Traffic Circle 411

Here in Las Vegas, roundabouts, or traffic circles, are scattered throughout the valley. A traffic circle is a a circular intersection that transportation officials claim reduces the severity of crashes. They are also environmentally friendly and have lower long term operational costs. Plus, the "science" of traffic indicates that a four-way intersection has 32 points of conflict, while a roundabout has only eight points of conflict (source).

In a roundabout, circulating traffic yields to entering traffic at one or more approach points located around the circle. Lane changes can be made within the circle, which can lead to confusion and accidents. Roundabouts and traffic circles can pose problems for drivers, especially if you don't understand who has the right of way. Here are some tips to help keep you on the right track in a traffic circle:

• Slow down and approach the traffic circle with caution. 
• If there’s more than one lane, use the left lane to turn left, the right lane to turn right, and all lanes to go through, unless directed otherwise by signs and pavement markings.
• Yield at the entry to circulating traffic.
• Stay in your lane within the roundabout and use your turn signals to indicate your intention to exit.
• Always assume trucks need all available space, so don’t pass them.
• Always clear the roundabout to allow emergency vehicles to pass.

If you or someone you know is injured in an accident, contact our firm at (702) 384-2070.

Forming an LLC

The business entity form most commonly used these days is the limited liability company (LLC). You may have important questions if you start a business, like what's the difference between an LLC and a corporation?  

• Like shareholders of a corporation, the members of an LLC are not liable for the company's debts. 
• However, unlike a corporation, there is no requirement that the company conduct regular meetings or maintain minutes. 
• The company can be taxed as a partnership, with the income passing directly through to the member's tax returns, thereby avoiding any problem with double taxation.

A Nevada LLC can be formed by filing articles of organization with the Nevada Secretary of State. The entity can be owned by non-US citizens. The company's public filings need to disclose only the name of the company's manager. The members of the company will sign off on an operating agreement, but that agreement is a private document under current Nevada law. 

To create a limited liability company, our fees vary, depending on how complicated your operating agreement will be. An operating agreement with a single member and manager can be done for as low as $1,500. More complicated agreements can run up to $5,000. To quote a flat fee, our firm would be happy to speak to you to understand the agreements between the manager and the members. In addition to our fees, there are costs due to the State of Nevada. Initial costs to the State are $75 to file, with another $325 due in 30 days. The $325 is  an annual fee. 

Contact us at (702) 384-2070 for more information on forming an LLC.

Rental Car Regulation

Rental car companies that issue recalled cars, essentially ticking time bombs, to their customers pose a serious safety risk to the community. However, new regulations are in order as it was reported that Hertz and safety-advocacy group Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety have reached a historic agreement that calls for Congress to give the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) authority over the companies' recall-related practices and prohibit rental companies from renting, leasing or selling recalled vehicles until they are fixed (source).

Your first reaction to this news is likely one of disbelief that up until this point, rental companies weren't prohibited from issuing recalled vehicles. Here's more on this shocking subject:

According to data provided by rental companies to USA TODAY, hundreds of thousands of the 1.6 million vehicles in the companies' fleets are recalled annually for safety problems. Hertz and Enterprise had nearly 184,000 vehicles under recall last year. In 2010, when Toyota announced a massive recall of vehicles with accelerators that could stick, Hertz and Enterprise had 350,000 vehicles — about 22% of the industry's entire fleet — under recall.

One of the recalls — involving about 102,000 Chrysler Sebrings and Dodge Avengers from the 2007 and 2008 model years — came after Chrysler determined that a rental car fire in Florida was caused by an electrical short circuit after engine coolant was drawn into a radiator cooling fan motor connector, according to documents USA TODAY found on NHTSA's website. 

It's time to stop rolling the dice on rental cares, and it's time to hold these companies responsible for the injuries caused to consumers. Read the full article here.

Recall Roundup

Each month the Consumer Product Safety Commission issues a Recall Roundup, detailing recently recalled products that are being used by consumers in the marketplace. Check if you own any of these products, including Banzai inflatable in-ground pool water slides, Kennedy Internationals folding step stools, and Kolcraft Tender Vibes and Light Vibes bassinets. If you own any of these products, visit SaferProducts.gov for steps to receive a refund. Check out this month's video below.

Fourth of July Fireworks Safety

The Fourth of July is almost here, which means sun, BBQ, and fireworks. In Clark County it is legal for the public to set off fireworks on the Fourth of July, but it's important to remember common sense guidelines to prevent fireworks injuries. It's not just children who are at risk for burn injuries either- a study from the U.S. Product Safety Commission found that 40 percent of fireworks injuries occurred to individuals ages 25 to 44. The most injured body parts are hands and fingers (46%), eyes (17%), and heads, faces, and ears (17%). When kids are using fireworks, it's important to always use adult supervision. Here are some more guidelines from the National Council on Fireworks Safety: 

Fireworks should only be used outdoors.

Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.

Know your fireworks. Read the caution label before igniting.

Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.

Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.

Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.

Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor garbage can.

Avoid using homemade fireworks or illegal explosives.

Report illegal explosives, like M480s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

Have a safe and fun holiday! (Source).