The new Arizona law takes effect this week. The new law will require police officers to question people if there is reason to believe they are in the country illegally.

Currently, Civil rights groups are challenging the new law in court, arguing that it allows police to use racial profiling to go after suspected illegal immigrants. Simultaneously, others groups support the law as an effort to reduce the impact of illegal immigration in America. The passions on both sides are running high.

Supporters of the legislation point out that the federal government has been ineffective in stemming the tide of immigrants entering the country. There are an estimated 460,000 undocumented aliens residing in Arizona. The fear is that these undocumented aliens have a negative affect on American jobs and wages.

At the same time, while acknowledging that illegal immigration is an issue, civil rights groups are concerned that the tough new law is not the proper way to properly resolve the issue. The great fear is that police officers will target Hispanics solely on their race. Many worry that citizens of Hispanic decent will get caught up in the wide net of racial profiling.

Supporters of the law point out that the law only codifies current practices of the Arizona police force: As a general rule, if a person is arrested for a crime, their immigration status is checked by immigration authorities and they are flagged for deportation if they are undocumented.

However, many wonder why there would be a need for the passage of a new law if it has no affect on current practices. There is also the fear that the law will act for a shield for bad cops to engage in racist practices.

In the back of the minds of many, the question remains, with the passage of this law are we one step removed from requiring Hispanics to wear a patch on their clothing to indicate whether they are lawfully in the country?

When you have sustained personal injury, it is possible the insurance company lawyers will start trying to settle with you right away. You need legal representation to get the compensation you deserve to pay medical bills, cover future loss of income and to represent you, when negotiating with insurance company lawyers. In fact, that is the first phone call you should make when you are able. Insurance companies that offer early settlements might be trying to settle quickly because it is better for them, not YOU!

It doesn’t matter how your personal injury occurred—if it was due to the negligence of others, you have legal rights that need to be protected. Whether auto, truck or motorcycle injury, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice or product liability, it is important that you have a personal injury lawyer negotiating for you because there may be ongoing medical expenses and future loss of income that you might be entitled to. Most insurance company lawyers that try to settle early, for a lump sum, want you to take the carrot before your medical bills start coming in or you know the extent of your injuries.

There are people that make this mistake thinking they will get additional funds from the insurance company, but these are things that have to be expertly negotiated and documented. If you settle early in the game, you stand the chance of not receiving any additional funds to provide for your ongoing care or to make up for the loss of income caused by a permanent disability. These are complicated financial negotiations that need to be handled by an attorney, if you hope to be provided for.

There are many lawyers that will give you a free consultation and take your case on a contingency basis. What this means is that the lawyer will fight for your rights and take your personal injury lawsuit to trial, if necessary, without any money from your pocket. Instead, they receive an agreed upon percentage of the settlement, but research shows that settlements are higher, when a lawyer is involved. If they are unable to win you any compensation, you don’t owe anything. For that reason, it is important that you select one that specializes in personal injury cases.