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Road Bicycle Safety Guidelines

Personal Injury Lawyer

Whether you are commuting, exercising, or just enjoying the outdoors, if you find yourself cycling on roadways there is always a certain degree of risk involved, but we certainly can’t let risks stop us.

Regardless of your reasons for riding, these tips will help keep you safe the next time you’re out for a ride. As a personal injury lawyer can support, being mindful and taking measures to ride safely can reduce your risk for being in a car vs. bicycle accident, helping to avoid a potentially long and costly road to recovery.

Make yourself visible. 

By taking extra measures to make yourself more visible while riding a bike, the earlier drivers will see you allowing for more time to make driving decisions. A few ways to make you and your bike more visible when riding on or near roads are:

  • Light-colored clothing
  • Reflective clothing
  • Flashing bike lights on front & rear of your ride.
  • Reflectors on handlebars, seat post, pedals, and wheel spokes.

With the countless lighting options that are available, lighting up your bike can be fun. Color changing LED lights will set you apart in dark conditions and help ensure you are seen by motorists on the road.

Helmets. Wear one!

Riding a bike without a helmet is dangerous! Accidents have a way of happening when least expected. In the moments when we feel we are in complete control, the bike can just slip from under us and suddenly find ourselves heading for the path of a vehicle.

Aside from helmets being the most essential piece of safety gear to wear, many municipalities require cyclists to sport a helmet by law. Failing to wear a helmet in these areas could result in an embarrassing bike traffic stop, tickets, and fines. We don’t want that, do we?

Plan your route.

It is good practice to research new routes, especially if you are unfamiliar with road conditions. Some roads are more dangerous than others for cyclists. By exploring the route on a Maps application beforehand, you’ll be able to plan by identifying potentially hazardous sections and rerouting accordingly. By doing this first, you will be able to ensure you maximize your comfort and that you aren’t riding beyond your level of skill.

Be aware of your surroundings.

As a cyclist, you must be hyper-aware, especially when sharing the road with motorists. Practice safely executing moves such as the “over-shoulder” look, and the quick left-right safety check. You may also benefit from handle bar mirrors, or helmet mirrors, which can be especially helpful when riding near cars. The earlier you are aware of potential vehicle and roadway hazards, the more time you’ll have to react. As cyclists, we must err on the side of caution and assume that other vehicles do not see us.

Maintain your bicycle and conduct regular safety checks.

By regularly maintaining your bicycle components, you can help reduce the chance of a sudden and unexpected failure. Additionally, before every ride it is best practice to conduct a quick safety check. Check to ensure your wheels are fastened properly and that everything else is in working order. A sudden failure of load bearing parts at high speeds can result in a nasty accident scenario.

We hope that these tips help keep you safe on your next ride. Safe travels!

7 Causes Of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Walking down the street on a nice day can be quite enjoyable. However, it is important to be careful and keep an eye out for vehicles. Many pedestrians get injured in accidents involving vehicles every year. Pedestrians are more likely to suffer severe injuries in an accident because they don’t have the protection of a vehicle.

Here are the most common causes of pedestrian accidents.

Distracted Driving

When behind the wheel of a vehicle, it is crucial for drivers to have their complete focus on the road ahead. However, some drivers still give into distractions, such as texting on their smartphones or eating food. If they take their eyes off the road for even a second, they risk hitting a pedestrian.

Making Left-Hand Turns

Pedestrian accidents frequently occur when drivers are making a left-hand turn. When drivers are turning left, they may focus their attention on getting through a busy intersection and may not notice a pedestrian trying to cross the street.

Impatience

In Colorado, pedestrians have the right of way when they are entering the road within a crosswalk. Drivers have a legal duty to look out for pedestrians in crosswalks. Unfortunately, however, some drivers are impatient and do not always check for pedestrians.

Drunk Driving

Drivers who get behind the wheel drunk put everyone in danger, including pedestrians. Alcohol can impair a driver’s judgment, causing him or her to make bad decisions, such as not stopping at a stop sign or speeding. This can all increase the risk of pedestrian accidents.

Poor Visibility

Sometimes pedestrians occur simply because a driver could not see a pedestrian crossing the street. This is more likely to occur at night and during poor weather conditions. That is why pedestrians should try to make themselves as visible as possible. If you have to walk in the dark, wear bright clothes and carry a flashlight so that drivers can see you better.

Unmarked crosswalks

Believe it or not, some crosswalks are not marked clearly. If crosswalks are not clearly marked, drivers may not be aware to look out for pedestrians, increasing the risk of pedestrian accidents.

Speeding

Some drivers choose to drive above the speed limit for one reason or another. They may be late to work or enjoy the thrill of driving fast. No matter what the reason, speeding can put pedestrians in danger. Drivers may not have enough time to react to an upcoming pedestrian if they are driving too fast.

Getting Compensation in a Pedestrian Accident

If you were hit by a vehicle while you were walking, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other losses.  A lawyer can help you build a strong case and handle the negotiation process with the defendant’s insurance company.

Will Insight and Notifying Beneficiaries

A legal document that outlines your wishes for how you want property to be distributed is referred to as a will. If you die without having a will, then your wishes now may not be abided by in the future. Furthermore, your beneficiaries may spend extra emotional energy, money, and time settling your affairs after you’ve passed if you did not formulate an estate plan. No one document can be the solution to every possible issue that can arise after you have died, but a last will and testament is the closest thing to that.

Some people may think that you have to be wealthy or have a large amount of assets in order to need a last will and testament, but this is not true. There are many good reasons to have a will and almost everyone can benefit from having one. But when writing your will, you need to be clear about who is to receive which assets. You get to decide who receives what items or funds, and how much. If you prefer, you can keep assets away from certain people that you don’t want to have them, such as an estranged relative.

By having an estate plan, your beneficiaries can receive their assets faster and more smoothly compared to if you were not prepared at all. With a will, you can also make it a point to save estate money from taxes. As your lawyer can discuss, like a wills lawyer, you can plan to give charitable donations and gifts, which can help offset any estate taxes.

To increase the chances that your wishes will be followed after you pass away, you will need to write a testamentary will. This is the most common type of will, where you prepare a document and then sign it while in the presence of witnesses. This kind of will is probably the best insurance in avoiding complaints being filed against your estate by business associates or family members after you die. You can develop a testamentary will by yourself, but it’s helpful to have a legal team review it, like a lawyer from Carpenter & Lewis PLLC, to ensure that you have not made any mistakes or left out necessary information.

A will allows you to choose how your belongings, tangible and intangible property, shall be distributed to those you care about the most upon your death. You can specify who is to receive which assets, and at what time or age they are to be distributed. Some people choose to communicate with beneficiaries about what is written in their estate plan, so that any potential disputes can be resolved beforehand. It may be good to let your beneficiaries know what is in the will and that they can expect to receive something in the future. How much you decide to reveal about your estate plan is up to you, but you may want to at least let beneficiaries know these documents exist and where copies of them can be found when the time comes.

10 Types Of Personal Injury Cases 

If you have been injured in an accident and are looking to seek compensation, you may feel overwhelmed with the lawyer specialties. Chances are, if you were injured in an accident, a personal injury lawyer will be best positioned to represent your case. If you are not sure, here are 10 cases personal injury lawyers deal with on a regular basis:

 

Can I Qualify For TDIU?

VA TDIU lawyer

When you have suffered a disability after serving in the military, you could be entitled to be a recipient of a number of benefits.  You can depend on a qualified and knowledgeable lawyer who understands the Veterans Affairs and TDIU system, who knows how to advocate for disabled veterans. TDIU, or Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability, refers to a benefit system given to veterans who have some form of service-related disability which prevents them from sustaining long-term work. Individuals must apply for a TDIU rating through the Veteran Affairs website. Navigating the VA system when you have a disability can be a stressful and challenging experience. You deserve to receive the full benefit amount that you deserve, so don’t pass up your chance to talk to a lawyer who can help you obtain your rightful benefit amount.

How does TDIU work? 

A TDIU is awarded to veterans who are unable to work due to their service-connected disabilities. Generally, to be eligible, a veteran must have a single disability rated at 60% or more, or multiple disabilities that combined to 70% or more with at least one of those disabilities rated at 40% or more. But it is still possible to receive TDIU even if a veteran does not meet those rating requirements.

Am I eligible to receive VA benefits? 

You could be eligible to receive a compensation amount from the VA if you meet all of the requirements. Dishonorable discharges will qualify a veteran to receive compensation for their disability.  If you are unsure if you are eligible to receive benefits, or believe that your application was wrongly denied, you can contact a lawyer for further assistance. It is important to be aware that your benefits may be temporary, and it can become permanent only in certain cases, as decided by the VA.

What counts as a permanent and total disability? 

Disabilities are evaluated through a special rating schedule administered by the VA. A permanent disability is classified as a disability that likely will affect a veteran for the rest of their life. A total disability is for individuals who are considered to be completely disabled, and is determined according to how much it impacts a veteran’s functional ability, such as walking, lifting, and other functions. The VA relies on medical evaluations to make this assessment.

How do I submit a TDIU application? 

There are a number of ways that you can submit an application for TDIU. You can mail, fax or go through their online portal accessible on the VA website. There are a number of things that you need for your application, such as medical records, as a VA TDIU lawyer can tell you. If you need help with your application and would like to learn more about the full legal services available, call Greg at (800) 955-8596 for a free case evaluation today.

Is it Advisable to Pursue a Claim for a Bicycle Accident?

Getting injured in a bicycle accident can be devastating. Not only are you left with potentially severe injuries, but your mode of transportation – your bike – may be completely destroyed. You may feel like you do not have much of a shot of winning your bicycle accident claim if you file one. However, it is incredibly important that you fight to get the compensation you deserve when you were left injured after a person or car caused an accident while you were riding your bike. If you are interested in filing a claim, you should consider working with a lawyer you can rely on throughout the process. They can ensure you have everything you need for your claim and that you get your information and paperwork into the court on time.

What if a pedestrian injured me while on my bike? 

Many people might think they do not have a claim if they were injured by a pedestrian or another cyclist. It can seem like you would win your claim easier if a person driving a truck or car injured you. However, in any kind of bicycle claim, it is important to show how the other party caused your injuries. A trusted lawyer knows that when a pedestrian or cyclist injures you, it can happen in many ways:

How can you prove that another party injured you while you were biking? 

When you want to file a bicycle claim, you will need to prove certain things just as you would for another personal injury claim.

  1. The other party owed you a duty of care
  2. The other party breached this duty of care
  3. The other party’s negligence directly caused the accident that injured you

The driver of the car is blaming me for the accident. What can I do? 

One of the most important things you can do in this instance is not accept blame of any kind. You will want to speak with your lawyer as soon as possible when the other party is casting blame so that you can work on sorting out the timeline and the evidence for your claim. If the other party is successful in showing that you were partly at fault for the accident, you should still work to reach a reasonable settlement. Under comparative fault law, both parties can still recover damages under a personal injury claim.

It is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after a bicycle accident to determine if you have the necessary evidence for your claim and to understand what kinds of damages you may be eligible for. Reach out to a trusted lawyer for more information on a claim today.

5 Ways To Avoid An Accident

Chances are you’ve been involved in at least one accident (or several) during your life, and you may have even used a Chicago car accident lawyer. While many accidents aren’t your fault, sometimes they are – in which case you may be wondering what steps you can take to avoid getting into another car accident. Whether it’s because of drunk driving, texting and driving, or simply being distracted, here are five ways to avoid an accident and keep yourself safe on the road according to our friends at Disparti Law Group.

1) Obey Traffic Laws

The first way to avoid accidents is by obeying traffic laws. The most important traffic laws to follow are speeding limits, signs and lights, stop signs, and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks. Always be aware of what is going on around; remember, just because you are obeying the law does not mean the people around you are! Of course, you need to remember the number one traffic law out there: do not text and drive. This is a top cause for accidents, and you significantly decrease your chance of having one if you put down your phone.

2) Maintain Your Vehicle

Keep up with your vehicle maintenance as best you can. Always stay on top of your tire rotation, air pressure, and any other necessary automotive needs. Regularly check for any potential problems with things like headlights, taillights, or directional lights. That way if a small problem does develop you will be able to address it before it becomes more serious. As we get older our eyesight diminishes so ensure that your driver’s side rear view mirror is clean, not just so you can see behind you but also so that what is in front of you is not obscured by glare. It is important to take the time to actually test out the effectiveness of the mirrors by pulling off the road in order to ensure they are adjusted properly.

3) Wear Your Seatbelt

Statistics show that not wearing your seatbelt in an accident can put you in a worse position than if you were buckled up. Wearing your seatbelt could save your life or the lives of others on the road. You never know when an accident will happen, so always wear your seatbelt! Make sure there is nothing obstructing it, and make sure that you are wearing it properly. So long as your vehicle is on the road and/or moving, do not take it off. Wait until you are parked to do so.

4) Drive Safely

Driving safely means not speeding, obeying traffic laws, and being aware of your surroundings. It’s also important to remember that you never know when something may happen and it is better to be prepared for the unexpected. The first rule of driving safety is watching your speed limit and driving defensively in bad weather, like snow or rain. Lastly, always buckle up and keep distractions out of the car so you can focus on getting from point A to point B without incident.

5) Do Not Drink and Drive

According to the CDC, 1.2 million people were arrested for driving under the influence in 2016. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has found that one-third of all drivers involved in fatal crashes had some alcohol in their system at the time of the accident. If you or someone you know is not old enough to drink, take this as a reminder that drunk driving is illegal and can have serious consequences. Drinking and driving can be just as bad for your life and someone else’s, so make sure you are being responsible and accountable by always choosing a designated driver when planning on drinking, call a cab, or leave your car home if there is no other option.

If you get into a car accident, contact a lawyer immediately for help.

5 Unusual Personal Injury Case Examples

A personal injury lawyer Altamonte Springs, FL can help you in many ways when you’ve been injured in an accident, whether it was caused by another person’s negligence or by your own carelessness. Personal injury lawyers help with cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall accidents, dog bites, nursing home abuse, medical malpractice and more. This article will look at five unusual personal injury case examples that demonstrate how an attorney works to fight for the best possible outcome for their clients who have suffered injuries due to someone else’s actions or negligence according to our friends at Presser Law, P.A.

1) Falling Asleep on a Toilet Seat and Breaking Your Collarbone

One personal injury case that may seem unusual is when someone falls asleep on a toilet seat and breaks their collarbone. While this may sound like something that could never happen, it actually happens more often than you think. People fall asleep on the toilet for a variety of reasons, including taking a nap, using the restroom after drinking alcohol, or using the restroom after taking medication that makes them drowsy. Regardless of the reason, if you fall asleep on a toilet seat and break your collarbone, you may be able to file a personal injury claim.

2) Separating Shoulder from Humerus While Going Down Stairs

In one personal injury case, a man suffered a shoulder separation when he went down the stairs. The shoulder is attached to the humerus (upper arm bone) by ligaments. These ligaments can be torn if the shoulder is forced out of its socket. In this case, the man fell down the stairs and his shoulder was forced out of its socket, resulting in a separation. If you have fallen down the stairs and are injured, you may have a personal injury claim regardless of how severe the injury!

3) Fracturing Eye Socket by Pushing Lawn Mower

One personal injury case that may seem unusual is when a man fractured his eye socket while pushing a lawn mower. This type of injury can occur when the string on the lawn mower breaks and recoils, hitting the user in the face. Although it may seem like a freak accident, this type of injury is actually quite common. If you have been injured by a lawn mower, you may be able to recover damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit.

4) Lacerated Hand From Dog Bite

Animal bites can result in some pretty serious injuries. If you’re unfortunate enough to be on the receiving end of a dog bite, you could end up with a lacerated hand. This is when the skin is literally ripped or torn open, often down to the muscle or bone. It’s a painful injury that can require surgery and extensive medical treatment. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to seek medical attention right away and then contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.

5) Getting Hit by Speeding Car While Cycling

No one expects to get hit by a car while they’re out cycling. Unfortunately, it happens more often than you’d think. If you’ve been hit by a car while cycling, you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

If you are injured, contact a personal injury lawyer immediately for help with your case!

5 Exercises that Seniors Should Avoid

Home Health Care

For seniors, there is nothing better than adopting a regular exercise routine. Expending energy through working out can strengthen the heart, embolden the brain, and even reduce the risk of a slip and fall.

Yet, it should be noted that not all workouts are created equally. Ask any home health aide in Palm Beach and they’ll tell you the truth: there are some exercises that are just not meant for seniors.

So, if you are designing a workout routine for your loved one: here are five exercises that it would be best to leave out.

Stair Climbs

This exercise should be omitted for two reasons. Firstly, it targets one of the most fragile joints for seniors: the knees. Actively engaging the knee joint can be especially fraught for those living with osteoporosis and other bone degenerative diseases.

Secondly, to climb stairs is to frequently shift your center of gravity. For seniors living with balance issues, this constant shifting puts them at high risk of losing their balance and suffering a fall!

Long Distance Running

We all want to fancy ourselves as marathon runners; yet, without proper training, a long run can put anyone at a high risk of injury. This is especially true for seniors. Long distance running places seniors at higher risk of becoming lightheaded on the trail. Longer runs tend to occur outside, a setting where individuals are more likely to suffer heat related illness.

Squats

For elderly individuals, squats have a penchant for causing injury. Without proper technique, seniors can accidentally overextend their knees past their toes, placing the cartilage at risk. The transfer of weight from squatting to standing is also problematic for those individuals living with balance issues.

Crunches

This is another sneaky exercise. Although it looks simple on the surface, it requires proper technique to avoid injury. Seniors can place their back at risk through incorrect posture in the starting and finishing position. By placing too much pressure on the neck, elderly individuals can accidentally strain or cause injury to their upper back.

Leg Presses

For seniors, this exercise is a common culprit of back injury. The natural lumbar curve of the spine is flattened when in the leg press chair. Extending and retracting the legs creates an unhealthy shift from curved to flattened spine. When you add heavy weights to the equation, the workout becomes especially rife for potential injury to the lower back.

Thanks to Andrew R. Lynch for their expertise in elderly legal assistance services.

Here’s Why You Need a Lawyer if You’re Investing in Real Estate

Here's Why You Need a Lawyer if You're Investing in Real EstateMaking money is nice, but having your money make more money is even better. It’s why people invest in the stock market, and it’s why people invest in real estate. But, as a real estate litigation lawyer like attorneys can explain, investing in real estate isn’t the money machine many people think it is.

It’s true that real estate can be profitable, especially if you invest in commercial real estate and rent your properties out to reliable tenants. But before you dive into the deep end of real estate investing, it’s important to think of some major challenges that come with real estate management – and it’s important to have a lawyer you can trust.

There’s no such thing as a perfectly safe investment. There’s always going to be hurdles, and owning real estate is no different. Aside from regular maintenance and ensuring your buildings are up to code, you’ll need to deal with the unexpected. In the event of a flood, you’ll have to sort out who owes damages, and battle with insurance. Fortunately, the right lawyer can help guide you through the next steps.

Nobody wants to find a meth lab when they check up on their property, but it can definitely happen. And if it does, you need to make sure you’re kept completely clear of the legal fallout. You’ll have to evict your tenant before he or she drags you down with them, and an experienced real estate litigation lawyer can help.

After months of searching and weeks of negotiating, you’re finally ready to pull the trigger on a property you can count on – but now the seller has decided to back out after you’ve already paid a down-payment and signed the required paperwork. A deal’s a deal, and the last thing you want is to be left empty handed after all your hard work. Time to lawyer up.

It can be difficult to remember all the ins and outs of a property, but a seller has a responsibility to keep you informed about your purchase. If the property seller willingly withheld important information that could have warned you away from investing in the property in the first place, you can contact a real estate litigation lawyer to help you get out of your unprofitable investment, or some form of compensation to cover the costs of whatever maintenance needs were neglected.

Don’t Dive in Without a Lawyer.

A qualified real estate lawyer can make the difference between a money-pit and a lucrative investment. When you decide to invest in real estate, you want your money to work for you – and you certainly don’t want to spend every other day dealing with another problem on your costly (and frustrating) property.

Get in touch with an experienced real estate litigation lawyer to make sure you aren’t making a faulty investment – and get the compensation and justice you deserve if you’ve been duped into a raw deal.