What Were You Thinking?

Split second decisions can lead to serious consequences. At times like these, the last thing on your mind should be how you’re going to pay the emergency worker extricating your family from a vehicle, or the doctor treating your injuries.

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Tips for Being More Cautious on the Road

When you have a few years of driving under your belt, it’s easy to forget about the safety tips your driving instructor drilled you about. Here’s a quick refresher course on how to be more aware of the other drivers.

1. Double Check Before You Turn

Some of the most common accidents occur when people are pulling out at an intersection. When you approach a stop sign, you know to look both ways. Checking a second time gives you a chance to see any cars that may have been in your blind spot the first time.

2. Keep Scanning the Road

In an age when there are so many driving distractions, from tuning the radio to checking a phone, you need to be aware of the car in front of you and the other vehicles around you. If you are watching two cars ahead, you have a greater chance of avoiding a rear-end collision if anyone makes a sudden stop.

3. Avoid Drowsy Drivers

While there are usually fewer drivers on the road at night, the ones that are can be more dangerous. Others are probably just as weary as you are, so drowsy driving is a real possibility. Regardless of the hour, be wary of anyone who drifts in the lane: they could be tired, drunk or simply careless, all reasons to avoid them.

For more information on an auto accident lawyer in San Marcos, visit this website.

Program dies that let juvenile offenders clear their records

An unintended casualty of California’s criminal justice realignment of 2011, which shifted low-level criminals from state to county custody to relieve prison overcrowding… read more

The Relevant Lawyer” helps lawyers prepare for change

Frederic S. Ury, contributor and chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Professionalism, discusses “The Relevant Lawyer... read more

Semis Slide Too

Semi trucks are just as susceptible to accidents as passenger vehicles; about half a million big rig accidents occur each year in the U.S. A trucking company is required to verify that its drivers are adequately trained and licensed.

How to Cope With Your Amputation

The loss of a limb has distinct psychological effects as well as a significant impact on day-to-day functions. Patients and their families will begin to perceive their bodies differently. Some types of amputation will have little influence on an individual’s functionality, yet his or her body image might still suffer. After living years with the same body, having it altered can take a mental and emotional toll. If these feeling are ignored, they can have a negative effect on the amputee’s outlook on life and strain relationships with family and friends. As such, the patient must readjust to his or her new body in order to move on and continue into a happy and fulfilling life. 

To begin, the feelings of loss must be dealt with. Limbs do not define a human being, but it is normal for individuals to feel attached to their bodies and appearance. Following amputation, the patient may experience emotions such as helplessness, anger, sadness and grief. It is important to note that these feelings are completely normal. Most amputees will face the full gambit of emotions during the coping process. Failing to deal with the amputation in a healthy way can cause loss of focus and concentration. It is equally unhealthy to obsess over the limb loss so a proper balance must coping and acceptance must be struck. 

The essential tools in this process are patience and a willingness to reframe one’s perspective. At first, it may be helpful to look at the scars and make peace with their appearance. However, do not be afraid to move on or view at the body as a whole. The loss of a limb often has a purpose, such as to relieve pain or stop the spread of infection. Focus on the positive outcomes of the procedure. Some functionality may be lost, but creative solutions can help maintain normal day-to-day activities. Loosing a limb does not indicate a loss of self or identity, but it will take some adjustment. 

Keep positive. A bright attitude can speed up the coping and healing process and make the transition into post-op life much easier. It is never too late to learn a new way of living and don’t be hesitant in asking for the help. Family, friends and physicians can all help amputees cope emotionally and physically. Having a day here and there to spend alone in the aftermath of the surgical procedure may be helpful for some. Additionally, having a strong support system is highly beneficial. 

To learn more about a personal injury lawyer in San Marcos, please visit this website.

How to Protect Your Child from a Bicycle Accident

Learning how to ride a bike is an exciting time in any child’s life. It signals the first feelings of independence, and it’s invigorating to be able to go too fast, propelled by one’s own energy. Parents are excited, as well, but for their child’s achievement. But along with that excitement comes a sense of worry; allowing a child to venture out on his or her own comes with a certain amount of risk. Bicycle accidents can cause injury, and hundreds of children get into bicycle accidents every year. There are certain steps parents can and should take to prevent these accidents, so children can have a fun time on their bikes while remaining safe. 

The cardinal rule of bicycle riding is that you should wear a helmet. Helmets were not popular in years past. They were seen as uncool. But these days, as biking has become more popular among adults, children have started to wear helmets. Helmets dramatically decrease the risk of head injury in a bicycle accident. Often, when someone is in a bicycle accident, they hold up the crushed bicycle helmet as proof. That crushed helmet got the force of a blow that would have gone to the rider’s skull. If your children do not want to wear a helmet, stress the importance of safety and illustrate how it could save their life. You might also consider buying them a helmet with a design that they prefer so they will be more likely to like it and wear it.

 The second thing parents can do to prevent their children from getting into a bicycle accident is to prevent the accidents from happening in the first place. Good rules of the road go a long way in preventing accidents. Make sure your children know how to ride bikes along with traffic. Make sure they know the appropriate hand signals and are able to use them. Also make sure they know what to stop at stop signs and are able to identify four-way and two way-stops. Most of all caution children to not drive recklessly. 

Many bicycle accidents happen because cars could not see the bicyclist. That’s why it’s important that the bicyclist wears bright or reflective gear and equips his or her bicycle with lights at night. Make sure your children have access to extra batteries in case the batteries in the lights go dead. 

The tips can help keep your child safe while riding a bike. 

For more information on a bicycle accident attorney in Wilmington, visit this website.

Melting Cycles

Although this bicycle looks like it has been left out in the sun for too long, real cycling collisions are nothing to be amused about. Legal counsel can help you understand your rights when you’ve been in an accident.

Three Things to do After a Motorcycle Accident

1. Call 911 First

It’s important to take care of any injuries before you do anything else. Call first responders to take care of anyone who is hurt and any hazardous spills of gas or oil. Don’t leave the scene of the accident until the police have arrived. Don’t talk to anyone except the investigating officer about how the accident happened. Watch your actions and language, because they may be used to cast your character in a bad light.

2. Get Treatment

Even if you didn’t feel like you needed to be taken to the emergency room by ambulance, you may still be injured. Don’t delay getting treatment and documenting your injuries. Keep a copy of all of the medical records, treatment, and receipts. Be honest with your doctor about all of your complaints and preexisting conditions.

3. Notify Your Insurance Company

A delay in notification may hurt your case. If you are concerned about your rights, talk to an attorney before making a statement to an insurance adjuster. Don’t sign anything until you’ve spoken with someone who can ensure that your best interests are protected.

Document Everything 

Keep records of who you talk to and any other bills you have for towing or damaged personal property. The more documentation you have, the better. Maintain a daily journal of pain and suffering to remember the struggles over the long term. To learn more about what to do after a motorcycle accident, please visit this website.

To learn more about motorcycle accident attorneys in Wilmington, please visit this website.

Cycle Safely: Riding Tips to Be Seen

Bicycle safety tips include obeying the rules of the road, wearing the property safety equipment,and staying alert. It is a wise plan to wear reflective clothing and keep a safe distance between you and any vehicles on the road...read more

What You Need To Know About Workers Compensation

Employers are required to carry workers compensation insurance to cover accidents on the job. Just because an injury happens at work doesn’t mean you’re going to get benefits. Make sure you get the compensation you need to pay your bills.

1. Report your injury on the job to the right person. This might be HR, your supervisor, or your boss. If you don’t get an incident report to fill out, follow up with someone higher up the chain of command.
2. If it’s an emergency, you go where the ambulance takes you. Your employer may direct you to a particular clinic or doctor in a non emergency. Go where they send you to ensure payment of the bills.
3. Tell the doctor or hospital you were injured on the job. If anything is left off your medical records, the workers compensations won’t cover treatment for it.
4. You probably will be required to take a drug test after an accident. Testing positive for alcohol or drugs will negate your claim.
5. Even if the accident is your fault, you may still be covered. Workers compensation is a no-fault insurance. It’s important to check with an attorney.
6. Don’t expect big payouts from workers compensation insurance.
7. Fraud divisions of insurance companies watch for malingering, or cheating the system. The chances are high that you will get caught if you attempt to cheat.

While you may not need an attorney to get workers compensation benefits, but having one will ensure you get your full benefits? To learn more about workers compensation in Jacksonville, please visit this website.

Damages: How Much is a Personal Injury Case Worth?

If you’re considering filing a personal injury lawsuit over a car accident, slip and fall, or any other kind of injury, you may be wondering… read more

A Guide to an On Site Employee Injury

No matter what type of business you’re in, accidents happen. As an employer, it’s important to know how to handle injuries on the job. Here are some important things to remember when someone is hurt at work.

Dog Bites & Other Injuries

Millions of people are bitten by dogs every year in the United States. Most of the bites aren't serious, but many do result in time lost from work, medical bills, and suffering... read more

10 Facts You Need to Know Regarding a Slip and Fall Accident

The most common type of injury is a slip and fall accident. They are extremely dangerous, sometimes causing life-altering injuries to your back and neck. Even though most places try to maintain safety, accidents still happen. Here are 10 things that you should know.

A slip and fall accident can occur anywhere, either a business or home. There may be different burdens to prove negligence in each instance. The business will have a higher duty of care to provide a safe environment.

Obtain medical treatment immediately. If you experience pain later, discuss the timeline with the doctor so that it can be traced back to the accident. Many times, swelling or pain doesn't exhibit itself until later. Follow through with your medical treatment.

Save your clothes and preserve evidence. If there were chemicals on the floor, your clothes may have soaked them up. Take pictures of the area, even if you have to go back.

Keep documents from the accident. If there were witnesses, make sure you get names and addresses. Start a file with medical information. Write down everything you can remember while it's fresh in your mind.

Don't give the insurance company a recorded statement. They are not on your side. This includes speaking to them in person and on the phone. Talk to a personal injury attorney before you talk to the insurance.

If you need to file a lawsuit concerning a slip and fall accident, it's considered a tort or civil case. Hire a personal injury lawyer to assist you through the process. The insurance company won't be able to manipulate a lawyer as they might you.

You will have to prove your injuries, negligence, and damages, or at the very least, your attorney will. As the plaintiff, you have to show that the business or homeowner was at fault.

Be cautious about what you post on social media. The insurance company may use it against you if you downplay the injury to your friends. If you appear healthy and happy in pictures, you are telling the other party that the injury wasn't that serious.

On the other hand, don't be dishonest about your injuries and try to exaggerate them. If the adjuster believes you are trying to get the big payout or you lie to them, it could hurt your case in the long run.

Refer anyone who attempts to get information from you to your attorney. Anything you say to a store manager or their representative can be used against you.

To find out more about slip and fall accidents and seeking legal advice in Jacksonville, please visit this website.

Proving Fault in Personal Injury Accidents: General Rules

Determining legal responsibility for an accident (often called "liability") can be complicated, but often rests on whether someone was careless... read more