Spring is finally here.  For many New Jerseyans this means it is time to ride.  Whether it’s a scenic drive along the water on Route 29 or tearing it up on I-295 and the NJ Turnpike, motorcyclists are dusting off their bikes and getting ready to ride.  Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are all to frequent.  From texting driver’s to dangerous road conditions, motorcyclist need to be prepared. Here is a link to an article that identifies 10 common motorcycle accidents and how to avoid them.

https://www.nj.com/traffic/2018/05/the_open_road_was_deadlier_for_nj_bikers_last_year.html
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https://www.rideapart.com/articles/254912/10-common-motorcycle-accidents-and-how-to-avoid-them/

Motorcycle accidents can result in serious or fatal injuries.  This means significant medical bills and time missed from work. The experienced motorcycle attorneys at The Rubinstein Law Firm, L.L.C. can help you navigate the frustrating and confusing process of getting you the necessary medical treatment, your medical bills paid, compensation for your lost wages and compensation for your pain, suffering and loss of the enjoyment of life that you had before the carelessness of another caused your to crash.

While this case has nothing to do with any area of law we practice, it is one of those cute stories you can't help but read. Remember the story about the monkey named Naruto who stole a camera left unattended in 2011 and began snapping his own selfies? Everyone thought it was cute and funny. The photos Naruto took were great! But then came the legal battle. The owner of the camera felt that his company should have the rights to the photos. However, PETA argued that they should have control of the photos to benefit the monkey. Well, the case went on to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and a decision was made this week that the owner of the camera owns the photos since monkeys do not have the right to sue under our copyright laws.

A man in Oregon  was arrested for kidnapping. He is accused of grabbing a 16 year old girl in June and using a knife to threaten her. The girl states that he tried to pull her into a car. However, the man now claims this is a case of mistaken identity and it wasn't him. It just so happens that the actual culprit was in the same area as this man during the time of the kidnapping and a mere coincidence that both men happen to share a similar appearance. Why was this man in the area you might ask? He was playing Pokemon Go on his phone. Officers checked his phone and confirmed that on two of the three days in question the man did play Pokemon Go on his phone and captured a Pokemon. Even more of a coincidence is that Pokemon was captured at almost the exact time that the kidnapping occurred. Did he happen to see the kidnapping taking place if he was there? It is possible a jury will buy this, but I think there are too many coincidences to explain away. It would be a different situation for me if the two men didn't share a striking resemblance. 

http://nypost.com/2017/09/27/man-uses-pokemon-go-as-alibi-in-kidnapping-case/?utm_campaign=iosapp&utm_source=mail_app

Check out this article about the dangers:

http://www.injuredinnjaccident.com/nj-injury-attorney

read here

Here is some great news for those suffering any type of memory issues or brain damage. New research has successfully restored memories in brain damaged mice. This could have great potential benefits for those injured in a car accident and sustaining a head injury.  This is worth the read if you have time.

Read Article here

It is becoming more popular in the home to have either an Amazon Echo, frequently called Alexa, or a Google Home. These devices tell us jokes, put things on our to-do lists, etc. Did you know that it can call the police?

In New Mexico, a man and woman were having a domestic dispute. The man had a firearm and threatened to kill the woman. He attacked her. At some point during the fight, the man asked "did you call the sheriffs?", which a smart device (the exact model unknown) heard the question and called 911. The sheriff's department received the call and took it seriously, sending a car to the home and basically saving the woman and a child in the home.

I know the Amazon Echo does not do this yet. Maybe it was the Google Home speaker in this particular home. Either way, I think this, like anything, is good and bad. I think it is a great idea for home in case there is a domestic dispute, like above, or even if there is an intruder. We frequently read about someone breaking into a home and assaulting someone in their bedroom. Imagine if you could yell, "Alexa, call 911" and the police just show up. No more trying to get to the phone to make a call, assuming you even have a home line anymore. Imagine being attacked, trying to find your cell phone, unlock it and dial 911. It just seems so much quicker and easier to be able to shout to the device to call for help. The intruder will hear the cry, hopefully run, and your life may be saved as well. Here is one for technology!