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Questions Answered by Tim Akpinar
1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for Missouri on
Q: How to legally lend my car until the end of the year with contract terms for safety and accountability?

I have someone who needs to borrow my car until the end of the year. They do not live with me but are listed as a driver under my insurance policy. I want to ensure that I get the vehicle back at the end of the term and that they are responsible for maintaining the vehicle. Additionally, I want to... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 18, 2025

A Missouri attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. These can be difficult settings. You could probably cover your bases for the return of the car (and its maintenance) in an agreement, whether you have an attorney draft one up for you or go the do-it-yourself route.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law and Contracts for New York on
Q: Can changing car registration to TLC impact my finance agreement?

I recently purchased a car and declared it for personal use. However, my situation has changed, and I plan to register it as a New York City TLC vehicle for work. I haven't received the financing paperwork yet, but I indicated the car was for personal use when I bought it three weeks ago. I... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 17, 2025

It could. It would depend on your finance company. Some differentiate on usage of the vehicle; some don't care, as long as the monthly payments keep coming in. I recommend you review the terms of your finance agreement and check with your finance company. It's also possible they could be... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Arbitration / Mediation Law, Bankruptcy and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: How can I secure my $75,000 award from Regal Cinema amid bankruptcy?

I had a slip and fall accident at Regal Cinema in November 2017 when the theater was insured and operational. An arbitrator awarded me $75,000, but Regal Cinema filed for bankruptcy a year later, just before the award was issued. My lawyer now tells me that I may not receive the money despite the... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 16, 2025

I'm sorry about your ordeal. No one here could speak for what your attorney might do. But a reputable attorney making off with a client's money isn't that likely, given the disciplinary consequences faced by the attorney, not to mention the fact that attorneys have to provide clients... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Libel & Slander, Civil Litigation, Internet Law and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Can a streamer instructing their audience to dox and call CPS be grounds for legal action?

An online streamer instructed their audience to use facial recognition software to find information about a person and contact child protective services to remove that person's children. The individual was doxxed online, but it is unclear if CPS has acted. The involved parties were previously... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 13, 2025

It's possible they could be grounds for legal action. The doxxing and privacy issues aside, an attorney would likely want to know additional details about the nature of statements. If the statements were false, whether or not CPS aced upon them, could give rise to defamation claims. That would... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Personal Injury and Insurance Defense for Missouri on
Q: I was rear-ended at a red light; insurance offers $750 for pain and med bills. Should I accept?

I was rear-ended on 7/8/25 while sitting at a red light, which caused my vehicle to hit another car in front of me. The driver admitted fault, and minor damages occurred to my car's bumpers and license plates. I visited urgent care and was diagnosed with minor whiplash, but the police did not... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 17, 2025

I'm sorry about your accident and your injuries. Although it could be difficult for any attorney here to evaluate the value of a case they do not have all details about, I'll go out on a limb here and say that offer strikes me as low. A meaningful valuation of the case would involve going... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Tennessee on
Q: Can I sue Cracker Barrel for pain and suffering after a fall?

Last November, I fell in the dark parking lot of a Cracker Barrel because the sidewalk was lower than the curb, and there were no warning signs. I reported the incident to the manager on duty and requested an ambulance to take me to the hospital. I have emails from a Cracker Barrel employee about... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 17, 2025

I'm sorry about your injuries. It would come down to additional details. The fact that the sidewalk was lower than the curb is difficult to work with. If you reached out to Tennessee attorneys, experienced ones would probably investigate whether the difference in elevation amounted to a civil... View More

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6 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Gaming for California on
Q: Tripped and fell at a casino; waiting 4 months for response. What next?

I tripped and fell at a casino at the age of 78. Despite notifying the casino, they have been saying the incident is under review for 4 months. They have footage of the fall on camera, but I still haven't received any update or contact information. I sustained injuries that have affected my... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 17, 2025

I'm sorry about your fall and your injuries. You mention not having yet contacted an attorney. In terms of your next steps, the short answer is that it would probably be valuable to you to consider reaching out to attorneys. Most injury law firms offer free initial consults without obligation.... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Libel & Slander and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Can I be sued for posting a censored screenshot of a group member's post?

I was part of a university group assignment in New York City with three people, but one member didn’t participate. I commented on his post saying he didn’t work, but he deleted my comments. I then took a screenshot and posted it on my Moments, with his name, profile picture, and face photo... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 8, 2025

From a textbook standpoint, a case for defamation could generally be argued if the communication about the victim was false (and known to be false, or should have been known to be false), was published to third parties, and the victim suffered harm. If the statement was false, but the victim's... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: Accused of hitting someone with my phone, phone held as evidence, going to court. What to do?

I have been accused of hitting someone with my phone, but I did not hit them. The authorities have taken my phone as evidence and are not releasing it. I have provided my side of the story to the police, but I am now required to go to court. Can you explain why my phone is being used as evidence,... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 7, 2025

Your post straddles two categories, "Criminal Law" and "Civil Litigation." From the standpoint of civil litigation, it is possible that the alleged victim could claim the tort of battery, an unlawful and intentional touching that results in harm (even if indirectly, through an... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents and Personal Injury for Nevada on
Q: Can I sue my mom for an accident 10 years ago that required surgery and is now causing issues?

I was in a car accident 10 years ago, which my mom is liable for, and required serious surgery. I had hardware installed, including 4 screws in my pelvis, a screw in each hip, and 2 metal rods with 12 screws in my forearm. My mom said she requested that compensation be put towards medical bills,... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 5, 2025

A Nevada attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for almost two weeks. I'm very sorry about the serious injuries you received in this accident. Your rights will depend on how the case was concluded. If you were a minor, it's likely that a special court proceeding would... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Personal Injury and Real Estate Law for Georgia on
Q: Can I sue for accident due to lack of street dividing lines causing vehicle damage and injury?

I was involved in an accident due to a street that did not have clear lines dividing it, which led to my vehicle being damaged and me sustaining injuries to my head, neck, and shoulder. I have received medical treatment for these injuries. There were no traffic signs or signals near the accident... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 11, 2025

Until you consult with Georgia attorneys who could advise definitively on state-specific vehicle & traffic law and DOT regs, the short answer in most jurisdictions is that it would depend on context. That would mean evaluating the type of road, where you were located, where the other vehicle... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: Can I get in trouble for donating my ex's clothes he wants back?

I've been holding onto my ex-boyfriend's clothes that he gave me to keep, but after we broke up, he asked for them back over text. I asked when I could drop them off, but I'm considering donating them without his knowledge. Could I get into legal trouble for donating them?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 5, 2025

You don't want to do that. Let him have his clothes back. Otherwise, yes, you can get in trouble. You could be accused of conversion, the wrongful act of interfering with personal property of another. The fact that the clothes are donated to a good cause, or that they are no longer in your... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Consumer Law, Insurance Defense and Personal Injury for Ohio on
Q: What recourse do I have if the other driver in an Ohio accident has no liability insurance?

I was involved in a parking lot accident in Ohio where the other driver backed into me. I have full coverage insurance, but the other driver's insurance company claims there is no liability insurance on their part and are investigating this matter. Although the police were present, they... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 7, 2025

I'm sorry about your accident. If you have full coverage and your carrier handles damages, your carrier might then pursue the payment from the other driver, if it turns out they are liable, which seems to be the case, based on the findings of the police who responded. If your carrier has not... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation and Arbitration / Mediation Law for Iowa on
Q: Contractor used wrong paint, seeks refund per contract terms.

I hired a painting contractor to paint my home's exterior, and our signed contract specified a specific type of paint to be used. However, the contractor used a different paint, claiming it is just as good, and refuses to issue a refund. The contract includes clauses about unauthorized... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 8, 2025

The first step could be to try to discuss with contractor, in terms of whether both of you are amenable to an adjustment based on the discrepancy in paint quality. If that is not successful, then it would depend on your agreement's provisions on dispute resolution - arbitration, civil court,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning and Banking for Hawaii on
Q: Power of attorney check deposit process at Navy Federal Bank.

I hold a specified financial power of attorney for someone who is currently out of the country and need to deposit a check into their Navy Federal account. Do I need to sign the check in person at the bank with the power of attorney paperwork, or are there alternative methods for depositing it?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 30, 2025

A Hawaii attorney could advise best and should have first opportunity to answer your question, but you await a response for a week. In POA settings involving banks, I have presented checks that were already indorsed on behalf of client without difficulty - the primary concern was that banks were... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law, Health Care Law and Employment Law for Michigan on
Q: Is the mandatory respirator questionnaire enforceable if I decline fit testing?

I'm employed by a local health department in Michigan, where we are required to complete a "mandatory" OSHA respirator medical evaluation questionnaire, even if we wish to decline being fit for a respirator. Even upon declining, I'm asked to sign a statement acknowledging the... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 30, 2025

A Michigan employment attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. This is very specific and very technical - it's possible industrial hygienists involved in OSHA certifications could be closer to these types of settings than attorneys. As a general point, until... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death and Personal Injury for California on
Q: Can a doctor be held accountable for a suicide related to a malpractice case?

My mother underwent gallbladder removal surgery, which lasted 4 hours due to uncontrollable liver bleeding. She was transferred 350 miles away via ambulance five days later and died 12 hours after the transfer. My sister went to my mother's house yesterday to clean her room, and after leaving,... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jul 11, 2025

I'm so sorry for your losses. The loss of your sister could be difficult to pursue, despite its undeniable and profound emotional impact. As my colleague correctly states, the analysis hinges on foreseeability in tort law, which is the line of reasoning that injury and med mal cases apply. In... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents, Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Personal Injury for Virginia on
Q: Questioning by troopers in Virginia while high and injured in truck accident.

In Virginia, I was involved in a truck accident and sustained internal bleeding. I was questioned by state troopers at the scene while high, without being read my rights, and was then airlifted to a hospital. I was not arrested at the time. Is this questioning lawful, and how might it impact my... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 29, 2025

Virginia attorneys could advise best and should have first opportunity to answer your question, but you posted yesterday, and someone should give you a heads up before you continue posting throughout the week on any public forums with statements such as being high. Attorneys you reach out to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: Can I sue to recover $2,000 lent to someone in NY?

I live in CT and lent $2,000 verbally over the phone to someone who lives in NY on May 22, 2025. I have not received any repayment, and the person is not responding to my calls or texts, although they are active on social media. I have a screenshot of the bank statement showing the transaction. Can... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 29, 2025

You can. The more evidence you have of a written nature, the stronger a case there is. Verbal promises count for something, but things like written repayment agreements, emails, texts, or bank records are more solid proof. Bank transfer records can still be argued various ways - as a gift, a... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for New Jersey on
Q: Concerns about lack of IME/deposition in personal injury case and summary judgment implications.

I am involved in a personal injury case where I have been discharged from all my doctors, and my medical records are being collected. However, I have not had an Independent Medical Examination (IME) or a deposition yet. I am concerned about how the lack of these might affect my case. Additionally,... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 28, 2025

It's anyone's guess as to why an independent medical exam (IME) has not been scheduled. If the carrier doesn't schedule an IME, that isn't your problem. If they schedule one and you don't attend, that is a problem. That can do serious damage to your case. As far as... View More

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