Safety Tips and Facts for Driving During the Winter Season

Safety Tips and Facts for Driving During the Winter Season

Driving during the winter season can be harrowing and dangerous for travelers on the road. According to The U.S. Department of Transportation, each year, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet. In addition to those numbers, roughly 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes annually due to these winter conditions on the roads. During this time of the year, it is important to know the safety tips to ensure you and your vehicle are prepared for the winter weather driving. Our friends from Schehr Law, PLLC have provided some safety tips below.

Car Maintenance During Winter

Driving during the winter season comes with a lot of challenges. In order to reduce any issues that may occur along the way, it is important to keep your vehicle in good working order and make any necessary changes for the winter.

Battery

It is important to make sure your battery is strong and does not need to be replaced. All batteries have a different CCA. This refers to the temperature at which the battery can start an engine in cold temperatures. Cars sold in colder areas will be equipped with a stock battery with a higher CCA since the car will be expected to start in extremely cold temperatures.

Typical “Cold Cranking Amps” figures can range from 400 – 750 A in a typical automotive battery. It is extremely necessary to make sure your car is equipped with the correct battery for the type of weather your car will be in. Switching out your battery is an easy and quick process.

Lights

Check all lights before driving, this includes headlights, emergency hazards, blinkers, taillights, brake lights, and parking lights. This is necessary before driving at any time, in any weather condition. Driving without working lights will increase your chances of being involved in an accident.

Tires

Having good traction and tread wear on tires is essential for driving during the winter. In many places across the U.S., winter tires are used in areas that receive large amounts of snow every year. Winter tires have deeper tread depths which help reduce snow buildup and provide better traction on the snow. All-season radial tires should only be used in locations that receive light snowfall on occasion. In some instances, there may not be enough traction on your tires when trying to drive in snow, in this case, snow chains or even studded tires can be used. Make sure to check tire pressure, tire balance, and wheel alignment frequently before driving in the snow.

Windshield Wipers

Make sure your windshield wipers work effectively and are not worn out and old. During a snowstorm, it is essential to have working wipers in order to see, without them it makes driving close to impossible. Check your windshield wiper fluid reservoir and ensure that antifreeze wiper fluid is filled to a decent amount. Summer wiper fluid easily freezes and won’t be able to be used in colder temperatures. De-Icing windshield fluid is necessary for areas with extreme cold. It is protected up to -40°F, won’t freeze, and can melt away a thin layer of ice on your windshield.

Driving During Winter Season

Before going out onto the roads, check the forecast of the area around you. If the forecast does not look great, it might be best to wait to travel if possible. If you must travel, make sure your vehicle is prepared for the snow. Before leaving warm up the car outside of the garage before driving and ensure everything is running properly. In the meantime, brush and scrape off all snow and ice from the car and make sure all windows are cleared off. Wipe off camera lenses and side mirrors to better help see the area around you.

When on the roads, drive slowly and follow the speed of other drivers on the road, it is a good idea to increase the following distance between you and other cars to allow for a stop to be made if needed. On roads that are covered in ice, it is harder to slow down, slowing down earlier than you think will help prevent skids. When going uphill on an icy road, do not stop if possible. Stopping will lock the tires and cause the car to slide back down the hill. Remember to always be cautious and aware of all surroundings when driving.

Long-Distance Trips

To prepare for long-distance trips, check the weather before starting your drive and plan the best time to leave. Before leaving, make sure someone is aware of the route and trip you are taking in case of an emergency. Plan fuel stops along the way so running out of gas along the way isn’t an option and fill up as soon as you can when your tank starts to get low. Try not to travel alone, long road trips while snowing can be tiring. Falling asleep at the wheel is dangerous and can put your own and other people’s lives in danger. Having another person to switch driving with can help prevent accidents.

• If you do find yourself in the situation where you are stuck:
  • Stay in your vehicle
  • Turn on hazards to be easily seen from the road
  • Contact authorities to inform them of your situation
  • Stay warm
  • Use as little fuel as possible and start your car every 20 minutes
  • Pack a winter driving kit

Winter Driving Kit

In an instance where you get stuck in a snowstorm for a long period of time, it is helpful to have a winter driving kit in the trunk of your car for emergencies.

• To be packed in the kit includes:
  • Snow chains
  • Tow rope
  • Snowbrush and scraper
  • Small shovel
  • Jumper cables
  • Extra windshield wiper fluid
  • Flashlight
  • Blanket
  • Warm jacket, pants, gloves
  • First aid kit
  • Food and water

If you find yourself involved in a car accident due to inclement weather, you will want to contact a personal injury attorney to provide legal advice and options.

Lawsuits and Using Social Media

The use of social media has continued to grow exponentially throughout recent years. Many individuals rely on these platforms to regularly stay connected with friends, family, and colleagues. The ability to quickly share personal information through posts, pictures and private messaging often draws the attention of individuals looking to reach a large audience. Although individuals attempt to publicize content that only shows them in a positive manner and accurately mirrors their personality, social media users can also inadvertently create damaging content that puts their character into question. When dealing with a lawsuit, individuals may want to ensure that nothing appears on social media that can potentially be used to discredit their case.

Lack Appropriate Context

The use of social media is an easy way to illustrate the adage that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” When posting pictures to social media, many individuals often forgo the use of lengthy verbiage to explain their content. This leaves interpretation up to the reader. If an individual doesn’t convey relevant information pertaining to the date, location, and intent of the picture, other individuals may perceive the content as something entirely different than what was intended. Messaging that may seem obvious to the person posting the content on social media may be read differently by the person on the receiving end. Given that the success of a lawsuit can be influenced by perception, it is essential to avoid publishing any content that doesn’t provide adequate context and has the potential to be misinterpreted.

Damage Case

Social media can be used to shine a light on an individual’s deceptions or wrongdoings. Combing through an individual’s social media accounts is something that can easily be done by an investigator or opposing counsel to gather evidence that may contradict previously stated claims. Pictures, posts or messages that may negate the severity of an injury or the time in which it took place can be used to prove that false claims regarding damages were reported. Such an occurrence may therefore put an individual’s credibility into question. Due to the fact that an individual cannot control how friends may react to or comment on posts, cutting out the use of social media would assist in eliminating any incriminating information that a third party might provide.

When filing a lawsuit, it is essential that an individual know how to properly go about handling their case. Contact a personal injury lawyer from a firm like Greenspan & Greenspan P.C.to discuss how the presence of social media may interfere with any legal proceedings.

Long-Term Consequences of Brain Bleed Injuries

Suffering a traumatic brain injury can turn your life upside down. Brain bleeding injuries are a serious type of brain injury in which a blood vessel bursts inside the brain, resulting in a large amount of pressure. This can be fatal if not treated on time. Victims who have experienced brain bleeding injuries can still experience many complications after successful treatment however, as an experienced brain bleed lawyer like one from Davis & Brusca, LLC can explain.

Cognitive Function and Development 

A brain bleed injury can severely impact cognitive function and development. A person who suffers a brain bleed may have trouble thinking, concentrating and suffer from memory and behavioral issues. The extent of the damage depends on the severity of the brain bleeding, as well as the age of the victim. Delays in cognitive development are especially impactful for brain injury victims who are children or adolescents. 

Limited Motor Skills

Since the brain is a core part of the central nervous system, any trauma can result in loss or reduced motor function. Brain bleed victims often experience symptoms such as trouble walking, maintaining balance and reduced motor skills. Due to the stroke caused by brain bleeding, some victims experience weeks or months of rehabilitation so that they can restore their mobility and fine motor skills. 

Reduced Quality of Life

One of the long-term consequences of a brain bleed injury is the effect on quality of life. It can take a toll on both a person’s mental and physical health. People who suffer brain bleeding may feel isolated while they recover, resulting in depression and anxiety. They might find it hard to maintain social relationships with family and friends as well. Even after recovering, they may not be able to enjoy the same activities that they previously could participate in, such as sports or recreational activities like biking. From completing tasks to maintaining relationships, there are many areas of a brain bleed victim’s life that can be impacted. 

If you want to learn how you can file a claim regarding your brain bleed injury, don’t hesitate to take the first step. Since there is limited time to file a claim, you will want to get it started as soon as possible before it’s too late. If you have experienced a brain bleed injury that has impacted you and how you live your life, be sure to contact a skilled and highly experienced brain bleed lawyer so you can receive legal help. 

3 Unusual Reasons To Get Compensation for a Bike Accident

Car Accident Lawyer

As an experienced car accident lawyer from Hall Justice Law Firm explains, seeking compensation for a bicycle accident is possible and you may be entitled to more money than you think. If you are seeking to sue a negligent driver for causing your bike accident, then working with a lawyer is where to start. Personal injury lawsuits can be fraught with insurance nuances and obscure laws. For instance, a lawyer would be aware of these three (and many more) unusual but completely valid reasons to seek compensation for a bicycle accident.

1. Psychological Pain and Suffering

Normally, when you think of suing someone for hitting you on your bike, you think of the damage done to your body and your bicycle. These are very important, but equally as important is the damage done to your mind and spirit. The old adage ‘Mind-Body-Spirit’ comes into play here. It is difficult to carry on with life when you deal with emotional trauma or mental illness as a result of your accident. This type of loss is evidenced in a myriad of ways, including documentation from a psychologist or therapist.

2. Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If your accident has changed the way you enjoy life on a daily basis, you may be entitled to more compensation. Compensation for this type of damage is intended to help you return to a normal and enjoyable level of living, including resuming regular hobbies like hiking, biking or bingo; social engagements such as weddings, parties or clubs; and everyday household duties. This is not a complete list of course, and the way these losses are measured is particular and different than just adding up medical bills.

3. Loss of Consortium

When your relationships suffer due to your bike accident, it is considered a loss of consortium. In other words, a loss of friendship, intimate relationships or love. This is a delicate subject, often requiring private information. Things considered in calculating this type of loss are the length of the relationships involved and the extent of mental and bodily injury. You are advised to save documentation from therapists and other doctors to support your claim.

You should work with a personal injury attorney on all the paperwork and information you will need for your court case. They can also navigate the fine print, including insurance policy limits and releases and court filing restrictions. Our psychological health plays a major role in our everyday enjoyment of life. A bicycle accident can be a very traumatic event. Understanding your rights and receiving due compensation for your pain and suffering are the beginning steps of healing and returning to a fulfilling life.

Auto Insurance Coverage & Bicycle Accidents

Accidents

Auto accidents are stressful, and an accident involving a cyclist is no exception. Whether you are the vehicle driver or cyclist, responding effectively to an accident is essential in safeguarding personal health, financial security, and as a way to effectively manage any legal liabilities.

Check For Injuries

The first thing to do after an accident is to immediately check for and manage any personal injuries. The health of the driver of a car — and more likely, the cyclist — may be in danger, and appropriately treating any injuries is physically essential, and may also be necessary in determining potential financial liabilities. 

Leaving the scene of an accident after being involved in an automobile collision is illegal.

Exchange Information and Contact Police

Fault may vary depending on the specifics of any accident — and consequently, so will any insurance payouts. Assuming no one is severely harmed, the cyclist and auto driver should immediately exchange insurance information, in order to effectively process any claims that may arise.

The involved parties should also contact the police, as a police report may be necessary in the effective processing of any claim.

Understand Relevant Liability Policies

Unless the details of an incident are entirely clear — and sometimes, even if they are — navigating insurance liability policies is where the aftermath of an automobile and bicycle collision can grow complicated. 

Automobile insurance policies will typically include some form of uninsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection, which may be used towards a payout for a cyclist victim in a car accident in cases where the automobile driver is at fault.

If the cyclist is at fault for the accident, the cyclist’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may offer some property damage coverage, potentially to both the automobile driver and the cyclist.

Regardless of fault, if one party is hurt and has health insurance, that may offer some coverage for injuries. If that coverage is insufficient, the injured party may seek to file a claim to secure compensation from the party that is at fault.

Still Unsure?

If you have been in an automobile-bicycle accident, contact a car accident lawyer from a firm like Ward & Ward Law Firm today to effectively navigate the aftermath. A lawyer can also be extremely helpful in navigating specific laws in a given location, which may vary considerably from state to state. Even in relatively straightforward situations, a lawyer can be beneficial in walking you through the process and navigating the claims and payout process.

Health Care Mistakes

Many medical mistakes can be considered malpractice in certain instances. This article focuses on four of those errors and how they can warrant lawsuits. As a medical malpractice lawyer can tell you, medical malpractice may have occurred if a medical professional or health care facility provided a patient with care that led to serious harm. The treatment provided must have been outside the normal standards in a given situation. Further, if no harm came to the patient, although malpractice may have occurred, you likely will be unable to sue for damages.

Childbirth Injuries

Medical malpractice can occur either before or during childbirth. Negligence before birth could include failing to identify an ectopic pregnancy or other congenital disabilities with the fetus. This could result in serious harm to the baby, mother or both. Throughout the birthing process, there are a number of ways that a physician could cause damage through negligence. This could include improper use of a vacuum extractor or forceps. Additionally, if the doctor fails to respond appropriately to fetal distress during the delivery, this can be considered negligent in some cases. Some injuries that could be the result of medical malpractice by an obstetrician are fractured fetal bones, brain injuries and ongoing pelvic health issues for mothers.

Misdiagnosis

A physician’s failure to present the correct diagnosis in a timely manner or misdiagnosing an illness altogether can have catastrophic consequences for a patient. It could lead to the patient missing out on potentially life-saving treatment options. Lawsuits for misdiagnosis will likely need to prove that a particular doctor’s action or failure to act was contrary to how other physicians would have acted in a similar or identical scenario. When the doctor’s peers would have acted differently, a medical malpractice lawsuit might be feasible.

Surgical Errors

Operating rooms can be a breeding ground for medical mistakes. Surgeons can easily operate on the incorrect limb, fail to remove surgical instruments from your body or pierce an organ. Further, other medical professionals can be negligent in their care post-operation, leading to severe infections. In these instances, you may be able to sue for medical malpractice.

Anesthesia Mistakes

Mistakes in administering anesthesia can result in brain damage, paralysis or other permanent injuries and death. If you have incurred this type of harm, you may be eligible to pursue a malpractice lawsuit.

Contact a medical malpractice attorney today to assist you in determining if you may have been the victim of medical malpractice.

What Injuries Don’t Qualify Under Workers Compensation? 

Workers compensation insurance is a requirement that many employers must have. It is designed to alleviate the burden on businesses and workers in the event of an accident. If a worker suffers an injury at their workplace, workers compensation benefits can cover the costs of their injury, such as medical treatment, missed wages, and disability-related expenses. However, an experienced workers compensation lawyer like one from Therman Law Offices, LTD can explain that workers who suffer injuries in certain scenarios will not be eligible to recover compensation. 

Commuting 

If a worker gets injured on their way to and from work, then the injury would not be covered by workers compensation. For an injury to be covered by workers compensation insurance, the accident must have occurred at the worksite. This rule also applies if a worker leaves the job site and is traveling to and from lunch. Certain exemptions apply however, such as if a worker is flying on a business trip. 

Fooling Around

Injuries that are covered by workers compensation are ones that occur while a worker is completing a task or is walking through the job site. If a worker suffers an injury while on their break and was not doing work-related tasks, then their injury will not be covered. However, there are exemptions. If a worker was injured as a result of other workers’ activities, then they may be able to file a claim. 

Criminal Acts

Workers who sustain an injury while committing a crime are not eligible to file a workers compensation claim. This includes driving while under the influence and using illegal substances. An example is if a worker suffers an injury after assaulting a customer, or if a worker becomes injured after trying to steal a product at work. The worker can be barred from filing a claim if they have committed a crime, whether it was violent or not. 

It can be difficult to navigate the workers compensation system because it can be quite complex. Understanding how the system workers can be challenging, especially if your case is not straightforward. You should hire a workers compensation lawyer who has experience handling claims and have been able to help their clients recover the full compensation that they were entitled to. To learn more, schedule a consultation so that a lawyer can assess your case and explain next steps that you can take. 

What Kind of Cases Are Included in Personal Injury Law? 

Personal injury law is incredibly broad, as there are so many different types of accidents that can be included in these cases. You should always seek the assistance of an experienced personal injury lawyer, like one from Unidos Legales, if you think that you might have a case. We will go over some of the most common personal injury cases in this article. 

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and falls are one of the most common types of personal injury cases. Likely, the reason for this is that they can happen anywhere. The way for a slip and fall accident to go to court is if negligence was a factor in the fall. An example of this would be if a slippery floor was not properly labeled or if there is a hazardous object in the way that caused a person to fall. Anything that is not a normal, flat surface could constitute negligence on a pathway. 

Vehicle Accidents

Almost everyone drives a car or some kind of vehicle to get to work or run errands. There is a risk with this, however. Car accidents can range from incredibly mild to catastrophic. You should always be compensated for your injuries and any other damages from the accident. The at fault party needs to pay any expenses you have after the car accident. You should contact a lawyer before even speaking with an insurance agent regarding this, as insurance often does not give you as much as you deserve. 

Medical Malpractice 

It is important to seek compensation for a medical malpractice case not only to get all of your bills taken care of, but also in an attempt to prevent this from happening to anyone else in the future. You should seek legal representation from a personal injury lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice so that the at fault party does not get away with injuring you like that. 

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today

You need to reach out to a personal injury lawyer as soon as you realize you might have a case. Not only will it be crucial to collect witness statements and any evidence in a timely manner, but it will also be important to make sure you get everything filed on time. Contact a personal injury law firm right away to set up a consultation with a lawyer. Consultations are typically free, then most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that the lawyer will only collect payment if they win your case. Reach out today to learn more.