Cooper & Cooper, Attorneys at Law, LLC Cooper & Cooper, Attorneys at Law, LLC 2026-06-15T22:54:02Z https://www.cooperandcooperllc.net/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1104539/2025/08/cropped-siteIconCooper-32x32.png On Behalf of Cooper & Cooper, Attorneys at Law, LLC <![CDATA[Car wrecks and traumatic brain injuries: What to know]]> https://www.cooperandcooperllc.net/?p=253119 2026-05-28T14:45:12Z 2025-03-28T14:38:19Z Motor vehicle crashes can lead to many different types of catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. These injuries aren’t always evident at the scene of the crash, so victims must ensure they’re being vigilant about watching for signs of an injury in the days or weeks after the wreck.  For most people, the primary symptom of this type of injury is a headache that doesn’t abate even with standard treatment. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, sleeping more than usual, difficulty communicating and changes in senses. 

1. Brain injuries vary greatly

Many different types of traumatic brain injuries can occur. These can range from concussions to global damage in the brain. Many people associate these injuries with a direct hit to the head, but that’s not always how they happen. In some cases, a brain injury is the result of the brain hitting the inside of the skull because of the force of the wreck. 

2. Long-term effects can be devastating

The effects of this type of injury can last a lifetime, particularly if the brain injury is serious. This can mean that the victim isn’t able to return to the lifestyle they had before the injury. They may need accommodations at work or might have to reduce the hours they work. This can make it hard for them to support themselves.  Victims of car crashes may opt to pursue a compensation claim. This is a way they can try to recover the financial damages, including medical expenses and lost wages. Working with someone familiar with these matters may be beneficial so they can determine if they’re seeking the appropriate compensation. ]]> On Behalf of Cooper & Cooper, Attorneys at Law, LLC <![CDATA[The collateral consequences of a DUI]]> https://www.cooperandcooperllc.net/?p=253115 2026-05-28T14:46:24Z 2025-03-19T16:07:57Z You probably have a basic understanding of the penalties associated with a DUI, such as paying a fine, possible license suspension and attendance at a substance abuse program.  However, you may not be aware of a DUI’s collateral consequences, which are penalties beyond the legal ramifications. Many times, the collateral consequences linger long after the initial offense.

Alabama’s DUI fatalities

In 2023, impaired driving was responsible for the deaths of 196 people. Alabama’s law enforcement community wants everyone to arrive at their destinations safely. Therefore, the state’s DUI laws are strictly enforced. An individual’s first conviction for a DUI can result in a fine between $600 to $2100, up to a year in jail, attendance at a court-approved DUI or substance abuse program and a 90-day license suspension. In lieu of the suspension, an ignition interlock device can be installed for those 90 days. Subsequent offenses result in harsher penalties. Additionally, DUIs have a long-term impact, especially if there is an accident with property damage, injuries or a fatality. A DUI conviction can hurt your career. If you are searching for a job, the company may do a background check and the DUI convocation will likely appear. This can cause the potential employer to have doubts about your reliability and judgment. In addition, some industries have a zero-tolerance DUI policy, such as law enforcement, education or transportation. Employees could face immediate termination or have problems renewing their professional credentials. Your DUI also puts you into a high-risk driver category, often resulting in your insurance company increasing your rates. You may also be required to carry an SR-22 certificate to show that you have the minimum liability insurance requirements.  A DUI can also hurt your relationships with your loved ones. Your friends and family may feel disappointed in you. If your license is suspended, you could add stress to the people you love as they will need to transport you and your kids to school, activities, errands and work. Nobody ever goes to a party or a happy hour with the intention of driving home drunk. But after a few drinks, we lose the capability to judge our level of impairment. Ensuring you have a ride home before you even begin drinking is the simplest way to avoid the penalties associated with a DUI.  If you are facing a DUI charge, you need to speak with someone who can help you understand your rights and your options.]]> On Behalf of Cooper & Cooper, Attorneys at Law, LLC <![CDATA[How to handle stress and protect your mental health during divorce]]> https://www.cooperandcooperllc.net/?p=253113 2025-03-04T20:36:44Z 2025-03-04T20:36:44Z Divorce can be one of life’s most challenging experiences, the major life change bringing uncertainty and emotional stress. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, like the world is falling around you, but there are ways to manage that stress and protect your mental health. Taking care of yourself during this difficult time is just as important as handling the legal aspects of a divorce. With the right coping strategies and support, you can empower yourself to begin to navigate this transition with strength.

Divorce and mental health

For many individuals, allowing oneself to truly experience grief can be a difficult step on its own. It often brings along feelings of guilt or anxiety, making the situation feel even more hopeless. However, it's important to recognize that this is a completely normal part of the process that many divorcees go through. Many who go through divorce report higher levels of serious mental health concerns, such as social isolation or depression. Being able to acknowledge these feelings is a vital step in the healing journey, helping to pave the way for recovery and emotional well-being. One of the best things you can do at this time for your mental health is to lean on a strong support system. Friends and family can help to provide guidance and reassurance when emotions are running high. You don’t have to go through this alone - talking to someone who cares and understands what you’re going through can make a world of difference.  It's also important to prioritize self-care, even when life is at its most chaotic, a simple routine like eating healthy meals or getting quality sleep can help to stabilize your mood and reduce stress. Taking time to indulge in activities that bring you happiness, whether it's meditation or a hobby can also help you find a sense of balance.  Focus on what you can control and be sure to take things one step at a time. Divorce is a process, that moving on from takes time, but you don't have to navigate it alone. Surround yourself with support and make sure to take care of your mental well-being. If you have questions or are seeking guidance on the legal aspects of your situation, speaking with a professional can help provide clarity and peace of mind.]]> On Behalf of Cooper & Cooper, Attorneys at Law, LLC <![CDATA[Why automotive tech can’t stop all accidents]]> https://www.cooperandcooperllc.net/?p=253111 2025-02-20T04:33:16Z 2025-02-20T04:33:16Z Automotive technology in recent years has largely focused on reducing the number of accidents that take place on the road. There are many different systems in use, such as:
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Backup cameras
  • Lane departure warning systems
  • Forward collision warning systems
  • Blind spot monitoring sensors
All of these features give drivers more information or warnings to help them avoid a crash. However, accident rates remain high, with more than 40,000 people dying in car accidents every year. Why hasn’t this technology been able to prevent crashes?

Drivers are becoming complacent

The issue is that drivers get complacent and rely on the technology. This may actually make them worse drivers, so accidents keep happening, even as the tech tries to keep them safe. For example, a backup camera can be very helpful in a situation where a child runs behind a car before it backs out of the driveway. But these cameras don’t show the full scene. If a driver neglects to look both ways, they could still back into the road and into the path of another vehicle. Additionally, some drivers trust their safety technology so much that they’ll take risks they otherwise wouldn’t. Say that a driver has an automatic braking system, for example. They may just begin to assume that the car will stop if there’s a hazard, so they’re more likely to get distracted by their phone or try to read text messages, rather than keeping their eyes on the road. Most car accidents happen because of human error, and all of the safety technology in the world can’t prevent that. Therefore, if you are injured in an accident caused by another driver, you need to know what legal steps to take.]]> On Behalf of Cooper & Cooper, Attorneys at Law, LLC <![CDATA[You can get a DUI without drinking]]> https://www.cooperandcooperllc.net/?p=253108 2025-02-05T04:23:33Z 2025-02-05T04:23:33Z Illegal drugs Impairment can result from any type of drug use. Perhaps you’ve been using marijuana or experimenting with other illegal substances. If law enforcement can show that these substances impaired your driving, you could still face DUI charges. Unlike alcohol, it can be more difficult for police to test for these drugs and prove that they were affecting you at the time of the stop. Some drugs remain in a person’s system for days or even months, showing up on tests even though their impairing effects last only a few hours.

Legal drugs

Beyond illegal substances, many legal drugs, such as prescription medications, can also lead to impaired driving charges. Always read the instructions before taking any medication. If they warn against operating heavy machinery, that includes driving a car. Many medications cause side effects such as confusion, excessive fatigue or dizziness. Even if you have a valid prescription, you could still be violating impaired driving laws if the medication affects your ability to drive safely. If you are facing DUI charges, take the time to carefully explore your options. Having experienced legal guidance will help.]]> On Behalf of Cooper & Cooper, Attorneys at Law, LLC <![CDATA[3 tips for communication during a contentious divorce]]> https://www.cooperandcooperllc.net/?p=253106 2026-05-28T15:02:56Z 2025-01-22T12:31:13Z Divorce isn’t an easy process to go through. Not only do you have to go through the legal aspects of it, but you also have to work through the emotional side of the matter. The stress of this situation can become even greater when it’s contentious.  There are a few ways that you may be able to reduce the stress of the divorce so you can make decisions that are in your best interests. 

1: Keep discussions concise

One of the best ways to limit the contention during the divorce is by keeping all discussions concise. Be sure to focus on the matters that are important, which means not worrying about the reasons that the marriage ended. It’s typically best to focus on things like property division or child custody.

2: Keep an open mind about options

It’s usually not possible to get everything you want in a divorce. Instead, it’s best to keep an open mind about all the options possible. It may behoove you to go into the process with an idea of what’s truly important for you to focus on so you can let the other matters go. 

3: Keep your focus on logical points 

You can’t let emotions rule during the divorce process. Think logically about every decision you have to make. This means that you should consider how each decision will affect you now and into the future.  Your stress may also be reduced by working with someone familiar with this process. It’s imperative to understand the options you have so you can make decisions that can start you off on the best platform possible after the split.  ]]> On Behalf of Cooper & Cooper, Attorneys at Law, LLC <![CDATA[Why do people cause wrong-way accidents on the interstate?]]> https://www.cooperandcooperllc.net/?p=253103 2025-01-08T16:03:10Z 2025-01-08T16:03:10Z On small city streets, wrong-way accidents sometimes happen simply because people get confused. A young driver may think that a one-way street actually allows two-way traffic and turn in the wrong direction before realizing their mistake. A GPS device with outdated maps may instruct someone to turn the wrong way down a one-way street that was previously a two-way road. Some of the most severe wrong-way accidents occur on interstates. These can be harder to understand. After all, it’s not possible to make a simple mistake and end up driving the wrong way on an interstate. The driver would have to use an exit ramp as an on-ramp, drive past numerous wrong-way signs, and somehow not notice that traffic is moving toward them instead of with them. But as much as the road design itself seems like it should prevent these mistakes, statistics show that wrong-way accidents still happen. In fact, these accidents are often fatal because they occur at such high speeds. So what causes them?

Impaired driving

The problem is that road design can’t keep drivers safe if they are impaired. If a driver has been using drugs or alcohol, they may become confused about which ramp to use or fail to notice wrong-way signs. They’ll make mistakes that a sober driver would never make. Reports show that the majority of wrong-way crashes are caused by drunk drivers. This means you always face some level of risk. Statistically, interstate travel is safe, but you could still be injured by a driver who is under the influence. If this happens to you, make sure you know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills and other costs.]]> On Behalf of Cooper & Cooper, Attorneys at Law, LLC <![CDATA[What are your legal rights during a traffic stop?]]> https://www.cooperandcooperllc.net/?p=253101 2024-12-23T23:31:45Z 2024-12-23T23:31:45Z Evidence collected during a traffic stop could be used against you in court. As a result, you could face serious criminal charges, which could include incarceration and fines. A traffic stop could jeopardize your job, employment and housing opportunities.  If you are pulled over by law enforcement, you may need to enforce your legal rights to protect yourself from unnecessary legal complications. Here is what you should know:

Your right to remain silent

If you talk to the police during a traffic stop, you may say something you later regret. Anything you say to the police could be used against you in court. Many people face serious criminal charges because of self-incriminating comments. Under the Fifth Amendment, you are entitled to the right to remain silent. Remaining silent during a traffic stop could limit the amount of evidence the police could collect against you. To protect your legal rights, you can plead the Fifth during a traffic stop.

Your right against unreasonable searches

The police could search your vehicle during a traffic stop. If the police find open bottles of alcohol, for example, you could face drunk driving charges. However, the police do not have the right to unreasonable searches under the Fourth Amendment.  For the police to perform lawful searches, they must either have your permission, a valid warrant, probable cause or have made a legal arrest. Evidence collected unlawfully could be invalid during a criminal trial. If you believe your rights were violated during a traffic stop, you may need to reach out for legal help to discuss your defense options. ]]> On Behalf of Cooper & Cooper, Attorneys at Law, LLC <![CDATA[How to live with your soon-to-be ex-spouse in the family home]]> https://www.cooperandcooperllc.net/?p=253094 2024-12-06T15:12:52Z 2024-12-06T15:12:52Z The living situation is one of the immediate concerns after the divorce news is broken. You or your soon-to-be ex-spouse can move out, which is usually the most common decision, or you can both remain in the family home.  The latter option can be advantageous, as you can avoid the financial burden related to living alone right away, such as renting or handling house expenses alone. Also, if you have children, this option can help them have a smooth transition. So, how can you live together peacefully during the divorce process?

Live like roommates

If you and your spouse decide to remain in the family home until your divorce is finalized, it's crucial to take the roommate approach. This means having separate bedrooms, distributing bills, splitting responsibilities and respecting each other's personal spaces and communal areas. It may take time before you view your spouse as a roommate, but it's possible.

Explain the arrangement to your children

Staying together after informing your children that you are going through a divorce can be confusing. Thus, you need to talk to them. They should know you have both decided to remain in the family home but will be living in different parts of the house.

Create a parenting schedule

Even though you will be under the same roof as your children, you should have a parenting schedule. Your plan should detail how each of you will spend time with the kids daily. This ensures you both get adequate time with them, and it can help them prepare for their new life, which will involve following a custody schedule. A divorcing couple can live together temporarily if they employ the right strategies. It's also vital to consider legal guidance to protect your interests. ]]> On Behalf of Cooper & Cooper, Attorneys at Law, LLC <![CDATA[The cops pull you over for suspected DUI – should you refuse field sobriety testing?]]> https://www.cooperandcooperllc.net/?p=253091 2024-11-17T14:18:53Z 2024-11-17T14:17:22Z One moment you’re driving and suddenly, the cops roll up behind you and signal you to pull over. This is known as a traffic stop, and this can be very frightening. You might not know your rights or how to respond when an officer asks you to perform field sobriety tests. These tests aim to help police determine if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but they're not always reliable. Awareness of your options and the possible outcomes can help you make a smart choice if you're ever in this situation.

Understanding field sobriety tests

Police employ field sobriety tests to determine if a driver’s senses are impaired. These tests typically involve physical and mental challenges that officers use to assess your balance, coordination, and ability to follow instructions. However, it's important to remember that these tests can be difficult for anyone, regardless of whether they've been drinking. Factors like age, physical condition, or nervousness can significantly affect your performance.

Your rights and possible consequences

In Alabama, you have the right to refuse field sobriety tests without facing direct legal penalties. However, this decision may have other implications:
  • Potential arrest: The officer might still arrest you based on other signs of impairment, such as the smell of alcohol or slurred speech.
  • Court evidence: Prosecutors could mention your refusal to take the tests during court proceedings.
  • Officer discretion: Your refusal might influence the officer's decision to arrest you or not.
Meanwhile, refusing a chemical test – such as a breathalyzer – can lead to automatic license suspension and may hurt your case in court. It's crucial to think carefully about your choices in the moment. Every situation is unique, and what's right for one person might not be right for another. If you find yourself facing a DUI charge, talking to an experienced lawyer can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. Everyone deserves a strong defense, regardless of the circumstances.]]>