Dull Law LLC Dull Law LLC 2026-07-21T20:00:06Z https://www.dullheanylaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1600657/2025/01/icon-75x75.png On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[3 reasons people tailgate other drivers]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48052 2026-07-21T20:00:06Z 2026-07-21T20:00:06Z When you are being tailgated by another driver, it often feels very clear that they are putting you in an excessive amount of danger. You face greater accident risks because they are following too closely and could rear-end your vehicle, especially if you have to stop in an emergency. With your understanding of how dangerous this behavior is, however, you may find yourself wondering why the other driver is willing to take the risk in the first place. Here are three reasons why people tailgate.

They are doing it accidentally

In some cases, drivers do not understand that they need a three-second following distance. They may be driving much too close to your car without even realizing it. This is just how they drive all the time.

They are in a rush

Often, tailgating drivers are hurrying or in a rush. Psychologically, this means that the driver often perceives other vehicles as holding them back. Someone who is late for work may get frustrated with the driver ahead of them, even if that driver is already going the speed limit and has actually done nothing wrong.

They are driving aggressively

Finally, tailgaters are sometimes just acting aggressively on purpose. They may think that the other driver made a mistake. Say that someone believes a driver cut them off, for instance. They may then tailgate that driver as a type of road rage.

Seeking compensation after an accident

Tailgating can certainly lead to serious car accidents. If you have suffered injuries due to another driver's negligence, you need to know how to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and related damages.  ]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[Requirements for filing an SSD claim]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48051 2026-07-11T12:25:09Z 2026-07-11T12:25:09Z What must you show before benefits are considered? Your application should address several important points:
  • A serious condition: You must have a medically supported physical or mental condition that prevents substantial work.
  • Expected duration: Your condition must have lasted or be expected to last, at least twelve months or result in death.
  • Work history: For SSDI, you need enough work credits based on your age and employment history.
  • Financial limits: For SSI, your income and resources must fall within program limits.
  • Medical proof: Records from doctors and treatments should support your limitations.
Social Security reviews medical and nonmedical requirements alike before making a determination.

How to turn your information into a complete application

You can file online, by telephone or through a local Social Security office. Before starting, gather:
  • Your Social Security number and identification details
  • Names and contact information for medical providers
  • Dates of treatment, diagnoses, medications and medical tests
  • Your current employment history and job duties
  • Information about other disability benefits
Complete every section accurately and explain how your condition affects work tasks and daily activities. Respond promptly if Social Security requests more records. The outcome of a disability claim depends on eligibility rules and detailed evidence. Careful preparation can minimize risks of avoidable delays or confusion. When questions arise about records, deadlines or a denial, seeking legal guidance can help you with the process and protect your options.]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[What records show how a serious injury changed daily life?]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48050 2026-07-01T11:22:54Z 2026-07-01T11:22:54Z personal injury claim, which can include pain, physical limitations and loss of enjoyment of life. However, statutory caps may apply if the injury stems from medical malpractice. Start by saving details that document the difference:

1. Daily pain and activity notes

Use a notebook, phone notes app or pain diary app to track pain levels, sleep problems, trouble walking or standing, and tasks you could not finish. These notes can explain how often pain affects ordinary parts of the day.

2. Work and income documents

Keep pay stubs, missed shift records, doctor’s notes limiting what you can do at work and messages from your employer. These documents may help explain how the injury affected your ability to earn income or return to the same work.

3. Medical and therapy files

Save doctor notes, test results, therapy plans and follow-up instructions. These files can connect limits on lifting, walking, standing or driving to your condition and show whether those limits are temporary or long-term.

4. Home and family life changes

Keep receipts for home changes, including ramps or grab bars, as well as mobility equipment like a cane or walker. You may also want to save records for transportation help or paid assistance with daily tasks, such as cleaning, cooking or childcare. These receipts can help explain how the injury changed your independence and family responsibilities.

5. Statements from people who know your routine

Relatives, friends, coworkers or neighbors may notice changes that are hard to describe on your own. Notes from them may help show how your activity level, mood or daily responsibilities changed after the injury.

Why organized records matter after a serious injury

Medical bills show one part of a serious injury, but they may not show how it changed your work, home life and daily routine. Keeping records in one folder, envelope or digital file makes those details easier to find and explain if questions come up later.]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[What are the legal grounds for a Missouri divorce?]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48048 2026-06-17T23:07:35Z 2026-06-17T23:07:35Z No-fault divorce To pursue a no-fault divorce, the spouse petitioning the courts only needs to claim that the marriage has undergone an irretrievable breakdown and that there is no way to salvage the marital relationship. Provided that the other spouse agrees with that claim, the divorce can move forward without any actual proof of fault. If the responding spouse asserts that the marriage is not past salvaging, then proof of qualifying grounds may be necessary to divorce without their consent.

Fault-based divorces

Missouri recognizes multiple different types of fault-based divorce. The spouse petitioning the courts generally needs supporting evidence of qualifying circumstances. The grounds that Missouri currently acknowledges for fault-based divorces include:
  • Adultery
  • Abandonment lasting six months or longer
  • Intolerable behavior, including abusive conduct and substance abuse
  • Mutual separation lasting a year or longer
  • A one-sided separation lasting 24 months or longer
Spouses must have valid evidence of qualifying grounds to pursue a fault-based divorce. People concerned about gathering evidence or overcoming spousal objections during divorce proceedings may need help preparing in advance. Discussing marital circumstances with a family law attorney can help spouses choose the most appropriate grounds for their filing and help to better ensure that they have the documentation or spousal support necessary to proceed with a divorce after an initial filing.]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[Is it safe to text at a red light?]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48047 2026-06-10T16:12:58Z 2026-06-10T16:12:58Z No, it is generally not safe to text at a red light. A driver should always have their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. That said, there are drivers who will pick up their phones when they are stopped in traffic. They often think that they are doing so safely. They do not want to text and drive while the car is moving, so they wait until they are stopped and then look at their notifications or check incoming text messages.

When does the distraction really end?

What these drivers need to remember is that the cognitive distraction of using a cellphone does not end immediately. It can actually last for up to 27 more seconds. In other words, a driver may set their phone down when they see that the light has turned green. They start driving forward, with their eyes back on the road and their hands on the steering wheel. They think that they are no longer distracted, but the reality is that they have not yet cognitively refocused on driving their vehicle. This mental distraction can persist even as they drive through the intersection, and it could increase the odds of a mistake that causes an accident. For example, a driver may make an ill-advised left turn because they are not paying close enough attention to see that oncoming traffic is too close. They are simply not focused on the road, so they make an otherwise avoidable error.

Have you suffered injuries in a car accident?

Staying off your phone in the car can help prevent you from making these types of mistakes, but other drivers are still going to do so. If you have been injured in an accident that one of them caused, take the time to look into all of your options to seek financial compensation.  ]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[DWI charges can make transportation difficult]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48046 2026-05-28T12:07:37Z 2026-05-28T12:07:37Z Drunk driving charges are challenging to face, partially because of the serious consequences that come with a conviction. While some people think about things like fines and incarceration, there are other collateral consequences that must be considered.  A drunk driving conviction may mean that you lose your driver’s license. This means that you will be unable to drive to work, school, doctor’s appointments or other errands. If you have children, even getting them to school or extracurricular activities may be challenging. 

Effects on driving

Besides losing your driver’s license, there are other ways that the conviction may impact your ability to drive. Once you’re allowed to drive again, getting insurance may be incredibly costly because you may need an SR-22 insurance form.  Another way that a conviction can affect your ability to drive is that you may be required to use an ignition interlock device. This requires you to provide a breath sample in order for the vehicle to start and periodically while you’re driving. 

Long-term effects of this conviction

Being unable to drive can mean that you have trouble getting to work, especially if you live in an area without suitable public transportation. You could lose your job because you can’t make it there reliably, which would lead to your income stopping. Additionally, there’s a chance that the lack of income could lead to you being unable to pay your fines.  The cascade of consequences when you’re convicted of drunk driving can be significant. It’s beneficial to work with someone familiar with your case and the court hearing it so they can help you set a defense strategy that you’re comfortable with.   ]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[The DWI consequences most people never expect]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48044 2026-05-15T06:04:22Z 2026-05-15T06:02:22Z When people think about a DWI charge, they often focus on the fines, court dates or the possibility of losing their license. What many do not realize is how far the effects can reach into everyday life long after the case is over. A single mistake can follow someone into their career, finances and personal relationships. Even individuals with clean records and stable jobs may suddenly find themselves facing unexpected challenges they never saw coming.

A long lasting financial impact

For many professionals, a DWI can create serious licensing concerns. Nurses, commercial drivers and others with professional certifications may be required to report an arrest or conviction to a licensing board. In some situations, this can lead to disciplinary action, suspension or additional reviews that place a career under stress.  Insurance costs are another consequence that often catches people off guard. After a DWI conviction, auto insurance premiums may rise dramatically for years. Some drivers may even struggle to find coverage at all. These increased costs can place a financial burden on individuals and families already dealing with court expenses, lost income and other penalties connected to the charge. Employment can also become more complicated after a DWI. Certain employers conduct background checks, and a criminal charge may affect hiring decisions, promotions or job security. For people who drive for work, the consequences can be even more severe.  Beyond professional concerns, many individuals also experience damage to their personal reputation. Friends, coworkers and family members may view the situation differently, creating feelings of embarrassment, anxiety and isolation during an already difficult time. A DWI charge does not define who a person is or what their future will look like. Speaking with an experienced legal professional can help individuals better understand their options, protect their rights and work toward minimizing the long-term impact on their lives and careers.]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[Do you need a police report after a Missouri work vehicle crash?]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48042 2026-05-12T10:55:24Z 2026-05-12T10:45:50Z you operate a work vehicle in Missouri and a crash happens, you likely have immediate questions about whether law enforcement needs to get involved. While every situation can look different, Missouri law sets clear benchmarks that often determine when reporting becomes necessary instead of optional.

When does Missouri require a crash report?

According to Missouri law, you generally need to report a crash to law enforcement if it involves any injury, a fatality or property damage that appears to exceed $500. Drivers may reach that threshold more easily than expected, since even minor damage to a modern work vehicle can add up quickly. In addition, under the Missouri Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law, you may need to file a personal accident report (Form 1140) with the Missouri Department of Revenue within 30 days if the crash involves an uninsured driver and results in more than $500 in property damage or any bodily injury. Missing these reporting steps can sometimes lead to administrative consequences, including possible license suspension.

Why do official records matter after a crash?

Even when a report is not strictly required in every situation, an official police report often plays an important role after a work vehicle crash. Employers and insurance companies frequently rely on the report to better understand what happened and how they may share responsibility. A police report typically includes key details such as the time, location and road conditions. These facts can help support your version of events, especially if other drivers later describe the crash differently. Because of this, the report often becomes an important reference point during insurance review or workplace discussions.

What can you do if police do not arrive at the scene?

Sometimes law enforcement may not arrive right away, especially during severe weather or in lower severity crashes. In those moments, you can still take steps to protect your interests and preserve important details. You can capture visual evidence by taking clear photos of all vehicles, visible damage and the surrounding area, including traffic signs or skid marks. This can help show how the crash occurred. You can also exchange essential details with everyone involved, including names, phone numbers and insurance information. If witnesses are present, their contact details may also help support a clearer picture of the event. It may also help to record your account of what happened while the details are still fresh. This can help fill in gaps if officials create a formal report later. Taking these steps may help preserve important information that could support your account if questions come up later.

Key takeaways after a work vehicle crash

A police report may not be required in every situation, but it often plays an important role when officials or insurers later review a Missouri work vehicle crash. Clear documentation and a basic understanding of reporting rules can help you feel more prepared if questions about the crash arise.]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[What does Missouri law say about how custody is determined?]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48041 2026-05-01T21:54:28Z 2026-05-01T21:54:28Z It’s generally preferable when divorcing parents can negotiate their own custody agreements and parenting plans, with the help of their individual legal counsel. When they can’t, they need to ask the judge in their case to make these decisions for them. Judges have an obligation to follow state law. That’s why it’s always wise for anyone who is divorcing to understand how Missouri law applies to their specific circumstances. 

Where does “rebuttable presumption” come in?

State laws across the country have been modified in recent years to recognize that it’s generally in a child’s best interest for their parents to have more or less equal time with them. For example, here in Missouri, the law has been modified to add a “rebuttable presumption” that “an award of equal or approximately equal parenting time to each parent is in the best interests of the child.” That means the court starts with the presumption that something close to a 50-50 split of parenting time is best for a child. For a parent to challenge that presumption, they need to show the court that a “preponderance of the evidence” indicates that it’s not. An obvious example would be there’s been a “pattern of domestic violence.” There might be other reasons why one parent should have primary or even sole custody – such as if the other parent doesn’t have the time or ability to properly care for a child this much. 

What does a judge consider when determining custody?

Among the factors a judge is directed by the law to consider when determining custody include:
  • The “willingness of parents to actively perform their functions…for the needs of the child”
  • The “interaction and interrelationship of the child with parents, siblings, and any other person who may significantly affect the child's best interests”
  • The child’s need for a “frequent, continuing and meaningful relationship with both parents” 
A judge may also take a child’s wishes into consideration if the child is old enough and mature enough to give their own opinion “free of coercion and manipulation.” Even parents who believe they and their co-parent are in agreement on the custody agreement and parenting plan sometimes find themselves surprised by their soon-to-be ex’s sudden change of heart (or circumstances). By having solid legal guidance from the beginning, these twists and turns in the divorce process are easier to navigate.]]> On Behalf of Dull Law LLC <![CDATA[What is the most common motorcycle accident?]]> https://www.dullheanylaw.com/?p=48040 2026-04-14T17:32:54Z 2026-04-14T17:32:54Z Motorcycle accidents can happen in many different ways. A motorcyclist could be rear-ended in traffic at a red light, for example. They could be struck when another driver merges into them on the interstate. But what is the most common type of accident? It is a left-turn accident. Another driver seeking to make a left turn, either at an intersection or turning into a driveway, turns in front of the bike. The motorcyclist then hits the side of that vehicle or is forced to swerve into oncoming traffic in an effort to avoid a collision.

Why do these accidents happen?

There are a number of different factors to consider when looking at left-turn accidents. Some of them happen because of distracted driving or impaired driving.  But, much of the time, it is just that the driver makes the wrong judgment call. They think it is safe to turn, but the bike is approaching too quickly. Drivers are often adamant that this means the motorcyclist must have been speeding. But what is actually happening in many cases is that the motorcycle is so small that it appears farther away than it really is. Drivers are used to looking at other large vehicles like passenger cars, pickup trucks and semi-trucks. They may think that they have plenty of space to turn in front of a motorcycle, when the truth is that it is going to close that distance very quickly.

Seeking appropriate compensation

A left-turn accident can be devastating for a motorcyclist, leading to severe and even life-altering injuries. Riders need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, reduced earning capacity and much more.]]>