Child Passenger Safety Week
Car crashes are the number one cause of death for children. Between 2013 to 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (N.H.T.S.A.) reported 3,313 children under the age of 13 died in car crashes. In 2017 alone, over 40 percent of children killed were not buckled in properly. Hundreds of parents and guardians every year skip the vital step of securing their children properly in the car. Most are simple mistakes, and without the knowledge that an error has been made. To help spread awareness and prevent further child fatalities on the road, the N.H.T.S.A. sponsors the annual Child Passenger Safety Week every September. From September 15 to 21, the N.H.T.S.A. along with countless other national organizations, launch active safety campaigns geared towards parents and guardians on the importance of car seat safety. Long Island families can access a bulk of community resources and events this week to assist them in properly choosing and installing their children’s car seats. To end the week, Saturday, September 21 is National Seat Check Day. Residents can visit several inspection stations in Nassau and Suffolk Counties to gain peace of mind that their little ones are safely secured. All New York parents can help spread awareness this week by staying informed on the facts. To help you get started, we’ve compiled some of the most crucial facts parents need to know about car seat safety. Car Seat Mistakes To Avoid Safe Kids Worldwide reports that for every 33 seconds, a child under the age of 13-years-old is involved in a car accident. Car seats are vital to protecting our children in the case of an accident, but only if they are being used properly. Unfortunately, most parents are not aware when they are making deadly car seat errors, leading to an increased chance of life-threatening injuries every time their child rides in the car. An article published in Fatherly highlights the seven most common car seat mistakes parents are making that could cause serious harm: Installing Car Seats Improperly:Common installation mistakes include wrong angles, using the wrong belt, not securing seat correctly, not following the manufacturer’s instructions. Turning Car Seat Too Soon:According to new recommendations released by the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents should keep their kids rear-facing as long as possible. Yet, a number of parents turn their kids around well before just because it’s easier. Not Fastening Seat Top Tether:The top tether of the car seat can keep children facing forward from toppling in a car accident. Fatherly reports more than 64% of parents don’t even use the top tether, and 50% aren’t attaching it correctly. Not Tightening Shoulder Harness Correctly:Leaving space in the harness is extremely dangerous and can cause your child to slip out of the seat and be ejected from the car. There should be no slack in the shoulder harness. Not Taking Off Winter Coats:Winter coats can cause a child to be loosely secured in a seat, even if it appears the straps are tight. There are an extra four inches of space between the coat and the child that can cause a child to fly out easily. Not Using The Right Seat:If children are in a seat that is too big or too small, they can be seriously injured in a car accident without the proper protection for their body. Missing Recalls:Not sending in the registration form for your car seat can cause parents to miss important safety recalls for their products that could put your kids in danger. The Worst Car Seats To Use Car seats are expensive. The cost alone of a modern-day car seat is enough to hinder a parent’s choice to purchase a new one. But holding on to subpar car seats or choosing cheaper options may not be a safer alternative. Here are the types of car seats parents should avoid: Expired Seats:Car seats have expiration dates for a reason. According to Consumer Reports, car seat components break down over time. This can lead to safety features failing in the case of a crash. Car seats that are typically over six-years-old should be replaced with newer models. Car Seats That Have Been In Accidents:Car accidents apply a large amount of force on objects inside the car, including the seats. Safety experts recommend replacing car seats after an accident due to the stress placed on the safety components. Keeping seats after an accident could result in life-threatening injuries or the product to fail in a crash. Second-Hand Seats: Parents who buy second-hand seats do not know the history of the product. These models may have been subject to recalls, accidents, and other types of mistreatment that compromise their integrity and durability. The cost reduction is not worth the risk. Walmart Trade-In Event Parents who are looking to purchase a new car seat or upgrade their current models will be excited about Walmart’s new Car Seat Trade-In Event. From now until September 30, Walmart will award customers a $30 gift card that can be used on any item in-store or online. The incentive is perfect to use on the next car seat you need for your little one. Here’s how to participate: Bring your car seat to the Customer Service counter from September 16 to September 30. Leave the car seat at the counter and walk away with a $30 Walmart gift card. There are only two-trade-ins allowed per household (booster seats are not eligible). For more information on the trade-in program, view Walmart’s policies here Long Island Child Passenger Safety Events Parents on Long Island should take full advantage of local resources and events available during Child Passenger Safety Week, including participating in National Seat Check Saturday. Making sure your child’s safety seat is properly secured and appropriate for their size could save their lives and protect them from permanent or disabling injuries. Nassau and Suffolk Counties both offer multiple sites for car seat installation assistance. Parents are required to make appointments before to ensure they have enough time to ask all
Drinking and Driving on Labor Day- Don’t Take A Chance
Labor Day weekend is only days away, and Long Island police departments are already on the prowl to catch drunk drivers in the act. Suffolk County police arrested eight motorists for impaired driving at a sobriety checkpoint in Huntington Station this past weekend as a part of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) campaign, “Saturation Saturday.” According to Newsday, this safety initiative is conducted annually on the Saturday before the upcoming holiday weekend to encourage motorists to drive sober by threatening hefty penalties. The drastic increase in drunk drivers on the road makes Labor Day one of the deadliest holidays of the year for car accidents. In 2017, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 376 traffic fatalities over this holiday weekend- 36 percent of these accidents involved a drunk driver. Law enforcement officers nationwide, including on Long Island, have joined organizations such as the N.H.T.S.A. in initiating a high-visibility enforcement campaign spanning from August 14 through September 2. The increased presence of officers on the road aims to reduce the number of drivers who drink and drive, and to spread awareness on the dangers alcohol can have on someone’s driving abilities. One Drink Could Be One Too Many Drunk driving takes the lives of over 10,000 Americans every year. Alcohol can impact a driver’s judgment, vision, color distinction, and reaction time; all factors which can lead to increased traffic accidents. Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable, and it doesn’t take a large amount of alcohol for them to occur. Most drivers who choose to drink and drive give excuses such as “I only had one drink,” or “I feel fine.” The fact of the matter is that one drink does not make someone immune to the risks of intoxicated driving. A driver’s level of intoxication is based on several different factors which can all vary depending on the circumstances under which the drink was consumed. The Student Well-Being McDonald Center at the University of Notre Dame describes these as the most significant factors that can affect someones intoxication level and Blood Alcohol Content (B.A.C.), even from just one alcoholic beverage: Rate of Consumption Choosing to down multiple alcoholic drinks quickly because you have to drive later will always backfire. The quicker you consume an alcoholic beverage, the faster your B.A.C. will rise. Type of Drink One beer is not equivalent to one glass of hard liquor. Different types of alcohol have varying levels of alcohol content. Consuming stronger drinks will result in a higher B.A.C. High alcohol content drinks are also absorbed slower, which may delay the feeling of intoxication leading someone to drink more than they should. Size of Drink One drink of alcohol can vary greatly depending on how much is in your glass. One 12 ounce beer, one 4 to 5 ounce glass of wine, and one 10 ounce wine cooler all have the same alcohol content. Considering most people are not measuring how much alcohol they pour into their glass, it can be easy to consume more alcohol in one drink than intended. Mood Surprisingly, your mood can play a significant role in how intoxicated you become. If someone is experiencing depression, anxiety, or anger prior to drinking alcohol, the enzymes in their stomach will change the way their body reacts to processing the alcohol. Researchers found mood begins to deteriorate when B.A.C. is about .07, regardless of how happy you were when you started drinking. Food Drinking alcohol before you eat is a recipe for disaster. Someone who consumes alcohol on an empty stomach as opposed to a full stomach will become intoxicated much quicker. High Tolerance Having a high tolerance for consuming alcohol does not mean you can still drive. Someone who does not experience as many effects from alcohol may still have a B.A.C. over the legal limit, and make decisions on the road they might not have if sober. Illness Drinking while you are ill or in recovery from an illness can result in a higher B.A.C. and the feeling that you are more intoxicated after fewer drinks. This occurs because the body is typically dehydrated after being sick, which increases the effects of alcohol. Medications Adverse reactions to medications when drinking is more common than you might think. Mixing medications with alcohol is deadly on its own, but it can have serious consequences for an individual who is unaware before getting behind the wheel. Certain medications can cause the effects of alcohol to skyrocket after only one drink. Even some herbal medications can have adverse reactions when mixed with alcohol. Fatigue Consuming alcohol can cause you to feel fatigued, but drinking when you are already fatigued can intensify the effects of alcohol immensely. When someone is fatigued, their liver is less efficient and processes alcohol much slower, resulting in an abnormally high B.A.C. Weight The amount you weigh can determine how many drinks it takes for you to become intoxicated. Someone who weighs 185 pounds could have a B.A.C. of 0.025 after consuming two drinks in an hour, while their 130-pound friend could have a .053 B.A.C. after the same type and amount of alcohol in the same timeframe. The bottom line is there is no situation where driving after you consume alcohol is safe. There is no special math equation that can help you determine how many drinks you can have before you are too drunk to drive. Drinking any amount of alcohol is not worth getting behind the wheel or causing an accident that could alter someone’s life forever. Know The Signs Preventing drunk driving accidents starts with keeping drivers who are intoxicated off the road. When someone has been drinking, they have lost the ability for you to rely on their judgment. Being able to recognize the signs of a drunk driver can help you stop friends and family from getting behind the wheel and making a grave mistake they cannot take back. According to Healthline, here are the signs to look for that could
Car Accident Attorneys: When It’s Time To Call
Someone who is injured in a car accident is rarely thinking clearly. Between the stress of the accident and the physical pain of the injuries sustained, it can be difficult to determine what to do first. Without a doubt, your health and safety are a priority. Calling the authorities to report the crash and to seek medical attention for any serious injury should come immediately after an accident. Once these two critical steps are completed, the next challenge is deciding whether or not to call a lawyer. If you were injured in an accident, contacting a personal injury attorney could be extremely beneficial. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the tedious process of filing a successful insurance claim for the full benefits you deserve. In cases where your medical treatment exceeds the no-fault coverage amounts, a personal injury attorney can also help file a lawsuit if the accident was caused by the severe negligence of another driver. Car Accident Attorneys Will Fight The Insurance Companies New York City and Long Island car accident victims who attempt to file an insurance claim on their own after an accident can get themselves into immediate trouble. Insurance companies have teams of experts ready to fight claims and deny maximum rewards. Their resources include lawyers and adjusters who are only looking out for the best interests of their employers- not the victim of a crash. New York is a “no-fault” insurance state, meaning no matter who causes the accident, drivers who are insured can be reimbursed for expenses such as medical costs and other subsequent damages from an accident. The minimum amounts for liability insurance New Yorkers are required to purchase before registering a vehicle include: $10,000 for property damage; $25,000 to $50,000 for an injury; and $50,000 to $100,000 for a death. No-fault benefits could cover a variety of expenses for an individual after an accident, including lost wages, transportation, medical bills, prescriptions, and more. Drivers involved in an accident looking for these types of reimbursements must file a successful claim within 30 days of an accident to be considered. This can be easier said than done, especially if you have sustained serious injuries. Unfortunately, insurance reimbursements are not guaranteed; particularly when a claim is filed late or incorrectly. Car insurance claims are not always as straightforward as they appear to be, and missing information can get even the most catastrophic accident claims denied. Competent car accident attorneys understand the tricks insurance companies use to provide minimal compensation to clients who deserve more. With full knowledge of how to file a successful car accident claim in New York State, personal injury lawyers can help clients avoid the most common mistakes that lead to denied claims. Why Insurance Companies Can Deny Your Claim Insurance companies have complete control over determining the outcome after a claim is filed, and they are not in the business of handing out money. Some insurance providers will do whatever it takes not to provide full rewards to a customer, even if a person’s life depends on it. Representing yourself against large insurance companies after an accident will most likely not end well. A car accident attorney can help you provide the pertinent information your claim requires to receive the maximum benefit by focusing on these key factors: Accurate Accident Reports: Filing a police report for an accident is not as easy as you might believe. Attorneys often help their clients obtain accurate police reports of the accident that include all the details insurance companies are looking for when reviewing a claim. Picture Evidence: Pictures of the scene of an accident can be critical when it comes to proving fault when a serious injury occurs. If a driver ignored a right-of-way law or clearly marked traffic stop, photos will help in the case of a dispute. Proof of Expenses: Clients may not realize how many expenses they can claim from the injuries they sustained after an accident. An attorney will help tally up the cost for all medical treatments and damages from the accident to determine the necessary amount a client needs to get back on their feet. Ongoing Medical Treatment: Victims of accidents who are injured may not go to follow-up appointments out of financial fear. Car accident attorneys educate their clients on the importance of attending all doctors appointments to accurately support the injury claim. When Car Accidents Lead to Serious Injuries If you are seriously injured in an accident, your medical bills and treatments could meet the threshold for coverage. In these cases, personal injury attorneys are the best resources to use to file a lawsuit against a driver whose negligence was the cause of the accident. Serious injuries that could qualify for a lawsuit after an accident include: Brain Injuries; Spine Injuries; and Burn Injuries. Filing a claim against another driver in addition to filing a claim with your insurance company can become stressful. Keeping all the details and timelines straight is not easy, especially when you are in pain and possibly disabled after an accident. When you call a winning personal injury attorney, these professionals will take on the burden of keeping multiple claims organized. They understand the inner workings on what is required to successfully file different types of claims. Skilled personal injury attorneys possess the resources to represent your best interests, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve when wrongfully injured. Finding The Best Attorney For Your Claim Finding the best personal injury attorney will take some time. Unfortunately, not all of them are equal. These are some of the red flags clients should be looking for when researching firms in their area: ’Settlement Mills’ Some personal injury attorneys are only out to settle, not to fight. These firms are called ‘settlement mills’, where the goal is to get as many cases as possible for any settlement amount. Non-Contingent Most personal injury lawyers charge a contingency fee allowing clients to pay nothing unless a case is won. Personal injury attorneys
These Fourth of July Accidents Can Be Deadly!
Independence Day is one of the most thrilling summer holidays. Between fireworks, barbecues, and pool parties, most Long Islanders will have their upcoming weekends packed with exciting events. Safety will be especially important to remember during this Fourth of July, no matter how you chose to celebrate. Sadly, seven people were killed on Long Island in less than 48 hours last Independence Day. The accidents included: A 25-year-old man who died after crashing his motorcycle into a guardrail on the Long Island Expressway; A 49-year-old man who died after crashing his motorcycle into a barricade on Veterans Memorial Highway; A 17-year-old who was killed when refusing to join a gang; The driver of a Jeep who was killed in a vehicle accident in Ronkonkoma when his car caught fire after crashing into multiple road hazards; A 47-year-old man who was killed when he struck a guardrail on the William Floyd Parkway; A 41-year-old man who drowned at a Mattituck beach when trying to save his child; and A 16-year-old died in New Cassel who died after suffering serious unknown injuries. Any Long Islander planning a getaway or even a small celebration at home should prepare for accidents this holiday. By familiarizing yourself with the most common Fourth of July injuries, you can decrease your family’s chance of injuries this weekend and focus on having a good time. Deadly Roadtrip Hazards Four of the seven Fourth of July deaths on Long Island in 2018 were the result of vehicle accidents. The AAA recently stated that 2-million more motorists could be on the roads this holiday weekend, putting the total of possible travelers up to 48.9 million and counting. Summer holidays increase the number of distracted, drunk, fatigued, and aggressive drivers on the road in addition to traffic congestion. With New York City ranking as one of the top tourist destinations this Independence Day, New York motorists are at an increased risk on the road. According to Finder, New York was the ninth deadliest state for traffic accidents between 2008 to 2017, with a total of 56 fatalities. How To Stay Safe Start your holiday trip off right by avoiding the most congested times on the road. The AAA predicts July 3 will be the worst day to leave this year for New Yorkers, specifically between the times of 1:45 to 3:45 p.m. when delays are expected to be 3.8 times longer than usual. Before you leave, ensure your car is in working condition. AAA rescues over 367,000 stranded motorists every Independence Day weekend. Cars and pedestrians on the side of the road can easily be hit by drivers who are not paying attention. Reduce your chances of a breakdown by taking your vehicle to a repair shop for any outstanding maintenance before your road trip. Motorcycle riders must use extra caution on the road this holiday. Keeping speeds low, staying vigilante, and avoiding rides in inclement weather are the first steps to reducing accidents. Never assume a car sees you coming or is paying attention. Using defensive driving methods is extremely important to protect riders when roads are busy and drivers are in a hurry. Drowning Horrors Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children in the summer. Newsday reports Long Island saw nearly 90 drowning deaths between 1999 to 2017. Children ages 1 to 4 have the highest rate of drowning across the country, but they are not the only ones in danger. One of the seven Long Island Independence Day fatalities in 2018 was a father trying to save his child from drowning. Other incidents of adults and older children drowning from sports injuries, rip tides, and boating accidents have also been reported over the years. How To Stay Safe Parents should always supervise young children in the water. Using swimming aids can help reduce the risk of drowning for children who cannot swim. However, swimming lessons are the most effective in the long run. If you have a pool, make sure to install a sturdy gate to keep unsupervised children away from the water. When swimming in the ocean, take note of the waves, rip-tides, and crowds before taking a dip. Freak Firework Accidents It wouldn’t be a Fourth of July celebration without fireworks. But these exciting explosives can lead to serious harm when missed. The National Fire Protection Association (N.F.P.A.) reports fireworks are responsible for an average of 18,500 fires and 10,500 injuries every year. Hand injuries accounted for over 36 percent of accidents, followed by head, face, and ears injuries (19 percent), eye injuries (19 percent), trunk injuries (11 percent), leg injuries (10 percent), and arm injuries (9 percent). While some people can get away with minor burns from sparkler flares, other individuals sustain traumatic injuries from firework accidents that can be permanently disabling, such as amputations, first and second-degree burns, bone fractures, and vision/hearing loss. How To Stay Safe The safest way to enjoy fireworks this holiday is to see a public show and leave the dangerous tasks to the professionals. There are several shows on Long Island your family can attend this year with spectacular displays. Click here to see a list of shows in your area. If you do want to take a chance with home fireworks this weekend, avoid products such as sparklers, firecrackers, reloadable shells, roman candles and illegal fireworks known for causing injuries. Always keep children far away from fireworks and never relight a firework that did not go off on the first try. To avoid house fires, keep all fireworks a safe distance from any homes and roofs. Heat Dangers Most New Yorkers are planning outdoor activities for the upcoming holiday. With temperatures predicted to remain high, Independence Day celebrators could be spending a lot of time in the heat. Prolonged exposure to the sun and heat without any way for the body to cool down is extremely dangerous. According to Mayo Clinic, heat illnesses such as heat stroke occur when your body temperature rises
April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month!
In the United States, nine people are killed and 100 are injured every day from distracted driving-related accidents according to the National Safety Council (NSC). To spread awareness and help reduce the number of distracted drivers on our roads, April has been dubbed Distracted Driving Awareness Month. This united front by safety organizations and administrations nationwide was created to educate motorists on how to decrease the number of unnecessary accidents by recognizing their own distractive behaviors behind the wheel and encouraging others around them to drive alert. Distractions On Long Island Drivers on Long Island are just as guilty as the rest of the country when it comes to driving distracted. According to an article published by Long Island Streets, preliminary data from 2017 showed over 48,729 accidents, 147 fatalities, and 20,141 injuries were the result of distracted driving crashes in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Here is how the numbers broke down: Nassau County 24,582 total accidents 58 fatalities 10,054 resulting in personal injuries 14,470resulting in property damage Suffolk County 24,147 total accidents 89 fatalities 10,087 resulting in personal injuries 13,971 resulting in property damage The most common factors leading to distracted driving accidents in both counties included driver inattention/distraction, view obstructions, falling asleep, fatigued/drowsy, passenger distraction, outside distraction, and cell phone use. However, not all of these figures are an accurate representation of what was actually distracting a driver during an accident. In the case of accidents categorized under driver inattention/distraction, these drivers could have been using a cell phone or other electronic device directly before a crash but did not disclose this information to avoid heftier penalties. Three Types of Distracted Drivers There is an endless number of distractions that can take a driver’s attention off the road, but not all of them affect us in the same way. Esurance recognizes three different types of driving distractions that can equally put the lives of others at risk: Visual Distractions– These distractions occur when a driver physically takes their eyes away from the road to look at something in or outside of the car. Looking at electronic devices, cell phones, GPS’s, or passengers all fit under this category. Cognitive Distractions– These distractions occur when a driver is mentally focused on something other than driving. This could include talking with a passenger, thinking about work, or listening intently to a radio program or audiobook. Manual Distractions– These distractions involve a driver taking their hands off the wheel. Eating, putting on makeup, reaching for items, or putting coordinates in a GPS are all manual distractions. Texting is by far one of the most dangerous road behaviors because it involves all three types of distractions: you are looking at the phone, you are thinking about what you are texting, and you are taking your hand(s) off the wheel to type in your text. Tech Savvy Ways to Reduce Distractions Advancements in technology have significantly contributed to the increase in distracted driving. Some companies, however, are also using technology to help combat this deadly trend. According to Consumer Reports, these features and apps may help reduce the number of preventable accidents involving cell phone use behind the wheel: Cellular Provider Driving Apps: AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon all offer different features to help reduce driver distractions involving the phone. These apps limit user activity and hold calls and messages when the driving modes are activated. Phone Specific Features: Apple and Samsung phones both come with additions to their latest operating systems that include Do Not Disturb While Driving modes. These modes even send automatic replies to others who send messages or call while you are driving. CellControl DriveID: This device works by mounting to the windshield and connecting to your phone wirelessly through an app. The device will detect when the car is moving and block drivers from receiving and sending text messages- it also monitors accelerations, speed, and braking patterns! ly and Drivemode: To reduce the number of people glancing down at their phones, these apps help by reading the messages and email’s aloud. Drivemode also works with other apps to make navigating and programming music safer in the car. Drive Safe Mode: Parents love this app because they can see when their teen is not following the rules. This app alerts them as soon as their teen begins texting or browsing social media while the car is in motion. The Siler & Ingber Distracted Driving Awareness Pledge Our team at Siler & Ingber is dedicated to reducing the number of unnecessary fatalities and injuries on the road caused by careless acts of distracted driving. To show our commitment, we have created a pledge our entire team will be following for the month of April. We invite you to join us in taking the pledge as well, so that we can make New York roads safer together. Sign the Pledge In honor of Distracted Driving Awareness Month, I refuse to drive distracted in any way, shape, or form. I pledge to: Place my cellphone and all other electronic devices out of reach while behind the wheel Avoid participating in distractions such as watching a video, playing games, engaging on social media, taking photos or videos, and texting while behind the wheel Postpone any calls, even via a hands-free or Bluetooth device, until after the drive Wait to call or message someone I know is driving until after I believe they have arrived at their destination Avoid calling others as a passenger in a vehicle to avoid distracting the driver Encourage friends and family to avoid distracted driving as well Invite everyone in my circle to join me in taking the pledge Every individual that signs the pledge will be recognized and thanked on Siler & Ingber, LLP’s Facebook Page. [gravityform id =”19″ title=”false” description=”false”] Drive Safe To Save Lives Cell phones are not the only risk of distracting motorists on Long Island. All drivers on the road should be practicing these safe driving behaviors whenever behind the wheel: Eat before you
New York Car Accident Settlement Process
Being in a car accident can be incredibly frightening. Dealing with the aftermath can be equally stressful, particularly as you start to deal with insurance companies and paperwork while you attempt to recover from your injuries. One of the most frustrating aspects of the process for many people is that they don’t understand the process. Most people are fortunate enough to not be in multiple car accidents in their lifetimes. This means that they lack the experience to know what to expect in the New York car accident settlement process. Learning about this process from a Long Island car accident attorney can help you feel more in control. It can also assist you in making wise decisions, as you understand that each stage is just a step in the process. Step One: Filing a Personal Injury Claim with the Insurance Company The first step in the New York car accident settlement process is to notify the at-fault party’s insurance company about the accident and your injuries. This is done by filing a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. Most insurance companies have a system for filing claims online or over the phone. You should do this as soon as possible after the accident, or in any case, within 24 hours. In response to filing a personal injury claim, the insurance company will send you a “reservation of rights” letter. This letter will indicate that the insurance company plans to investigate your claim, but it is not admitting any liability for your injuries. New York is a no-fault state for car accidents. This means that you will be covered by your own insurance company for certain damages regardless of who was at fault in the accident. As a result, you can and should seek medical treatment immediately after your crash. Bills for medical treatment, prescription drugs, lost wages, and transportation to and from medical providers will all be covered. Step Two: Sending a Demand Letter to the Insurance Company After consulting with and hiring a Long Island car accident attorney, your lawyer will investigate your case and begin to put together a claim. Your attorney will then send a demand letter to the insurance company. The demand letter will set forth the facts of what happened in the accident as well as your injuries. It will also itemize your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your Long Island car accident attorney will use his or her experience and other cases to craft this demand letter and put calculate a total amount in damages. Step Three: The Negotiations Begin Once the insurance company has received your demand letter, a claims adjuster will contact you to discuss an initial offer. If you are represented by a lawyer, all conversations and negotiations will go through your Long Island car accident attorney. The claims adjuster will work to convince your lawyer that your claim is with much less than what you have demanded. He or she may argue that the number selected for “pain and suffering” is too high, or that your injuries are not properly documented. This is where having a skilled Long Island car accident attorney is truly valuable. Your lawyer will use his or her negotiation skills to reject this initial low-ball offer, and reply with a counter offer. This counteroffer will restate your original demand, and reduce your settlement amount slightly to move the negotiation process forward. The negotiation process will continue in this manner, often with the claims adjuster and your attorney making several offers and counteroffers between them. Importantly, your Long Island car accident attorney is required to inform you of all offers to settle your case. It is your decision to settle the case or move forward with negotiations. Step Four: You Accept or Reject the Final Offer If you have not reached an agreement, the claims adjuster may make a final settlement offer. At this point, you will either have to accept the settlement offer or reject it. If you choose to reject it, you will have to prepare to file a personal injury lawsuit and the possibility of taking your case to trial. If you decide to accept the settlement offer, then negotiations will be complete. You can work with your Long Island car accident attorney to sign the final paperwork and move forward. If the number is closer to what you originally requested, you can be happy knowing that your patience and persistence paid off in the long run. Work with a Long Island Car Accident Attorney The New York car accident settlement process can be lengthy. However, over time, it can result in achieving a far more favorable outcome for those who follow a careful strategy. Accepting an initial offer can often lead to getting far less for your claim than what it is worth. At Siler & Ingber, we understand the challenges of the settlement process. We are here to help. We offer free initial consultations to all of our clients, where we explain your rights and options. Best of all, we never charge a fee unless we recover money for you. To learn more, contact us online or call us at 1-516-294-2666 to schedule an appointment.
Keyless Cars and CO
Last week, a horrifying scene unfolded when a father and his two young children died from carbon monoxide poisoning in Louisville, Kentucky. According to sources, the family was getting ready for school during the first cold week of the season. The father was said to have started the car in a closed garage so it would be warm for the trip- sadly, that trip to school never happened. A family member found the father and the 3-year-old son dead in the garage, and the 8-year-old daughter unconscious in her seat. She was taken to a local hospital but died the following day from the illness. This devastating accident is not only spreading awareness regarding the increase of carbon monoxide poisoning incidents in the wintertime but also calling attention to a vehicle feature that has been linked to several carbon monoxide deaths in the past: the keyless ignition. Deadly Risks of Keyless Ignitions Cars manufactured with keyless ignitions have been exploding in popularity in the last few years. Consumers are tired of fumbling around with bulky key fobs and searching for missing car keys in bags or purses. A push start mechanism that doesn’t require you to have a key in your hand to start or even open the car is ideal for modern day drivers. Yet, this convenience, unlike others, comes with a deadly risk. As easy as it is for a motorist to start a keyless car, they can just as easily forget to turn it off. In most cases, if a driver forgets to turn off their keyless vehicle, a safety feature is designed to automatically shut off the car when the key fob is out of range. However, if a driver forgets to turn off their vehicle when parking it in a garage, the key fob will most likely never hit a distance that would trigger the shut-off mechanism. Not only will the car continue to run until it’s out of gas, but it will be spitting out harmful amounts of carbon monoxide that can easily seep into houses, killing unsuspecting family members inside. CO…The ‘Silent Killer’ Carbon monoxide (CO) has no odor, taste, or color, and is highly deadly in a short amount of time. Over 430 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Known as the ‘silent killer’, CO is most dangerous when people are asleep and completely unaware. Common appliances known for leaking carbon monoxide during use include: space heaters fireplaces and chimneys furnaces gas stoves generators cars leaf blowers snow blowers lawn mowers other appliances that run on gasoline The Mayo Clinic describes carbon monoxide poisoning as a process by which harmful CO levels build up in the bloodstream, replacing the oxygen cells our body needs to survive. When this occurs, our body can sustain severe and permanent damage to the tissue, heart, and brain. These complications can lead to cardiac arrest, cognitive and neurological disabilities, miscarriages, or even death depending on the length of exposure. When appliances and vehicles leak carbon monoxide, the gas has to go somewhere. A car parked outside away from the home will allow CO to disperse into the air or to be blown away with the wind. A car parked inside of a garage, however, leaves no room for the gas to escape except into the home through floor/ceiling cracks, pipes, and vents. Why Do Drivers Forget Telling drivers to ‘just remember to turn off the car’ is not going to help save lives. There are several reasons for why a driver may forget to turn off their vehicle before entering the home, such as: Deep-Rooted Habits: There are very few people in our country that have only driven keyless vehicles. The majority of drivers that started off with a traditional key you had to turn to start the car and turn to shut off the car. This movement has become a habit ingrained into the lifestyle and muscle memory for millions of motorists. With possibly decades of practice turning a key to drive, taking away the step of reaching for a key can completely change the game. Distractions: Distractions don’t stop once you pull into your driveway. Hustling kids in the house, running groceries through the door, and continuing conversations on a cell phone could all cause a driver to forget to turn off their keyless ignition before they enter the home. Lack of Alerts: A number of keyless cars do not have effective alerts to notify a driver that their car is still running when they put it in park and exit the vehicle. Because these cars are also new and more fuel efficient than older cars, they are practically silent when running in park, eliminating another clue to drivers that their car may still be running. Safety Tips for Keyless Car Owners Keyless cars are not going to go away despite their dangers. Luckily, owners of keyless ignition vehicles or consumers looking to purchase one can use these safety tips to reduce their risk of carbon monoxide poisoning: Reminders: You won’t remember to turn off your keyless car every time. But forgetting does not have to cost someone their life. Put reminders in your car, garage, and inside your home to prompt you to check that your vehicle is turned off before you enter your home. CO Detectors: Make sure your home has working carbon monoxide detectors to alert you if there are high CO levels in your house. Buy Safe: Newer keyless cars are being made with better safety features, such as an automatic shut off if the car is idle for up to 30 minutes. Research all models for the ones with the most alerts and safety precautions before purchasing a keyless car. Know the symptoms: If you are awake in the home and are experiencing any symptoms such as a dull headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath,
The Dangers of Highway Shoulder Accidents
An unfortunate fender bender this past holiday weekend led to a fatal chain reaction traffic accident on the Long Island Expressway. Sadly, the accident involving four vehicles on Saturday around midnight left several people injured, including children, and killed a 31-year-old father from Selden. After rear-ending a Mercedes going eastbound near Exit 49, the Selden man got out of his vehicle to speak to the driver of the Mercedes. On his way back to his vehicle, the man was fatally struck by another car who did not see him walking on the shoulder of the highway. The Dangers of Interstate Shoulder Accidents Interstate highways are becoming increasingly more dangerous to drive on. Traffic accidents taking place on these fast-paced roadways are often catastrophic, ending in severe to permanent injuries and unnecessary fatalities. For pedestrians and vehicles on the shoulder of these highways, the risks of injuries are even higher. Although the shoulder of the road was intentionally designed for cars to pull off in the case of an emergency, these areas are proving to be deadly. According to AAA, an estimated 12% of traffic fatalities are the result of shoulder accidents, taking the lives of over 600 Americans a year. These deadly accidents can be caused by a number of factors including: congested roads distracted drivers aggressive drivers impaired drivers inclement weather poor visibility road rage improper road entry pedestrians crossing into the road In light of the tragic accident last weekend and to help prevent similar fatalities in the future, Long Island safety officials are warning all drivers about the dangers of walking or parking on the shoulder of the highway, and what you should do in the case of a highway accident. Getting Out of the Car… A Deadly Mistake It’s every driver’s first reaction to jump out of his or her vehicle after an accident to inspect the possible damage that was done, but safety officials warn drivers to resist the urge. Motorists on the highways are typically traveling at high speeds and focused on getting where they need to go quickly. They may be looking out for obvious highway hazards such as construction cones, emergency vehicles, and maintenance trucks, but pedestrians or parked cars on the side of the road can be hard to see and often off the radar. Secondary Accidents Can Happen Drivers and passengers who remain inside of a car parked on the shoulder are not out of harm’s way. Drivers who are drunk, drowsy, distracted, or aggressive motorists known for attempting illegal passes using the shoulder, can easily strike cars parked on the side of the road causing injuries to occupants. Even more dangerous, most people remove their seatbelts and wander about the vehicle after an accident. In the case of a secondary collision caused by a passing car, these individuals are putting themselves at risk of being ejected from the vehicle and possibly out onto the road. Accidents After The Fact One of the most dangerous road maneuvers to pull off is entering back onto a busy highway. Some drivers who take every precaution to avoid being hit while on the shoulder can still suffer injuries from accidents that happen when they inappropriately merge back into traffic. Cars who are not paying attention and drivers too anxious to get going again can cause serious damage and cause pile-up crashes. What To Do In A Highway Accident If you are in an accident or have a maintenance issue that requires you to pull over on the shoulder of a busy highway, follow these safety tips to keep you and your passengers safe: Stay in the Car Call the police to report an accident, or a tow truck and/or service such as AAA for maintenance issues as soon as you pull over. Remain in your vehicle until they arrive and have blocked off the scene. Keep Your Seatbelts On Ensure everyone in your vehicle remains in their seats with their seatbelts fastened correctly. Seatbelts can reduce the severity of injuries up to 50%. Turn On Your Emergency Flashers Always put your emergency flashers on when parked on the shoulder to alert other vehicles that you are stopped. Pull Over All The Way Make sure your car is far enough over onto the shoulder where passing vehicles cannot easily clip it. Take Your Time Merging Never rush to get back onto the road from the shoulder. Only merge when you can do so safely and pay attention to the cars in all lanes in case someone is lane changing near you. If the maintenance on your car can wait, it’s best to do so. Make a practical assessment of any maintenance issues you experience on the highway. Only park on the shoulder when it’s absolutely necessary before putting you and others in your vehicle in danger. Help Prevent Highway Shoulder Accidents Drivers on the road can help prevent injuries and fatalities resulting from shoulder accidents by slowing down and paying attention. If you see a car or pedestrian on the side of the highway, move over, and encourage other vehicles to do the same to avoid preventable accidents. If you or a loved one has sustained a serious injury from a highway shoulder accident, the law firm of Siler & Ingber will fight back for you. Our expert team of personal injury attorneys has been seeking justice for driver negligence on Long Island roadways for over 20 years. Contact us at 1-877-529-4343 for a free consultation today to review your case and discuss your options.
Car Accident While Pregnant: What You Should Do
If you’ve been in a car accident while pregnant, it is imperative that you get the care you need to protect your health and that of your unborn child. In nearly all situations, mothers-to-be face increased risks of complications, premature birth, and miscarriage when involved in a car accident. When someone else is at fault, it is essential to get the financial compensation owed to you to help you overcome your losses. Our personal injury attorneys at Siler & Ingber, LLP are available to discuss your case with you today. Know the Risks to You and Your Child In every situation, even minor car accidents, the very first step you should take if you are in a car accident while pregnant is to go to the emergency room. Even if you feel okay, this is an essential step. Then, file a police report about the incident. The risks to the mother and unborn child are significant in even minor car accidents. A study reported by CMAJ found that women in their second trimester were at a 42 percent greater risk of miscarriage after a car accident than they were prior. Thousands of women have experienced this heightened risk each year. What You Should Do After an Accident As noted, an emergency room visit is recommended for all women involved in any type of car accident while pregnant. From there, a police report is necessary to document the incident. We encourage you to involve our team in the process as quickly as possible. Women involved in a car accident may be at a higher risk of requiring the use of more monitoring and screenings to prevent and detect complications throughout the remainder of their pregnancy. For this reason, you may wish to wait to file a settlement with the responsible driver until after all losses are fully understood. This is where our team can help you. How Can a Car Accident Injure Your Unborn Child? During pregnancy, your body is at a heightened level of risk. Complications are not uncommon in women who face a moderate to severe car accident. Consider a few of the most common injuries and losses you may have as a result of such an incident. Miscarriage Women are at a higher risk for suffering a miscarriage after a car accident because of damage to the stomach and uterus. Though rare, this is the most severe complication. High-Risk Pregnancy Many times, doctors will label and take steps throughout pregnancy after a car accident to minimize further risks. This can mean spending more time in the hospital, under bed rest, and facing more consistent monitoring. Birth Defects Depending on the type of accident, the child could suffer some level of injury as a result of the car accident. This may include developmental delays due to a lack of oxygen or damage to the amniotic fluid. Premature Birth Being born too early due to a car accident can place babies at a higher risk of health complications as well. Premature birth means the child is less developed especially in areas of the heart and lungs, creating potential long-term risks for that child. Trauma Several types of trauma can occur to an unborn child, just as it can impact you after a car accident. Placental abruption can occur, which means the placenta breaks away from the uterus. Fetal trauma such as damage to the child’s body or brain can occur. Compensation for Accident While Pregnant For mothers-to-be, the most important step is to get care, but that care may come at a significantly higher cost if your pregnancy is labeled high risk. You may need to spend more time in the hospital. You may need more extensive testing. If there are complications, this may mean surgeries or many additional medical costs after the child is born. Pain and suffering can be a concern for you, too. This can be a very demanding time for you. However, with the help of a personal injury attorney, you can rest assured you can get the financial support you need. A simple collision can mean long-term consequences. Our team can work with you to understand if you’ve suffered any losses, what length of time those losses will occur, and what steps you can take to obtain the compensation owed to you. There’s also the emotional distress and turmoil you face throughout this process to consider. Pursue Legal Action Against Those Who Put You at Risk: Call Your Personal Injury Attorney Today At Siler & Ingber, LLP, our dedicated team of attorneys is ready to help you. With millions of dollars in settlements awarded to our clients, we are happy to listen to your case and provide you with insight. We have over 20 years of experience and a win rate of 98%. You can depend on us. Request a free case review by calling us or using our online form to request more information.
What to Do if You Get in a Car Accident but Don’t Have Insurance
When you are in a car accident, the damages can be significant. You, and potentially the other driver, may be suffering from medical concerns, property damage, and a variety of other losses. But, who will pay for these losses? In New York, which is a no-fault state, most people turn to their own insurance companies for financial protection. But, what happens if you do not have insurance? This is when you are facing significant risk. What Are New York State Laws? Under New York law, you are required to maintain auto insurance on yourself if you are driving a car. If you are pulled over, or you are involved in an accident, and you do not have auto insurance, you are likely to face fines and potentially a loss of your driver’s license. As a no-fault state, New York laws specifically eliminates whether fault matters. By comparison, in many states, the driver at fault is responsible for paying for the damages caused to the other driver’s property. In New York, this does not apply. Rather, no matter who causes the accident, each driver’s insurance policy covers their losses. How Does This Impact You If You Don’t Have Coverage? If you are driving without auto insurance, you are violating state laws. And, if an accident occurs, it makes it financially difficult for you to obtain any compensation for your losses. For example, if you are in an accident in which another driver strikes your car, their insurance does not pay for your losses, even if it was their fault. This leaves you without any way to cover your losses. In most situations, you are likely to face fines as well as the losses you’ve obtained from the accident. This may include fines, but it may include jail time or the loss of your license, especially if it has happened before. Could You File a Claim Against the Other Driver? In some situations, it may be possible to file a claim with the other driver’s coverage if you can prove the losses were significant and the individual’s actions warrant it. However, this can be difficult to do. In these situations, you may need to file a lawsuit to request that the court require the other driver to cover some of your losses. This may be necessary in situations where your losses are significant, such as the vehicle is totaled or severe injuries occur. In cases where the other driver is driving under the influence, you may also be able to pursue this type of claim. What Should You Do Right Now? In situations where you are in an accident, and you are facing financial loss due to a lack of auto insurance, your first step is to contact your attorney. It is not common for the court to award coverage for your losses through the other driver’s policy – remember, New York is a no-fault state which means drivers are responsible for their own losses. However, our legal team will work closely with you to examine the situation to determine what your legal options may be. In all situations, your attorney is going to work with you to determine if you can step outside the rules of no-fault insurance for your losses. This will include learning more about what happened and why the accident occurred. It may include gathering information about the incident from cameras and witnesses. In most situations, the court will only consider this type of situation if there are extreme losses or in situations where the other driver was driving with the intent to cause damage or loss. Your attorney can also offer help in protecting your license from any fines and losses you may experience as a result of driving without state-required auto insurance. There may be limited options available to you in this situation. However, negotiating for reduced penalties may be an option in some situations, and that could mean keeping your license. However, every situation is very different. It is important to work closely with your legal team to ensure your legal rights are always met. If you do not have car insurance, now is the time to obtain it. Whether it is a simple lapse in coverage due to missing a payment or a lack of coverage for other reasons, having insurance is necessary to prevent such losses. When You Need Legal Support, Call Siler & Ingber, LLP When you are facing financial loss due to an accident you’ve caused, or you need help filing a claim for compensation from another driver, allow our experienced and dedicated attorneys to help you. Call Siler & Ingber, LLP for a free consultation. With over 20 years of experience, we can help you through a free case review. Call 877-718-6079 or use our online contact form now.