawyer has an outstanding reputation by reading testimonials from past clients.

Find out if the clients feel happy about the outcomes of their case. How about the style of communication? Does the lawyer explain legal terms in simple language?

A reputable lawyer will receive positive feedback from clients and respect from peers. Also, check with your local bar association to ensure your preferred lawyer doesn’t have disciplinary actions against them.

5. Select Your Lawyer

At this point, comfort matters a lot. Do not choose a lawyer you feel uncomfortable discussing your legal issues with. Also, ensure they have the experience and resources to win your personal injury claim. Equally important, they should have an excellent reputation.

Conclusion

When you are a victim of an accident that someone else caused out of negligence, you need to seek justice and compensation for your injuries. There is only one way to achieve these goals. You must work with the best lawyer to pursue a personal injury claim. True, choosing the right one can be challenging. But you can make an informed decision if you follow this step-by-step guide to hiring the right personal injury lawyer.