What is The New Pokémon GO Craze All About in NH?

Pokémon GO Safety Tips in NH?

At some point or another, we have all heard somebody more responsible than us utter the familiar phrase, “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt!” Well, in the case of the new Pokémon Go app, that seems to literally be the case.  Even though the game was released over two weeks ago, the Pokémon Go craze shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The concept seems simple enough and the creator company has found tremendous success by combining the virtual game world with reality. The app’s official website touts that, “With Pokémon GO, you’ll discover Pokémon in a whole new world—your own! Pokémon GO  . . . will use real locations to encourage players to search far and wide in the real world to discover Pokémon.”
 
Avoid Being Distracted While Searching

It is the searching “far and wide” part that has caused trouble for some players. One player was stabbed in Forest Grove, Oregon while searching for a Pokémon (and continued to play after being stabbed). A crowd of stampeding players descended upon Central Park in New York when one of the game’s rare creatures suddenly appeared on mobile screens. Several people across the country have gotten into car accidents because they were looking at their phones instead of where they were going. Several kids have fallen off of skateboards, bikes and into ditches in their quest for creatures. Some players literally have fallen off cliffs. And this is just a sampling of what has been going on.

These crazy things are happening right here in New Hampshire in cities like Nashua and Manchester. On a scorching Friday afternoon, players can be seen walking down the sidewalks gripping their phones tightly with their eyes glued to the screens.

Play Responsibly and Beware of Other Players

Tips for playing the game safely are pretty straightforward: Parents, make sure you know what your kids are doing and where they are going; Kids, play the game with a buddy or in groups and do not venture out by yourself; Do not attempt to drive a car, ride a bike or a skateboard while playing the game; Watch where you are walking; Do not go places you would not normally go if you were not playing the game; Check in regularly with your parents or friends; and Refrain from trespassing on people’s property!

With respect to legal issues . . . be aware that injuring someone while you are playing the game is very likely negligence and could easily result in a lawsuit.
Telling the officer that you didn’t see that girl in the crosswalk because you were playing Pokémon is not going to go over well at all. Distracted driving is a serious matter than can land you in a world of trouble.

If you have been injured by someone that was playing Pokémon at the time, you may have a case and should contact a New Hampshire personal injury lawyer to discuss the facts.



By Joseph Annutto


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Avoid Auto Accidents & Injury - Labor Day Safety Tips in NH

Top Causes of Accidents Each Labor Day

The National Safety Council is reporting that traffic fatalities are at an all-time high as the percentage of accidents taking place continues to increase. The state of New Hampshire actually ranks 3rd in the list of the largest increase among driving fatalities. The study has found that the increase in fatalities due to car accidents is due to the economy improving and travel picking up within the last two years.
This year alone, as many as 19,100 individuals were killed from January to June. This is an 18% increase from just two years ago for the same time frame. As the Labor Day weekend draws near, the council is predicting that over 400 people will be killed on the roadways.

Holiday Driving Safety Tips

As a driver or passenger, you want to stay safe this Labor Day holiday. It is important to understand the causes behind such fatal accidents so you can avoid them. Below are a few tips to follow in regards to your own driving as well as the driving of others.

•    Avoid driving over the speed limit
•    Do not text and drive
•    Watch out for erratic drivers
•    Avoid aggressive drivers, slow down and allow such drivers to pass
•    Distracted driving is a big no-no. Always keep your hands on the wheel and pay attention to other motorists.

When you see a driver acting erratically or feel unsafe on the roadways, take an alternate route home. You want to stay safe and other drivers may not have your safety in mind. Avoid taking major highways during the Labor Day weekend to avoid drunk drivers or aggressive speeders. If you can, avoid driving altogether so you do not face the potential of being in a fatal car wreck.
This Labor Day is set up to be a dangerous one based on statistics. With fatalities during car accidents continuing to be on the rise, it is recommended that drivers avoid the roadways late at night or only travel when needed. As everyone gets out on the road during the holiday, traffic can become congested which can lead to aggressive behavior or other issues.

What to Do if Involved and Injured in an Automobile Accident

If you find that you are subject to a traffic accident, consult an attorney. Be sure that you are covered based on insurance purposes as well as liability. An attorney in New Hampshire with experience in traffic accidents and injuries will be able to help you build a case if there is a need.


By Joseph Annutto


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What is Revenge Porn? Now a Felony in New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, “Revenge Porn” is Now a Felony

Most of us know that you must be very careful with what you say or post on the Internet because you never know when it might came back to bite you. There are countless stories of underage co-eds who post party pictures only later to face law enforcement. Then there are employees who post images of questionable taste and later have to face angry employers. Potential careers are ended before they even begin due to particular images that are out there in cyber space. While many of these unfortunate images are posted voluntarily, many are not – including those depicting very private moments.

Be Careful What You Share

Because of today’s ever-evolving technology and the seemingly endless obsession with social media, information is spread across the Internet at breakneck speed. News, photographs, videos, status updates and messages can travel around the globe within seconds.

And, with respect to sexual images and videos, the display to the public is the last thing that many depicted individuals want. 

In fact, the vast majority of people who are depicted in sexual photographs and videos (either willingly or unknowingly) would do just about anything to keep those images private. However, sometimes relationships turn bad and the “keeper” of the images may have less than honorable intentions and do the unthinkable – share the images with others WITHOUT the consent of those depicted in the images.

This nonconsensual sharing of private sexual images, often referred to as “revenge porn,” is becoming more frequent and the victims include those from moms and teachers to celebrities, sports stars and politicians. 90% of victims are women. These images and videos most frequently are distributed through social media sites, email and text messages. Even if the images are quickly deleted, once they are out in cyberspace, they are out there for good.

The good news is that a growing number of states, including New Hampshire, are taking serious action to protect those who wish to keep their sexual images private.

New Hampshire has joined 26 other states in making revenge porn a felony offense. The newly-enacted law states that “the act of purposely sharing, with the intent to harass, intimidate, threaten or coerce the depicted person” is no longer a misdemeanor, but a Class B felony.
 
New Bill Signed in New Hampshire Law

New Hampshire’s governor, Maggie Hassan, signed the bill into law in May and received support from both Republicans and Democrats. Hassan stated that, “In an increasingly technological world, there are new threats to the privacy and security of our citizens, including the [sharing] of private sexual images without consent, a practice that is harmful and immoral. By making it a felony to disseminate private sexual images of another individual without their consent, [the new law] is a common-sense step forward in our efforts to protect and maintain the privacy of Granite Staters.”


By Joseph Annutto



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Staying Safe on New Hampshire Highways During the Fourth of July Weekend

Holidays are memorable times of the year, when families and friends come together and engage in cookouts, firework displays, and alcohol consumption. These celebrations tend to bring out the best and the worst behaviors in most people, usually drivers. The 4th of July commemorates the Independence Day, and many drivers take their celebration of Independence to the highways of New Hampshire. Safety is not a major concern of someone intoxicated or impaired behind the steering wheel. Millions of people are injured or killed on the highways, during national holidays; especially, around the Fourth of July weekend.
Drinking and driving, and setting off fireworks are a deadly combination, but there are ways to avoid becoming a statistic and a victim. Here are three tips to staying safe, and avoid DUI in New Hampshire during the Fourth of July weekend.

Safety Tips 

1.    Do not drink and drive - vision and reflexes are impaired, and reaction time is slow. Drinking affects judgement, and coordination. These are the skills needed to make good driving decisions.
2.    Designate a driver or call a taxi service - know your limitation. Never drink and sit behind the wheel of a vehicle, after consuming two or more drinks. With each drink consumed the alcohol levels in the bloodstream increases.
3.    Buckle up - drivers and passengers without seatbelts are ejected from the vehicle, during impact. For safety reasons, and to preserve life, remember to wear a seatbelt, always.

Alcohol affects drivers in different ways, depending on their alcohol level in their bloodstream. Some drivers pass out behind the steering wheel, which puts not only their life, but also others, life in danger. Statistics shows that alcohol impaired drivers in New Hampshire account for a large percentage of deaths, injuries, hospital care, emergency services, and legal proceedings.

A Collective Action Issue Brief # 6- September 2014 provides the following information about (IMPAIRED DRIVING IN NH). According to this information: 

•    More than 300,000 people drive drunk each day
•    About 1/3 of all impaired drivers are repeat offenders
•    Nearly half of the drivers killed in collisions were under the influence of drugs or alcohol
•    Drunk driving is highest among drivers age 21- 25 (23.4)
•    Males are more likely to drive drunk than females

The information above does not reflect the total number of DUI arrests, injuries, or deaths associated with drivers in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire statistics are as follows: 

•    Every three out of fours arrests for DWI are males
•    Most arrests for DWI occur during the weekends
•    Majority of arrests for DWI occurs between 12 midnight and 3 AM.

Stay Safe While Traveling

Driving out of town or in town is dangerous during certain hours of the day, especially during the Fourth of July. People are rushing to get on the highway, or beat the traffic on the interstate. This accounts for most accidents, and injuries. The best way to stay safe is to not drink and drive, do not speed, and keep a look out for impaired drivers. Be sure to gas up, and get the vehicle serviced, before getting on the highways.

By Joseph Annutto

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Hurt On The Job in Nashua New Hampshire? You May Be Compensated

Construction Accident Laws in New Hampshire

Despite the fact that injuries can occur in any line of work, they are more common and more serious in the construction industry compared to other industries. This is due to the nature of the industry that involves a lot of risks. Just in the same manner employees in other industries have the right of compensation while they recover from injuries, those in the construction field also have rights of compensation if an injury occurs, according to construction injury laws. The most unfortunate thing is that these rights are often ignored not just by the employers, but even the people involved in accidents. The victims can take legal action against the people whose actions lead to their injury.

OSHA and the workers' right to a safe workplace in construction
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) exists to ensure that workplace hazards are reduced as it promotes safety in the construction industry. Injury lawyers are in the best position to help you understand your rights under OSHA, but having a basic knowledge is also good.

Rights and duties of an employee under OSHA
 
An employee should check if the employer has met available necessary standards, rules, regulations, and requirements in a workplace. He needs to get access to necessary employee exposure and medical records. An employee can request the OSHA area director to conduct an inspection in a workplace in case he is convinced that the conditions in the workplace are hazardous; the inspection should be done by a compliance officer in the presence of an employee representative.

An employee has the right to get a copy of tests and inspections done at a workplace in line with safety. The name of any employee who files a written complaint with OSHA regarding workplace safety should not be shared with an employer. He should not suffer any discrimination or retaliation from an employer in regards to a safety complaint. The employee should review records of injuries and illnesses related to the work.

Responsibilities of the employer under OSHA
 
It is the employer’s duty to ensure that the workplace is free from recognized hazards and should make sure all employees use tools and equipment for safety. It is also his responsibility to ensure that employees are informed of the OSHA safety and health standards related to the place of work.

An employer must place the OSHA official poster that outlines the rights and responsibilities under the OSHA Act, in a prominent place. He should also set up a written and comprehensive hazard communication program, which entails things such as labeling of containers, material safety data sheets, and training program for employees.

The employer should provide the employee with safety training in a language the employee is conversant with. It is the responsibility of the employer to inform employees of where their medical and exposure records are on the day an employee starts working, do the same at least once every year, and upon request by the employee. A construction injury attorney can help you when you are injured in a construction site. 

Suffering an injury while working in a construction site is hard enough, it is important to know your rights and responsibilities in the same. An injury law firm in New Hampshire can assist you with the same, so that you get the right compensation.


By Joseph M. Annutto



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A Message to New Hampshire Parents about Heroin Addiction

Heroin and Substance Abuse in New Hampshire

The state of New Hampshire has always been hailed as one of the most peaceful and idyllic places in the nation.  But recently, this has been marred by unsettling news about a spike in heroin addiction, almost like a heroin epidemic plaguing the state. 
Deaths attributed to heroin addiction are at alarming levels.  Last year, there are about 300 deaths due to drug overdoses, some of which are due to heroin.   And just in the month of September this year, there have been 75 overdoses and eight deaths just in Manchester alone.  Addicts’ ages ranged from 16 to 69.  Overdose victims were found everywhere -- hotels, restaurants, parking areas, public buildings, and even motor vehicles. 

And it’s not only about deaths of drug users but also other serious consequences that may resort from drug use.  Oftentimes, drug users who drive can cause serious or even fatal road accidents.  They disrupt the peace around the neighborhoods.  They don’t function effectively at school and on the job.

Heroin - Nature and Effects

Heroin in particular has been cited as one of the most used drugs in the area.  It appears as a white or brown power, or even as black tar in big blocks.  It is acquired on the street in mixed form, usually with sugar, starch, powdered milk, or other drugs (usually poisonous varieties). It can be taken intravenously or smoked through a pipe or straw.
Heroin users typically feel a surge of extreme pleasure (referred to as a rush).  It temporarily relieves the user from depression.  The intensity depends on how much was consumed.  Oftentimes, heroin users aren’t aware of the exact intensity or strength of the heroin they purchase on the street.  The users may be injecting heroin doses that are fatal. 

Prolonged heroin use has debilitating effects.  On the short term, heroin causes shallow breathing, clouded mental function, and uncontrollable itching. But the more long-term and serious effects are pneumonia, heart disease, blood clots, bacterial infections, liver disease, arthritis, seizures, HIV, and Hepatitis B and C (from sharing needles).  If not properly treated, these can eventually lead to death. 
Treating heroin abuse and addiction is not easy.  Heroin detox must be done by a highly specialized doctor who is experienced in opiate detox and withdrawal.  Detox and treatment can never be done at home because the results could be fatal.
 
Coping with Heroin Addiction

Probably the only most effective strategy against heroin addiction is prevention.  Talk to your loved ones about the dangers of heroin and other addictive substances.  Be supportive of their needs so that they won’t resort to taking dangerous drugs just to cope with problems.  Give them quality time and a listening ear so that they have a way to vent frustrations. Keep a close watch on their activities and behavior.  Advise them about choosing their friends carefully. 

You must also be able to detect symptoms of addiction early.  Heroin acts fast on a person’s system.  There’s a feeling of euphoria in a matter of seconds after injection.  The user’s mouth will dry out and the skin will flush.  Pupils will be constricted.  His level of alertness destabilizes as he falls in and out of wakefulness.  Breathing is slowed, and this could also lead to death.  The user may also lose some memory and decision-making abilities. The person also experiences itching, nausea, and vomiting.  Bowel movements may be constricted.  Immunity levels are affected and the person is very prone to illness. 

If any of your loved ones are suffering from heroin addiction, you should consult professional help immediately.  Talk to your family practitioner and ask for recommendations about reliable treatment centers. 

And if your child has been involved in a drug-related misdemeanor, such as DUI, you should seek the services of a competent criminal lawyer in the state of New Hampshire.


By Joseph.Annutto


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Can My Facebook Be Used as Evidence Against Me in a Divorce? NH Divorce Lawyer

Is Social Media Evidence Admissible in a Divorce Case?

Many factors have to be taken into account before content on social media is used as evidence in court. But yes, your Facebook posts can serve as evidence against you in court. In fact, Facebook has become so weighty in divorce issues such that the first advice most lawyers give to their clients is to avoid social media during divorce proceedings.

Before we go to specific examples, below are the three main conditions that evidences from social media must meet before they are considered admissible in court:

Relevance

The evidence in question must have some weight on the case. In other words, it should be able to influence the ruling if it is admitted. It is upon the person presenting the evidence to show that it is relevant. If the antagonist is able to convince the court that such evidence is not necessary, it will be rendered invalid, whether it is true or not.

Traceability

It should be possible to find source of the evidence if need be. In private sites where posts can be instantly and completely deleted from the system, it is not easy to trace them after such actions.

In Facebook, however, content on walls can still be recovered months after you’ve pressed the “delete” button. In addition, if another person shared the content on their own wall, you cannot delete it from there since you no longer have rights over it.

Also, note that, if it can be proven that you removed content from your wall with intent to hide it from the court and influence ongoing proceedings, you might face charges of spoliation.

Lawful

All evidence collection must be done lawfully. This means that your private inbox cannot be accessed without your consent. However, Facebook walls are considered public hence any evidence acquired from there is admissible, provided it can be traced to you.

Of importance to note is that you don’t have to be the author of a post for it to be used against you; if a friend tags you in a post and you allow it to display on your wall, some jurisdictions will pin responsibility on you.

Instances where Facebook may work against you

Let’s use the example of child custody and support claims: You are trying to convince the court that you are a responsible parent. Suddenly, your (former) partner reveals a Facebook post in which you swore how you drank till you blacked out. Worse, a friend attaches pictures or videos of you gulping down bottles.

Another example is when you claim that you are broke yet, on your wall, there are recent pictures of you shopping overseas or staying in expensive hotels.

Fortunately, all hope is not lost when you act early. If you think that there is something that you shared on your wall that might affect your leverage in divorce proceedings, tell your lawyer immediately about it. There are loopholes that experienced family law attorneys may pursue to significantly reduce the impact of such facts.

By Joseph Annutto

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Safe Driving Tips for St. Patrick’s Day - Avoid DUI in NH

Safe Driving Habits for St. Patrick’s Day

Every 17th of March, the Irish as well as Irish-at-heart celebrate the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday began as a religious feast day and has now turned in to a cultural celebration where individuals enjoy beer, special foods, parades and the color green. Celebrations can easily get out of hand when there is alcohol involved, meaning individuals must ensure they remain safe while enjoying the holiday. Learning safe driving habits is key to enjoying St. Patrick’s Day while remaining secure. Below are a few tips to help you stay clear of any unnecessary accidents during parades or a night out on the town.

Plan Your Evening

To get started, you will need to plan your evening. Several states around the US offer St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, including New Hampshire. Find local parades, festivals and restaurants who may be offering festivities. You may find local pubs and bars offering a pub crawl or unique drinks to celebrate the holiday that you may like to try. Figure out what you wish to do so you have a solid plan for the evening.

Designated Driver 

Once you know where you want to go, you need to figure out how you will get there. If you will be drinking, consider finding a designated driver. You want to avoid getting a DUI or your friends getting a DUI in New Hampshire. Take the time to find a friend or family member who might want to go out for the holiday and be willing to drive. Offer to pay for food or drinks, even gas, so that the designated driver can be compensated for not getting to drink during the festivities.

Alternative Transportation

If everyone in your party plans on drinking, you will need to find an alternative form of transportation. No one needs to drive after drinking, even having just one beer. You do not want to end up in the drunk tank at the local jail, charged with a DUI. Consider hiring a taxi to pick you up and take you to the venue of choice or perhaps ride in style with a limo. Depending on where you live, you should have at least one or two options to help you move about town. Driving services such as Uber can assist you with transportation as well. Even local bus or shuttle service can be beneficial.

Celebrate at Home

If you really want to stay safe and still have a good time, consider staying in. You can purchase decorations, cook specialty foods and even use food coloring to make beer green. Drink as much as you like with no worry about getting in trouble with the police and having a DUI on record. You will be safe and secure, having fun at home. Invite family and friends over, either finding them transportation home or offering your home for the night so they too can remain free and clear of any DUI charges.

Overall, it is important to plan the evening and stay safe. Make smart decisions so you will not regret the night later!

By Joseph Annutto

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