Song Whiddon, PLLCSong Whiddon, PLLC2026-09-03T13:49:52Zhttps://www.songwhiddon.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1103531/2023/12/cropped-site-icon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Song Whiddon, PLLC<![CDATA[Drivers shouldn’t ever try to multitask]]>https://www.songwhiddon.com/?p=486182026-09-03T13:49:52Z2026-09-03T13:49:52Zdistracted driving. Some may think of only cellphones as a culprit, but there are many others to consider.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver takes their mind, hands and/or eyes off their driving duties. Some distractions lead to only one of these happening at once, but most involve more than one. For example, sending a text message requires a driver to think of what they want to say, grab the phone, and look at the message they’re sending.
Even some of the actions that drivers do on a regular basis are distracting. Changing the station on the stereo, looking at billboards on the side of the road, grabbing a sip of a drink, reaching for a purse, or talking to another occupant of the vehicle are all possible distractions.
Why is distracted driving dangerous?
Distracted driving is dangerous because it negatively impacts a driver’s ability to safely operate their vehicle. Even a minor distraction can lead to a tragic crash. If a driver is distracted for five seconds, their vehicle can travel the length of a standard football field if the vehicle is moving at 55 miles per hour. That distance is plenty of time for a distracted driver to cause a crash.
Distracted driving crashes can injure innocent parties. Those victims may need emergency medical care, and they may have significant injuries. Seeking compensation through a personal injury claim is possible, but the time to do this is limited. Working with a legal professional who is familiar with these matters is critical so they can provide necessary assistance with a victim’s case.]]>On Behalf of Song Whiddon, PLLC<![CDATA[Can a property owner challenge a zoning violation?]]>https://www.songwhiddon.com/?p=486162026-08-19T15:33:33Z2026-08-19T15:33:33ZThe zoning rule does not apply to your property
A zoning violation may be incorrect if the rule cited in the notice does not actually govern your property or the activity taking place there. Your property's zoning district determines which regulations apply, and different districts can have different requirements for how you can use or develop your property.
For example, a notice may claim that a particular use is prohibited when the zoning regulations actually allow that use in your district.
Your property already has zoning approval
An existing zoning approval may give you permission to do something that the general zoning rules would otherwise prohibit. If you previously received a variance, special permit or other approval, that approval may change how the zoning requirements apply to your property.
Before assuming you violated a rule, check whether an existing approval already permits the use or development described in the notice.
The violation is based on incorrect facts
A zoning violation can also be challenged when the facts behind the notice are wrong. The authority may have misunderstood how you use the property, relied on an incorrect measurement or otherwise based the violation on information that does not accurately describe your property.
If the alleged violation depends on those facts, correcting them may change whether a violation exists.
Review the violation before taking action
Start by reviewing the violation notice, the zoning provision it cites and any approvals affecting your property. If you are unsure whether the violation has a valid basis, getting legal guidance can help you understand your options before deciding how to respond. Taking the time to understand the issue first can help you avoid acting on an incorrect assumption.]]>On Behalf of Song Whiddon, PLLC<![CDATA[Factors to consider before signing a commercial lease]]>https://www.songwhiddon.com/?p=486142026-08-10T17:09:04Z2026-08-10T17:09:04Zcommercial lease can shape how a business functions for years. Because of this, it’s critical to think about the lease terms if you’re trying to decide if you’re going to sign a lease for your company. Even if the terms of a lease are favorable, there are other things to consider before you sign it.
Permitted use
Commercial leases often feature provisions regarding the types of activities that can happen on the property at issue. You should think about how these terms may limit your company. As you’re thinking about this, consider several years in the future and how your business might need to expand or transform by then.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that a space accommodates your customers effectively. Parking is one example of what you need to consider when it comes to ease of access for customers. You’ll also need to think about other things that will matter to your customers. For example, if you’re thinking of renting a space in a multistory building, you should find out if there’s an option for a person with mobility limitations to get to the space. Additionally, consider allowable operating hours to ensure you’ll be able to open your company during the hours you intend.
If everything checks out with the space you may decide to move forward with a particular commercial lease. Reviewing the lease with a skilled legal team is the next step in the process. Having someone on your side to review the terms of the lease can help you to protect your company’s interests now and well into the future.]]>On Behalf of Song Whiddon, PLLC<![CDATA[When a lack of labor leads to construction delays]]>https://www.songwhiddon.com/?p=486122026-07-31T12:30:55Z2026-07-31T12:30:55ZDelays may not be predictable
Labor shortages continue to be a bottleneck in the construction sector. It can be difficult to hire short-term labor, especially during high-demand seasons.
The contract terms negotiated with clients may need to reflect the challenges of securing labor. Including provisions that explain there could be delays in the project and establishing standards for communication about any expected delays can reduce the likelihood of staffing issues leading to lawsuits and other project complications.
If clients do file lawsuits due to the practical and financial consequences of construction delays, business leaders and construction professionals may need support responding effectively in court to limit the risk of an unfavorable ruling.
Construction professionals and business owners need support to minimize their financial and legal exposure when taking on new projects. Having support while drafting construction contracts and navigating project disputes can prove to be critical for success in a highly competitive sector.]]>On Behalf of Song Whiddon, PLLC<![CDATA[Fatal accident rates are higher on rural roads]]>https://www.songwhiddon.com/?p=486102026-07-17T13:39:27Z2026-07-17T13:39:27ZPeople often think nostalgically about a tranquil drive down a rural road, looking at the beautiful landscape. It does not sound dangerous and may even sound alluring, especially for someone who rides a motorcycle. Rural roads feel much more peaceful than the chaotic designs of busy city streets.
But if you look just at fatal accident rates, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that the rate is three to 10 times higher on rural roads than it is on city streets. This shows that, despite the way it feels to drive on them, rural roads actually carry far greater risks.
2 key reasons
There are many potential reasons why this happens, but one important one to keep in mind is simply the presence of higher speed limits. Many rural roads have speed limits set at 55 miles an hour, for example, while city streets may have limits between 25 and 45 mph.If two identical accidents happened, but one was at 25 miles an hour, and the other was at 55 mph, fatalities would be much more likely in the accident at higher speeds.The second thing to note is that many accidents in the city happen relatively close to a major hospital. EMTs can be on the scene in minutes, and a person can get emergency treatment.On some rural roads, however, the closest hospital may be an hour away. There can be a significant delay in how quickly emergency responders get to the scene, and another delay in transporting any injured victims. This makes it more likely that people will pass away from their injuries.
Your options after an accident
You can certainly suffer serious injuries in an accident on any type of road, but it is important to know about the risks that you face every time you drive. If you are injured due to another person's negligence, then you need to know how to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
]]>On Behalf of Song Whiddon, PLLC<![CDATA[What should you do if an uninsured driver hits you in Texas?]]>https://www.songwhiddon.com/?p=486082026-07-13T15:46:44Z2026-07-13T15:46:44ZLegal protections in Texas
In Texas, all drivers must carry minimum liability insurance in case of accidents. You might know it as the 30/60/25 rule:
$30,000 for bodily injury per person
$60,000 for bodily injury per accident
$25,000 for property damage per accident
Liability insurance is meant to protect you in most instances. But sometimes, reality may be more challenging. Texas has an ongoing problem with uninsured motorists who make recovering damages difficult. 12% of the state’s registered vehicles are uninsured—that means 1 in 8 Texas drivers has no liability insurance.
It is illegal for drivers to not carry insurance. However, even with fines and license suspensions for repeat offenders, many slip through the cracks. It may be wise to have other protections in place for worst-case scenarios.
Personal protections and coverage
The Texas Insurance Code has specific provisions that protect you from uninsured motorists. Every auto insurer must offer coverage that includes them in their liability policies. With uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), you now have frontline financial protections when at-fault drivers cannot repay.
You have the option to refuse this type of coverage in writing. However, UM/UIM policies may help you in case of the unexpected. UIM policies may apply even when the at-fault driver carries coverage, but that coverage is not enough to fully compensate you.
Is suing the driver worth it?
The answer: it depends. It is possible to sue a driver in Texas to cover damages. Whether a lawsuit is worth pursuing depends on the at-fault driver’s financial situation. Without any assets or resources, the time-consuming and expensive court process may not benefit you in the long run. Most uninsured drivers do not have the financial capability to honor a court decision.
Before taking steps to recover damages for a car accident, you might want to assess and evaluate the situation. Pursuing one pathway can lead to complex legal processes that may be more costly and difficult than expected. A competent legal professional may help you navigate situations involving uninsured motorists more smoothly.]]>On Behalf of Song Whiddon, PLLC<![CDATA[Business development and expansion require legal guidance]]>https://www.songwhiddon.com/?p=486052026-07-01T20:28:35Z2026-07-01T20:28:35ZBusiness expansion often involves much more than finding a larger building or purchasing additional property. Whether you are opening a second location, constructing a new facility or relocating your operations, real estate and land use issues can quickly become some of the biggest obstacles to your plans.
Seeking experienced legal guidance as proactively as possible can help keep a project moving while avoiding costly delays.
Complex, consequential concerns benefit from informed approaches
Depending on the nature of a business development or expansion project, a company may need to secure building permits, site plan approval, zoning variances, conditional use permits or subdivision approvals before construction or renovation can begin. These applications often require detailed documentation and appearances before planning commissions, zoning boards or city councils. When a skilled legal team has extensive experience with this niche area of compliance law, their guidance can be invaluable to a company trying to get a potentially lucrative project off the ground. Real estate transactions themselves also deserve careful attention. Purchase agreements, commercial leases, easements, title issues and financing documents are all associated with nuanced legal implications that can affect the success of an expansion project. Identifying and addressing potential problems before closing is typically far less expensive than resolving disputes after a transaction is complete.An experienced real estate attorney can also often help to "grease the wheels" of development – ethically and lawfully, of course – by coordinating with local government officials, planning departments and other stakeholders throughout the process. Rather than waiting for problems to arise, legal counsel can anticipate potential issues, prepare necessary applications and help ensure regulatory requirements are satisfied.Expanding a business should create new opportunities, not unnecessary legal headaches. By addressing zoning, permitting, land use and real estate issues early with the assistance of a skilled legal team, business owners can reduce delays and focus on building the next stage of their success instead. ]]>On Behalf of Song Whiddon, PLLC<![CDATA[3 contract clauses that protect contractors on big jobs]]>https://www.songwhiddon.com/?p=486022026-06-24T07:02:51Z2026-06-24T07:02:51ZBig construction jobs can create big misunderstandings. Homeowners sometimes expect additional work without an increase in price, while general contractors might hold back payment if they have not received payment themselves. Crews can also complete a project only to face complaints about decisions that were outside their control. In Dallas and across the DFW area, a stronger contract can help keep those disputes from turning into expensive fights.
Define the work before the crew mobilizes
A clear scope clause should say exactly what your company will perform, what materials you will use and what the price includes. It should also name what falls outside the deal. That may include permit delays, hidden damage, design changes, owner-supplied materials or work by other trades.This clause matters because many construction contract disputes begin with a different memory of the same conversation. If the owner thought the concrete price included drainage work, or the general contractor expected cleanup beyond the written bid, the contract becomes the first place everyone looks.
Require written change orders
Large jobs rarely move in a straight line. Weather, material shortages, site conditions and owner requests can change the cost or timing of the work. A change order clause should require written approval before extra labor, upgraded materials or revised plans become part of the project.The clause should also say how changes affect the schedule. Without that language, a contractor may absorb the cost of extra work while still facing pressure to meet the original deadline. For spring and summer projects in North Texas, even a short delay can affect labor schedules, subcontractor availability and the next job on the calendar.
Set payment and claim procedures
A payment clause should explain when invoices are due, what backup documents must support payment and what happens if someone withholds money. Contractors and subcontractors should also pay close attention to retainage, final payment conditions and any notice required before stopping work.On residential projects, the Texas Residential Construction Liability Act (RCLA) creates procedures for certain residential construction claims, including notice before a lawsuit or arbitration over alleged defects. Strong contract language can help preserve inspection, repair and settlement steps instead of leaving the process unclear when tempers rise.
Make the contract work before the job starts
A contract cannot prevent every disagreement. It can, however, give contractors a written path when a project changes, payment slows or a property owner claims the work fell short. The best time to fix vague language comes before the crew arrives, before you order materials and before everyone forms a different version of what the deal should mean.]]>On Behalf of Song Whiddon, PLLC<![CDATA[Photos can help your case after a car accident]]>https://www.songwhiddon.com/?p=486002026-06-21T09:48:25Z2026-06-21T09:48:25ZOne mistake that people sometimes make after a car accident is failing to take any pictures or videos of the scene. They simply move their car out of the way, and then they file a police report. But later, the other driver tells an entirely different story about how the accident occurred, and they have no evidence to back up their position.
To that end, while you certainly should focus on contacting the authorities and seeking medical attention, it can be helpful to take pictures at the scene. Here are a few different things to keep in mind.
Photograph the crash scene itself
Start by taking a picture of the scene before you even move your car. The position of the cars in the road can tell investigators a lot about who was at fault or who caused the accident.
Photograph injuries and damage
Next, take detailed shots that include injuries you've suffered or specific damage to the vehicle. This helps connect those injuries and damages to the specific accident and show when they occurred.
Exchange important information
Your camera can also be helpful for simply exchanging information. You could take pictures of the other person's driver's license, license plate and insurance paperwork.
Take multiple shots
Finally, take as many photos as you can of the scene. Try to get different angles. Take some with the flash and some without. Take them from different positions or different distances. The more information you have, the better.Gathering information at the scene can be very helpful, but it is just one of the first steps to take when seeking financial compensation. Be sure you know what legal options you have moving forward.
]]>On Behalf of Song Whiddon, PLLC<![CDATA[Vendor disputes can derail a small business’ success]]>https://www.songwhiddon.com/?p=485982026-06-11T10:39:05Z2026-06-11T10:39:05ZSmall business owners depend on their relationship with vendors to get the inventory they need to keep the company in business. While these relationships are part of daily operations, they don’t always go as expected.
Issues with vendors can arise that cause problems for the small business. For example, a supplier may deliver inventory late, a service provider may not meet performance standards or a billing disagreement may occur. These issues can directly impact the small business, so preventing them from occurring is critical.
What can small businesses do to prevent vendor disputes?
One of the most important steps for reducing the chance of a vendor dispute is to start with clear contracts. Having written agreements that contain comprehensive terms for the relationship is beneficial. As the relationship with the vendor moves forward, records of things that are going wrong should be maintained since they may show a history of problems if the small business owner opts to end the relationship. Contracts should outline pricing, payment deadlines, renewal terms, cancellation rights and dispute resolution standards. They should also include the delivery schedule for goods or services, as well as the standards for those goods or services. Comprehensive contracts can reduce the likelihood that there will be a dispute between the small business owner and the vendor. Communication can also help to prevent disputes. The tone of these discussions should always be professional, but any issues should be relayed clearly. If the issue is serious, providing a written statement may be necessary. All complaints should also refer to the applicable area of the contract. Vendor disputes are sometimes unavoidable. It’s critical that small business owners understand their rights for handling these situations. Having some on their side to assist with these matters may be beneficial.
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