Tips For New Drivers

Turning sixteen and getting a driver’s license is a very exciting time for any teenager, but some take this privilege for granted. Many teenagers think they are invincible once they get their driver’s license, so they take unnecessary risks (i.e. excessive speeding and texting while driving). Educating young drivers before they hit the road is of the utmost importance, thus here are ten essential tips to guide new drivers of Auto Accident Injury Milwaukee:

1. Be careful. Try to be the best driver you can be, regardless of everyone else on the road.
2. Be prepared. Always keep these items in your car: battery charger or jumper cables, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, Fix-a-Flat, energy or granola bars, bottled water, rags, a multi-purpose tool, a pocketknife, a spare tire, and a jack. Also, learn how to safely fix a flat tire.
3. Be aware. Don’t just rely on your rear-view and side-view mirrors. Look all around you and try to locate cars behind you and in your blind spot. Be aware of what others are doing on the road, and of your surroundings, and you will be better prepared to avoid a collision.
4. Maintain your vehicle. Get routine preventative maintenance and wash your car. These actions will help reduce surprises on the road.
5. Check your tire pressure. Properly inflated tires improve fuel economy as well as safety. Driving over or under inflated tires is dangerous and can cause accidents.
6. Don’t offend - and if you do, apologize. Give courtesy waves when other drivers help you out and don’t try to escalate other drivers’ road rage by making obscene gestures.
7. Give yourself enough time. Plan ahead and give yourself enough time to get where you’re going safely, without speeding.
8. Wear you safety belt. Wearing a safety belt helps reduce your likelihood of death or serious injury if and when you are involved in an accident.

9. Don’t text while driving. Anything that takes a driver’s attention off the road is a distraction, and distractions can be dangerous. At the top of the list of dangerous distractions are cell phones. Put the phone away while driving, it’s not worth the risk.
10. Don’t drink and drive. More than a third of teen driving deaths involve alcohol. Drinking and driving is never a good move; new drivers, and actually all drivers, should avoid driving drunk at all costs.

If new drivers adhere to the ten tips listed above, they will undoubtedly be better prepared to hit the open road when the time comes. Auto Accident Law Firm Milwaukee drivers will also be less of a risk to other drivers on the road if they take these ten tips into account while driving.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence or fault of another person, call Gruber Law Offices, LLC today for your free consultation. There is no fee unless we win and we can meet you at a place that is convenient for you such as your place of work, hospital, home, or our conveniently located downtown Milwaukee office.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

The Four Elements of A Personal Injury Claim

Personal injury law can be confusing at times, but most cases revolve around four basic elements. Indeed, a duty must exist; the duty, which is expected of a person, must be breached; an injury must result from the breach of that duty; and there must be a causal link between the breach of the duty and the Personal Injury Lawyer Milwaukee sustained. If you were involved in an incident and can establish these four elements then you may have a valid personal injury claim. As an example, below are the four elements illustrated in a car accident case.

1. Duty: the duty is an obligation that a person—the at-fault driver—owes to everyone. In the case of a car accident, this is a duty to drive safely.
2. Breach: the at-fault driver breaches the duty owed to everyone when they act improperly and fail to meet that obligation. Again, in the case of a car accident, a breach occurs when the at-fault driver fails to drive safely.
3. Injury: an injury must occur in order to have a valid claim. In a car accident, a person may suffer some sort of physical injury such as a broken bone, but non-physical injuries such as emotional distress may also result from a car accident.
4. Cause: the injury must be caused by the at-fault driver’s breach of the duty they owe to everyone.In the case of a car accident, it must be established that the at-fault driver’s failure to drive safely caused the injury that resulted from the accident.

There is a good chance you have a valid Personal Injury Milwaukee claim if these elements can be established. However, establishing these four elements does not guarantee that you will prevail in a personal injury claim. Give Gruber Law Offices a call at 414.276.6666 to discuss your potential claim.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence or fault of another person, call Gruber Law Offices, LLC today for your free consultation. There is no fee unless we win and we can meet you at a place that is convenient for you such as your place of work, hospital, home, or our conveniently located downtown Milwaukee office.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder In Car Accidents

Each year more than 3 million people are involved in car accidents. Ten to forty five percent of those involved in car accidents will later suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).While car accidents are the most frequent type of trauma for American men and second most frequent type of trauma for American women, women are more likely to develop PTSD. A recent study conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that over ten percent of women and five percent of men suffered from PTSD after an accident. In addition, people involved in Car Accident Attorney Milwaukee suffer from non-symptomatic signs such as having difficulty in school and at work, and even problems maintaining friendships and enjoying pastimes.Because driving or being a passenger in a car is so crucial to many Americans, having mental health services available after an accident is essential.

Doctors and emergency room professionals, who focus on physical injuries after an accident, become gatekeepers to other health professionals, such as mental health professionals.In fact, Dr. Blanchard, a psychiatrist who recently published a book on his research of PTSD in car accident victims for the APA, said “Knowing about PTSD symptoms would be very important in making an appropriate referral. This is similar to what primary care physicians went through 15 years ago when they were being sensitized to symptoms of depression.”In a recent study conducted by Dr. Blanchard, he found that at least 15.3 percent of people involved in a Accident Injury Attorney Milwaukee developed a driving phobia and 93.2 percent of the survivors developed driving reluctance.

According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, if you have had a traumatic experience, such as a car accident, and answer yes to three of the four questions below, you may be suffering from PTSD: In the past month, you:

1. Have had nightmares about it or thought about it when you did not want to?
2. Tried hard not to think about it or went out of your way to avoid situations that reminded you of it?
3. Were constantly on guard, watchful, or easily startled?
4. Felt numb or detached from others, activities, or your surroundings?

Remember, only a licensed health care professional can diagnose and properly treat PTSD.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence or fault of another person, call Gruber Law Offices, LLC today for your free consultation. There is no fee unless we win and we can meet you at a place that is convenient for you such as your place of work, hospital, home, or our conveniently located downtown Milwaukee office.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

Lawn Mower Injuries – Prevention

The sight of a freshly mowed lawn hardly makes you instantly think of injuries; however, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that 253,000 people were treated for lawn-mower related injuries in 2010. Injuries are caused mostly by contact with blades, heated components of the mechanism, or projectiles shot from the mower.Also, the most common injuries are cuts, burns, broken bones and, in extreme cases, damage requiring amputation.

There are many guidelines and tips that can be followed to prevent lawn mower-related Injury Attorney Milwaukee. First and foremost, before cutting the grass, you should always remove stones, toys and debris from the grass to prevent injury from flying objects.Second, sturdy shoes, not sandals or sneakers, should always be worn while mowing the lawn.Third, only mowers that have protection over hot and sharp parts, and have a control that stops the mower blade from moving if the handle is let go, should be used.Fourth, mowers should only be driven, or pushed, up and down slopes to prevent rollovers.Fifth, protective eyewear should be worn at all times.Lastly, children should not be in the yard while the grass is being cut, but if they are, then they should stay at least twenty feet away from the mower.Moreover, if children happen to be operating a lawn mower, they should be given instructions so they understand how to correctly operate a lawn mower. Thus, if these tips are followed the amount of lawn mower-related Injury Lawyer Milwaukee should drop significantly.

Mowing the lawn can be fun, relaxing and a good form of exercise, but the proper safety precautions must be taken to ensure the operator’s safety, as well as others in the vicinity that are expecting operators to use their mowers in a reasonable manner.

Is Leasing Right For You?

When it comes to deciding whether to lease or buy a car, there are a number of factors that must be taken into consideration. Essentially, in a lease, you never "own" the car. You make payments for 2-3 years and, then return the car. Let’s look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of leasing a car.

If you are a person who routinely switches Automobile Accident Lawyer Milwaukee every two to three years, it might be right for you to lease. A lease is similar to a long term rental, with a contract for a fixed amount of time. The contract will establish your monthly payment and the term of the lease. At the end of the term, your car has a residual value. That value is established by the leasing company based on factors such as mileage, seasonality, and disposal performance. You are then given the option to buy the car at the end of the lease for the residual value. If you are in love with the car, or it is worth well above the residual value, you may want to consider it. However, in most cases, you simply hand over the keys and walk away.

Leasing typically allows a person to get a nicer car for the same amount as purchasing a lower-end car through a loan. You are only "financing" the difference between sales price and the residual value. In a loan, you are financing the entire purchase price.

Lastly, in a lease you pay less sales tax. For example, in a conventional purchase on a $25k car, you pay tax on the entire purchase price. In a lease, you solely pay sales tax on your monthly payment. In other words, if your payment is $300/month then your only taxed based on that monthly payment.

In summary, lower out of pocket expenses, lower monthly payments, and the option to purchase the car at lease end are some of the major advantages to leasing. Furthermore, the purchaser gets the satisfaction of a car that is almost always under warranty, and a new car every two to three years. However, there are several drawbacks to leasing a car.

One potential drawback is the amount of miles you drive on average. In a lease, there is a specified amount of acceptable mileage. Most Automobile Personal Injury Milwaukee leases are constructed around twelve thousand or fifteen thousand miles per year. If you go over the mileage, there will be a per-mile penalty at the end of the lease.

You are not able to just lease any car, as they are limited to what the dealership offers. There are also several turn in fees and your insurance will be higher because leases have a higher minimum insurance requirement then most people typically insure their cars for. Lastly, and one of the biggest disadvantages, is that after two or three years you walk away car-less and with no equity.

There are many potential reasons and factors for leasing but one must balance the positives and negatives to come to a sensible conclusion. Hopefully, we have been able to assist you in making this important decision.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence or fault of another person, call Gruber Law Offices, LLC today for your free consultation. There is no fee unless we win and we can meet you at a place that is convenient for you such as your place of work, hospital, home, or our conveniently located downtown Milwaukee office.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

Driving In The Rain

Inclement weather conditions, such as rain, make driving more dangerous. In fact, thousands of accidents each year are attributable to rain and the failure of drivers to change their fair weather driving habits while they are driving in rainy conditions.

When it is raining, the rain causes a film of water on the roadway to develop.The film that develops on the roadway causes tires to lose traction more easily than when the road is free of condensation.Additionally, Car Accident Injury Milwaukee rain reduces driver perception as often times rain decreases the effectiveness of a vehicle’s headlights and windshields.As such, rainy conditions make it more difficult to see other vehicles, road signs, and the road itself.Drivers who take the following simple precautions while driving in the rain will decrease the likelihood of being involved in an accident that is, in part, attributable to rain:

Slow down. Not only does it take longer to stop in wet weather, but also hydroplaning is more likely to occur.Hydroplaning occurs when water on the roadway accumulates in front of your vehicle’s tires faster than your car can push the water out of the way.The water pressure can cause your car to rise up and slide on a thin layer of water between the road and your tires. Hydroplaning usually occurs at speeds over 40 miles per hour and can put you in immediate danger as a result of your vehicle sliding out of control. However, Car Accident Lawyer Milwaukee do find yourself hydroplaning, don’t brake suddenly or turn the wheel as this may cause a skid. Instead, slowly release your foot from the gas pedal and maintain a straight course until your vehicle regains traction.

Apply the brakes earlier and with less force. Following this tip will give the driver driving behind you warning that you are slowing down,thus, decreasing the likelihood the driver behind you will have to abruptly react to avoid an accident.

Be more cautious when rain occurs after a long period without rain. Engine oil and grease often build up on a roadway during long periods without rain.When the rain mixes with the oil and grease accumulation that has occurred on the roadway, the road becomes very slick.This increases the likelihood of losing control of your vehicle. As such, make sure to be extra cautious while driving after a long dry spell.

By following the above-mentioned precautions, along with a number of other precautions, you will decrease the likelihood of being in an accident due to rainy weather conditions.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence or fault of another person, call Gruber Law Offices, LLC today for your free consultation. There is no fee unless we win and we can meet you at a place that is convenient for you such as your place of work, hospital, home, or our conveniently located downtown Milwaukee office.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

Car Driver Safety Tips For Driving on Roadways With Motorcycles

Summertime means more motorcycles on the roadways, which means that drivers need to be extra cautious while hitting the open road. Motorcycles present many more challenges than other vehicles, so cars need to take extra steps to prevent accidents from occurring with Motorcycle Accident Attorney Milwaukee. Most of the time when a car and a motorcycle get in an accident it’s the car’s fault.

Motorcycles can easily be hidden in a car’s blind spot because they are very small, so drivers should take an extra moment to search for motorcycles before changing lanes or turning at an intersection. Motorcycles may also appear farther away than they actually are because of their small size, thus drivers should always predict that motorcycles are closer than they appear. Sometimes motorcycles even slow down by downshifting or letting off the throttle, as opposed to using the brake, therefore; drivers should allow more following distance, about four seconds, behind motorcycles and expect that a motorcycle will slow down without a visual warning.

Motorcycles move a lot quicker than cars, as a result drivers should put on their signals early to inform motorcycles drivers of their intentions to turn or change lanes. Drivers must always respect a motorcycle as a full-size vehicle with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway, and allow a Motorcycle Accident Injury Milwaukee a full lane width because the motorcyclist needs the room to maneuver safely in all types of road conditions.Also, just because motorcycles have great maneuverability does not mean that drivers should always expect motorcyclist’s to be able to dodge out of the way to avoid their car. Instead, drivers should always stay alert while driving so motorcyclists don’t have to worry about dodging out of the way of their car.

As long as drivers follow these tips, the roads should be a safer place for motorcyclists all summer long.

Studies Show Dangers of Loose Objects In Automobiles

Recent studies have shown that many drivers are increasing the risk of injury or death in automobile accidents by leaving items unsecured. Safety expert, Sean Kane of Safety Research and Strategies, told Good Morning America that ordinary objects in cars and trucks are responsible for 13,000 injuries each year. Those half-filled water bottles, canned goods, lab tops could all become dangerous projectiles when hurling through the air during collisions. At 55 miles per hour, a 20-pound object hits with 1,000 pounds of force -- so powerful that a suitcase can literally seer the arm of a crash test dummy. Sadly, many Automobile Accident Lawyer Milwaukee are completely oblivious to the dangers until it is too late, as was the case for Heather Storey. Heather was driving her car in 2009 when she was hit by a tow truck. Subsequently, Heather’s computer turned into a deadly projectile and flew into her head and neck causing horrific fatal injuries that she succumbed to.

A recent segment of Good Morning America offered several tips for protecting yourself and your passengers. First, drivers should only pack items in the truck or cargo area of their vehicle, where they are less likely to intrude into the passenger compartments. If your car has a cargo area, utilize the cargo nets, anchors, and tethers to secure the cargo. Perhaps most importantly, if it is not important to your drive, leave the object at home. This gives people a good reason to clean out their cars. Drivers can also utilize storage compartments better and pack large, heavier objects low to the ground, against fixed components and centered inside the vehicle. By doing this, the objects will not build up momentum in the event of a Automobile Personal Injury Milwaukee.

There is no fool proof way to avoid a car accident, but drivers can take steps to minimize the potential for injury or loss of life. Cleaning out your vehicle and not leaving unnecessary heavy objects in your vehicle are two of those ways. By taking these steps, drivers can help reduce the chance of injury should they be unfortunate enough to be involved in a motor vehicle accident.

New Study Reveals That Posting On Somebody’s Wall Increases The Chances You Will Drive Into One.

A recent study shows that checking your friend’s status, or writing on your colleague’s wall while driving, is more dangerous than drinking or texting and driving. Car Accident Injury Milwaukee research released by the Institute of Advanced Motorists in the UK revealed that social networking is considerably less safe than texting, drinking to the legal limit, and smoking marijuana. The study revealed that almost one out of every four drivers in the UK has admitted to using social networking sites while operating a vehicle. Another study showed just how dangerous this can be. The TRL for the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) found that those who use their smartphones on the move routinely spend up to sixty percent of their time looking down at the device instead of focusing on the road ahead. As compared to this, those without phones spend just 10 per cent of the time, on an average, looking away, for instance to check the speedometer, satnav or in-car entertainment.

The new controversy has led to some possible remedies suggested by the Department of Transportation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, part of the Department of Transportation, said electronic functions that compel drivers to look away from the road for more than two seconds -- to do such things as Web searches, social networking, texting and navigation that requires the input of addresses -- are too dangerous when cars are moving. The agency recommended these functions be inaccessible to front-seat passengers "whenever the vehicle's engine is on and its transmission is not in 'Park,'" the agency said in guidelines published in the Federal Register, Washington's official journal containing public notices of government agencies.

With the popularity of social networking sites and smartphones, this will continue to be an issue in the upcoming years. While it may seem like an innocent crime, most experienced and good drivers realize that taking your eyes off the road for only a couple seconds could lead to life changing consequences. If drivers are using social networking sites while driving, the distraction level will go far beyond a couple seconds. A possible block of certain smartphone applications and abilities might be necessary if Car Accident Lawyer Milwaukee are unable to carrel the temptation to facebook or tweet. Legislators and other public officials have already had experience in dealing with this type of issue in regard to texting while driving. One can assume they will be more likely to crack down on potential offenders more quickly now that they have already dealt with a similar issue before. Drivers must really ask themselves if posting on someone’s wall is really worth possibly injuring or killing another driver, pedestrian, or themselves.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence or fault of another person, call Gruber Law Offices, LLC today for your free consultation. There is no fee unless we win and we can meet you at a place that is convenient for you such as your place of work, hospital, home, or our conveniently located downtown Milwaukee office.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

Reclined Passengers Face Added Dangers of Injuries And Death In Motor Vehicle Accidents

A recent study has shown that reclining in an automobile could be fatal. Harborview Medical Center Director of Emergency Services, Dr. Eileen Bulger, specializes in trauma and critical care. She conducted a study after noticing a pattern of increased injuries and fatalities in reclined seated passengers compared to upright passengers. The study showed that partially reclined passengers involved in an accident increased their risk of death by 15 percent. Fully reclined passengers increased their risk by 70 percent.

There appears to be an unsophisticated reason for the increase in injuries and fatalities among reclined passengers. Simply put, reclined passengers make seatbelt and airbag functions less effective. Dr. Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; the Auto Injury Attorney Milwaukee that conducts crash safety tests states, “What people need to understand is that when we test vehicles for how well they'll protect you in a crash, we are assuming that people are seated upright in the seat." Lund stated that safety tests have never been done with the seat reclined. Lard went on to state that "Having the seat reclined means you're not protected the way the vehicle was designed to protect you.”

Further complicating the problem is the blatant lack of knowledge regarding the dangers of reclining in a motor vehicle. Most motor vehicle manuals warn of the potential risk of reclining in a passenger seat. However, the majority of the general public neglects to take the time to read the owner’s manual. Few people understand that the more space between the seat belt and the passenger's chest, the greater the risk of death or serious injury; caused when your body either slams against the seat belt itself or "submarines" and slides beneath the seat belt.

Car manufacturers should provide some type of Auto Injury Lawyer Milwaukee, whether in writing on the visor, to better educate the public. However, car manufacturers have yet to provide such warnings. The easiest way to avoid these types of horrific injuries or deaths is to educate the public on the dangers and risks of sitting in a reclined seat. While taking a quick nap might be convenient, it could be the difference between relatively minor injuries and possible death.

Wisconsin Motorcycle Helmet Regulation

If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to drive down the highway in a convertible, you’ve experienced the remarkable sensation of the wind blowing through your hair. Surely, this type of sensation contributes to motorcyclists’ love of their hobby. Unfortunately, attaining this feeling on a motorcycle is accompanied with greater consequences because of the increased vulnerability rider’s face.

Even though Wisconsin has mandated the use of Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Milwaukee, legislature has astoundingly not treated the use of helmets on motorcycles the same way. Instead, helmets are required only for individuals under the age of 18 or with a learner’s permit. However, Wisconsin riders should not be surprised if regulation is soon enhanced. In 2011, 92 percent of individuals killed in motorcycle crashes were not wearing a helmet. Moreover, nearly 600 motorcyclists have been killed as a result of such accidents in the past six years.

Although wearing a helmet may seem intuitive for many, studies by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention demonstrate that more individuals are likely to forego such protective headgear when it is not proscribed by law.

Part of what makes this country great is the population’s ability to freely participate in selective and independent decision-making. However, when such freedom negatively affects the greater good then the government is permitted to regulate the problematic activity.

Placed in the context of this discussion, when motorcyclists do not wear helmets and are involved in both deadly and dangerous accidents, the health care costs are often passed off to the general public.

In fact, the CDC estimates that in 2010 over $3 billion was saved as a result of individuals wearing helmets and that an additional $1.4 billion could have been saved with mandatory helmet use.

Whether the state legislature intends to amend the law remains unclear, but it is apparent that helmets do provide motorcyclists with greater protection. Motorcyclists have averaged over 2,600 accidents between 2005 and 2010. Don’t become a statistic. Gruber Law Offices encourages all riders to enjoy their summer travels and exercise safety on the roads by Motorcycle Accident Attorney Milwaukee.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to the negligence or fault of another person, call Gruber Law Offices, LLC today for your free consultation. There is no fee unless we win and we can meet you at a place that is convenient for you such as your place of work, hospital, home, or our conveniently located downtown Milwaukee office.

Speak with one of our lawyers right now by calling 414-276-6666 for a free initial consultation. “ONE CALL… THAT’S ALL!”

Swimming And Water Safety

The Fourth of July is known for its fireworks, but it is also a popular time for water activities. Unfortunately, swimming and water related accidents happen at the countless pools and thousands of beaches across Wisconsin every day Swimming-related injuries can result from various things including: slip and fall; drowning; exposure to bacteria; dangerous riptides; non-visible obstructions under the water; electricity; diving boards, and slides. Fortunately, swimming and water-related accidents can be prevented if we all take a moment to respect the dangers of water and make a conscious effort to avoid them.

The American Red Cross of Southeastern Wisconsin recommends several steps that should be taken in order to swim safely. The most notable tips include: staying alert and aware of your surroundings; only diving in designated areas; staying hydrated; avoiding alcohol; using life jackets; being aware of weather and water conditions (including bacteria levels, which are available not running near pools; never leaving a child unattended near a body of water; and always trying to swim in a supervised area where a trained professional is available to assist you.

Most importantly, know how to swim. Contact your local YMCA for information about affordable swimming courses, which are offered at various locations throughout the State. Also, be sure to visit the Red Cross website for more information regarding water activity safety. Swim safely!

If you or a loved one has been hurt or injured in a diving or swimming accident due to the negligence or fault of another person, call Personal Injuries milwaukee Offices, LLC today for your free consultation. For more Information please visit Slip And Fall Milwaukee website.