A Spike in Pedestrian Accidents on Halloween
The fear of finding razor blades in your children’s candy can be terrifying, but unlikely this Halloween. The real dangers you should be warning your children about are typical daily hazards often forgotten on this holiday: automobiles. Four times as many children are injured on Halloween and twice as many are killed in pedestrian automobile accidents in comparison to the rest of the year! The death rate for teenagers, in particular, is twice as high as that of children killed on Halloween. Halloween is packed with trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and costume parties. Children and teens are hyped with excitement and may not be paying attention as usual while hustling about from activity to activity. Teens and adults are equally as distracted this holiday, both on the streets and in their cars. Drunk driving incidents increase 23% every Halloween. A terrifying statistic when you think of the hundreds of thousands of small children running through the streets on this night. Even without using substances, it only takes one incident of distracted driving to miss a tiny Superman ‘flying’ across a dark road. Before your children and teens set out on their Halloween adventures, don’t forget to review all the safety protocols in your neighborhood to decrease the chance of pedestrian accidents this holiday: Follow pedestrian traffic laws by walking facing traffic, not away. Always use sidewalks or footpaths if available, or walk well within the grass if they are not. Make sure you are looking from left, to right, and left again before crossing the street to ensure no vehicles are coming Use reflectors and flashlights as a costume addition to help cars see you on the road. Remind your teens of safe driving practices before they are out for the night. Review the dangers of driving when drinking or using substances and create a safety-ride plan if if necessary. Finally, if your child is not of the age to understand or remember walking traffic rules, please do not allow them go out unsupervised by an adult. We know it can be un-cool to bring mom or dad trick-or-treating, but your child’s life and safety is not worth the risk. Injuries sustained from pedestrian accidents can be devastating to both children and parents. If child has sustained an injury as a result of a reckless pedestrian accident, contact our winning team at Siler and Ingber for your free consultation. Call today at 1-877-718-6079 or contact us online through the form below to schedule an appointment.
Why Are So Many Drivers Failing to Yield?
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘right of way’ in regards to driving and have probably used it on occasion. But do drivers really understand the meaning? Sadly, the steady rate of accidents occurring due to right of way confusion indicates that everyone may need a little reminder. BACK TO THE BASICS: When we refer to the right of way, it’s important to understand what exactly this means. Merriam-Webster defines the ‘right of way’ broadly, but the definition we are most concerned about as drivers is: A precedence one vehicle has over another in passing granted by a custom, statue, or decision; the right to take precedence over others. In simple terms- if you have the right of way on the road, you get to go first! However, understanding the definition is only part of the solution. Without knowing who has the right of way, the chance of an accident occurring remains high. If you need a traffic law refresher, consider enrolling in an online New York Defensive Driving course or taking time to review New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Laws to stay informed. FAILURE TO YIELD: One of the most common vehicle accidents today occurs when drivers fail to yield to the car with the right of way. Reasons for this failure is not always due to misunderstanding the laws, but can also be caused by distracted or reckless driving. Speeding, texting, driving while impaired, and reacting poorly to inclement weather or unsafe road conditions can all increase accident rates by effecting a driver’s ability to yield. COMMON DRIVING ERRORS: Failing to yield can happen anywhere, although there are some areas of the road where accident rates tend to be higher than others. The most common instances where accidents occur due to failure to yield include: Pedestrian walkways and crosswalks Traffic lights with flashing signals Left-hand turn lanes in an intersection Merging lanes (into traffic or on highways) Entrances/exits to driveways and parking lots When you find yourself in any of these situations, drivers must be extra vigilant of other vehicles and pedestrians around them to reduce the chance of causing serious injuries. PEDESTRIAN RIGHT OF WAY: Pedestrians and vehicles are both responsible for knowing the traffic laws designating the right of way. When reviewing New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Laws, specifically the Pedestrians Rights and Duties, the law states that vehicles must yield to pedestrians when crossing a crosswalk. It then states pedestrians must yield to vehicles in the cases where they are crossing the street not at a crosswalk. Despite what some people may believe, pedestrians do not always have the right of way, and ensuring you know the yielding laws can save your life when on the road. BICYCLE RIGHT OF WAYS: Bicyclists who ride on the road must be aware- there are no separate traffic laws for bikes. Bicycles are considered vehicles, therefore, if you’re riding on the road, you must follow the same traffic laws as the car next to you. Bicyclists who do not yield when required can be critically injured by cars or even killed. Defensive riding is essential when riding among vehicle traffic, especially in metropolitan settings. Injuries sustained by failing to yield can be life-altering and devastating. Drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike need to pay attention to their surroundings and follow the traffic laws to prevent the occurrence of serious accidents. If you or a loved one has been critically injured in a vehicle accident caused by distracted or reckless driving, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our winning team at Siler and Ingber today for a free consultation. Give us a call at 1-877-718-6079 or contact us online through the form.
Nassau Man Dies While Using Leaf Blower
According to a News 12 Long Island report and Newsday, a man who was operating a leaf blower on the road near his East Northport home was struck and killed by a Jeep Wrangler, last night the Suffolk Police reported. Richard Oliveri, 35, sadly, was struck by a Jeep Wrangler on Clay Pitts Road, 700 feet west of Cedrus Avenue. Oliveri suffered a severe head injury and was pronounced dead at a hospital. The driver stayed following the accident and no charges were made, police said. Autumn chores can turn dangerous if you’re not following a few basic rules. Here’s what you need to know before touching a tool. Last year, more than 300,000 people were estimated to visit the emergency department for injuries related to yard and garden equipment, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Here are some safety concerns you may want to consider when cleaning your yard up this Fall: Dress appropriately: If working during the early hours of the morning or in the evening with little sunlight, wear bright clothes. Avoid loose clothing or jewelry that can be caught in equipment. Long pants, long sleeves and sturdy footwear with soles that will not slip (bonus points for steel-toe boots) can help to protect skin and guard against falls or dropped objects. Always wear eye protection, heavy gloves and hearing protection, such as earplugs, when doing chores with loud or motor-driven equipment. Keep Walkways Clear: Yes, it can be strenuous cleaning up those leaves, but it is an important safety precaution. Make sure to keep sidewalks and driveways clear of leaves. If it rains, wet leaves can be very slippery and present a hazard for you and any guests you may have. Working with a Leaf Blower: Leaf blowers can stir up a lot of dust and debris. Make sure to wear eye protection and clothing that covers your arms and legs. Also consider ear protection and a sturdy pair of work boots. Make sure your equipment is in good working order before you start. Always follow manufacturer instructions to prevent serious injury. Respect heights: Many injuries are linked to ladders. Standing on a level higher than safely indicated, or failing to properly ensure the base is stable before climbing causes dangerous conditions. If it feels like you are stretching the limits of safety, you likely are. Stop and find a safe way to complete the task, even if it means hiring a professional. Don’t Overexert Yourself: It’s important to educate yourself about yard work safety, or a day working outside could result in sore aching muscles or a trip to the hospital emergency room. Perhaps the most important tip is don’t try to do everything in one day. Take breaks when you need them, and don’t overexert yourself. It’s alright to leave some of the work for another day. If you, or someone you know has suffered from any type of injury caused by the negligence of another, contact the Siler & Ingber winning legal team for a free case evaluation on 1-877-718-6079
Bizarre Claims and Personal Injury Myths
Working in the field of personal injury law, we’ve seen our fair share of bizarre claims. But some cases, in particular, hit the mark for being strange and unlucky! If you’re debating on contacting a personal injury lawyer after sustaining an unfortunate injury, these cases might help you decide if your accident is worth a claim: A client received $4,000 for a convertible mishap involving a cement truck. When driving with the top down a cement truck passed him, spurting cement into his hair- yikes! An overly aggressive goose attacked a woman and her son while they were playing at a park. The woman suffered a tailbone fracture after falling when fighting off the goose. She filed a suit against the park as a result of the injury for not posting warning signs about aggressive birds. When going to her hair stylist for a chemical straightening treatment, a teacher filed a claim against the salon after large chunks of her hair began to fall out! The client was so traumatized and depressed she could no longer work. Luckily, she won $6,000 from her case to help with the lack of income resulting from the incident. Back in 1991, a client filed a suit for $10,000 against Budweiser. The claim stated that after drinking Budweiser, the client suffered psychological trauma accompanied by emotional distress. A minor who visited the dentist for an appointment walked away missing four of the wrong teeth! Somehow the client’s chart was mixed up with another patient’s with the same name, resulting in the wrong procedure for the patient and a lawsuit for the dentist of $8,000. These accidents are perfect examples to show there really are no typical personal injury claims. Every case is different, and we try to help each client the best we can to get the results they deserve. Unfortunately, our industry does not always receive a positive reputation. There are many myths that can confuse individuals who are interested in filing a claim, encouraging them to file for the wrong reasons or deterring them from filling altogether: Filing a claim for a personal injury is too hard– The majority of claims are actually handled quite quickly. With well-prepared documents and effective communication, it’s pretty common to handle your claim promptly. Personal injury claims are foolish– Not if it means fighting for your health and well being after an unnecessary accident caused by another! Hiring a lawyer is always a bad idea– People who tell you this most likely have had a bad experience or know a person of a person who has. A lawyer can be the best defense in resolving an issue you would have painfully dealt with otherwise. Compensation is guaranteed when you file a claim– A big disappointment for a lot clients, but compensation is never guaranteed. Sometimes there is not enough evidence or information to prove there was any wrongdoing by the plaintiff. You will spend too much time in court- The majority of cases are resolved in a settlement before talk of a trial. Some clients who have won their claim never saw the inside of a courtroom. We understand the process of filing a personal injury claim can be overwhelming and confusing, but Siler and Ingber, LLP is here to help! Our team of experienced Long Island attorneys are experts in the personal injury laws that were made to protect you after an injury. Give us a call today at 1-877-718-6079 for a free consultation or contact us online through the form.
Unattended Vehicle Crash Takes Brookhaven Woman’s Arm
In what’s been described as a freak accident (but is probably anything but), a forty-six-year-old Brookhaven woman was seriously injured when an unattended military Humvee struck her as she worked at the Long Island Bacon Bash in Farmingville late last month. The woman was pinned by the Humvee when it crashed into a food trailer, seriously injuring an arm and a leg. Doctors had to amputate the lower part of her left arm and her condition is still serious. A man working in the food truck hit by the Humvee received second-degree burns and was also hospitalized when he was splashed by cooking oil during the crash. He noted later that the crash could have been a lot worse, because the trailer (which was shoved about ten feet into another food truck by the impact) kept the Humvee from rolling into a crowd of fifty to sixty people. Two other women were also struck by the runaway vehicle and suffered minor injuries, but refused medical treatment. Inaugural Event Tarnished The Bacon Bash is a new themed food festival, held for the first time this year at the Pennysaver Amphitheater. Several dozen local vendors attended, live music was on the schedule, and the event was planned to run until 10:00 p.m. on September 23 but was cut short after the late afternoon accident. According to reports, the Humvee had been placed on display by the local US Army Reserve. Attendees at the festival said it had been a popular attraction throughout the day, with many small children clambering in and on the heavy vehicle—military Humvees weigh from 2.5 to more than 3.5 tons, depending on the specific configuration. But shortly after 5:00 p.m. something went wrong and the vehicle rolled down an incline, creating a gruesome scene. Investigation Continuing Suffolk County Police and the US Army Reserve are both said to be investigating. Most accidents, unfortunately, don’t happen out of the blue. They happen because people are careless or reckless or negligent. We won’t know exactly what happened in this case until the reports are completed and their conclusions announced, but it’s not difficult to speculate about what might have gone wrong. Brakes might not have been set correctly, or perhaps chock blocks were not used. Maybe there was a preventable mechanical failure caused by inadequate or incomplete maintenance of the vehicle. As hard as it might be to accept, it’s possible that someone who visited the Humvee was able to disengage the brakes, deliberately or unknowingly. It’s a good thing when the Army Reserve participates in an event like this, but it might have been a very bad thing for them to allow the general public so much access to the vehicle. Whatever the cause, we hope the answers are soon discovered. Long Island Personal Injury Attorneys When someone is injured by the actions of another, the victim is usually entitled to seek compensation for his or her injuries from the parties who caused them. This can often be a complicated matter, which this case demonstrates. Who is actually at fault? Proper safety precautions were not taken at some point. Does the burden fall on the Army Reserve, which brought and placed the vehicle? On the organizers of the festival, who were in charge? Could the Town of Brookhaven, which operates the facility, be at fault? Could responsibility fall on some or all of these entities to different degrees? Questions like these, and many others, need to be asked and answered in this kind of case. That’s why it’s critically important to have an experienced Long Island personal injury lawyer on your team when you need to pursue a lawsuit after an injury. The attorneys at Siler & Ingber, LLP have that experience and are available to give you a free consultation to discuss your unique situation. Give us a call today at 1-877-718-6079 or contact us online through the form below to schedule an appointment.
The Dangers of Push-Start Vehicles
Since the mid-1990’s, a dangerous automobile feature has continued to roll off the market- the keyless ignition. Hundreds of thousands of vehicles with push-starts are sold every year, offered as a standard option in 245 models and counting. The intention of the keyless car was to provide a convenient alternative to your typical turn-key start. Using a key-fob in place of a key, this device sends a signal to your vehicle that you are ready to drive without having to hold it. But instead of worrying about keys, drivers are now worried about relying on their memory to save their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Since keyless ignitions have increased in popularity, horrifying reports are emerging of fatalities and serious illnesses caused by a known defect in the keyless design- there is no automatic shut-off feature when forgetting to turn off your car. In 2009, a New York professor parked her newly purchased Lexus inside her closed garage. Without realizing, the professor left her car running as she exited the vehicle with her key-fob. Tragically, carbon monoxide from the running car leaked into the professors home throughout the night. The professor suffered permanent brain damage from the poisonous gas and regretfully lost her spouse who died in his sleep. More recently in 2015, a similar occurrence took place in Seattle affecting a family of six. The father reported arriving home and forgetting to turn off his car upon entering the house. The vehicle ran in the closed garage all night, quickly releasing carbon monoxide into the home. Thankfully, the families car ran out of fuel and stopped. All six family members were rushed to the hospital for treatment the next day by emergency services. Had the car not run out of gas, this story could have been detrimental for the members of this family. There have been 19 fatalities officially reported directly connected to push-start vehicle incidents, as well as 25 close-calls since 2009. Why is a device claiming ‘convenience’ causing fatalities? Let’s take a look: It’s not required to have the key-fob in your hand when turning off a keyless car. The act of turning a key when exiting your car is a habit programmed into multiple generations of drivers since 1916. Changing the way you operate a vehicle after decades of practice is not an effortless undertaking. Experienced drivers can easily park their car, exit the vehicle, without thinking twice about pressing a ‘stop’ button. Push start vehicles don’t require you to place them in park before turning off the vehicle. A driver can put their foot on the break, press the ‘stop’ button, and exit the car without ever changing gears to park! This scary feature has caused cars to roll away unattended, causing unnecessary pedestrian injury and damage to property. Keyless cars will continue to run, even when the key-fob is out of range of the vehicle. The only way your keyless car will shut off without physically pushing the ‘stop’ button is to run out of gas. There is no safe range in which a vehicle will shut off itself if the key-fob is undetected. WHAT YOU CAN DO Sadly, no recent changes have been implemented in the push-start design to include an automatic shut-off or effective alarm for skipping shut down procedures. But following these three steps religiously when operating your keyless vehicle will help you to decrease the chance of injuring yourself or others: Always put your car in park before pushing ‘stop.’ Hold your ‘start/stop’ button until you’re positive the engine is off. Apply the parking break before exiting the car to reduce the risk of rolling. We can hope for the best that car manufacturers will start implementing more safety features in their keyless software soon. Until then, drivers of these types of vehicles must be extra careful. Double and triple check you have followed the proper exiting procedure for your car and set reminders for yourself if it helps. If you or a loved one have experienced an incident with a push-start vehicle that resulted in illness, injury, or death, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact Siler & Ingber at 1-877-718-6079 to speak to one of our attorneys from our winning legal team.
NYC Bus Accidents On The Rise
A recent spike in bus accidents has left New York City residents on high alert. This past Monday, three people were killed and dozens injured after a charter bus tragically crashed into an MTA bus in Queens. In a notoriously busy intersection, the MTA bus was turning right when the charter bus barreled into its side, forcing the vehicle onto the sidewalk and straight into the front of a restaurant. Less than a week prior, a moped delivery driver was critically injured when colliding with an MTA bus at the intersection of Roosevelt Ave in Queens. The moped driver was sadly struck and dragged by the bus (while also making a right-hand turn) suffering severe head and body trauma. Thankfully, the driver is receiving care and expected to survive. Just a few weeks ago, an MTA driver attempted to exit his bus while on break and was left in critical condition after the bus began to roll. Courageously attempting to hit the emergency break, the driver tried to reenter the bus but was crushed between the vehicle and a pole. Luckily, a fellow MTA driver who happened to witness the freak accident was successful in enacting the emergency break before anyone else was injured. These massive vehicles are no joke. New York City pedestrians more than anyone else must be vigilant when navigating city streets, paying extra caution to densely populated intersections. A staggering 52% of fatalities caused by bus and truck accidents are pedestrians; people who are not even riding in the vehicles. WHAT’S CAUSING THESE ACCIDENTS Thousands of people are injured or killed every year in city bus accidents. Injuries sustained from these accidents can be devastating, ranging from fractures and broken bones to internal bleeding and paralysis. So what is going on with these city buses that is causing an influx of life-altering injuries? The answer: too much! Some of the most common variables increasing bus-related accidents include: -Speeding (particularly through busy intersections) -Driver fatigue -Distracted drivers -Reckless/careless driving practices -Negligence in driving and vehicle maintenance -Overcrowded bus loads -Mechanical and part failures/defectiveness. WHAT TO DO WHEN IN A BUS ACCIDENT Bus accidents are terrifying, and for pedestrians, completely out of their control. As a resident of New York City, the most important actions you can take is to remain observant and informed. MTA drivers operate under specific laws and regulations unique to New York City, so knowing what steps to follow if you are involved in an MTA bus-related accident can be extremely helpful in resolving any harm caused: -Ensure you are in a safe area away from the wreck. -Seek medical attention for any injuries and wounds. -Document all injuries and accident details (including name of driver and bus number involved) -File a police report as soon as possible. -Contact legal representation immediately. Be it inadequate driving or faulty bus maintenance, your health and well-being are always the number one priority. Make sure you always practice defensive walking safety when in the city; never assume any driver is always paying attention. If you or a family member were involved in a bus related accident that caused injury or death, contact Siler & Ingber for a free case evaluation. Call 1-877-718-6079 to speak to one of our attorneys from our winning legal team.
Is Your Child Safe in That Car Seat?
National Car Seat Safety Week Kicks Off… New York parents are generally aware their children are best protected when riding in a car seat. Most also know the safest area in the car for their kids is in the back seat. But how do you know for sure your child is in the right car seat? And how can you be certain if you have installed the car seat correctly? Reports show three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly, and typically, unknowingly by the parents. There are hundreds of different models of safety seats on the baby market today that have parent’s heads spinning with worry for a good reason; car seats are tricky! To provide some guidance, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) created Child Passenger Safety Week. This campaign focuses on generating awareness regarding proper child car seat safety, while connecting parents to the most current and accurate information. New York parents looking for assistance are linked to an abundance of resources focused on appropriately choosing, fitting, and installing their child’s car seats to increase accident protection. This year’s awareness campaign kicks off on Monday, September 17th and ends with National Seat Check Day on Saturday, September 23rd. On Seat Check Day, parents are encouraged to visit any New York law enforcement agency for a free car seat audit, as well assistance in properly installing car seats into their vehicles. WHERE IN NEW YORK CAN YOU GET YOUR SEATS CHECKED? Free car seat fittings are offered throughout the state of New York . Check this website to find out where you can have a free inspection with a trained car seat technician who will check your seat and demonstrate correct installation. http://www.safeny.ny.gov/seat-per.htm. The NHTSA urges parents to take full advantage of the resources provided online and in their communities. By educating yourself and your children on effective car safety early, children are more likely to continue to use these habits well into adulthood. Sadly, the leading cause of death between the ages of 1 and 13 is due to automobile accidents. With statistics this high, there is no room for chance when it comes to your child’s safety in the car. Our team at Siler & Ingber encourages all New York residents to stay informed and spread awareness during this year’s Child Passenger Safety Week.
Parents: Beware of These Common School-Borne Illnesses
The adventure of kids returning to school can excite both parents and children alike. What can often ruin this excitement in an instant- the first wave of school-borne illnesses your kids bring home to the family, that plague your entire house! After reaching a stage of relaxation over the summer months, your child’s immune system is not entirely prepared to cope with the influx of germs they encounter from school peers and classrooms. This sudden change can lead to an increase in illnesses and injuries your child may experience within only the first couple months of classes. For parents, making sure your children practice proper hygiene at home will increase the occurrence of these habits at school. In addition, knowing the most common children’s illnesses and injuries to look for can be extremely helpful in preventing these nasty problems from festering: • Colds and season flus • Strep throat • Stomach Flu • Conjunctivitis (aka. Pinkeye) • Lice • Impetigo (contagious skin infection) • Aches and pains in back, head, or neck. • Minor injuries (scrapes, cuts, sprains, etc.) When getting back into the school routine, any illness or injury can be frustrating for the family. Unfortunately, you cannot be there every day to monitor your child’s health behaviors, so remember that education is the first step to increasing good health. In cases of uncommon or unexplained injuries, make sure you are in close communication with your child’s teachers to ensure no intentional harm is occurring. If your child or someone you love has suffered an injury or illness due to negligence of another, contact our winning legal team on : 1-877-718-6079
The Most Dangerous Roads in Long Island
At just over 1,400 square miles, Long Island covers a lot of ground—and it has a road and highway system to match. Unfortunately, many of these roads are notable for the number of crashes they see every year, many of which are particularly likely to involve pedestrians due to a number of design flaws. While you should always be alert and attentive when driving, it pays to know which stretches of highway are riskier to drive on than others. With that in mind, we’ve detailed some of Long Island’s most dangerous roads below. Suffolk County’s Route 25 Not Good for Pedestrians With the exception of the most easterly portion of Suffolk County, Route 25 crosses through the majority of Long Island. The stretch that does run through Suffolk, however, is known for being especially dangerous to pedestrians. In fact, Route 25 generally sees the second-highest number of pedestrian deaths in all of New York. Known in various points as the Jericho Turnpike, Main Street, and Middle Country Road, Route 25 has poor lighting in several stretches, making it difficult for drivers to see those on foot. Adding to the risks, it’s not uncommon for a half mile or more of road to pass by without a single crosswalk. Hempstead Turnpike: Narrow and Fast Route 24, the Hempstead Turnpike, is another exceptionally dangerous stretch of highway on Long Island. Route 24 consistently sees a high number of crashes year after year, and many believe that this is at least partially due to how narrow the highway is. Unfortunately, widening the road is considered to be somewhere between difficult and impossible. The Hempstead Turnpike is also sometimes criticized for being designed with fast-moving traffic in mind. Some have pointed out that adjusting the flow of traffic through how the traffic lights are synchronized would discourage speeding, but would also likely lead to increased traffic congestion. Blood Alley The Southern State Parkway, particularly a ten-mile section known to the locals as “Blood Alley” due its high occurrence of fatal car accidents, is actually one of the most dangerous roads in the entire country—not just in Long Island or New York. The Parkway is known for its twisting, tight corners; numerous hills; and exceptionally poor lighting in many stretches. Motorists would do well to be especially vigilant when traveling on this road, especially when traversing Blood Alley, which runs between exits seventeen and thirty-two. Long Island Auto Wreck Attorneys While the three roads listed above are consistently some of Long Island’s—and the whole of New York’s—most dangerous roads, they aren’t the only highways and interstates to be careful on. Montauk Highway, Wicks Road, and Merrick Road, in particular, also regularly turn up in the crash statistics. If you’ve been injured in a car wreck on one of these highways—or anywhere else on the island—Siler & Ingber, LLP can help you get the compensation you need. Perhaps the design of the road was to blame, or perhaps it was due to another driver’s negligence. Whatever the case may be, we can help. Arrange a free consultation with one of our attorneys by completing the form on this page or by calling 1-877-718-6079. Related Information Most Dangerous Sections of the LIE
